Wyoming holds hunters responsible for knowingly booking with an unlicensed outfitter. Wyoming law states:

W.S. 23-2-418. Compensation of person not licensed under this act prohibited; penalty.

(a) No person shall directly or indirectly compensate a person holding himself out as engaging in the business of or acting in the capacity of an outfitter or a professional guide unless that person provides proof that he is a licensed outfitter or professional guide as required by this act.

(b) Any person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor as prescribed under W.S. 23-2-417(a). (A fine not to exceed $2,000, imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both.)

Wyoming's outfitters and guides are hunting professionals. Request to view the outfitter's license which indicates not only the type of land they are authorized for, but also the area by species. Guides must be employed by a licensed outfitter, and their license should be signed on the back by the outfitter for validation.

Our outfitters are tested, their background is checked, and equipment is inspected before a license is issued. They must carry full insurance and are responsible for hiring and training their own guides, who must then also apply through our Board.

Because the qualifications and standards are so high for licensed outfitters, some persons not measuring up to these standards offer their services illegally at a lower cost. They do no carry insurance, nor is their livestock and equipment up to par.

Landowners are not required to be licensed to outfit and guide on private lands they either own or lease for agricultural purposes. However, if they hire persons who are not members of their immediate family to guide hunters on these lands, the landowner (or other designated person) must possess an outfitter's license.

Anyone wishing to receive further information on outfitters and guides, or a list of licensed outfitters in the State of Wyoming, may write to the Wyoming Department of Administration & Information, Wyoming State Board of Outfitters and Professional Guides, 1950 Bluegrass Circle, Suite 280, Cheyenne, WY 82002. Website: outfitters.state.wy.us or you may call 800-264-0981.