Anglers and hunters alike, often share thoughts of becoming a New York State-licensed fishing or hunting guide. The process is simple, requiring an application and several certifications. The story has details. Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher

When the New Year kicks off with opportunities, it’s going to be a good year. If you have ever wondered how to become a fishing or hunting guide in New York state, there is a process. It’s not difficult, but there are rules and regulations. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recently announced the upcoming dates of examinations for individuals seeking select special licenses. The DEC is offering these examinations online and free of charge; I think the no-fee might be new this year. Exams for the New York State Licensed Outdoor Guide 2025 in the categories of camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater, rock climbing and ice climbing have been scheduled for Feb. 7, March 1 (in-person exam), May 9, June 6, July 11 and Sept. 12.

The examinations are online except for the March 1 date, which is hosted by the New York State Outdoor Guides Association at their annual winter meeting. Participants will have 30 minutes to complete each exam except for the Basic Requirements exam which allows 90 minutes for completion. This year, the NYSOGA meeting will be held Feb. 27 to March 2, 2025, at the White Eagle Conference Center, Hamilton. Various training seminars as well as First Aid, CPR and Water Safety certification courses will be offered at this meeting. Those interested in taking the exam on March 1 must submit their registration by Feb. 21. Late submissions will not be accepted. Anyone interested in attending the First Aid, CPR, or Water Safety classes must register directly with NYSOGA. For more information regarding the annual meeting, contact NYSOGA at 1-866-469-7642 or visit their website at www.nysoga.org.

To apply for an exam, you must complete the registration form in its entirety. Apart from the in-person exams to be held at the NYSOGA meeting listed earlier, registration for each exam will close the WEDNESDAY before the exams. Note that every guide must take and pass the Basic Requirements exam, as well as the category exam(s) for which they choose to become a licensed guide. In addition, anyone who plans to use boats and/or canoes while guiding, even if just transporting clients to the guiding activity, must take the Boats and Canoes exam.

Valid First Aid, CPR and Water Safety certifications are required for all guiding categories. These certifications are NOT required when registering to take the exam, however, proof of current certification must be provided before the guide license will be issued. Applicants must submit their certifications along with the application after the exam. There is a list of acceptable courses available on the DEC website.

Following registration, applicants receive a confirmation email that the registration was received, which will include a personal exam link. The link will remain inactive until exam day. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants must complete and submit an application with any required documentation, and fees, in order for a guide license to be issued. Licenses are valid for a period of five years from the date of issue. To prepare, a study outline can be found on the DEC Licensed Guide Program website, https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/fish-wildlife-plant/licensed-guide-program. The Field Book, a reference book published by the Boy Scouts of America, is also recommended and can be found at any local library or bookstore.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Nov. 23 to Jan. 19: Late Canada goose season — South Area. See syllabus.

Jan. 14: Zoar Valley Public info meeting on logging there, 7:30 p.m., Nativity Church, 1530 Colvin Blvd., Tonawanda. Open to the public.

Jan. 16: Southtowns Walleye Association, monthly meeting, 7 p.m. start, 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg.

Jan. 18: NWTF Lakeshore Longbeards 26th annual Conservation and Hunting Heritage event, 5 p.m. start, Blessed Mary Angela Parish Center, 324 Townsend St., Dunkirk. Call for tickets: 716-680-3715 04 716-673-6703.

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.