Looking For A New Career in 2012?

If you really want to Live, Work, and Enjoy the Great Outdoors, then now is the time to put your plans in motion. You’ve made the commitment. Now is the time to follow through!

ELM takes great pride as being known worldwide as the "first choice" among serious outdoor enthusiast who are looking to begin a career in the outdoor recreation industry.


We can help you get started in the right direction to fulfilling your dream job

You will receive a real education throughout our entire training program: This is our commitment which is made to all students. From the Home Study Prep-Course to the 4 weeks of a hands on training class at one of our endorsed schools.

We have always maintained very high standards in our training of students and our code of ethics we stand by, far surpasses any other.

If you have the heart and want to become a professional guide for a big game hunting outfit or would like to work with horses and mules as a wrangler or packer, then give us a call or fill out our inquiry form.

When Choosing A Big Game Guide School

Why The Home Study Course?
We know the vital importance of giving all of our students a very comprehensive education!
Do not let other guide schools mislead you into thinking this type of course will not benefit you. They are sadly mistaken. In the first place they don't have a preparatory course to offer you. Ask your self why they would not give you this opportunity. Second they do not know the depth of what our course entails. The many details which are covered.
Home Study Course, 6th Edition (updated January, 2011) See Table Of Contents.

Successful students take these proven methods of training seriously, and we're sure you will too!


Having been in this business for over 53 years, our upstanding reputation with outfitters speaks for itself.


We endorse the Very Best Schools in the Rockies for your hands on training class!
The instructors at our schools know what it really takes in this business to be successful.


Important! Do your research very carefully when choosing a guide school training program. Think about what it is you are looking for in an education. After all this is your future!

Remember: Insufficient Training Produces Inadequate Results.

Know that the more training you receive the more of an asset you will be to an outfitter.

The outfitters here in the Rockies know the solid quality of training you receive by going through Elms entire program. This is a great advantage for our students



You do not want or need to be going into your hands on training class blindsided. In other words not knowing what to expect and not having the ground work to take your training to the next level.

It makes sense! You can bet that a professional mechanic has done their home work and preparation. Before overhauling and dismantling an engine you would assume that he or she has the knowledge and schematics to properly and successfully complete their work.
Likewise by preparing and doing your lessons first, you ready yourself ahead of time for the Hands on Training class and your test.

Unfortunately many guide schools have their students spend way too much time sitting in a classroom at the school only listening to lectures, doing too many daily test and not enough time on actual hands on training. There are also a few guide schools out there who, while training you use your time there just to do their outfitting work for them. This is not the way to produce top hands. No, of course graduating from a guide school program in itself does not make you a top hand. That comes from having many years of experience in the field, which all of our instructors actually have. They are each very proficient in their training abilities.

You do deserve and need to be thoroughly trained in order to go to work as a guide, packer or wilderness camp cook for a big game hunting outfitter. That is a fact! That is what outfitters are looking for!

Many guide schools out there take short cuts in their training. With ELM'S over-all curriculum you can be assured that we never take any shortcuts. We want all our students to obtain as much understanding as possible by doing the home study course and go into the hands on training class having much more confidence in themselves. The education you will receive will be the foundation you will have built towards your future success in the outfitting industry. Thorough training is what you will receive through our entire program. Nothing less!

Student Testimonials

We always stress: safety, professionalism, good work ethics, working as a team, communication and overall personal attitude. Our goal is not only to teach, but give you the opportunity to learn in the type of environment you will be working in and to have an enjoyable time during your training.

I have always had the heart for this business and hope that I and the hands on class instructors will pass that feeling on to each and everyone of our guide school students. I encourage you to do something you will enjoy. You will never be doing the same thing everyday. Always something new and challenging. There truly is Nothing Else Like It!

Guiding, packing, being in the wilderness having that great feeling of pride when you have led your client to that trophy big bull, big horn sheep, mountain goat or his or her game of choice.


I can assure you that outfitters here in the Rockies are looking for students who have been well trained. This in itself is why our students are always in such high demand.

Outfitters here in the Rockies always call us First for an Elm graduate to fill their positions.

By completing the home study course then going on to 4 weeks of very extensive hands on training. Given these two things is what equals - being well trained-

You can achieve your dream job just as I did and our graduates have been doing for many years. Many of whom have started their own successful outfitting business.

There have been a great number of past graduates who say -what a terrific reference the Home Study Course materials are - As a matter of fact I spoke with one of our students a short while back and said he felt much more confident in guiding a bear hunt in Alaska after he referred back to sections of the Home Study Course manual. This speaks volumes of the value which our students receive in this course.

I have guided, packed, wrangled and cooked. In other words been an all around hand and let me tell you "It's great getting up in the mornings to a job you love and getting paid to do it"

Note: Please be very wary of schools who guarantee job placement
There are some out there who do make this claim unfortunately

Sincerely,

Michael Knott -Program Director



Our Endorsed Schools are accepting applications for enrollment in their 2012 classes. Get started on the Home Study Prep-Course now and be ready for a very exciting and comprehensive hands on training class in 2012

Classes fill quickly, so do not hesitate!

-We're not the best at training because we are the oldest -We're the oldest because we are the best at training -





Contact Us Today

Are You Looking To Become A Big Game Hunting Guide?

Get your application in Soon!! Classes are beginning to fill up.

Contact us

Enroll Today For Guide Training School

All of our endorsed school's still have a few openings in their up-coming classes. These classes are held in late May. June and Sept. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to get trained by true professionals in the field and work here in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Call us to get started on the Home Study Prep-Course and get in touch Quickly with one of our schools to get yourself a spot reserved for the hands on training class.

This can be the career you have been looking for!


We look forward to visiting with you.


Contact Info

In Pursuit Of The Elusive Wapiti

Well hope everyone's hunting season is going good.

I had a chance to get away a few days last week and do some hunting with my son Matt and cousin Al Bakken. Matt went over just before opening to set up our wall tent and cut some firewood so everything would be set for the hunt. He hunted by himself the first few days before I arrived, had a couple of chances at smaller bulls, but passed on them as the elk were still bugling.

The night I got there the excitement was in high gear as Matt relived the past few days. The next morning was calm and clear with much anticipation. As things go, the weather played a factor and decided to blow and wouldn't let up for a minute. When I say blow, I mean blowing hard and swirling in all directions. (Not Good!)

"Huntin's Huntin no matter how it goes"!

All in all it was still nice to get back to some of my old stomping grounds of thirty plus years ago and spend some time in the hills. Had a chance to check out one of the clear-cuts I helped cut and log and was real impressed with the regrowth of Lodge Pole and Doug Fir, 20 ft high with good grass. I believe the year was 1980. (Oh how time has passed.)

All for now, keep your powder dry and good hunting!



Reminder: Contact us today to get your spot reserved for 2012

Past Elm Guide School Student

Another successful student, now guiding in ID. He has a new career which he truly enjoys

Guide School Student Succeeds

Another successful guide student with his client. This student has been guiding over 2 years now.