I don't talk about going hunting, but being aware about the rules and regulations of wildlife in our area or being able to recognize this animals tracks we can see on the ground all around us. As a wilderness guide, guests expect you to know everything, especially during a wildlife viewing adventure, but also even just in any trip where wildlife is all around us. What is the difference between a Black Bear and a Grizzly Bear? In which area can we see Mountain Goat or Bighorn Sheep? Which kind of predator can we encounter and how can we avoid them? What is the name of this bird? How many fish can we catch...??? I now have the answer to all those questions.
In another side there is hunting and it is important to know about conservation before you go outside. For some people, hunters reflect a bad image, but they are part of the Conservation of Wildlife. Some population of species are growing and extending their territory. Rules and regulations have been made to help regulate this phenomenon on. This course is all about fair hunt and explains what we can hunt or not. For example, it is illegal to hunt a female with kids or to hunt male under age or a species in certain area. I learnt everything about animals I see everyday and for what guests come to see at the ranch.
I have to admit, to study for this exam has been a long process and it took me a couple of months between pack trips, life at the ranch and free time activities, but I realized that I already knew a lot just living here for a while. I didn't just learn about how to recognize this or that animal, but I learned about the Conservation, protection and safety of the environment and every species who are living around and with us. It shows me another side of hunting and made me see the right way to do it.