ELM Guide School Training

Looking For A New Career in 2012?

2012-01-03T13:47:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-20T10:42:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-12-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

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

Contact us

Enroll Today For Guide Training School

2011-12-05T11:10:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

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

Guide School Student Succeeds

2011-10-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

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

Guide School Students Sept 2011

2011-09-19T06:52:00.001-07:00

Bear Paw's 2011 class. We'll be going over to meet with these fine students soon. These guys have been working very hard and have received the training which will have them ready to go to work. They have logged in more actual riding time [and packing] during their time at the school then schools who even hold 5 weeks of training.

Visiting With Guide School Students

2011-08-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

Well it's that time of year again when Julie and I head out to our schools and meet with all the students. We have been over to Bear Paw guide school Tim had a great class.

It's always a great experience to be able to put faces with all the voices we've spoken with over the past many months. They have been working hard with their training over there.

Soon it will be time for them to put that training to the test while working for a big game hunting outfit here in the Rockies. We know they will all do great.

They are all very excited about beginning their new careers and we are excited for them!

ELM Endorsed Guide Training Schools

2011-06-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Instructors at our endorsed Hands on Big Game Guide Schools work hard for you. With well over 35 years on average as Big Game Hunting Outfitters, Guides and Packers themselves, they have all worked diligently to get where they are in life running very successful outfits. They know what it takes to get you "there" also.

No team of experts is needed to receive personalized training in the skills you will need.
All of our instructors at our schools are much better qualified to teach the true skills needed in this business. They leave no stone unturned.

If you are looking for store-bought experts with little direct interest in your personal training, keep looking because you won't find them at the ELM's Guide School Training Program.

Shiny boots, pressed pants and fancy degrees don't carry much weight in this rope slinging and guiding trade. Which is precisely why experts of this type have never made the grade at ELM.

Our schools and instructors all have been handpicked for a reason. Not only do they have the miles, years, and scares, under their belts, but also a real genuine teaching ability and a sincere personal interest in your success.

Working closely with our Endorsed schools, we are personally involved in your education from start to finish, from our Home Study Training Course [which is of vital importance in order for you to receive a well rounded education] through Hands on Training and beyond. When we meet with you at the Hands on Training School we sit down with each and everyone of you, talk with you one-on-one, answering your questions and closely evaluating your progress. We have an actual interest in your overall training, your job placement, and your success as a qualified big game guide, horse & mule packer or wilderness camp cook.

Regardless of which of our Endorsed Schools you choose to attend, Bear Paw Guide/Packer School, Hoback Peak Guide/Packer & Camp Cook School or Capitol Peak Guide/Packer School you can rest assured you will receive the best education required in this field. There will be a lot of hard work, and I guarantee you it's not all going to be easy. However, if you are a hard worker, have the heart and desire for this business you may have found the perfect career for yourself–along with America's best outdoor guide training school program to get you started.

Contact Us for more information

We look forward to speaking with you and answering any questions you have.

Hunting Guide School Students From Around The World

2011-06-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

Flags above: Africa, Denmark, Australia, Belgium, New Zealand, Germany, Canada, Italy, Norway, France, and of course the USA

As you can see we have had many big game guide students from all over the world. Last year was no exception. Two young men came from Denmark to attend the guide training class. Having had different types of hunting experiences then our students from the U.S.A. brought up some very interesting conversations.

We are also happy to say that now 3 of our students which have been serving our country in Iraq and 2 who were in Afghanistan are back in the states and will also be attending one of ELM's endorsed hands on guide training schools this year.

I spoke with another a young man over in Afghanistan a few days ago. He's working on the Home Study Course. I'm always amazed at the great phone reception they get from there. [no dropped calls] He is eagerly awaiting his return [only 3 months away now] to the states to begin his training and on to fulfilling his lifelong dream of working in the Rockies. This student has now returned and will be attending the 4 week training class next year.

Another one of our students in Afghanistan is coming in this week. He called us just yesterday, so excited about training and starting his new career.

A very special Thank you to all of the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country!

Our student from Africa had lots of interesting stories to share with the other students.

Near or far ELM's Guide School Training Program is well known, respected and very highly regarded as the best place to get started and to be successful.

You can get started today!!

Becoming A Big Game Hunting Guide

2011-05-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

Do you want to learn to be a hunting guide? Do you enjoy hunting, exploring the great outdoors and want to earn a living doing something you have a great passion for?
You can Experience every day what others only dream about once or twice a year.

Take a look through this journal at the pictures on each page and you will see the skills our students are taught. This is what outfitters are definitely looking for.

They want students who have been trained extensively working with the horses and mules.[These animals are the bread-n-butter of an outfit]

In the first picture above you will see the correct way of packing. This is at Bear Paws June class
-Now that is a good looking string of animals-

There is a high demand for good guides, packers and camp cooks, so if you think you have what it takes and you want to to be the best at what you do-you will need to be trained by the best in the business-

You will also see some beautiful scenery during some of your training. [This is just the icing on the cake as they say]

Contact us now! Classes are getting full

Home Study Prep-Course "Example Questions"

2011-05-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

Test your knowledge!

