Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) Can outfitters pay landowners for exclusive access to private land?

Paid access (leasing) is a common practice in many countries. In Alberta, this process is illegal.  Within our province,we believe that hunting should be accessible by all people – regardless of their financial status. No one is allowed to pay a landowner for access – nor is a landowner allowed to solicit for access.

2) How are the numbers of Non Resident (NR) and NonResident Alien (NRA) hunters controlled?

The Outfitter/Guide Policy is designed to balance our privilege to hunt abroad by providing NR and NRA limited opportunities here. This policy (evaluated every 5years) takes into consideration wildlife populations, resident demand,outfitter success, and several other factors. It varies by species and area. Averaged over the last 10 years, slightly under 90% of all hunters in Alberta are residents – the remainder NR and NRAs.

3) How does a person obtain employment in a hunting camp?

Working in a guided hunting expedition may well be one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime.  Camp help, cooks, wranglers, guides – these folks all play a pivotal role in assisting hunting guests to enjoy their Alberta experience. Outfitters are always looking for hardworking people with enthusiasm, integrity, and  people skills – contact the APOS office for more information.

4) What impact does outfitted hunting have on resident hunting opportunities?

The Outfitter Guide Policy, which is reviewed every five years, is designed to provide a balance between resident and NR/NRA hunting opportunities.  The policy considers resident demand, population estimates,harvest rates, draw success, etc., and generates an allowable NR/NRA harvest as a percentage of the allowable resident harvest.  Where resident opportunities are very restricted (such as goats & turkey), there is no outfitted hunting. For species where residents are on a limited draw entry (ie. mule deer), NR/NRA may be allocated a small percentage (3-5%). For species like black bears, where the harvest goal is not achieved by resident hunters, a greater percentage is allocated to the outfitting industry.

5) Is outfitting a lucrative business?

Less than 10% of Alberta’s outfitters rely solely on the income they derive from outfitting; most have at least one other occupation.  Outfitting is no different from most businesses – gross revenue and net revenue can be miles apart!  License fees, insurance,fuel, wages, advertising, equipment – these are major expenses.  The fluctuating value of the Canadian dollar,and international issues such as 9-11, SARS, travel restrictions all, significantly impact revenue.  Most  outfitters will admit that their wealth is measured more in their friendships with clients than in the monetary rewards.

6) What measures are taken to discipline outfitters who have broken the law?

APOS has developed a comprehensive disciplinary policy, in accordance with accepted legal practice. Depending on the severity of an offence, sanctions vary from a warning letter – to a complete dismissal of an outfitter’s license and allocations. Like other professional organizations, APOS members hold in contempt those whose actions tarnish the tremendous service provided by the majority of our members.

7) What issues are currently before the outfitting industry?

The biggest concern is always the health of our wildlife and environment. Disease, industrial land use, and unsound wildlife management practices can jeopardize nature.  Secondly, there are issues regarding access to the resource.  Thirdly, anything that creates undue hardships for traveling clients is also a concern.

8) How do Albertans benefit from the outfitting industry?

Wildlife is a renewable resource – much like timber, grain,or cattle. Proper management requires a carefully planned harvest, and offering a limited number of opportunities for non-Albertans is more than simply neighborly. The outfitted hunting industry generates over $100 million of economic activity, and over 1500 people owe their permanent jobs to the operational expenditures of outfitters.  Most importantly, our “open door” policy is reciprocated to all Albertans who wish to enjoy hunting opportunities in other jurisdictions.