Our Vision
A province with a strong and stable guide outfitting industry and abundant wildlife populations for all to enjoy, both today and in the future.
Our Mission
As passionate advocates for wildlife, the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia (GOABC) is the recognized voice of the guide outfitting family. With integrity and professionalism, GOABC promotes the conservation, stewardship and sustainable use of wildlife.
Our Four Core Values
- Professionalism – competency in our engagements with membership, the public and government
- Integrity – adherence to moral and ethical principles
- Passion – we eat, sleep and breathe our livelihood
- Family – family is the heart and soul of outfitting
GOABC Code of Conduct
Purpose
The Code of Conduct of the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia (“GOABC”) establishes professional standards of conduct expected of members in the operation of their guide outfitting businesses. The Code supports professionalism, conservation, public safety, and public confidence in the guide outfitting industry.
This Code is intended to align with applicable legislation, including the Wildlife Act (British Columbia), prevailing industry standards, and GOABC’s Constitution and Bylaws. It does not replace or override any legal obligations.
Accommodation and Food Standards
When accommodation and/or food are arranged or provided by a member in the course of a guided hunt, the member shall ensure that such accommodation and food preparation meet reasonable standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and safety consistent with industry norms and applicable laws.
Advertising, Representation, and Business Practices
A member shall provide and maintain stock, equipment, food supplies, facilities, and services that are consistent with those advertised or represented to the public.
A member shall not provide false, misleading, or deceptive information to clients regarding:
- stock, equipment, food supplies, or facilities; or
- fees, expenses, or terms of service.
Respect for Guiding Areas and Rights of Others
A member shall respect the rights of other guide outfitters, including exclusive guiding areas allocated under licence.
A member shall not trespass, interfere with, or knowingly encroach upon:
- the licensed guiding areas of another member; or
- the lawful rights of landowners or tenure holders relevant to guide outfitting operations.
Legal Compliance
A member must be familiar with, and shall comply with, the Wildlife Act (British Columbia), its regulations, and all other applicable laws and licensing requirements relevant to their operations.
A member shall take reasonable steps to advise employees, assistant guides, and clients of their legal rights and responsibilities while under the member’s supervision or direction.
Conservation
A member shall practice sound wildlife conservation and stewardship and shall promote and encourage sustainable use practices by employees, contractors, assistant guides, and clients.
Public Safety and Lawful Conduct
A member shall not cause, encourage, permit, or condone any violation of the Wildlife Act or other applicable legislation.
A member shall maintain high standards of public safety in the planning and conduct of all guided activities, including reasonable risk management practices consistent with industry standards.
Contracts and Client Relations
A member shall honour the contracts entered into with their clients.
Where a breach of contract occurs and the client is not at fault, a member shall act reasonably and in good faith, including making reasonable restitution where required by the terms of the contract or applicable law.
Members are encouraged to ensure that client contracts clearly define:
- terms and conditions of service;
- circumstances that constitute breach;
- remedies, limitations, waivers, and indemnities; and
- how fault and restitution are addressed.
Professional Standards
A member shall maintain a level of proficiency, responsibility, and professionalism consistent with:
- applicable licensing requirements;
- accepted industry standards; and
- the reputation and standing of the guide outfitting profession in British Columbia.
This includes appropriate conduct by employees, assistant guides, and others acting under the member’s direction.
Responsibility and Independence
Members are solely responsible for their own professional conduct and compliance with this Code and all applicable laws.
GOABC does not direct, control, or supervise members’ business operations. Membership in GOABC does not create an agency, partnership, or representative relationship between the Society and any member.
Enforcement
Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action in accordance with GOABC’s Constitution, Bylaws, and applicable policies, which may include suspension or termination of membership.
Effective Date
This Code of Conduct is effective as amended from time to time by the Board of Directors of GOABC.
