Guide & Outfitter Associations
Q&A: Associations 101
What are guide and outfitter associations and what do they do?
In the expansive realm of outdoor adventures, where nature's beauty and challenges beckon, the guidance of expert hands can make all the difference. To shed light on the essence of guide and outfitter associations and their pivotal role, we turn to a conversation between Bryan Koontz, the founder and CEO of Guidefitter, and Kerrie Romero, the Executive Director of the New Mexico Council of Outfitters and Guides. Together, they unravel the significance of these associations and how they contribute to shaping memorable experiences for both outdoor enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Bryan Koontz: First, let's start with the basics. What are guide and outfitter associations?
Kerrie Romero: Guide-outfitter associations exist in every Canadian province and in most US states. Called everything from Council of Outfitters and Guides to Professional Hunters Associations, all of these non-profit organizations are established with the same primary mission: to advocate for the rights of the many individuals who earn a livelihood taking clients hunting and fishing (guides & outfitters).
BK: So what do these associations do?
KR: Associations provide many benefits to their members as well as non-member industry professionals. However, the primary benefit of any association is continuous, effective, and respected representation in their local government. In many states and provinces, the guide and outfitter association is the primary voice advocating on behalf of pro-guides and outfitters and is generally the only group fighting to maintain nonresident hunter/angler opportunities.
All associations work closely with their local government agencies, such as the departments of game and fish, Forest Service, and BLM. They attend important meetings where government agencies establish the rules that govern hunting and fishing to keep their members informed on the latest changes in the industry. Many associations also have an established relationship with their local department of tourism. These relationships help the hunting and fishing industry by educating the general public about the economic, social, and conservation benefits provided by hunting and fishing outfitters and guides.
Most associations are also involved with their national counterpart, the Professional Outfitters and Guides of America (POGA) and the Canadian Federation of Outfitter Associations (CFOA).
This helps the local association stay connected on a national level and provides a unified voice on issues that would have a country-wide impact on the industry.
Additionally, many associations give members marketing assistance through their website and publications. Most association websites include a searchable database of member outfitting businesses where visitors can locate outfitters. They produce magazines that often include a membership directory and are distributed to interested hunters. The magazines also provide the association with something tangible to be given to hunters and anglers at industry trade shows. Many associations also provide an additional valuable service to prospective guided clients by making sure their guide and outfitter members are properly licensed (in those areas that require a license) and have no outstanding complaints or legal matters pending against them. It’s like getting an additional stamp of approval on your outfit or your status as a guide from a third-party organization who is rooting for your success.
BK: But joining an association requires paying membership dues, right? What are these dues used for?
KR: Associations are 100% funded by membership dues, individual donations, and grants from other non-profit conservation organizations such as Safari Club International, Dallas Safari Club, and the Wild Sheep Foundation. Government funding is not an option for most associations, so many are forced to operate on a very slim budget. Most associations are actually underfunded and struggle to provide advocacy at a level equal to that of the extremely well-funded anti-hunting organizations that are typically at the forefront of legislation that would negatively impact the hunting and fishing industry.
BK: Is membership in an association only open to guides and outfitters, or can others join in to help promote better advocacy for the industry and fight anti-hunting organizations?
KR: Membership opportunities vary from association to association. However, most provide multi-level memberships. All associations provide outfitter memberships. Most associations also provide guide memberships for a smaller annual membership dues amount. Some also provide sportsmen memberships, and many associations provide corporate sponsorships from manufacturers like Kenetrek, Carl Zeiss Sport Optics, and others.
BK: This all sounds good, but why are some outfitters and guides in the industry anti-association or at least highly skeptical of what associations do, and why do they ask their members to pay membership dues?
KR: It is a reality that many individuals who earn a livelihood as an outfitter or guide are skeptical of the value provided to them by an association. This is primarily due to the fact that most individuals have little idea of what really goes on day-to-day in their state government. In any particular year, industry professionals simply don’t understand how close they came to losing their rights as a pro guide or outfitter, nor do they realize that it was due to the efforts of the associations that many of those rights were preserved.
For example, the Alaska Professional Hunters Association is currently in a huge legal battle to save nonresident hunter opportunities on Kodiak Island. One person has filed a lawsuit to make all Kodiak tags resident only.
Our association, NMCOG, is opposing the Colorado wolf re-introduction plan. The proposed range is close to the New Mexico border. It&spos;s highly likely those wolves would move south into our state, especially in the winter when their prey base migrates into New Mexico. The association must direct the bulk of its annual operating budget to advocate on behalf of the industry. That means, unfortunately, there is typically not much left over to effectively communicate all of the successes with non-member professionals in the industry. That is why it is so important to become a member.
You will help support the efforts of the local association and provide an avenue to further industry communication to the individuals earning a livelihood as a hunting or fishing outfitter or guide.
Taking the Next Step
State hunting guide and outfitter associations hold the key to unlocking the full potential of your outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to hone your hunting skills, explore unfamiliar terrains, or simply reconnect with nature, these associations are your partners in crafting unforgettable experiences. By aligning with their expertise, you're not only ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey but also contributing to the preservation of our natural heritage. So, gear up and embark on a journey guided by those who know the terrain best – the state hunting guide and outfitter associations. Your next great outdoor adventure awaits.
Guide and Outfitter Associations Lists
In order to keep its members informed, Guidefitter has put together a comprehensive list of the US and Canada's leading guide and outfitter associations. The groups listed here promote and defend those who make their living taking sportsmen and women hunting and fishing.
If you would like to get your association added to the selection below or have questions pertaining to guide and outfitter associations and their members, please contact us at pros@guidefitter.com.
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