Guide License

General Information

“Guide” means any person who is engaged in the business of packing or guiding, or who, for compensation, assists another person in taking or attempting to take any bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, or reptile. “Guide” also includes any person who, for profit, transports other persons, their equipment, or both to or from hunting or fishing areas.

Applications and Forms

Fees

Valid February 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025

Entitlements Fee Description
Guide License, Resident $283.75 Any resident who engages in the business of guiding or packing, or who acts as a guide for any consideration or compensation at all, must first secure a guide license from the Department.
Guide License, Nonresident $651.75 Any nonresident who engages in the business of guiding or packing, or who acts as a guide for any consideration or compensation at all, must first secure a guide license from the Department.
Guide Employee Registration $62.32 Any employee of a guide licensee who acts as a guide only in connection with, and within the scope of their employment by a guide licensee is exempt from obtaining a guide license if all of the following conditions are met: (1) If the employment is subject to and the person is reported to the carrier of the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. (2) If the person is subject and reported to the state and federal taxing authorities for withholding of income tax. (3) If the person is registered by the Department, as an employee of the guide prior to any contact with any person being guided and a registration fee has been paid.

License and Revenue Branch
P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090 | Sales Offices
(916) 928-5805 | LRB@wildlife.ca.gov