Guide School and OUtdoor Professional Training

Thanks for your interest in our Guide School and Outdoor Professional Training. This page  provides you the most current scheduling and information.

Email us at guideschool@russellpond.com

The first 4-week session for next Spring is slated for the weeks of May 19^th  2019 through the 16^th of June 2019.  Apprenticeships may be scheduled for qualified students on flexible schedules for summer 2019. There are currently 3 available spots for either of these programs. Several folks are interested but it will fill as first-come first serve. Because the demand for this course has been intense, we established a 4 week winter session to begin December 1st   through the 31st  of December 2018. This 4-week course will cover both wolf and lion hunting activities and offer students a very intense and varied learning experience. A 2-week packing course in the spring is recommended to complete the overall training with this late session 4-week course. There are only 2 spots open for this session so if you have interest in these dates please contact us right away. There will be a winter 2-week session in December 2018 and January 2019.  There is some flexibility with start dates call immediately to request a date and reserve a spot. Only 2 spots will be available per winter session.

We have enclosed a very basic enrollment form with this letter. There is also a gear to bring list that can be fine-tuned somewhat to your personal style and season of enrollment, of course.  Because of the limited enrollment and the hands on nature of the course of study, you will be spending a great deal of time in one on one situations with Joe, the other instructors and licensed guides. By keeping the number of students low we are more able to provide the specific intense focus areas folks with goals of professional guiding seek.

Students should anticipate being in the woods most of their stay with us. We will however provide time for you to do some laundry and you will be able to quickly shop for things that you discover you are lacking and must have.

If this program is for you, please give us a call with your intentions. Then, please fill out the application and sign and return to us as soon as possible. Include the course reservation deposit of $1000.00 at that time. Before sending in your application, take some time to think about what you are looking forward to as well as sharing some of your strengths and weaknesses with us so we may best tailor your training. You may want to give us a brief summary with the application so you can reserve your spot right away and then take some time to write to us regarding these subjects with greater depth.

The total Tuition payment ($3000 for the 4 week class $1900.00 for the 2 week winter class) is normally due in full 30 days prior to your scheduled arrival. Payment arrangements can be made, call us and we will be happy to plan your education so you can best afford it.

Give us a call ASAP to plan your future. To begin, please review the gear list and additional further information. If you choose to enroll, we will be in contact with you for specific directions to camp as the weather and road conditions progress.

If you have any questions, would like to clarify or gain more detailed information. Please, do not hesitate to call or e-mail us back ASAP. Thanks again for your interest in pursuing your education in the Outdoor Professional Industry with Joe Cabral's - Russell Pond & B bar C Outfitters.

Best Regards,

Joe & Inga Cabral
Russell Pond & B bar C Outfitters
208 245 2458 or 1 866 552 2038

Gear to bring:

• Sleeping Bag, fairly warm to very warm for winter sessions and very packable, we like down or good holofil
• 2 pair Boots, Water proof with good ankle support and tread over the ankle. Not too wide, not too insulated. Ideally both pair should be suitable for use in stirrups. You may want to bring a pair of rubber slip on boots for serious mud days. You may want a pair of camp shoes too. Winter students may want a warmer pair
• Knife, fixed blade with sheath preferred, a decent all around skinner that can be resharpened, you can hold off on a sharpening system but if you want one get a Lansky or Gatco. You will be trained in the use of this system.
• Rain Gear (head to toe), Camo is ok, quiet type preferred and a rubber type slicker in addition might be a good idea. IT WILL RAIN, and snow in the winter- generally quite a bit.
• Gloves, Ropes and handles are tough on the hands a leather pair for dexterity and a more padded pair for general dirty work.  A waterproof warm pair is essential for winter sessions.
• 5 changes of clothes, jeans or cargo type hunting pants ok, In decent repair (to start out). T-shirts (in good taste!), flannels, button downs. under garments and at least double up on socks, have a few pair of heavier socks as well. A few bandanas are a good idea
• Hat with brim, You should have a light colored western style hat with brim for summer and a very warm hat with ear flaps in winter as well, you will be provided with a ball style cap
• 2 sets of Long Johns mid to light weight depending on time of year you will join us.
• 2 compasses one hand held decent Silva Brunton or the like, one pin on ball type.
• Medium weight jacket, wool is nice as is a wool shirt jacket. Jacket should be water proof or at least resistant.
• Leatherman or similar multifunction tool, with pouch to wear on belt.
• Flashlight small with belt sheath is nice. Some folks like the head lamp style too - Many extra batteries.
• Belt to keep all your sheathed goods on.
• Personal first aid and hygiene kit, any medications and personal care items you need, consider your past experiences use small containers and a sturdy zippered bag to keep your kit together. A sample might include; Imodium, Motrin, MOLESKIN, band-aids, pepto, Tums, sunscreen, extra glasses, insect repellent, LIP BALM, prescription sting kit if you have EVER HAD ANAPHYLAXIS. Unscented baby wipes are a very nice addition to any back country experience. Shampoo, razors, tooth brush, etc. Bring your deodorant, but leave the cologne home.
• 2 towels for showering
• 2 bic lighters (non child resistant preferred)
• Camera, this can be disposable, 35 mm digital or whatever you like make it small and able to withstand abuse
• Wristwatch
• Motorola FRS type hand held radio, for field contact
• Travel alarm clock
• Binoculars need not be too costly but functional and clear.
• Daypack, not over the height or your head, keep it small. You might want a fanny pack too. Remember the smaller the pack the less weight you must lug around.
• Water bottle with filter a couple without are a good idea too.
• Fishing Equipment not mandatory but if you have your own gear its nice to have it along. Rod, waders, vest.
• Course supplies: Several pens, pencils, a blank personal journal with firm cover 9" x 6" or smaller works well, 1 or 2 notebooks also 9 x 6. Pocket notepad for daily hands on notes. You will be given other material as introduced. Please bring some envelopes and stamps along with writing paper so you can keep in contact with your family, a small address book might be handy too.
• Duffel type bags to transport gear, We like Army type.

Winter Specific Gear:

·         Gaitors for snow to the knee for deep powder hiking

·         Goggles for snowmobiling

·         Warm gloves waterproof a must

·         Warm Hat with ear flaps or face mask

·         Snowmobile outfit a cold resistant waterproof outer layer

Other gear may be brought but will not be necessary it might include:

• Calling Card to make contact when near a phone
• Space Blanket small for your pack
• GPS
• Small sketch pad - if your artistically inclined
• Rangefinder
• Riding helmet – its your brain.
• Cow call maybe a bugle if you have one, don't run out and get a bunch however, these are strictly for instructional purpose.

Students enrolled in the June-July class will want lighter weight clothing but do not forego the warm gear entirely. The coldest nights follow some of the warmest days. Winter students will need more layers.