Hunting with a Guide
In most jurisdictions in Canada, non residents are required to hunt with a guide when in pursuit of big game. Guides can be great, as they generally know where to find the best specimens among the game available in their areas as well as what type of terrain you will be going through and what kind of weather to expect. Still, there can be friction from time to time between a hunter (the paying customer) and the guide, and it is important to follow some general rules as a sort of informal code of conduct when you are hunting with a guide.
The most important thing to do while you are hunting with a guide is to listen to him or her. This comes into play from the moment you begin to plan the trip right up until you leave the country. Remember, your guide does this for a living, and is well versed in the equipment you will need for a comfortable and successful hunt as well as the legalities of gaining a permit and carrying guns within the country.
Hunting game in fair chase pursuit means that there is a fair amount of stealth involved, so try your best to emulate the behavior you see from your guide on the hunt. Only speak when others are speaking, and pitch your voice to a similar level. They are doing their best to give you a successful trip, but part of that will be up to you; game won’t come if it hears sounds that are out of place.
Guides are often tipped, particularly in the event of a successful hunt. The amount of the tip is up to you, and can be based on a percentage of the overall excursion. Many hunters tip their guides by leaving their guns with them rather than go through the hassle of transporting them over the border, but of course this is only done when you have purchased a gun that you are only using for the trip and that you are not particularly attached to.
Although rare, there are occasions when a guide fails to live up to expectations. It is important to determine if this is due to his or her personality, or if you may be failing this way because of an unsuccessful hunt. Remember, most of the time guides will be able to show you where the game is, but in fair pursuit, the game will have a mind of its own. Weather, food availability, and several other factors may mean that against all odds, the species you are seeking just doesn’t appear during your trip. This really isn’t something that can be held against your guide, as it is a part of the sport of hunting. On the other hand, if you have a guide who was surly or rude, or even unhelpful, you do have several options. The first is to appeal to the outfitter through whom you hired the guide. Let them know of your concerns, and leave it up to them to address it. Outfitters make a substantial part of their continuous income through word of mouth, and will not want their reputation tarnished by a legitimate complaint. If you fail to get a response from the outfitting company, you can also try taking your issue up with the government; guides are licensed through the provincial or territorial governments where they operate. Like the outfitters, governments are aware of the revenue brought in by non-resident hunters, and your concerns may be addressed.
The best way to ensure a good trip is to plan as specifically as possible the trip that you would like to take, and make sure your outfitter knows what you are looking for. Hunters who prefer ambush tactics will not be happy with a horse or hike hunting trip, and it is important that you let your guide know about your personal preferences before booking. It helps them plan the trip and optimize it as successfully as possible.
Above all, do not ask your guide to endorse illegal activity. Laying bait or hunting from the water may seem like a sure fire way to bag your trophy, but both are illegal. A guide is put in a tight spot when asked to do something against the law of the land; not only is it bad sportsmanship, but it could cost him or her an entire business. Respect your guide and respect your quarry and your hunting trip will be a success.
