How to Get Hired as a Hunting Guide or Wrangler

My name is Zachary Nyborg, Director of Equine Operations and Marketing for Alaska’s oldest and most remote horseback hunting lodge.

Over the past five years, I’ve worked across the Western horse and outfitting world — guiding elk and deer hunts in Idaho, training performance horses in California, working for the nation’s largest stock contractor in Wyoming, and tracking mountain lions on horseback in Colorado. I built this 10-page guide from that firsthand experience.

Inside, I break down exactly how to get started in the outfitting industry — the differences between hunting guides, wranglers, and packers; daily responsibilities, realistic pay ranges and tip expectations; and the pros and cons of each role. I also show you realistic places to find openings, where to approach outfitters directly, how to stand out from other applicants, and how to position yourself to get hired as quickly as possible.

If you’re serious about building a career in the hunting and horse world, this guide gives you a clear, straightforward roadmap to get hired and start moving forward.