1. What is the most frustrating problem that you as a guide might encounter when hunting early season big game?

2. What are the two rings on a mule halter for and explain why they are so important?

3. What tree is the best source for finding pitch-wood in the Rocky Mountains?

4. Why do seeps tend to be on north facing slopes?

5. How often should a horses shoes be reset? What might determine this factor?

6. When hunting alone what is the one best sign that you can leave to indicate your direction of travel?

7. What is the main cause of hypothermia and how can you help prevent it?

8. What might be your greatest single fault in the interviewing process when you're applying for a job with an outfitter?

9.What hitch is used when pig tailing pack animals into your pack string & why is this hitch so important?

10.To sum it all up, what rule must you always follow when you become a big game hunting guide?

Bonus Question

You are walking a compass course of 190 degrees, you want to return to where you started from, so what would your compass heading be?

If you think you know any of the answers. post them under the comments tab below

We will check this post periodically to see how many do

Letter From A Past Elm Graduate To Erv -1975

2011-03-04T16:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Erv,
As a former student of yours from 1975,I was not surprised to see the detail and extensive explanation of the outfitting/guiding industry outlined in your home study prep-course. It is very evident that with your many years of experience you presented all of the information contained in it in such a manner that is easily understood.

The training I received by going through your program indeed formed a solid foundation for my career in outfitting and the quality of life that myself and my family have been fortunate to experience through a successful outfitting business. After graduating from your guide school training class and being placed in employment with a quality outfitter here in Montana by you, my career in guiding and outfitting started.

After guiding for this outfitter for over 2 years I entered into my own outfitting business in 1978. As in any business, we experienced some early lean years, but were persistent to fulfilling our dream of operating a professional outfitting business. during those lean years, the former training I had received from you, your advise and direction along the way and I must say your genuine concern for us to succeed, instilled the confidence in us to pursue our goal.

As you well know we did reach our goal and developed our outfitting business into a very successful endeavor.

During these years of building our own business, I became active in our state outfitter association and was elected to the Board of Directors. I then went on and was elected to the Board of Directors in the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce to represent the outfitting industry in our valley.

The success of our business, a very unique and quality life [bar none] and the positions I have held all started with the foundation you built for me in 1975.

Thank you Erv.

Your course is the finest and most thorough training I could have received. It didn't take long for me to understand why people said you were the best. I would strongly recommend your training program to anyone who is looking for a great lifestyle.

Sincerely,

Yours In Outfitting,
Spence Trogdon

Here at "ELM" Julie and I are proud to carry on Ervs legacy

Big Game Guiding [All In A Days Work]

2011-01-25T15:08:00.000-08:00

A Day in the Life of a Big Game Hunting Guide

Morning starts early for a guide especially the month of September here in the Northern Rockies. Around 3:30 AM. There are horses to catch, feed, water and saddle. Breakfast can be as early as 4:15 so bring your appetite! You will need it for the long day ahead. To get where you need to be by first light you must be out of camp and on your way well before 5:00. You are lucky as the first part of your ride will be up one of the major pack trails, so you point your trusty mount in the right direction and give him his head.

By 5:45 you reach your cut off trail that leads you up towards the top of the ridge.

In the pre-dawn the trail is almost non existent so you must use your keen senses and the sky line to guide you. Taking it slow you pick your way up to where you will leave your horses. As you never know how the days hunt may go? You automatically take their bridals off and loosen their cinches some before tying them off and heading out the ridge. It may be well after dark before you are back.

Mornings in the high country is truly seeing and experiencing Gods handiwork at its best! Add rutting and bugling elk to the picture, it's quite the deal.

Guiding for clients is a big responsibility and you must always remember no matter what, safety is a must!

Quietly we navigate to an advantage point where we can hear and see a whole lot of country. You know the drainage well and it most often holds a good herd of elk so anticipation is high.
Mesmerized by the quiet we sit motionless and just listening for a bit. It’s a big watershed with many openings and has everything elk need, feed, water and good security.

As the night gives way to light we start glassing the closer parks. Nothing! You continue to scour the valley below, still nothing. You must be patient and thoroughly glass the openings one by one. Right now you are glad that you spent the little extra and picked up a good quality 10x42 optic's, they sure are doing a fine job. Even in this low light they are gathering good intensity.

Finally you glass a few head that look to be heading towards the timber. Way down the drainage about two miles away you pick-up on some cow's. Most likely it's the tail end of a larger herd. You don't spot any bulls but you are confident that they are there as it is the height of the rut.
Your hunter is a archery hunter so you must get in close. All likelihood they are heading to a bedding area high on a north facing bench about a mile above the park. You also know that the chances of getting there before the thermals change are nil. Not wanting to risk it we make plans for a late afternoon or evening hunt.

