Board of Outfitters

Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation in Montana, all Montana Department of Labor & Industry offices are closed to the public to protect the health and safety of our clients and staff.  Our services are available through remote delivery.  We are available to assist customers through our online public portal at EBIZ.MT.GOV/POL (Professional and Occupational Licenses) and EBIZ.MT.GOV (for Permits). For other services, please contact us via email at DLIBSDWEBHELP@MT.GOV or by phone (406) 841-2300.

Click here for information regarding Interstate Licensure Registration

Outfitting Activity During Covid19

Please read and follow the Governor’s directive and, if you have any questions regarding whether outfitting activity constitutes an “essential business” or whether outfitting falls within an exception to the directive, please contact your local health agency or the Governor’s office for further clarification. 

If you have questions following your review of the 2 orders and two directives linked below or believe your business should be categorized differently, or want further clarity, we recommend you call the Governor’s help line at 1-800-755-6672.

EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 2-2020

EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 3-2020

Directive Implementing Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 providing measures to stay at   home and designating certain essential functions

Directive Implementing Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 and providing mandatory quarantine for certain travelers arriving in Montana from another state or country

Welcome to the Montana Board of Outfitters

301 S. Park Ave

PO Box 200513

Helena, MT 59620-0513

FIRST AID REMINDER

New applicants for a guide license or outfitter license must have a current hands on first aid certification from a provider on the board's list of FIRST AID PROVIDERS, EXEMPTIONS, INDIVIDUAL COURSES

Only current guide and outfitter license holder may take an online course for certification. The course must be from the board's list of FIRST AID PROVIDERS, EXEMPTIONS, INDIVIDUAL COURSES

***A licensed Guide applying to become a licensed Outfitter must have current hands on first aid certification to obtain an outfitters license. Current online certification does not qualify for a new outfitters license or renewing a terminated license, regardless of prior proof of hands on first aid certification. Board Rule requires initial licensure to include current hands on certification for each license. ***

2018 Reported Private Land Usage: Licensed Hunting Outfitters in Montana Map

Renewal and Outfitter Client Logs due by December 31, 2019

Outfitter records shall be maintained on forms prescribed by the department and shall contain information as required by the board. The information required, in addition to information for operations plans under ARM 24.171.520 and employment records relative to outfitter assistants under ARM 24.171.410, shall include:

2019 Fishing and Hunting Logs in Excel format are available

The spread sheet is color coded. Blue indicates data required for reporting to the Montana Board of Outfitters and green indicates data that may be required by another agency depending on an outfitters operation plan.

Data maintained on this spread sheet can be easily queried and reported to the correct agency at the conclusion of the season. 

Temporary Outfitter Guide Watercraft Identification

Please access the new online license management system to request purchase and print temporary Watercraft Identification Decals 

Thank you for your interest in contacting the Montana Board of Outfitters.

For general questions and inquiries please email the board at:

DLIBSDHELP@MT.GOV

Or Call 406.841.2370

If you are already licensed, have applied for a license, are about to apply for a license, or are renewing your license from the Board of Outfitters:

Professional Licensing Customer Service:

(406) 444-6880

DLIBSDHELP@MT.GOV

If you have scope of practice questions or comments for the Board of Outfitters:

Steve Gallus, Executive Officer

(406) 841-2370

DLIBSDOUT@MT.GOV

If you have questions about continuing education:

(406) 444-5696

AUDIT@MT.GOV

If you have questions about filing a complaint against a licensee:

(406) 841-2312

DLIBSDCOMPLAINTS@MT.GOV

Mailing Address:

Board of Outfitters

PO Box 200513

Helena, MT 59620-0513

Physical Address:

Board of Outfitters

301 S. Park Avenue

4th Floor

Helena, MT 59620

There are certain meetings or parts (Screening Panel and Executive Session), which are closed to the public.

Board members are appointed by the Governor.
Members serve 3 year terms with no limit on the number of terms a member may serve.

