Outfitter/Guiding Internship Recommendations?

[marktole]

I'm a senior at Kansas State University and majoring in Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management (WOEM). I'm all set to be done with classes in May, but will have to do an internship to actually graduate. I'm thinking I'd like to find a big game outfitter in either Montana, Wyoming, or Idaho (not necessarily in that order, and am open to other places if it is a good oppurtunity) to do the internship at. I would preferably like to find an outfitter that would have work as year round as possible to avoid it being just a seasonal thing.

So I was wondering if anyone on here either knows of or has had an experience with a good outfitter that I could contact to see about an internship? Or has any suggestions to go about finding one that would fit the above criteria? I'm sure I'll find some when I fire up the ole Google machine, but I thought I'd pose the question here first.

Thanks!

 

[Flashmo]

I may be out of wack on what it is you are looking for, but I have never personally heard of such a thing. It would have to be a pretty big operation.

Most people hire on as a grunt of some kind in the beginning and hope they are called back the following season. Until they have enough track record to have street (or trail or river) cred.

Hunting and fishing guides, in the lower 48 are about as seasonal a position as you can get...just like whitewater guides and ski lift operators. Most have a second career in construction, teaching waiting tables or an alternate season guiding something else. Fishing guide summer/ski lift operator winter, hunting guide fall/whitewater guide summer.

Your best bet would be to try getting some booking agents to talk to you about it, many won't. They will each have a better idea of operations that may operate year round and staff sizes and possibly staff needs.

If you can swing an internship, that would be awesome, but I think you will really have to work to find it. Hope you do find it.

 

[the_bowhunter]

Connections help for sure. I have been going to Dallas safari club for a few years and have kept up contact with some companies there. It has paid off since I'll be headed to South Africa for an internship with a PH. Just have to be proactive in your search


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[tyeager2964]

If you want year round then you need to find a lodge that does hunting and fishing trips. I would recommend finding a bigger operation as they may also need help with land management.

My recommendation would be to start cold calling larger outfits around the yellowstone area and western montana. Most lodges will do big game hunts in the fall and fly fishing in the spring as well as trail rides and camping excursions.

Call as many as you can, explain your situation and don't expect to be paid anything if at all. I would be willing to bet at least someone will be happy to help you out.

I also wouldn't expect to be paid and would be cautious of any that see internship as free labor.

Worst case scenario give Xanterra a call as they do most consessions/attractions in the national parks. It may not give you the big game guiding or hunting aspect but probably would be rewarding and would definitely get you into the western US

 

[robby denning]

Contact Idaho outfitters and guides association. They might know who of their members participate in guide schools