New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced examinations are scheduled for individuals seeking to become licensed guides in New York. The exams being offered are for guiding in the following categories: camping; fishing; hiking; hunting; whitewater rafting/canoeing/kayaking; rock climbing; and ice climbing.
A guide is a person at least 18 years of age who offers services for hire, part or all of which include directing, instructing, or aiding another individual in fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, whitewater rafting/canoeing/kayaking, or rock and ice climbing. DEC’s Special Licenses Unit administers licensing of outdoor guides. Applicants need not be a resident of New York to receive a guide’s license.
To provide enhanced access to examinations for applicants, DEC is offering licensed guide examinations online in 2024. Exam dates and application deadlines are:
• Feb. 23 - 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by Feb. 21, 2024.
• April 6 - In-person examinations will be offered at the New York State Outdoor Guides Association (NYSOGA) winter rendezvous meeting. Registration must be received by March 29, 2024.
• April 26 - 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by April 24, 2024.
• June 7 - 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by June 5, 2024.
• Sept. 13 - 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Registration must be received by Sept. 11, 2024.
Additional instructions and registration information about the exams can be found on the DEC Licensed Guide Program webpage.
To register visit https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/fish-wildlife-plant/licensed-guide-program
An outline of exam content and a study guide can be found on the DEC Licensed Guide Program webpage. The Fieldbook, a reference book published by the Boy Scouts of America, is also recommended, and can be found at a local library or bookstore.