Individual Board Members can be contacted by email at dlibsdout@mt.gov. In your message please specify which board member you would like to contact. For additional contact information and information on board member terms, please visit the Governor’s Office link for Board Members and Councils at http://boards.mt.gov.

Outfitter License Exam Dates are scheduled per applicant and proctored at a Montana Job Service Center of the applicant's choice. Applications must be submitted to the board and experience requirements must be met before exams will be scheduled.

Exam Study Material

General License with Hunting and Fishing Endorsement Study Manual

General License with Hunting Endorsement Study Manual

General License with Fishing Endorsement Study Manual

Packing Endorsement Study Manual

***Manuals are most compatible with Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and navigation of chapters and content via bookmarks is  recommended.***

For information on Outfitter exam and licensing contact:
Telephone:(406) 841-2300
E-mail: DLIBSDLicensingUnitC@mt.gov

Advanced Outfitter and Guide Training 2018

Wednesday - January 17, 2018 - Basement Conference Room
Class will begin at 9:00 A.M

Classes are held at 301 South Park Avenue, Helena MT 59601.  

Wednesday - April 18, 2018- Basement Conference Room
Class will begin at 9:00 A.M

Classes are held at 301 South Park Avenue, Helena MT 59601.

Wednesday - July 18, 2018- Basement Conference Room
Class will begin at 9:00 A.M

Classes are held at 301 South Park Avenue, Helena MT 59601.

Wednesday October 17, 2018-Large Conference Room 4th Floor

Classes are held at 301 South Park Avenue, Helena MT 59601.

Guides and outfitters currently licensed who have proven by board record to have previously taken a hands on first aid course - may re-certify their first aid from the board approved list of First Aid Providers, Exemptions, and Individual Courses. There are currently three board approved on line First Aid classes ProFirstAid.Com, AHA Heartsaver First Aid Course, and American Red Cross.

All first time applicants for guide and outfitter must hold and provide certification of a current hands on first aid certification from the list First Aid Providers, Exemptions, and Individual Courses. 

You may contact the board office with questions regarding first aid courses approved by the board at 406-841-2300.

Please use the following link for information concerning: First Aid Providers, Exemptions, and Individual Courses

Please visit https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/ to request additional or replacement watercraft identification decals. You can order, pay and print temporary decals by selecting License Updates within the amendment record found in Professional and Occupational Licensing. You will be required enter a user name and password. 

Greetings from the Montana Board of Outfitters. The department has launched an enhanced online system to assist outfitters in maintaining their license. In the past, licensees have had the ability to apply for licensure and renew their licenses online and scan and upload limited documents to accompany the renewal process.  Now, registered system users can report and update all information required by the board and pay for licenses and additional processes in a single financial transaction.   Users may use the system at any time throughout the license year, as it becomes necessary to report or update information to the board.  Features include: 

•  24-hour access to process land use registration and NCHU transfers
•  Automated notice of expiring first aid, insurance, or coast guard certificates
• Online purchase of watercraft identification decals and printing of temporary decals
• Online calculation of guide experience
• Online Logs with memory functions and multiple reports available for multiple purposes

IMPORTANT NOTE:   In order to convert to the new amendment record, each outfitter must register and enter their outfitter operations plans (legal descriptions of the operating area and proof of permissions) into the system by February 15, 2017. Updates on paper forms are accepted although it will be necessary to file your plan online for the automation and report options to work for your internal use. If you have any questions, please contact the Board office at (406) 841-2300.

Fiscal Years 2016-2017: Professional and Occupational Licensing Report

First Aid Certification News for Outfitters and Guides

Licensees who have proven by board record to have previously taken a hands on first aid course - may now utilize the following board approved on line First Aid classes at ProFirstAid.Com:

ProFirstAid
ProFirstAid Basic
ProFirstAid Advanced

All first time applicants must take and provide certification of a hands on first aid course approved by the board.  You may contact the board office with questions regarding first aid courses approved by the board at 406-841-2300.

The following outlines general licensing information. For specific information on filing an application, you will need to obtain the license application which includes a detailed listing of the requirements.

