First Class Of 2009

We went over to Bear Paw here in MT. and visited with these students last week. After a terrific lunch a nice trail ride was taken. Getting down the important skills they will need- saddling up the horses, packing the mules, pulling the string all of these tasks being done properly and in a safe manner. Our students from all of our schools receive their training from the absolute best in the business. In just a few more days they will be ready to go to work for an outfitter here in the magnificent Rockies.

What a great bunch of guys they all are.

Small classes make for better quality of education!!

Enroll Today!

All of our hands on training school classes are filling rapidly: There are only a few spots remaining for this year. Don't miss out on your opportunity to get trained by the best in the field!

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you soon

Don't Sell Yourself Short When Choosing A Guide School

Many big game guide training schools nowadays take shortcuts, often leaving students very unprepared with no home study in which to gain some very important fundamentals, and knowledge of this business. You do not want or need to be going into your hands on training class blindsided. In other words not knowing what to expect.

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 school students spend too much time sitting in a classroom at the school itself and not enough time on actual hands on training. 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 years of experience in the field which all of our instructors have. 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!

With the ELM Program 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 and go into the hands-on training class with much more confidence which will lead to 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 game of choice.

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

-It's great getting up in the mornings to a job you love-

Michael Knott -Program Adm.


Our hands on Training Schools for "09" are filling rapidly, enroll now to reserve your spot!

We are accepting applications for 2010. contact us

This Could Be You!!

Imagine yourself packing out a wonderful trophy 6 point bull elk for your client. Through our guide school training program this could be you. Living the life many only dream about.

Why wait! Contact us today

The Short &Tall Of It

Our guide school students learn - Where there's a will there's a way - Learn to think on your feet or in this case improvise. Team work is what it's all about!

Hands On Training Class

Learning to shoe a horse or mule is just one of the many intricate parts of
the training our students acquire.

All of the stock at our schools are well seasoned!

Students From Around The World

As you can see from our web site we have had many students from all over the world. This year is no exception. Two young men from Denmark will be joining our training program. Having had different types of hunting experiences then our students from the US can bring up some very interesting conversations. They are both working on our Home Prep Course and doing quite well. We are looking forward to meeting with them and each of our studnets.

We are glad to say that one of our students which has been serving our country in Iraq is back in the states and will be attending one of Elms' endorsed hands on schools this year.