Hunt Guide

Who We Are

Wheaton Creek Ranch (WCR) is a family-owned working ranch that has been managed primarily for wildlife for more than thirty years. We offer our retreat facilities to the public as well as all inclusive services for hunting for elk, deer, antelope, and bear. We care about sustainable ranching, ethical hunting, and thoughtful conservation.

Our wild, natural habitat is situated in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Region of Northern New Mexico. The area teems with wildlife, stretching over 37,000 acres (15,000 private and 22,000 State Trust) in the Rocky Mountains.

Aside from the ranch's vast beauty, we have facilities and cottage industries that support our community, including cattle ranching, hunting, forestry, lumber milling, lodge and room rentals, retreats, camping and more.

We are a community of people who value remote living in the natural world. We are committed to living in harmony with each other and the abundant plant and animal life here. Our values include, but are not limited to, Humility, Hospitality, Honesty, and Happiness. As we’re growing our team/community, we’re seeking folks who not only share these values but are also positive, hard-working, team players. 

What You’ll Do as a Hunt Guide

We’re thrilled to welcome a full-time Hunt Guide into our Wheaton Creek Ranch community!

As a very experienced Hunt Guide, you will be responsible for leading clients on hunts for big Western game, including elk, mule deer, and turkey during our hunting seasons, running September through January. Beyond your excellent hunting and harvesting skills, you will also provide exceptional customer experience, acting as an educator and ensuring each client leaves a better hunter - regardless of the outcome of the hunt. In this role, you’ll also be asked to support other guides and other aspects of the ranch, including assisting with meal prep and guest services. During the off-season, we’ll put your other skills to use on a variety of other projects as a builder and/or ranch hand, depending on your skills and interests. 

As a full-time employee, you’ll be provided with quality year-round housing and meals during hunts you are guiding for or assisting with. During your time off we hope you’ll also take full advantage of the 37,000 acres of wilderness here for your enjoyment including mountain biking, hiking, camping, etc.

Hunting Guide: Key Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Hunting Guide Services: Create fulfilling experiences in leading hunt adventures, providing guidance, instruction, and support to guests, while prioritizing safety, ethical hunting practices, and adherence to regulations. 
• Guest Services: Provide exceptional customer service to guests, ensuring their comfort, safety, and satisfaction throughout their stay at the ranch.
• Educate and Inspire: Take every opportunity to teach guests better hunting skills, firearm safety, tracking, navigation, wilderness survival, conservation principles fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world.
• Hospitality Support: Assist/work closely with other ranch staff, including managers, cooks, maintenance personnel, and fellow guides, to coordinate activities, share information, and ensure seamless guest experiences.

• Facility Construction and Maintenance: Lead construction projects, including new builds, renovations, repairs, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Fence Construction and Maintenance: Build, repair, and maintain fences and enclosures to contain livestock, delineate property boundaries, and manage wildlife access, using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Trail Development and Maintenance: Develop and maintain trails and pathways used for hunting, hiking, and recreational activities, ensuring they are safe, accessible, and well-marked for guests.
• Ranch Maintenance: Assist in general ranch maintenance tasks, including building repairs, landscaping, irrigation, and equipment maintenance, to ensure the property remains in good condition year-round.
• Livestock Management: Assist in the care, feeding, and handling of livestock, including cattle, horses, and other animals raised on the ranch, ensuring their health, well-being, and safety. This includes managing medications and vet visits as well as horse expenses.
• Pasture and Range Management: Monitor and manage pasture and rangeland resources, including rotational grazing, weed control, and water distribution, to optimize forage production and maintain ecosystem health.
• Water Management: Manage water sources, such as stream restoration, wells, ponds, and irrigation systems, to ensure adequate supply for livestock, wildlife, and vegetation, as well as for guest amenities and recreational activities.

Who You Are

• You’re an experienced hunt guide, ideally with five+ years of experience guiding elk, mule deer, and turkey. You have extensive knowledge of western big game, including elk, mule, deer, bear, and turkey, including using game calls. You have extensive experience in harvesting animals.
• You’re an outdoor educator and enthusiast. You ensure each client leaves a better, more informed hunter - regardless of the outcome of the hunt.
• You have experience with archery hunting, muzzleloaders, and modern firearms equipment. You practice the safe handling of firearms. 
• You’re able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. 
• You’re excited to live on the ranch as a positive and cooperative member of our Wheaton Creek Ranch community. You conduct yourself professionally with clients and our ranch community.
• You represent Wheaton Creek Ranch (WCR) and it’s founder, David Stanley, in a positive manner, promoting the Ranch’s sustainability and conservation mission.
• You work for the greater good of our collective community, helping out on other tasks around the ranch when needed.
• You’re able to meet the physical and environmental demands of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• You possess knowledge of relevant laws, safety and emergency procedures.

Certificates, Degrees, Licenses, & Registrations

• A valid Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment. The employee’s driving record must meet the standards and requirements of the Company and the Company's insurance carrier.
• A current New Mexico Guide Card (preferred)
• Standard first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (preferred)
• A high school diploma (preferred)
• National Occupational Certification as a Hunting Guide is an asset.

Living On the Ranch

With access to 36,000+ acres of wilderness, we see living at the ranch as a privilege! As part of our team, you’ll get:

• Year-round quality housing & utilities including high-speed internet
• Food provided during  hunts you are guiding or assisting with
• Access to the wilderness for personal recreation, including mountain biking, hiking, camping, etc. 

Please note that we operate as a drug free/smoke free workplace. Smoking is not allowed on the Ranch property. While we have vehicles for the Ranch, employees must have their own personal vehicle to travel from the ranch to the local town for personal needs.