The Guide of the Year Award recognizes professionalism and outstanding efforts as a guide. The award is presented to a deserving assistant hunting guide at the Annual Convention of the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia (GOABC). The winner receives a custom belt buckle and a $1,000 cheque. The two runners-up receive $750 each.
What information is required?
The GOABC looks for number of attributes in their selection of the winner. This includes, but is not limited to, the assistant guides professional attitude and treatment of clients, ethics and standards, and knowledge of the area where they guide and its wildlife. Required in the submission are:
- What traits make this individual an outstanding assistant hunting guide?
- Describe how this individual has gone beyond the call of duty.
Previous Recipients
- Monte Schumann, Grizzly Lake Outfitters – 2001
- Katie Auerbach, Collingwood Bros. – 2002
- Dan Leonard, Stone Mountain Safaris Ltd. – 2003
- John Devries, Scoop Lake Outfitters Ltd. – 2004
- Judy Maida, Opatcho Lake Guide and Outfitters – 2005
- Alan Crawford, BC Safaris Ltd. – 2006
- Billy Jack Young, Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters – 2007
- Clayton Collingwood, Collingwood Bros. – 2008
- Jim Johnson, High and Wild Wilderness – 2009
- Brandon Ponath, Collingwood Bros. & Love Bros & Lee – 2010
- Bert Robidoux, Sikanni River Outfitters – 2011
- Derrick Stevens, Stone Mountain Safaris Ltd. – 2012
- Quintin Thompson, Gundahoo River Outfitters – 2013
- Dempsey Callison, Little Dease Ventures – 2014
- Rod Hardie, Amblers Bighorn Country Guiding – 2016
- Richard Foyston – Okanagan Outfitters – 2017
- Garth Olafson – Scoop Lake Outfitters Ltd. – 2018
- Luke Bennett – Sikanni River Outfitters – 2019
- Randy Bedell – Fredlund Guide Service – 2020/21
- Hunter McAuley – Finlay River Outfitters – 2022
- Jake Robinson – Kawdy Outfiitters – 2023
- Conor Baker – Horseshoe Creek Outfitters – 2024
- Zach Logan – Besa River Outfitters & Mountain Rain Adventures
Who can be nominated?
Any assistant guide (who is not an outfitter) employed by a member of the GOABC in 2026 can be nominated for the Guide of the Year Award.
Who can submit nominations?
Any GOABC members in good standing for 2026 and/or their clients can submit nominations for the Guide of the Year Award. The deadline for nominations is February 15, 2027.
How do I submit my nomination?
Mail: Suite 103 19140 28th Avenue Surrey, BC V3Z 6M3
Fax: (604) 541-6339
Email: info@goabc.org
Form below
