Guide License Application Requirements

All new applicants for a Guide license must submit a completed application on Board approved forms along with the required fee. (4-6-23) 01. General Qualifications. The applicant must provide the following: (4-6-23) a. Documentation of requisite training and experience sufficient to perform the services and activities provided on the license; and (4-6-23) b. A current American Red Cross first aid certification or other comparable certification that is acceptable to the Board; (4-6-23) 02. Activity-Specific Qualifications. In addition to the general qualifications, the applicant must provide evidence of activity-specific training submitted with application or amendment. (4-6-23) a. Hunting. (4-6-23) i. Experience in the outfitter’s operating area(s) for at least ten (10) days and is knowledgeable of trails, terrain, drainages, and game habits and habitat. (4-6-23) ii. Ability to read and understand a map and compass or operate a global positioning system (GPS) or other computerized map system. (4-6-23) iii. Training and experience caring for meat and trophies, including the ability to correctly cape an animal and ability to instruct and assist clients in the proper care of meat. (4-6-23) b. Float Boating on Classified Water. (4-6-23) i. Three (3) complete float boat trips on each of the classified rivers applied for under the supervision of an outfitter or guide licensed for that river. (7-1-25) ii. Guides with six (6) or more documented float trips on any other classified river section, under the supervision of a licensed outfitter or guide for that river, shall be deemed qualified once they complete one additional float trip under the supervision of a licensed outfitter or guide on the classified river section for which licensure is sought. (7-1-25) IDAHO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE IDAPA 24.35.01 DOPL – Outfitters & Guides Licensing Board Rules of the Outfitters & Guides Licensing Board Section 103 Page 6 iii. One (1) documented float boat trip on a classified section of river, under the supervision of an outfitter or guide licensed for that river, for an applicant able to demonstrate a log of at least 500 miles operating as a commercial float boat operator on select whitewater rivers with characteristics similar to Idaho’s classified rivers. To document this experience, a statement signed by the applicant under oath or affirmation should be recorded on a Board-approved form that includes precise put-in and take-out points, miles logged for each trip, and the names and addresses of the boat operators who have employed them. (7-1-25) c. Power Boating on Classified Water. (4-6-23) i. Fifty (50) hours on the total length of the river or section of water applied for. (4-6-23) d. Float or Power Boating on Unclassified Water. (4-6-23) i. At least one (1) complete commercial float or power boat trip on each of the sections or lakes applied for. (4-6-23) e. ATV-UTV-Snowmobiling. (4-6-23) i. Experience in the outfitter’s operating area for at least ten (10) days and is knowledgeable of the area’s drainages, rideable terrain, and unique avalanche or other hazards as well as the machines being utilized by the outfitter. (4-6-23) ii. When operating in winter conditions in terrain with avalanche potential, must have Recreation level 1 avalanche training, American Avalanche Association or similar consisting of twenty-four (24) hours of training with over fifty percent (50%) in the field, and Avalanche Rescue through American Avalanche Association or similar, consisting of eight (8) hours of training with a minimum of five (5) hours in the field. (4-6-23) f. Snow-Based Non-Motorized Travel in Avalanche Terrain (backcountry skiing, Nordic skiing, or snow shoeing on non-groomed trails). (4-6-23) i. Experience in the outfitter’s operating area(s) for at least ten (10) days and is knowledgeable of the area’s drainages, rideable terrain, and unique avalanche hazards. (4-6-23) ii. Recreation level 1 avalanche training, American Avalanche Association or similar consisting of twenty-four (24) hours of training with over fifty percent (50%) in the field, and Avalanche Rescue through American Avalanche Association or similar, consisting of eight (8) hours of training with a minimum of five (5) hours in the field. (4-6-23) g. Rock Climbing/Mountaineering. (4-6-23) i. Experience in the outfitter’s operating area for at least ten (10) days and is knowledgeable of the area’s routes, navigable terrain, and unique hazards. (4-6-23) ii. When operating in winter conditions in terrain with avalanche potential, must have Recreation level 1 avalanche training, American Avalanche Association or similar consisting of twenty-four (24) hours of training with over fifty (50%) in the field, and Avalanche Rescue through American Avalanche Association or similar, consisting of eight (8) hours of training with a minimum of five (5) hours in the field. (4-6-23) h. Equestrian Activities. (4-6-23) i. Experience in the outfitter’s operating area for at least ten (10) days and is knowledgeable of horsemanship and the area’s routes, trails, terrain, drainages, and unique hazards. (4-6-23) 03. Validity. A guide license is valid only while the guide is under the employment of an Idaho licensed outfitter. (4-6-23) IDAHO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE IDAPA 24.35.01 DOPL – Outfitters & Guides Licensing Board Rules of the Outfitters & Guides Licensing Board Section 200 Page 7 04. Amendment. To add authorized activities to the license, a guide must submit a completed license amendment request on a Board-approved form, along with supplemental documentation of training and experience for each newly requested activity. (4-6-23) 05. Renewal. A license must be renewed before it expires by submitting a complete application for renewal forms together with the renewal fee. A license expires annually or biennially on the license holder’s birth date in accordance with Section 36-2108, Idaho Code. A license not renewed on or before the license holder’s birthdate will be immediately canceled in accordance with Section 67-2614(a), Idaho Code. No reinstatement fee will be charged. (7-1-25) 104. – 199. (RESERVED)