When should I apply?
Yukon Guide School accepts applications year round. Remember that applying earlier gives you a better chance of getting a spot in the program as we start shortlisting, screening and interviewing potential applicants in November.
What skills and prerequisites do I need for this program?
You should have a keen desire to learn about hunting and the outdoors. Common sense and a good attitude towards learning and hard work! Being in good physical shape and living a healthy life will help you a lot. Fun to be around and can work with a group.
What certification do I get from this program?
You will receive a certificate upon completion of program with a written report which will be individually reviewed with you. There is no formal government or college certification for this program however, we strongly believe the best possible certification is learning from a school who knows what needs to be really taught in our industry not what we are told we have to teach. Hunting guide schools should be privately run and supported by the industry, Yukon Guide School is widely recognized for being a well established professional organization in the outfitting industry throughout northern Canada. Hopefully, successful completion of the program will lead to meaningful further training employment opportunties with other northern outfitters.
Who or what kind of people should sign up for this program?
Great opportunity for young people coming out of high school who are looking for a career start entering into the guiding hunting industry. People who want to gain employment hands on working in the mountains with interested outfitting companies – Yukon Northern BC, NWT or AK who are keen to hire graduates from the program right after course completion and go work for the season and not go back home to your ordinary life and job. This is why we set the dates of the program so it falls in line when the outfitting industry is doing pre-season start up and can gain employment at a key time.
Also, people who may have started horse wrangling or have been introduced to a little hunting or working in a camp already or may have basic guiding experience in another sector.
People who have a keen desire to learn, strong work ethics and have common sense about being in the backcountry for extended periods of time. People who want to challenge and push themselves and want to learn more about hunting and horses.
NOTE: People who have had previous injuries or medical conditions or phobias (fear of heights) please be honest with yourself and us with full disclosure. ie. broken ankle, bad hip, bad knee, back problems, chronic respratory this program may not be suited for you as it is very physically demanding, very remote and can further injure yourself or cause an accident with someone else in the group…. to be straightforward this is why we screen and interview to try and not have weak links on the team who can or will hold back the group in challenging backcountry as we need to manage risk and keep on plan so we can have a successful program.
IF you have a restricted diet – you need to tell us this in your application form —– we eat very healthy cooked country meals and cannot or will not cater to your individual needs as we are feeding a group in various outdoor conditions in certain time frames with a menu plan with all the food groups in mind.
How old do you have to be to participate in program?
You must be 17 years old by the start date of the program. The age limit is 27 years old by this point you should have started pursuing your career in becoming a horseman and hunting guide .
If I have my own saddle can I bring it?
Yes, you can bring your own saddle, we will do a check over on it to make sure it is ready or good for the mountains.
What is the average temperatures in the Yukon during the program?
June and July are typically +15 – +25C and fairly dry. We have 24 hour daylight which takes some getting use to but you can also get a lot done with all the daylight.
When we have rain it typically will last 1-2 days. Yes, we have mosquitoes that you will get use to and is all part of working and learning in the outdoors.
Do I have to have previous horse experience?
No, you do not. But you have to make sure you are not allergic to horses and have a willingness to learn about them. Many guiding jobs involve horses and you will soon find out how handy they are to have in the backcountry when you are hunting.
