Outfitting and Guiding
Outfitting and Guiding
If you plan to provide outfitted and guided activities, including but not limited to, hiking, backpacking, climbing, fishing, hunting, skiing, rafting, camping, yoga, Off Road Tours, RV delivery, Campsite Set-up, photography and painting courses, and horseback riding, you must apply for a special use permit.
If you would like to apply for a special use permit, or renew your expiring special use permit, you must submit the following to the Recreation Permit Administrator, in one email SM.FS.R3ASRecPrmit@usda.gov, by the deadline. Please call district office of interest to get further instruction.
Application Deadlines
All proposals must be submitted for consideration before the dates listed. Proposals submitted after these deadlines will not be processed until the next calendar year.
Applications deadlines are annually due as follows:
- Outfitter/Guide Hunting – October 1 – November 30
- Outfitter/Guide Non-Hunting applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the proposed beginning of the activity. If new proposals require NEPA clearance, it may take substantially longer to approve a proposal and issue a permit for a new use
Outfitter Guide: Proposal
Hunting Outfitter-Guides
| Document | Due by |
|---|---|
| Outfitter and guide application | New Temporary permits or Reissue of existing permits in good standing: November 30 |
| Certificate of insurance: a current, valid certificate of insurance listing the US Government as an additional insured. | Before issuance, then non-expired copy on file always |
| Operating plan: including detailed maps of the locations you will use and the activities you propose. | November 30 updates due annually by start of hunting season |
Outfitter-Guides for All Other Activities (Non-Hunting)
| Document | Due by |
|---|---|
| Outfitter and guide application | 90 or more days prior to desired start of business on forest (may take substantially longer to issue permits if clearances are required) |
| Certificate of insurance: a current, valid certificate of insurance listing the US Government as an additional insured. | Upon issuance, then non-expired copy on file always |
| Operating plan: including detailed maps of the locations you will use and the activities you propose. | Submit with application |
Outfitter Guide: Valid Permit Holder's Annual Documentation
Current outfitter guide permit holders must complete the following annual paperwork requirements and submit the documents to the Recreation Permit Administrator, in one email, by the following deadlines:
All Outfitter-Guide Required Annual Documentation
| Document | Due by |
|---|---|
| Certificate of insurance: a current, valid certificate of insurance listing the US Government as an additional insured. | Prior to issuance, then non-expired copy on file always |
| Actual use report: available in either fillable pdf or excel. | Annually by January 31 |
| Operating plan: including detailed maps of the locations to be used. | Annually by January 31 |
Inspections
The Forest Service has the right, and the responsibility, to inspect the operations of outfitters and guides. Outfitters and guides are required to comply with impromptu field inspections, and to respond to any requests made by Forest Service employees to schedule field inspections. Failure to respond or comply may constitute non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit.
Trip Itineraries
Throughout the year you must submit a trip itinerary form 48 hours in advance for any guided hunting trips, or 24 hours in advance for any other guided activities.
Guide and Vehicle Information
Your operating plans should have complete and accurate information on guides and vehicles before you submit them. If you need to add guides or vehicles at a later date, you must complete the add-on form and send it to the Permit Administrator at least 48 hours in advance of using that guide or vehicle for commercial purposes.
Note, the approval of addition of guides or vehicles is at the authorized officer's discretion.