Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia
About GOABC
GOABC was established in 1966 to represent the guide outfitting community. The association is a non-profit society which represents approximately 65% of the guide outfitting businesses in British Columbia.
Guide outfitters are the founders of British Columbia’s tourism industry and are an important part of the outdoor heritage in our province. By the late 1800s, the world’s hunting fraternity had learned that BC hosted some of North America’s most magnificent big-game populations. Tahltan First Nations hunters in Telegraph Creek responded by initiating guiding services to meet the demand for quality hunting excursions. Many Tahltan people – including one of the original families, now in its third generation – remain heavily involved in the industry to this day.
Read more...Hunting in British Columbia is highly regulated. All GOABC members are bonded and insured. To legally hunt in the province all non-residents must employ a licensed guide outfitter to guide them on their hunt. This ensures adherence to government regulations and the highest standards of respect for the wild places and wild things.
GOABC members all must sign a Code of Conduct as a condition of membership. They agree in advance that they are willing and capable of making restitution in cash or in kind for breach of contract between themselves and the customer where the customer is not at fault. The GOABC take Ethics and standards complaints very seriously. This is an added benefit of hunting with a member of their local association.
Guide outfitters in BC are tied to their areas. They are deeply invested in the land and know their territory well, which means that resources are properly respected and managed – and clients have a good chance for success. GOABC outfitters are internationally known for proving a safe, enjoyable and professionally conducted adventure.
Today, we continue our mission, and proud to be the voice of the guide outfitting industry in BC.
Why Book with a GOABC member?
Guide outfitters in BC are tied to their areas. They are deeply invested in the land and know their territory well, which means that resources are properly respected and managed – and clients have a good chance for success. GOABC outfitters are internationally known for proving a safe, enjoyable and professionally conducted adventure. All members commit to upholding all eight tenants of our Code of Conduct as a condition of their membership with the GOABC:
- A member shall have particular regard to the provision of clean, sanitary accommodation and to promote the highest standards possible in the preparation of food.
- A member is required to provide and maintain stock, equipment, food supplies and facilities commensurate with those as advertised to the public. A member who gives false or misleading information to prospective clients with regards to stock, equipment, food supplies or facilities contravenes the Code of Ethics and Standards. In addition, a member who gives false or misleading information relating to fees and expenses also contravenes the Code.
- A member shall not trespass upon the rights of other members.
- A member must be familiar with the Wildlife Act and other related statutes and the regulations enacted there under, and should advise both employees and clients of their rights and responsibilities while under his jurisdiction.
- A member shall practice sound wildlife conservation and promote and encourage its practice by others.
- A member shall not cause, encourage or condone any violation of the Wildlife Act and/or related statutes and of the regulations passed there under and shall maintain high standards of public safety.
- A member shall be willing and capable of making restitution in cash or in kind for breach of contract between themselves and the customer where the customer is not at fault.
- A member shall maintain a degree of proficiency, responsibility and professionalism satisfactory to the membership and standards of the association.
GOABC outfitters on map
BC is unique because it is home to healthy wildlife populations, including 18 of the 29 North American big-game species. Specifically, the province is home to all major species of North American ungulates (moose, deer and elk), four species of sheep, and all species of large carnivores. Several said species are only otherwise found in parts of Canada’s territories and Alaska, making BC particularly desirable for hunters seeking to encounter a specific big-game species.