Code of Ethics and Conduct

Approved by the APOS Board of Directors – 24 October 2008.

Amended and Ratified by the Membership at the 2008 Annual General Meeting.

Guiding Principles

Members of the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society of Alberta subscribe to a high standard of professional conduct and ethics. All contrary behaviour, in any fashion related directly or indirectly to the industry, can bring disrepute on individual Society members or the Society as a whole. It is the responsibility of each member to be familiar with all APOS rules that govern business practices, treatment of others and general conduct. It is also the responsibility of every member to cooperate in maintaining professionalism within the industry, including bringing attention to activity or behaviour that may be damaging to APOS. This code provides a standard of conduct for an outfitter, and gives the sportsman a clear indication of what to expect from a member outfitter.

1.         A member, or anyone employed by a member, shall not breach, encourage or condone any violation of the Alberta Wildlife Act and regulations. A member shall be in a position to advise both employees and clients of their rights and responsibilities under the Act and regulations, while under his jurisdiction. A member shall make a reasonable effort to report any violation of the Alberta Wildlife Act and regulations, of which they have knowledge, to an Enforcement Officer or to Report a Poacher, at their earliest opportunity.

2.         A member, or anyone employed by a member, shall not breach, encourage or condone any violation of any provincial or federal statute that is in any way related to the outfitted hunting industry.

3.         A member, or any of his employees, shall not use any alcohol, or other substance, to the extent that the use impairs the user physically or mentally, while engaged by a client. A member, or any of his employees, shall not knowingly allow a client to hunt any wildlife while impaired by alcohol or other substances.

4.         A member shall be willing to make restitution in cash or in-kind for breach of contract between himself and his client, where the client is not at fault.

5.         A member shall not give false or misleading information to prospective clients and, in particular, information relating to accommodation, weather, in respect to his/her experience, quantity and quality of game species, outfitting fees and expenses, hunting terrain and equipment available.

6.         A member shall maintain clean, safe, comfortable, sanitary accommodation and promote the highest possible standards in the preparation of food, as per the standards identified in pre-hunt literature and communications.

7.          A member shall secure each hunt with a contract which will include a waiver and assumption of risk and indemnity agreement.  The contract, in writing, sent to the hunter, will include a complete rate (CDN or US$) schedule, which shall include all charges, a deposit policy, deposit refund policy, and details and dates of all services offered.  The member shall not retain, for longer than is reasonably practical, any deposits that are not secured with a properly signed and completed contract. Rates or policies will not be changed from those published without the written consent of the client after the outfitter receives and accepts the deposit from the client. It will not be considered sufficient to rely on a contract or agreement involving a third party (e.g. booking agent).

8.         A member will not interfere, by solicitation or otherwise, with a contract between another outfitter and client, when it is known or reasonably should be known that a contract to provide services exists between that other outfitter and a client.

9.         A member shall employ only competent guides with the requisite skills and knowledge of the hunting area and species hunted and maintain a reasonable degree of supervision over employee/contract guides to ensure that the contract between the client and outfitter is fulfilled.

10.      A member shall make every effort to ensure the safety of clients, during the hunting trip, and during transportation to and from the hunting area. Firearm safety will be a priority at all times during the conduct of the hunt.

11.      A member shall maintain a degree of proficiency, responsibility and professional standards satisfactory to APOS.

12.      There shall be full cooperation between members of APOS including but not limited to respect for traditional areas of operation.   A member shall not directly or indirectly, injure the reputation or business of a fellow member of Alberta’s outfitted hunting industry. A member shall also respect the activities and needs of the resident hunter by not initiating or soliciting for exclusive use of any wildlife resource or access.

13.      A member shall not advertise outfitting services unless he is the holder of a Big Game or Bird Game Outfitter Guide Permit and the holder or permitted user of the allocations or waterfowl privileges to be used.

14.      A member or any of his employees, has a duty to uphold the standards and reputation of the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society and the outfitting profession and assist in the advancement of their goals. A member shall not harm or tend to harm APOS or the outfitting profession.

Approved by the APOS Board of Directors 24 October 2008.

Amended and ratified by the Membership at the 2008 Annual General Meeting.