How to Start Your Own Hunting Guide Service (as a Weekend Side Hustle)

Dreaming of turning your love for hunting into cash?
If you know your way around the woods and can call in a gobbler or glass up a buck, guiding hunts could be your ideal side hustle. Whether you're a college student trying to make weekend money or just want an excuse to spend more time outdoors, here's how to get started—step by step.

Step 1: Know Your Skills & Your Game

Before anything else, ask yourself:

Can you safely and confidently lead someone on a hunt?
Do you have experience hunting local species (deer, turkey, waterfowl, etc.)?
Can you teach someone else what to do?

Start small. Focus on one or two species you know well, in an area you're confident navigating. This builds trust and makes your hunts more successful.

Step 2: Get Legal and Covered

Even for a weekend gig, you need to check these boxes:

✅ Hunting Guide License: Some states require a guide license or outfitter registration. Check your state wildlife department website.

In Oklahoma, hunting outfitters are not explicitly required to register with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), but they are subject to certain regulations and licensing requirements. Specifically, outfitters providing services on land owned or managed by the ODWC, such as those within the Oklahoma Land Access Program (OLAP), need to be aware of specific rules and potentially acquire a Land Access Permit. Additionally, outfitters should familiarize themselves with the general hunting regulations, license requirements, and any specific rules related to the areas they operate in.

Key points regarding hunting outfitters in Oklahoma:

No Specific Outfitter Registration: Unlike some states, Oklahoma doesn't have a dedicated "outfitter registration" system.
Land Access Permits: Outfitters using ODWC-owned or managed lands (including OLAP properties) need a Land Access Permit.
General Hunting Regulations: Outfitters must adhere to all Oklahoma hunting regulations, including licensing requirements for hunters, season dates, and bag limits.
Specialty Licenses: Outfitters may need to acquire specialty licenses or permits depending on the type of hunting they offer (e.g., migratory bird hunting, waterfowl hunting).
Online Licensing System: The Go Outdoors Oklahoma system is used for purchasing licenses, permits, and managing accounts related to hunting and fishing in Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Controlled Hunts:
If outfitters are involved in guiding hunts on controlled hunt areas, they need to ensure their clients are aware of the application process and requirements.
✅ Liability Insurance: Don’t skip this. It protects you if a client gets hurt or something goes wrong.
✅ Waivers: Always have your clients sign a liability waiver before hitting the field. We cover exactly how you can do this with ease below.

Step 3: Find Private Land or Secure Public Spots

You’ll need permission or access to land where hunting is legal and fruitful.

Private Land: Ask around, especially in rural communities. Some landowners may allow guiding in exchange for a cut or small lease.
Public Land: Some states allow guiding on public land but require special permits. Always check.

Step 4: Set Up Your Guide Operation with Broadside 🧭

Time to run your business without chaos. Broadside is a guide management platform built for folks like you.

With Broadside, you can:

📅 Manage bookings
💳 Take secure payments
📝 Automate your waivers
🧾 Track income and expenses

Pro Tip: Start by offering just 1–2 hunts per month. You can scale later as word gets out.

We're accepting a limited number of guides at the moment so shoot us a message here to see about availability.

Step 5: Market Yourself the Smart Way

Use your own voice and network:

📸 Post your hunts and client success pics on Instagram or Facebook
🗣️ Ask happy clients for referrals and testimonials
🎯 Join local hunting Facebook groups or forums
🧢 Consider a simple logo or branded gear to look more pro

Keep your tone authentic. Clients are booking you, not some corporate outfitter. Be real, be helpful, and show results.

Step 6: Deliver a Killer Experience

This is what gets you repeat clients and word-of-mouth growth:

Show up early
Be prepared (scouted spots, backup gear, first aid)
Make the day fun, even if no tags are filled
Offer tips and teach, people love to learn

Bonus: Keep It Legal, Ethical, and Respectful

Even if it’s just a side hustle, you’re representing hunting as a sport. That means:

Always obey bag limits and regulations
Respect landowners, wildlife, and your clients
Educate beginners—don’t just "put them on the kill"

Final Word

Starting a hunting guide service doesn’t require a business degree or a fleet of ATVs. Just a good head on your shoulders, a passion for the outdoors, and smart tools like Broadside to keep you organized.

Make money, build your rep, and get more time in the woods—all without quitting your day job.