IF YOU’RE THINKING OF
HIRING AN OUTFITTER….
Many folks, at one time or another, and for various reasons,
choose to enlist the services of an outfitter as a means of enjoying Montana’s
great outdoors. Outfitters make their living based on the public’s resources
and as such, have a responsibility and an obligation to their clients, the
resources they use and the public at large to do so upholding the highest
standards of professionalism and dedication to sharing those public resources.
The Montana Sportsmen Alliance generally focuses on issues
and policies affecting resident Sportsmen, most of which do not use outfitters.
Yet, we recognize that both residents and non-residents alike do have occasion
to utilize them. We believe that only licensed outfitters with proven records
of operating safely, using equipment in good repair that provide a quality,
ethical and legal service merit support. In light of recent developments and
proposals by the Montana Board of Outfitters (the state agency that licenses
hunting and fishing outfitters) that we believe directly affects the quality of
outfitted services licensed outfitters provide, we believe that “consumers”
should do extensive homework prior to hiring an outfitter and committing funds
to a trip.
Outfitter members of the Montana Board of Outfitters voted to change the first aid certification requirements for outfitters
and guides. Previously, outfitters and guides had to have annual re-ups of
training. The new rule requires only one, in-person, hands on training for
a lifetime and then subsequent on-line “refreshers” from then on. MSA opposed
this change, as the nature of first aid training changes over time and the
annual hands-on training provides not only currency but physically requires an
individual to demonstrate competency. We believe this change will adversely
affect the safety and welfare of both outfitted clients and the general public
as well. Additionally, it also affects Outfitter Assistants (unlicensed,
untrained guides) who are currently allowed as “emergency guides” when an outfitter
encounters a last minute, unanticipated shortage of staff. It should also be
noted that Outfitter Assistants are not subject to ANY guide licensing
requirements or training, including first aid certification. There are no background checks or law enforcement checks. Literally anyone qualifies regardless of track records.
The Montana Board of Outfitters is accepting
comments on a rule change until April 13th at 5 PM. The rule pkg includes rules on Outfitter Assistants. Comments can be made to
the Montana Board of Outfitters at
dlibsdout@mt.gov.
If you are considering booking a Montana Outfitter ask
questions. These should include, but in no way are limited to the following:
1. Make sure they are licensed. If a hunting outfitter only
operates on private land held by the outfitter in title he/she does not
need to be licensed by the state. If however, they use any land not
belonging to them (a neighbor, friend, etc.) or operates on any state or
federal lands, or on a Montana river, they must be licensed. Be sure
you’re hiring a legal, licensed (if appropriate) outfitter. The Montana Board
of Outfitters lists all licensed outfitters on their website.
2. Has this outfitter used Outfitter Assistants? If so, how
many? Use of OA's could be be an
indication of ongoing poor planning, poor business plan, and a spur of the
moment approach to the business, taking shortcuts and as a result, affecting the potential
quality of your trip. Outfitters using Outfitter’s Assistants are supposed to
disclose to the client if the person guiding him/her is an Outfitter’s
Assistant and if they have first aid training as soon as possible. You should have the option to decline the trip
or the specific guide’s services if you feel that he/she does not meet muster
or if it appears that the trip is being cobbled together at the last minute.
3. The potential for abuse and disappointment in a trip can
be very high. Be sure that all of your expectations as well as the outfitter’s
abilities to meet them are clearly and fully articulated and in writing. Make
sure you are getting what you need, what was promised and what you pay for.
Websites often tout the experience and qualifications of guides. They don't talk about OA's. Shop around and see what’s out there and how various outfitters portray
themselves. Ask for references. If it is important to you, specify from the start that you demand only a licensed guide with first aid training, no OA's.
4. No outfitter can guarantee success of taking game
or fish on a trip. They can give stats on how many of their hunters took game
or what generally to expect in a fishing trip. Success, however, is dependant
on so many variables (many of which are outside the control of an outfitter)
that short of tying an elk to a tree or fishing in a stock pond, no one can
guarantee results. If the outfitter makes guarantees in taking game or fish in
their advertising or in speaking to you, go elsewhere. Seek truly ethical fair chase pursuits.
5. Montana has lots of high quality outfitters. Make sure
you get what you are looking for in terms of services to have the type of trip
you want. In the course of hiring an outfitter, keep a written record of your
calls, what was discussed, any costs and conditions mentioned and keep
correspondence. Most outfitters require a non-refundable deposit for
trips. Check to see if there are
exceptions and be sure to document any funds sent as a deposit. Legal and
ethical outfitters are not afraid to put down in writing (a contract) what their
terms and services are. Be wary of verbal agreements.
6. Problems with an outfitter or guide in terms of service
quality, ethical behavior or noncompliance with terms of a trip should be
reported to the Montana Board of Outfitters at:
dlibsdout@mt.gov You may file a written complaint with the
Board on which the Board has the obligation to investigate and possibly,
prosecute.
Legal issues involving the
unlawful taking of fish or wildlife during a trip should be reported to Montana
Fish, Wildlife & Parks law enforcement personnel, Montana Game Wardens.
During hunting season and in the field, reports can be made to the poaching
hotline, TIPMONT (1-800-TIPMONT) or electronically at
http://fwp.mt.gov/enforcement/tipmont/reportOnline.html During business hours, questions regarding legal issues can be addressed to the
Law Enforcement Division, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, (406) 444-2452. If you see something, say something! It is every sportsmen/women's duty to report violations.
Only through efforts expended prior to a trip can you be
assured of getting all you pay for, not to mention a quality experience. It is
also a way to support and encourage those who are doing it right and
eliminating those who are not from the ranks of those doing business in
Montana.
MSA Leadership
