Attached is the new Commercial Guide License application.  New regulation changes regarding this license go into effect January 1, 2012.

The changes include:

• Require documentation of Hunter Education Certification for all hunting guides.  KDFWR will allow the Hunter Education Exemption the first year.  This exemption can be accessed on the website http://fw.ky.gov/navigation.aspx?cid=642&navpath=C145 for a cost of $5.00.  This will allow the guide or helper a full year to obtain the Hunter Education class.  You will need to be fully certified by 2010.

• Require documentation of Boater Education Certification for all guides utilizing a boat.  As with Hunter Education, guides who have not yet completed the course may log onto our website at http://www.boat-ed.com/ky/index.htm and complete the “Safe Boating Certification” online course for a cost of $24.50.  (This fee does not go to KDFWR)

• Require documentation of a criminal records check through Kentucky State Police (KSP).  To obtain a Background Check Release Authorization Form, please contact the KSP Name Search Section at 502-227-8700, Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. E.S.T.  There is a $20 fee charged for each background check.  The completed authorization form and accompanying fee must be submitted in person or by mail.  Please advise the KSP that the background check is for a Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commercial Guide’s License.

• Require CPR and First Aid certifications

• A signed affidavit (All applicants) from two (2) separate character references documenting the applicants moral character, physical condition, and the applicants experience in the field which they are guiding. Exception – A guide who has possessed a guide license for three (3) consecutive years shall not be required to submit the two (2) affidavits.

A commercial guide applicant who possesses a valid United States Coast Guard Captain’s License (“six pack”) and will guide on a United States Coast Guard regulated waterway may submit a copy of this license in lieu of the boater education course, CPR and First Aid certification.

A commercial guide may now utilize helpers provided they are under the direct supervision of the commercial guide.  A fishing guide helper shall have in possession all necessary fishing licenses and permits and be accompanied in the boat by a commercial guide.  A hunting guide helper shall have in possession all necessary hunting licenses and permits and hunter education card or a valid hunter education exemption permit.  If guiding by boat the helper must have a valid boater education card.

If you wish to renew your license, please fill out the application; attach documentation regarding certifications, State Police background check and application fee and mail to Carrie Chappell, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, and Frankfort, KY  40601.