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 seasonal or part 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 periodically 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.
As a seasonal employee, you’ll be provided with quality housing and meals during hunts you are guiding for or assisting with.
Key Responsibilities
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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.
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Guest Services: Provide exceptional customer service to guests, ensuring their comfort, safety, and satisfaction throughout their stay at the ranch.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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 37,000 acres of wilderness, we see living at the ranch as a privilege! As part of our team, you’ll get:
- 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. in the hunting off season so not to interfere with game.
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.