Licensing Requirements & Application Submission 

A. Application Fee: $1800.00 All Fees are Non-Refundable:

B. Experience Requirements:
Fishing outfitter applicants must have a minimum of three years and 120 days of verified experience as a licensed guide, guiding clients and using methods for pursuing fish, or equivalent experience as determined by the board. All other applicants must have 100 days of verified experience as a licensed guide, guiding clients in pursuing the types of game and using methods for which licensure is sought by the applicant, or equivalent experience as determined by the board.

C. Examination Information:

Outfitter License Exam Dates are scheduled per applicant and proctored at a Montana Job Service Center of the applicant's choice. Applications must be submitted to the board and experience requirements must be met before exams will be scheduled.

Exam Study Material

General License with Hunting and Fishing Endorsement Study Manual

General License with Hunting Endorsement Study Manual

General License with Fishing Endorsement Study Manual

Packing Endorsement Study Manual

***Manuals are most compatible with Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and navigation of chapters and content via bookmarks is  recommended.***

For information on Outfitter exam and licensing contact:
Telephone:(406) 841-2300
E-mail: DLIBSDLicensingUnitC@mt.gov

D. Renewal Period: The Renewal period begins on November 4 and ends on December 31. To renew your existing license online click here. To download a current renewal form click here

E. Renewal Fee: $210.00

F. Continuing Education Requirements: Licensees are required to have current first aid certification at all times.

G. Other Special License Requirements: Extensive public and private land use reporting is required as is reporting of client activity at renewal. Requires a detailed Operations Plan and minimum liability insurance coverages on file with the board for license issuance and at all times actively licensed.

H. Change of License Status: Outfitters may change license status by submitting the appropriate form click here. Outfitters may refer to ARM 24.171.512 INACTIVE LICENSE for more information.

All of the Statutes and Rules listed here are applicable to this board.

Statutes are laws passed by the Legislature. All changes in statutes must go through the legislative process and be passed into law before they become effective. Title 37, Chapter 1, Part 3 is the Uniform Regulatory Act passed by the Legislature in 1995. All professional and occupational licensing is covered in these statutes.

Administrative Rules pertaining to guiding and outfitting are written and adopted by the Board of Outfitters. The Board writes rules in order to administer the laws over which the Legislature has given the Board authority. Rules can be changed by going through the rule-making procedure. They do not go through the Legislative process. The Board of Outfitters continuously reviews rules to determine needed changes.

The Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) at this site contain what should be the same text as the official version published by the Office of the Secretary of State. There is a possibility, however, that the content may vary from the official version. In addition, the format has been changed for viewing on this web site. A copy of the official ARM in official format can be obtained from the ARM Bureau of the Office of the Secretary of State by emailing SOSARM@mt.gov  A web version of the ARM published by the Secretary of State can be viewed at Secretary of State's Administrative Rules of Montana.

• Chapter 171 - Board of Outfitters

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• Chapter 24 - Labor and Industry

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• Chapter 101 - Business Standards Division

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Click here to find rules notices older than one year at the Montana Secretary of State website.

• Title 2 Chapter 15 Part 17 - Board of Outfitters

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• Title 37 Chapter 47 - Outfitters and Guides

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General Forms

• Directions for Online Transfer of Net Client Hunting Use (NCHU)
• Client Report Logs: Fishing Client Log
• Client Report Logs: Hunting Client Log
• Client Report Logs: Multi Agency Fishing Log by Trip Example
• Outfitter Assistant
• Operation Plan
• Complaint Process Brochure
• Complaint Form
• Client Report Logs: Outfitter Hunting Log by Trip
• Change of License Status

Renewal Forms

• Outfitter Renewal Form
• Guide Renewal Form
• Outfitter Change of Status Form

License Application Forms

• Outfitter Application
• Guide Application

Continuing Education Forms

It is the policy, intent, and purpose of the Board of Outfitters to provide quality regulatory functions and services to the profession it regulates and the public in order to promote, maintain, and preserve an ever-improving high degree of competence in the profession, satisfaction in the public, and an everlasting environment in which the profession operates.

