Making the pages of Guns and Ammo magazine is not what makes a good guide - although, in my opinion, it is a great start. According to British Columbia Hunting Guide, Mike Hawkridge, the mark of a great guide is all about an attitude and work effort that is inspired by the saying, "Die first - then quit!".
"DFTQ" is an acronym that resonates with many of Mike's big game clients who choose Big Country Outfitters to create awe-inspiring hunting adventures. In communicating with Mike about his guiding school (Big Country Guide School) and his outfitting business, it became quite evident to me that he was very passionate about what he does in British Columbia.
I asked Mike a series of questions that, I felt, would help introduce him to potential big game hunters in Ontario and to also share some information about his guiding school. It is the kind of school where the class rooms have large rooms with mountain walls. The kind of school where the outdoorsman or woman could learn to leave their mark.
1. What things have contributed to developing your love for the outdoors and/or guiding?
I grew up very remote, in fact we cut our place right out of the trees. We never had hydro, indoor plumbing, running water, or any of the conveniences that most folks have. The wilderness was our play ground and learning about the wildlife was important. Hunting was how we supplied our family with food. The guiding, I found years later. For me, being in the outdoors is extremely natural and comforting.
2. What has been your most memorable guiding experience and why?
Sharing my most memorable guiding experience is a hard one. After so many years, I could write a book about my adventures. Let’s see, one of my most memorable hunts would have to be a father son hunt I guided a couple of years back. Their hunt followed a high-end industry hunt with some writers, and I know they were concerned that maybe they were just simply a fill in, end-of-the-season hunt. I assured them that each and every one of my clients are important to me. After some bad weather and many miles on the back of a horse, the end of the hunt found both father and son with book Mountain Goats and a wolf a piece. They had saved for a once in a lifetime hunt. I feel it was money well spent.
3. How might an angler or hunter benefit from guiding school?
Although, my school is leaned towards those looking at entering the guide industry, this course could be of a huge benefit for those that spend time in the outdoors and would like to have an edge. I touch on everything outdoors, this knowledge and experience is the kind of stuff that adults used to pass down to their young ones. Remember a time when Grandpa could tell tales and teach from his lifetime of experience!? This course will have folks spending more time in the outdoors and, then, sharing their experiences with others.
4. What personal characteristics or traits tend to be prevalent in excellent guides?
There is a whole list of characteristics that help to make up a good guide. The most important one, to me, is the “never give up” attitude. I myself was honored to be asked to use the sign off “DFTQ”. It was used by U.S. Marines under the command of Mr. Craig Boddington. After we shared some time together hunting in the mountains, he asked me if I would consider using the phrase. I was, and still am, deeply honored. I simply do not give up….never stop trying…..to me that attitude means a lot.
5. What do you feel makes your guiding school stand-out from others?
The reason our school is different is that we cover everything needed to become an entry level guide. I started this course because of my interests in having educated guides running around the hills. Money was not my driving force, unlike some of the schools currently running. Our focus is to teach guides all aspects of becoming Top Notch. If one of our students happens to be sharing a hunting camp with a guide trained at another school, we would expect that our trained guide would be the captain of the team.
