Becoming an Outfitter

Alberta offers some of the best hunting opportunities in North America, and becoming a licensed outfitter is a respected way to share those experiences with others. Outfitters are licensed professionals authorized to provide guiding services to residents, non-residents, and non-resident aliens. To operate legally, outfitters must hold an Outfitter Permit issued under Alberta’s Wildlife Regulation.

Types of Outfitter Permits

Outfitter permits in Alberta are divided into three categories:

• Class S Outfitter Permit - For guiding big game hunters (including sheep, elk, moose, deer, and others), as well as wolf and coyote. Class S holders may work with residents, non-residents, and non-resident aliens under allocated licences.
• Class T Outfitter Permit - Similar to Class S but excludes Class 1 sheep hunts. Class T holders may guide big game, wolf, and coyote hunters.
• Bird Game Outfitter Permit - Specifically for guiding bird game hunters (waterfowl and upland birds).

Eligibility Requirements

To obtain an outfitter permit, applicants must meet the following:

• Individuals must:
  • Be an adult resident of Alberta, or a non-resident who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Hold a valid Big Game Guide’s Designation (for big game) or a Bird Game Guide’s Designation (for bird game).
  • Proof of an allocation lease or transfer is required to become an outfitter.
  • Liability insurance is a requirement to obtain an Outfitter Permit. The Minister requires applicants to demonstrate that all client deposits will be properly protected. The deposit protection is available as part of the insurance packages available through APOS’ providers.
• Businesses or Societies may also apply, provided at least one officer of the organization meets the individual requirements above.

Special Rules for Class S Permits

Eligibility for a Class S permit is more restrictive. Applicants must either:

• Have been an outfitter before March 31, 1988,
• Be the spouse, partner, or child of a deceased or incapacitated outfitter from that time, or
• Be named as the transferee of a Class 1 sheep allocation.

Permit Entitlements

Class S Permit

• Enter into contracts with residents, non-residents, and non-resident aliens for big game (including sheep under allocated licences), wolf, and coyote.
• Apply for hunting licences on behalf of clients.

Class T Permit

• Enter into contracts with residents, non-residents, and non-resident aliens for big game (excluding Class 1 sheep), wolf, and coyote.
• Apply for licences on behalf of clients where required.

Bird Game Permit

• Enter into contracts and provide guiding services specifically for bird game species, pursuant to held waterfowl allocations.

Outfitter Permit holders should be aware of the following:

• Holders of an Outfitter Permit must complete annual Activity Reporting via APOS by January 15 of a given year.
• All outfitters are accountable to the Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics can be found HERE.

APOS policy states that offering or providing of big game or waterfowl guiding services to a resident, for gain or reward, should only be provided by a licensed outfitter or a licensed guide employed/contracted by a licensed outfitter and only if, the species falls within the class of the outfitter’s licensing, and

1. they own/lease big game allocations or waterfowl allocations for that species in that WMU, or
2. they have permission from an existing outfitter with big game or waterfowl allocations for that species in that WMU, or
3. there are no big game or waterfowl allocations held for that species in that WMU.