In order to meet its mission, the Board is charged with taking appropriate action for Unprofessional Conduct and Misconduct. You can learn more about the complaint process or file a complaint with the Board here.

Complaint Contact

The Department is charged with regulating professions and occupations for the protection of the public as a whole. Although the Department does not represent individuals filing complaints, the Department will review complaints in a timely manner to ensure a complaint is processed and that the Board will take appropriate action.

The length of time for resolution of a complaint is impossible to estimate due to the various complexities presented in individual complaints.

The following types of complaints may be filed:

• Unprofessional conduct by a licensee;
• Unprofessional conduct by a license applicant;
• Unlicensed practice of the profession or occupation.

If an individual is unsure of what constitutes unprofessional conduct and needs a description of the various types, reference to Montana statutes and rules will provide an answer. These are found at your local public library or at the appropriate board site on this web page.

Drop Off or Mail to:
"Name of the Board or Program the complaint pertains to"
Business Standards Division
301 South Park, 4th Floor
PO Box 200514
Helena, MT 59620-0514

Business Standards Division

This process is used for the Boards that are administered in the Business Standards Division. 
The various Programs administered in the Division use a similar process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Complaint Process

After a complaint has been filed against a licensed individual...

The Compliance Office will send a letter of acknowledgment to the person who filed the complaint (Complainant), and a letter requesting a response (with a copy of the complaint) to the licensee against whom the complaint was filed.

The Licensee may submit a written response addressing the complaint to the Compliance Office. The process continues whether or not a response is submitted. The Complainant is not entitled to a copy of the response.

The Compliance Office will notify the Licensee and Complainant regarding the date and time of any meeting during which the case will be discussed.

Complaints remain confidential unless a Notice of Proposed Board Action is issued, which is a public document along with all subsequent legal filings.

MEETINGS 
Closed Meeting - During a Closed Meeting only the Licensee, the Complainant, and/or attorneys for either can be in attendance. Minutes of Closed Meetings are not public documents.

Open Meeting - A public meeting which anyone can attend. The minutes of Open meetings are public documents and made available online via the specific Board’s webpage.
(Adjudication Panel meetings are usually open.)

Individuals may attend a meeting in person or by telephone. Please notify this office prior to the meeting if you plan to attend the meeting.

Screening Panel: A committee comprised of members of the Board. The Screening Panel’s function is to determine the preliminary action(s) to take on a complaint. Possible preliminary actions include dismissal, investigation, or a finding of Reasonable Cause.

The complaint and response (if any) are submitted to the Screening Panel members. The Screening Panel meeting is not a hearing, but rather a committee meeting to review and discuss the complaint and response to determine if disciplinary action is warranted.

DISMISSAL

If the Screening Panel dismisses a complaint, the complaint can be dismissed with or without prejudice (see definitions below).

Dismissal With Prejudice - The complaint is dismissed and cannot be considered by the Screening Panel in the future.

Dismissal Without Prejudice - The complaint is dismissed but may be considered by the Screening Panel in the future if there are ever allegations of a similar nature.

INVESTIGATION

Only a member of the Screening Panel can request an investigation of a complaint. If an investigation is requested by the Screening Panel, the case is assigned to an investigator who may request an interview with the Licensee, the Complainant, and/or other individuals. Upon completion of the investigation, a written report is submitted to the Screening Panel, which will then determine if there is Reasonable Cause to proceed with disciplinary action.

Reasonable Cause - A finding by the Screening Panel that evidence exists that a violation of statutes and rules has occurred which warrants proceeding with disciplinary action.

If Reasonable Cause is found, the Department Counsel issues a Notice of Proposed Board Action (Notice) to the Licensee. Once a Notice is issued, it is public information. A proposed Stipulation may be included with the Notice.

Notice - A legal document from the Department’s Legal Counsel which sets forth the Department’s factual assertions, the statutes or rules relied upon, and advising the licensee of the right to a hearing.