No good to go right into their bedding area. Work your way down bring your horses and take your time. Don't get to close, about a third of a mile this side of the bedding area is close enough. Let the elk rest, you do the same. The air currents should be stable all afternoon but keep an eye on them.

If everything goes picture perfect you will hear a bull bugle by mid afternoon or before. You move in, set up and pull a nice 6 point bull past your hunter within 20 yards. He makes a clean broadside shot and recovers his bull within 100 yards. Giving you plenty of time for pictures, caping, field dressing, quartering, hanging, brushing it up and back to camp by 9:00 pm. Time to enjoy a good supper and by morning rested and ready to pack the bull back to camp.

It can come this easy but nine times out of ten it won't. You can expect to put in some real long days and late nights. Miles and miles in the saddle. Setups that didn't pan-out, bulls that hangup on you, elk-less hours sitting over wallows and several other misfortunes along the way.

Always remember that your worst day of elk hunting will be far superior than the best of days down amongst deprived flat-landers!

By: Michael Knott- Elm Outfitters & Guides Training Program Director

More Guide School Students

2011-01-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

All in a days work of training. Clearing trails and packing it's all a big part of it. Our endorsed hands on training schools will guide you in how it is done right.

Big Game Hunting In Montana

2010-12-17T18:14:00.000-08:00

Most every hunting season we have the opportunity to go hunting for elk with some of our family members. It's a great time for all of us, even if we don't always get the game we are after.

This year my son Matt took a cow elk early in the month but by the end of November winter weather came to Montana. It brought with it heavy snow, wind and well below zero temps. Consequently forcing the elk to move down and onto private ground and out of our reach.

No matter how the hunts may go, camp has always been a comfort and inviting, with its good food, warm fire and good company. It's always a treat to get away, away from all the hustle and bustle of normal day living.

Slowing things down a bit, reflecting on life and putting it all back together again in it's rightful order! Hunting Season ended just a few weeks ago but already looking forward and plans being made for this coming year.

Training Of The Basic Skills

2010-11-09T14:35:00.000-08:00

Guide school students training, from shoeing the horses, to out glassing for game.

Working on their riding skills, crossing a nearby river, catching some elk feeding in a sagebrush park. Students preparing to load a couple of wood stoves using the ole standby barrel hitch.

Look at this amazing view near the school camp!

Come join us in the Rockies, and you will receive the absolute best training.

This can be you!

Contact us today and get started

Training To Become Big Game Guides

2010-10-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

Students at Bear Paw Guide & Packer School learn the necessary skills needed to qualify for job placement as Horse & Mule Packers and Big Game Hunting Guides.

The students journey begins and ends with the horses & mules. With two hundred plus
miles of trail time during the four weeks, the students gain the confidence of handling a long-string and are well prepared for what the Rocky Mountains can dish out.

A big bonus is that the students throughout training will experience Gods handy work at its absolute finest!

Big Game Guide Training Students

2010-09-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

Students at Bear Paws Sept. Class

Big Game Guide Students

2010-09-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

Guide and packer students from Bear Paws June class.
Trained right the First time around in: riding, packing, crosscut sawing, the safe way in pulling a string of horses and mules. You will receive excellent training in order to have these skills under your belt prior to going to work for an outfitter.

Another Guide School Visit

2010-08-08T08:24:00.000-07:00

Our visit with Students over in the July class. Three cook students this year. We got the opportunity to give their meals a taste test and let me tell you it was all good! Sitting around the table talking and there's nothing better then being around an open fire.

Students spent many hours working on mantying hay and other equipment. shoeing, extensive work with the horses and mules. It's so very important to get these skills down.Transporting the stock in and out of the hills safely

What a terrific group of students. Now they are ready to go to work

Are you serious about getting trained? Give us a call, we will help you get started

More Guide School Pictures

2010-08-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

Big Game Guide Students Getting Ready For A Pack Trip

2010-07-07T11:30:00.001-07:00

Making final adjustments to their manta loads they slung with the basket hitch. The grub boxes will go on the front pack horse so they can keep a good eye on them! All in a days work for a good packer. Getting those techniques down in a safe and proper way will let the outfit you go to work
for see you have been trained by the best in the business.

See our endorsed schools

Guide School Visit

2010-07-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Visiting with all of the students over at the schools. Bear Paw's June class had a great group of guys. Sitting down and talking with each one individually is an enjoyable part of our program for us. Putting a face with the voices we have spoken with many times by phone.

Listening to each one talk about all the different aspects of their training and talking about all the many job opportunities available for them. Students were eager to go to work and looking to put all the skills they were taught to good use with outfitters here in the Rockies.

This class is one of many visits Michael and I will be making over the Summer

I will be posting more pictures from this and other schools shortly.

Contact us if you are seriously looking for a well rounded education in guiding and packing or camp cooking