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Hunting Guide Jobs

24 open listings · updated Sep 13, 2026

38% include housing · Pay report

Hunting guide jobs are posted by licensed outfitters who run elk, mule deer, antelope, bear, sheep, moose, waterfowl and upland hunts on public and private land. The bulk of the work is in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico, Alaska and Texas, and the busiest hiring window is June through August for fall seasons.

More About Hunting Guide Jobs

A guide’s day is glassing, hiking or riding clients into game, judging animals, and handling the animal after the shot: field dressing, caping, quartering and packing out. Backcountry outfitters run horse and mule camps 5 to 20 miles from the trailhead, so packing stock and shoeing skills are in demand. Waterfowl and upland guides need calling, dog handling and boat skills instead.

Pay is usually a day rate, commonly $150 to $300, plus client tips that often run $500 to $1,500 per hunt. Camp lodging and meals are included during hunts. Seasons are short, typically September through November for big game, so many guides stack a spring bear or turkey season, a summer packing job, or a winter waterfowl season.

Most western states require guides to register with the state under a licensed outfitter. Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and New Mexico each have their own process. Outfitters expect strong horsemanship for backcountry camps, proven hunting skill, first aid, and the temperament to keep a paying client safe and comfortable for a week.

Questions About Hunting Guide Jobs

How many Hunting Guide jobs are open right now?

24 listings are live on WildWork as of September 13, 2026. 2 state their pay and 9 include housing.

Do Hunting Guide jobs come with housing?

38% of current listings say the employer provides housing, free or at a charge, and 25% include meals. Each listing shows whether housing is included and what it costs when the employer says.

What do outfitters look for in a hunting guide?

Horsemanship and packing for backcountry camps, proven ability to find and judge game, competence with a knife and a game bag, and the patience to manage a client for a week. Most states require a guide registration under the outfitter’s license, plus first aid and CPR. A clean driving record matters because guides move clients and stock.

How much do hunting guides get paid?

Most outfitters pay a day rate between $150 and $300 during hunts, with lodging and meals in camp. Tips are a large share of income and commonly run $500 to $1,500 per hunt from each client. Because big game seasons are only 8 to 12 weeks, total fall earnings of $10,000 to $25,000 are typical for a full-time guide with a good outfitter.

Do I need my own horses and gear?

Usually not. Outfitters supply stock, tack, camps and food. Guides bring personal gear: optics, boots, a pack, a rifle where legal for backup, and cold-weather clothing. Some outfitters pay a bonus or a higher day rate to guides who bring their own reliable horses.

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