Montana and Idaho pack almost exclusively deckers. States to the south are usually sawbuck packers. You should learn both so you have the skills to work anywhere. Instructors Make sure the school you choose has quality instructors. Some schools run twelve students per one instructor.
Location Make sure the school is in a good location.
It is difficult to learn elk hunting skills in a camp that sits on five acres in somebody's back yard, right off of the highway. Wall tents are what hunting camps are made of. In order to determine if this profession is indeed for you, we feel your choice of accommodations should be as close to the real thing as possible. It does little good to go to a school that has little or poor jobs available after class is done. If you want to become a guide, choose a school that offers the most opportunities for a job.