James Bass

November 21, 2024

How I Adapt to New Camps and Close Quarters as a Guide

As I look back on my time guiding this past fall, I tend to think more about the overarching experience than the individual moments with guests, other guides, or the logistics of the camp. I often reflect on how everything worked out, how it evolved, and whether I would return to the same camp, if the manager would have me back, of course, or venture off to a new camp for another experience. If it’s the latter, I’d have to quickly readjust to a whole new camp, its unique way of life, and, most importantly, my fellow employees. I’d need to become acquainted with unfamiliar faces and navigate new terrain.

Arriving at a new, isolated camp can be overwhelming. You’re in a new place, surrounded by strangers, at the start of a new chapter. The learning curve is steep. Within a matter of days, or sometimes weeks, the first group of guests will arrive. And one thing I can tell you is that most of these operations aren’t cheap. They’re expecting high-quality experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. For many, this adventure is a dream come true, and it’s up to us to make it happen.

I’ve always found that getting a handle on the logistics of the camp, how it’s run, what’s expected of you, and most importantly, what’s allowed, comes later, once the employees have had time to warm up. Time spent together and conversations reveal what’s truly needed to make the place run smoothly. It’s also during this time that guests provide feedback about what they’ve been told or what they were expecting, which helps guide your approach moving forward.

Arriving at Flowers River Lodge

The Chaos of Arrival

Arriving at camp can be chaotic, mainly because of time constraints, depending on your time of arrival. For example, unless you are there to help with any new construction plans, you may only have a few days to learn the terrain before you begin guiding. In these situations, other guides are quick to take on the task of showing you around. Which usually means getting to know the fellow guides before anyone else, depending on the size of the operation. For the most part, besides guides, you’ll have the cook, or cooks, and a ground(s)/camp keeper. 

For me personally, once the aircraft has been unloaded, I like to know exactly where I’m staying. I take some time to pack away my belongings, lay out my gear, and mentally confirm to myself, “Alright, this is home for the next X days.” However, in hunting camps, this routine can sometimes be cut short. Many outfitters operate multiple camps, and I’ve had moments where, just as I’ve settled in, the manager calls to inform me that I’ll be heading to another camp. When that happens, the whole process starts over again. I won’t lie, it can feel a little unsettling. Arriving at a camp, you’re often trying to get comfortable as quickly as possible to make the experience more enjoyable. Having to start over can throw you off, but it’s all part of the adventure.

Guides quarters at an Arluk Outfitters Camp

I’ve had this happen before. I arrived at one of the better-maintained camps, got settled in, and was just starting to feel at home when I was instructed to leave. Ironically, the camp I was sent to was where I was supposed to go originally. When I arrived, a construction crew was there scrambling to complete the final touches. It was chaotic, just as we were arriving, they were packing up to leave. The quarters I was assigned were, well, not nearly as nice as the ones I had just left. Still, myself, two other guides, and the cook joined forces to make the camp feel as homely as possible. That night, lying in a half-finished room with holes for windows, I felt uncomfortable. This was where I’d be living for the next six weeks. However, as time passed, we kept improving the accommodations bit by bit. More importantly, I got to know the other employees. I eventually settled in. 

I’ve come to realize you can’t have it all: the best accommodations, a great crew, and perfect terrain for whatever activity you’re pursuing. The key is to make yourself comfortable and, most importantly, put yourself in the right mindset. It’s all part of the adventure. This is life. This is living!

Slinging materials

Building Relationships with Fellow Guides

When the dust settles, you begin to connect with the other guides. There’s always that one guide who "knows it all" and insists their way is the only way, while others take a more flexible approach. They share valuable insights about the terrain, offer personal experiences, and encourage trying new things. Then there are the cooks, hardworking and always busy. As long as you don’t get in their way or complain, you’re set. With long days spent out in the field, interactions with them may be sparse, but their contributions are essential to keeping the camp running smoothly.

First day out exploring with fellow guides

Trusting Your Instincts

I remember my first year as a fly fishing guide. Immediately upon arriving to camp I was told, "always hitch your fly, the salmon here only take it hitched." Having fly fished for Atlantic Salmon since I was 6, I’d heard that phrase countless times. And for some reason, I resisted the idea of hitching my fly. To me, it never felt right. If I tied on a beautiful hair-wing, hitching it would diminish its appearance. So, as I had done in the past, I fished without the hitch. Surprisingly, I did just fine. The fish took the fly as it was, and I found success.

A few years later, I was guiding on a river that borders Quebec and New Brunswick. As usual, the other guides introduced themselves, and we shared where we were from and the type of fly fishing we were used to. One of the first things I heard was, "That won’t work here. You need to do X, Y, and Z." Among these suggestions was using larger flies and a weighted leader. Growing up fishing smaller flies for Atlantic Salmon in Newfoundland and Labrador, this was all new to me. But instead of following their advice blindly, I trusted my instincts and stuck with what I knew. It worked. However, not until after trying their techniques.

Despite being new to the river and the region, I managed to do quite well with regards to getting my clients into fish. It was probably a mix of beginner’s luck and relying on my years of experience, but it reinforced the point that, as a guide, you’re not just there to collect a paycheck. You’re there because you’re instinctively driven to figure out what works and how to make the most of any situation.

Making Camp Feel Like Home

Once you’ve settled into the rhythm of camp, the real work begins. Feeling comfortable in your environment is essential, especially when you’re sharing close quarters with the same group of people for an extended period. Many lodges and camps in Newfoundland and Labrador are incredibly remote, meaning you’ll be isolated from the outside world. Depending on the location, you might be there for months at a time, so getting comfortable is non-negotiable. Only recently have technological improvements allowed for better online connectivity. In the past, communication relied solely on satellite phones, with user minutes being a rare and precious commodity.

The camaraderie within the team is crucial. The more you work together, the easier it becomes to navigate the small inconveniences that come with the territory, whether it’s living in a small cabin or handling long, demanding days. This camaraderie becomes especially important when, not if, you’re paired with a less than pleasant client. These individuals can quickly test your patience, make you question everything you know, and challenge your confidence, especially if you’re new to the area. In these moments, having support and guidance from your team makes all the difference.

When it comes to camp logistics, one key factor is how the camp is run. Specifically, how owners or managers expect you to “behave” as a guide. In some places, guides are almost expected to stay out of sight and avoid interacting with clients. Fortunately, I’ve never experienced this. In my experience, most camp managers have been easygoing about guide-client relations. But if you ever find yourself in a place where you feel belittled or treated as “just” a guide, remember: guides are the backbone of these operations. No matter how beautiful or luxurious the camp may be, if the guides providing the service are miserable or unskilled, clients will notice and it will reflect poorly on the entire operation.

A successful week with two clients at Igloo Lake Lodge

Conclusion

Adjusting to a new camp environment, building relationships, and navigating the intricacies of working in isolated conditions can be tough. But it’s all part of what makes being a guide so rewarding. You learn to adapt, trust your instincts, and work as a team. It’s a lifestyle that’s about much more than just the job. It’s about the people you meet, the lessons you learn, and the experiences that shape you along the way.

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