• Refer to books to identify fish species, flora and fauna. (2)
• Read industry magazines to promote their professional development. (2)
• Read training materials to learn new skills and knowledge. (2)
• Read provincial angling guides to increase knowledge of local areas. (2)
• Search equipment manuals (e.g., motor) to follow manufacturers' instructions and troubleshoot mechanical problems. (3)
• Interpret legislation and regulations to comply with provincial (e.g., licensing, angling) and federal (e.g., Fisheries Act, Canada Customs) requirements. (3)

• Refer to pictures in angling guides and books to learn about local species of fish. (2)
• Issue fishing licences to comply with legal requirements. (2)
• Read tables in government reports to obtain conservation data such as creel counts and fish counts. (3)
• Complete accident report forms to document incidents as required for legal or insurance purposes. (3)

• Write supplies and equipment check lists to prepare for trips. (1)
• Write notes to remember ideas and comments. (1)
• Record data in government surveys to provide conservation information. (2)

• Handle cash and make change. (1)
• Exchange between Canadian and American currencies for American clients. (2)

• Plan trip schedules to establish times for departure, travel, fishing activities, meals and return. (3)

• Measure the length and girth of fish and calculate their weights using a formula. (2)
• Convert from metric to imperial measurement systems (e.g., kilograms to pounds) and vice versa to accommodate the information needs of American clients. (2)

• Calculate average weight and fish size. (2)

• Estimate the weight of a fish by sight. (1)
• Estimate the length of time required to travel between two points on the water, considering factors such as weather conditions and the weight of the water craft. (2)

• Interact with clients to provide information during pre-trip and post-trip meetings. (1)
• Interact with co-workers (e.g., other guides) to collaborate in planning and operating trips. (1)
• Interact with suppliers to purchase goods and exchange information on products. (1)
• Interact with other resource users such as hunters and local residents to exchange information about local conditions. (1)
• Interact with clients to provide instruction on conservation techniques and safety procedures. (2)
• Interact with clients to develop rapport by responding to their expectations, needs and limitations. (2)
• Interact with clients to share stories and knowledge of the area (e.g., history, fishing information, flora). (3)

• A client makes a complaint. Freshwater angling guides must clarify the nature of the problem, and identify potential solutions in consultation with the client. (2)
• The motor breaks down and the group is far from camp. Freshwater angling guides use their mechanical skills and knowledge to identify the cause of the problem and fix it as quickly as possible. (2)
• There are no fish to be found in a bay where they are usually plentiful. Freshwater angling guides have to find fish while maintaining the group's energy and enthusiasm. Freshwater angling guides use their experience, knowledge of the area and fish finders to locate fish stocks, moving to new locations as required. (2)
• A medical emergency arises when a client is injured. Freshwater angling guides assess the situation and develop possible contingency plans, considering resources available (e.g., radio, signalling equipment). They choose the best course of action and communicate this to clients, delegating tasks as required. Freshwater angling guides document the emergency and steps taken as soon as possible and contact the appropriate authorities. (3)

• Make decisions about client and personal safety to minimize the risk of accidents. (2)
• Make decisions about trip logistics such as where to go and how long to stay. (2)
• Decide what section of the water to fish in when other water craft are present. They use knowledge, experience and judgement to make decisions and assess the results. (3)

Critical Thinking information was not collected for this profile.

Freshwater angling guides have some variety in their work activities but within routines for their pre-trip, guiding and post-trip duties. Their work priorities are determined by employers, client expectations and legislative requirements. There are recurring disruptions (e.g., fish population, poor weather) that require them to adjust daily schedules. They order tasks for efficiency. The work plan of freshwater angling guides is only somewhat integrated with that of others as they work alone or independently most of the time. (3)

• Recall the names and faces of clients and any special requests they have made.
• Recall prior mechanical breakdowns when solving current problems.
• Memorize regulations, and any annual changes, to comply with provincial (e.g., licensing, angling) and federal (e.g., Fisheries Act, customs) requirements.

• Speak with area residents and observe other anglers to find out where the fish are. (2)

• Use computer-controlled equipment. For example, they use fish finders. (1)

Freshwater angling guides mostly work independently or alone when preparing for trips and guiding clients. They may work with a partner or as part of a team occasionally. Freshwater angling guides participate in formal pre-trip and post-trip discussions with their outfitters/employers and co-workers to discuss methods for improving work processes, product quality, allocation of responsibilities or goals.

Freshwater angling guides continue to improve their skills and knowledge such as learning more about the history of an area.

