Introduction

The JobStart/Future Skills Sector Partnerships Program of Saskatchewan Learning (formerly Saskatchewan Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training) enabled a sector study of the outfitting industry in Saskatchewan. This industry profile is based on that study, published in 2000.

The outfitting industry established a partnership of industry members and key stakeholders through funding and support from the Sector Partnerships Program. These partners worked together to carry out a study that identified current and future hiring needs and training requirements.

Strategic planning enables industry and training providers to work together to provide training opportunities that match the skills the industry requires.

For more information about the Sector Partnership Report and this industry visit the Executive Summary. You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file.

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Saskatchewan Overview

• The outfitting industry consists mostly of small owner-operated businesses that provide equipment, guides and accommodations for hunting, angling and touring throughout the province.
  
• The three areas within the industry are fishing, game birds and big game.
  
• Outfitting is part of the Saskatchewan tourism industry. It is the largest single source of export dollars in the industry.
  
• The direct income from the industry is about $80 million annually.
  
• In 1996, the economic contribution of outfitting in Saskatchewan was estimated to be $90 to $100 million in gross economic impact for mostly rural and small community economies.
  
• There are about 550 registered outfitters in Saskatchewan.
  
• The outfitting industry provides the equivalent of about 1,000 full-time jobs each year. It also creates a significant amount of indirect employment in support service industries such as motels, restaurants, food processing and taxidermy.
  
• One-third of the northern work force is employed by the outfitting industry, mostly on a seasonal basis.
  
• An estimated $32 million is spent by Saskatchewan outfitters for employment, accommodations, food services, supplies and equipment.
  
• Outfitters have an interest in the sustained management of Saskatchewan’s natural environment and have been leaders in this area.
  
• Providing a quality service and experience is critical to competing in a world market which includes other areas of Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Russia and South Africa.
  
• Quality standards of accommodation, equipment, guide expertise, overall operation and business ethics are vital to future success of the industry.
  

Who works in the industry?

• Of the 550 licensed outfitters in Saskatchewan, about 8 to 10% (40 to 50 operations) are First Nations or Métis.
  
• In some areas of the province, such as the northwest, many people in the outfitting industry are also involved in other occupations. Outfitting is often a secondary source of income.
  
  

Saskatchewan Trends

• There is a trend toward improving industry standards and competitiveness. Standards and certification for such areas as fresh water angling guide and hunting guide have been introduced.
  
• A growing number of outfitting operations are owned and/or managed by Métis and First Nations people.
  
• Saskatchewan's hunting and fishing provide the province with a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

Related Jobs

Outfitters (NOC number 644) work as hunting, angling and outdoor touring guides.

You’ll find a relevant occupational description in Saskatchewan Job Futures with more information about the occupation, including education and training requirements, work duties, wage information and employment trends.

You can also consult the National Occupational Classification description for more information.

 

Where the Jobs Are

Outfitting occurs in all areas of the province. Big game and bird outfitting are more common in southern Saskatchewan. Angling outfitting is more common in the north. Some operations can be accessed by vehicle; others are more remote, fly-in operations.

Some areas where outfitting operations are located include: Prince Albert, Swift Current, Tisdale, Wadena, Buffalo Narrows, Dillon, La Loche, Beauval, Green Lake, Meadow Lake, and Spiritwood.

Skills and Training

Presently no training is required for entry into the outfitting industry. No training programs exist in the province.

In 1997-1998, standards and a certification process were developed for both freshwater angling guide and hunting guide.

Visit the Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council page on standards and certifications to find out what prerequisites and work experience are required for certification as a freshwater angling guide or hunting guide.

The Saskatchewan Outfitters Association has also developed an Outfitter Orientation Program for people interested in entering the industry.

Skills and knowledge that workers in the industry need include:

Knowledge of the industry Professional approach Doing a feasibility study Developing a business plan Developing and using business tools Managing finances Accessing funding Preparing and using a budget Complying with legislation and regulations

Preparing a marketing plan Using marketing tools Selling the product Managing resources Evaluating marketing activities Overseeing operations Customer service Hiring, training and supervising staff Implementing a public relations strategy Developing a human resource plan

The Future

As part of developing standards for the outfitting industry, a "Prior Learning Assessment" process has been suggested. The process would provide a way of assessing knowledge and skills that outfitters have learned through non-formal education and experience.

Related Information

Visit the following Web sites for more information on the outfitting industry:

Saskatchewan Outfitters Association
Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council

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