Stipulation - A tentative agreement for settlement of the case. A Stipulation is not finalized until approved by the Adjudication Panel. 

The Licensee may either sign the Stipulation or contest the proposed action by requesting an administrativeHearing (a legal process before a Hearing Examiner). If the Licensee wishes to request a hearing, written request must be received within twenty (20) days from receipt of the Notice. Failure to either sign a Stipulation or request a hearing within twenty (20) days may result in the issuing of a Final Order of Default against the licensee.

Default - the licensee’s acceptance of the disciplinary action demonstrated by failing to participate in the process

Adjudication Panel - A committee comprised of members of the Board who are  NOT on the Screening Panel. The Adjudication Panel determines the final outcome of a case.

The Adjudication Panel reviews the record to determine appropriate sanctions. A Final Order is issued by the Adjudication Panel, completing the complaint process.

Current license status and information regarding disciplinary action(s) against
a licensee can be accessed online at:
https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/

Department of Labor & Industry - Business Standards Division

PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513

When a complaint or other information is received alleging possible unlicensed practice...

• (If the allegation is not made in the form of a formal written complaint, a complaint form is completed by the Department and a complaint number is assigned.)
• A copy of the complaint and a request for a written response are mailed to the person against whom the complaint was filed (Respondent).
• A written acknowledgment that the complaint has been received is mailed to the person who filed the complaint (Complainant)
• The respondent may submit a letter of response to the complaint. If a written response is not submitted, the complaint process continues without a response.
• The complainant and the respondent are sent written notification of the date, time, and location of any meeting at which the complaint will be discussed.

The Board Meeting

• Unlicensed Practice complaints are addressed by the Full Board in executive session (meaning closed to the public). Board meetings are open to the public unless the chairperson determines an individual’s right to privacy outweighs the public’s right to know. If so, that portion of the meeting will be closed to the public (only the respondent, complainant, and legal counsel for each (if any) may be present).
• The complaint and response (if any) are provided to the board members prior to an upcoming board meeting for their review. The board meeting is not a hearing, but rather a meeting at which the information provided is considered and discussed by the board.

DISMISSAL

• If the board dismisses a complaint, the complaint can be dismissed with or without prejudice.
• Dismissal With Prejudice-The complaint is dismissed and cannot be considered in the future.
• Dismissal Without Prejudice-The complaint is dismissed but may be considered by the board in the future if there are ever allegations of a similar nature.

INVESTIGATION

• The board can request an investigator be assigned to gather additional information surrounding the allegations made in the complaint. This may involve interviews with the respondent, the complainant, and possible witnesses.
• After the investigation has been completed, an investigative report is prepared and presented to the board for consideration at a subsequent meeting.
• Following the board’s review of the investigative report, a determination is made to either dismiss the complaint or take action in the form of a Cease and Desist or an Injunction.

CEASE & DESIST / INJUNCTION

• The board may issue a Cease & Desist or seek an Injunction.
• Cease & Desist–A letter from the administrative agency prohibiting a person or business from doing or continuing to do a certain activity.
• Injunction-A writ granted by a court prohibiting a person or business from doing or continuing to do a certain activity.

For more information, contact DLI Business Standards Division at 406-841-2300

License Verification Request

There are THREE types of Licensure Verification Requests:

1). Licensees for any profession can be verified by using LicenseLookup.mt.gov.
This website provides real-time connectivity to the Business Standards Licensing Database.  There is no charge for this service.

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2). An individual may request licensure information directly from the board or program email link. The email should include first and last name, address, city, state, license number and any other type of identifying information. There is no charge for this service.

A response should occur within 3 days of receipt.

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3). To request an official Montana license verification be sent to another state licensing board, jurisdiction or individual for license confirmation status in the State of Montana. The fee for this is $20.00 per verification requested.

Once the fee and official license verification form are received, the request will be processed and mailed within 5 days.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Montana Department of State Lands
Montana Natural Resource Information System

US Fish and Wildlife Service
US Forest Service - Northern Region

Montana Outfitters and Guides Association