Wilderness Courses

BACKCOUNTRY GUIDE SCHOOL

Our guide school is different from many others, the course is a 10-day course and offers students a basic skill-set to be used in the backcountry or the knowledge to continue in the guiding industry. The course is very intense and students will learn a lot of skills that can be applied to all areas in the backcountry. Whether your goal is to be a mountain hunting guide, trail guide or just obtain the knowledge of the backcountry this course will definitely be worth your time.

The course has been developed by Outfitter Vince Cocciolo. Vince has been in the Outfitting Industry for 22 years. He’s been fortunate to guide and hunt several places around the world. His knowledge of the backcountry and many years of owning and operating several guide outfitting territories in British Columbia and Alberta has lead him to construct a course that develops individuals understanding of the backcountry and obtaining the skills to pursue mountain guiding.  Vince has obtained a BSc in Environmental Science and a Diploma in Renewable Resource Management and Fish and Wildlife Technology. 

Dates: July 22nd – July 31st (10) days 

COST: $1895.00CDN per person 

$750.00 non-refundable deposit to book course limited spots available

The school will cover the following areas:

Industry Orientation and Standards

Mountain Guide – Equipment and Gear

Mountain Guide Paperwork 

Horseback Equipment / Care and Safety 

Horsemanship Skills – Handling Horse’s in the backcountry/ Horse Care / Basic Shoeing

Horseback Riding and Packing in the mountains

Horse Trailers – hookup – loading and unloading

Backcountry Survival Skills

Backcountry Safety: Bear Safety use of Bear Spray / Firearms

Backcountry Camp Operation

Backcountry basic cooking and menu planning

Backcountry Access – Locating Trails, Trail Building, Riding, Hiking

Power Tools / Maintenance and Safety: Chainsaws, Generators & Pumps

Firearms – Different Calibers, Horse’s and Firearms, Firearms Safety in the Field.

Wildlife – Locating Animals, Different Animal Behavior

Calling Wildlife – Specific to: Elk / Moose / Predator – lynx, bear, wolf

Mountain Camps – Knowing How to Set Up a Mountain Spike Camp

Guiding a Client: Client Management, Organization, Conduct, Maximizing Success.