• Read posted notices to understand restrictions on land. (1)
• Scan trade publications to acquire information on industry trends and issues. (2)
• Refer to repair manuals to troubleshoot equipment failures. (2)
• Read books and manuals to acquire hunting knowledge. Read to find information about firearms and ammunition, types of bows, or standards for trophy quality. (3)
• Read government legislation and regulations in order to comply with them. For example, they read provincial regulations regarding health and safety and hunting licenses, or read federal legislation regarding the transportation of firearms and the trading in parts from endangered species. (3)

• Interpret signs to obtain information on directions and cautions. (1)
• Read labels, such as "two-cycle motor oil". (1)
• Review clients' hunting licences and game tags to ensure that they are current and appropriate. (2)
• Interpret topographical maps, and by using a compass and the global positioning system (GPS), determine locations and destinations. (2)
• Interpret graphs and trajectory maps and tables to ensure the safe use of firearms and ammunition. (3)
• Complete hunt reports. (3)

• May write supplies and equipment check lists to prepare for hunting trips. (1)
• May write notes to outfitters to share information prior to departure. (1)
• May keep a log to record information such as game taken, game violations observed and reminders (e.g., supplies required) and prepare hunting report forms. (2)
• May write accident reports to record the details of accidents or deaths and submit to the appropriate outfitter and local authorities. (2)

• Plan trip schedules to establish times for departure, travel, hunting activities, meals and return. (2)
• Adjust trip schedules to accommodate unforeseen circumstances, such as poor weather, mechanical breakdowns and accidents. (3)

• Use scales to weigh animals. (1)
• Use a tape measure, such as to measure trophies. (1)
• Convert from metric to imperial measurements systems (e.g., kilograms to pounds) and vice versa to accommodate the information needs of American clients. (2)

• Estimate distances to targets. (1)

• Interact with pilots to follow guidelines for loading and boarding aircraft. (1)
• Interact with enforcement officers and government officials. (1)
• Interact with outfitters/employers to confirm trip details, obtain information about clients and arrange communication systems. (2)
• Interact with co-workers such as other guides or camp cooks to collaborate in planning and operating trips. (2)
• Interact with clients at pre-trip meetings to provide orientation information. This includes a discussion of the role of the outfitter and guide in controlling hunt activities, setting hunting guidelines, and organizing the schedule. (2)
• Interact with clients to determine their learning needs and deliver instruction in the areas of gun safety, game identification and marksmanship. (2)
• Interact with clients to share expertise about animal tracking and impart knowledge about the area's culture and topography. (3)
• Interact with other resource users such as trappers, commercial fishermen, and representatives of the anti-hunting movement to resolve conflicts. (3)

• The weather forecast calls for heavy rain and fog. Hunting guides assess the consequences in terms of safety and client comfort. They make schedule changes and plan alternate activities, communicating with clients to keep them informed. (1)
• A client speaks only German and the hunting guide speaks only English. Communication is essential in ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Hunting guides use other methods to communicate such as gestures and sign language, translations of legislation and language dictionaries. They verify that intended messages were received by monitoring the client's performance. (2)
• The vehicle breaks down in a remote area. Hunting guides use their mechanical skills and knowledge to identify the cause of the problem. They improvise and rig parts from available resources to provide temporary solutions. Clients' expectations create pressure to resolve mechanical problems as quickly as possible. (3)
• A client is unaware of potential danger when confronted by a bear with its cub. Hunting guides use their knowledge of animal behaviour to calmly tell the client exactly what to do. They prepare to protect the client should it become necessary. When the danger has passed hunting guides use the incident to instruct the client and others in the group on how to avoid dangerous situations with wildlife. (3)

• Make decisions about planned hunting activities based on an assessment of the weather conditions. (1)
• Make decisions about client safety and comfort, considering their physical and emotional needs. (2)
• Make decisions about preventing emergency situations from occurring. (2)
• Make decisions about scheduling and logistics such as where to go and when to start and stop. (3)

Critical Thinking information was not collected for this profile.

Hunting guides have some variety in their work activities but within routines for their pre-trip, guiding and post-trip duties. Their work priorities are determined by employers, client expectations and legislative requirements. They pre-plan trips to establish daily schedules and organize and pack equipment and supplies. There are recurring disruptions (e.g., herd shifts, poor weather) that require them to adjust daily schedules. They order tasks for efficiency. The work plan of hunting guides is only somewhat integrated with that of others as they work alone most of the time. (3)

• Recall the names and faces of clients and their special needs and recall weather reports to monitor conditions and make scheduling adjustments.
• Recall the circumstances of prior mechanical breakdowns to solve current problems.
• Recall information about the terrain to assist in navigation and memorize regulations, and any annual changes, to comply with provincial (e.g., licensing), federal (e.g., transporting firearms) and international (e.g., Conventions International Treaty of Endangered Species) requirements.

• Refer to field guides to identify unfamiliar tracks and droppings. (2)
• Speak with experienced individuals such as other guides and local residents to learn about new hunting areas. (2)
• Pre-scout new hunting areas to gain first-hand experience of the area's terrain. (3)

• Use computer-controlled equipment. For example, they use global positioning systems (GPS). (1)

Hunting guides work alone most of the time when preparing for and leading hunting trips. They are an integral part of the outfitter's/employer's team working together to provide high-quality service. They always work independently, co-ordinating their work with the work of others (e.g., other resource users) as needed. Hunting guides occasionally may work with a partner.

Hunting guides continue to learn in order to improve their skills (e.g., hunting techniques) and their knowledge (e.g., terrain of a new area).