Do Your Wingshooting Guides Exhibit Proper Field Etiquette?

Written by Chad Weber, ORVIS Endorsed Guide at the Flying B Ranch

There are many facets to running a great hunting lodge, from elaborate lodging to delicious food, hard-flying birds and staunch dogs.  Another important facet is the guides and one critical aspect that is often overlooked is our guides’ etiquette.  A guide with great field etiquette can make all the difference in the world.  After 25+ years of professional guiding for numerous operations in different states, I helped compile a list of proper guide etiquette with fellow seasoned guide BJ Walle.  Each spring we use this list to teach future guides at our Orvis-endorsed Wingshooting Guide School at the Flying B Ranch in Kamiah, ID.  Here is a brief breakdown of that list:

• Language
  • There is a time and a place for profanity but with women and children along, that is not it.

• Topics of Conversation
  • Ask and you shall receive!  Ask clients about where they are from, their family, job, hunting experience, etc.
• Customer Service
  • “Thank you”, “yes sir” and “yes ma’am” can go a long way.
• Focus the Conversation on the Client
  • If you plant the seed most folks love to talk about themselves.
• Dress Code
  • Clean clothes, a good haircut and a shave always look professional.
• Equipment Appearance
  • A clean, organized truck can show your professionalism from a mile away.
• Dog Handling & Treatment
  • Nobody likes to see a guide lose their temper with a dog…so be subtle.
• Bird Handling
  • Again, a subtle dispatch.  Watching a guide twist a bird’s head off is no fun.
• Hunting/Ranch Knowledge
  • Knowing the wind, bird habits and how to hunt goes a long way to success.
• Leader in the Field
  • Communication, communication, communication!
• Time Management
  • Set the pace and everything will run smoothly.
• Health/Hydration
  • Knowing any client health conditions/complications can save a lot of headache.  Knowing how many they had the night before helps too!
• Terrain
  • Again, knowing clients’ health conditions and even their equipment can determine a good or bad day in the field.
• Safety in the Field
  • Safety is the #1 of them all.  Having a clay’s course gives a great glimpse into a clients’ abilities and gun handling skills.

In conclusion, reviewing this list with your guides can help elevate their field etiquette resulting in a smooth, safe and professional hunt.  After all, that is what we are all looking for!  If you are interested in learning more at our Orvis-Endorsed Guide School contact Flying B Ranch or call 1-800-472-1945.