Hunting is more than just a hobby for many people. It’s a passion, a lifestyle, and a way of connecting with nature. If you love hunting and want to make a living out of it, you may be interested in pursuing a career in the hunting industry.
photo by maxx
There are many jobs that involve hunting or working with hunters, from guiding and outfitting to wildlife management and conservation. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular and rewarding hunting careers, along with their salaries, duties, and requirements.
Common Hunting Careers You Can Explore
Hunting Guide
A hunting guide is someone who accompanies hunters on trips and helps them find and harvest game animals. Hunting guides need to have extensive knowledge of the local wildlife, terrain, weather, and regulations. They also need to have excellent communication, customer service, and safety skills.
Hunting guides may work for outfitters, lodges, ranches, or as independent contractors. They may specialize in certain types of hunting, such as big game, waterfowl, upland birds, or bowhunting.
According to salary.com, the national average salary for a hunting guide is $40,078 per year. This may vary depending on the location, season, type of hunting, and tips from clients.
To become a hunting guide, you may need to meet some of the following requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
- A hunting license and any necessary permits or tags
- Experience in hunting and outdoor skills
- First aid and CPR certification
- Liability insurance and bonding
- Pass a background check and drug test
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship
Outfitter
An outfitter is someone who provides hunters with the equipment, services, and transportation they need for a successful hunt. They offer packages that include lodging, meals, licenses, tags, guides, vehicles, horses, dogs, and other gear.
Outfitters need to have good business, marketing, and organizational skills. They also need to have a network of contacts in the hunting industry and maintain good relationships with landowners, wildlife agencies, and clients.
Salary.com averages outfitters’ national average salary at $31,506 per year. Equally, this may vary depending on the location, season, type of hunting, and number of clients.
To become an outfitter, you may need to meet some of the following requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
- A hunting license and any necessary permits or tags
- Experience in hunting and outdoor skills, first aid, and CPR certification
- Liability insurance and bonding
- Pass a background check and drug test
- Obtain an outfitter license from the state or local authority
Wildlife Biologist
A wildlife biologist is someone who studies the behavior, ecology, population dynamics, and management of wild animals. Wildlife biologists may work for federal or state agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, or private companies.
They may conduct research, monitor wildlife populations and habitats, develop management plans and policies, conduct surveys and censuses, collect and analyze data, write reports and publications, and educate the public.
Wildlife biologists may specialize in certain species or groups of animals, such as deer, elk, bears, birds, or fish.
The national average salary for a wildlife biologist according to Salary.com is $57,829 per year. As you’d expect, this amount varies depending on the education, experience, location, and employer.
Here are the requirements you need to meet to become a wildlife biologist;
- A bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, zoology, ecology, or a related field
- A master’s degree or a doctorate for advanced positions or research roles
- Experience in fieldwork and laboratory techniques
- Knowledge of statistics and computer software
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- A passion for wildlife and conservation
Other Hunting Careers
There are many other careers that you can pursue in the hunting industry. Here are some examples:
Gunsmith
Image by Zachary Foltz
A gunsmith is someone who builds and repairs guns and supplemental equipment. They may modify parts of a hunter’s gun, replace parts that are worn, design guns to a customer’s or company’s specifications, and may perform restoration on older guns so that hunters can safely use them in their craft. Gunsmiths also inspect guns, train individuals on how to use them, and may add customizations, troubleshoot problems, and test-fire the equipment to make sure it’s operating optimally.
Store Manager
A store manager is someone who oversees the day-to-day operations of a retail store. An individual who hunts may find a management position in a sporting goods store or similar. Store managers;
- Monitor store sales
- Develop strategies to increase profits
- Communicate customer service procedures to staff
- Create goals for the store
- Hire employees
- Conduct reviews
- Ensure shelves remain stocked
Wildlife Photographer
A wildlife photographer captures images of wild animals and their habitats. They may work for magazines, newspapers, websites, books, or documentaries. Wildlife photographers need to have artistic and technical skills, as well as patience and perseverance. They also need to have knowledge of animal behavior and ecology, as well as respect for nature and wildlife ethics.
Hunting Instructor
photo by Aaron James
A hunting instructor is someone who teaches hunters how to hunt safely and ethically. They may work for hunting schools, clubs, organizations, or as independent contractors. Hunting instructors need to have experience in hunting and outdoor skills, as well as teaching and communication skills. They also need to have a hunting license and any necessary permits or certifications.
Wildlife Veterinarian
A wildlife veterinarian is someone who provides medical care to wild animals. They may work for zoos, wildlife parks, sanctuaries, etc.
Conclusion
Hunting has been with us for ages. With it, many career opportunities have emerged including guides, outfitters, gunsmiths, veterinarians, etc. These are real job opportunities with substantial remuneration sufficient to sustain a livelihood.
The hunting industry offers a variety of opportunities for those who love hunting and want to share it with others. If you are interested in pursuing a hunting career, you can start by researching the requirements, qualifications, and prospects of each job and finding out what suits you best.
You can also network with other hunters, join hunting organizations or clubs, attend hunting events or expos, or volunteer for conservation projects to gain more experience and exposure in the field.
Hunting can be more than just a hobby, it can be your dream job too!