Making Hay

The word on the street is trips are down; people aren't hiring guides because of the economy. Most guides will tell you they are doing fine but who knows how honest they are being? I think sometimes ego gets in the way of honesty and the fact is, most guides are feeling the pinch right now. This might change as the weather warms up and people decide, last minute, that they do actually have the money to take the trip and book it. Last year wasn't much different in the sense that pre-bookings were down and in the end, I did fine. And, this year I'm actually on more and bigger outfitter's lists than I was in previous years. It's still a little stressful, however, when you look at your calendar and see the wholes.

The other contributing factor has to be the amount of new guides on the river. When I started in 2007, I was really the only new guide on the Mo. That year a few guys also had hung up their oars for more stable careers. Last year a few more guys showed up and this year there are even more. It will be interesting to see how the politics of the area translate to days on the river. I'm guessing the fewer days available and the more guides vying for those days means the political games will be more prevelant. I hope the participation in the bar scene or lack of participation isn't the determining factor for filling the calendar. The bottom line is, I'm good at what I do, which is putting people on fish and having fun with all kinds of clients. All I can do is keep working hard when given the opportunity and eventually, hope the product sells itself and the 'marketing' doesn't determine my fate.

What this may mean is my music career takes a little more priority. A couple years ago, when I first got into guiding, I started the summer actually making more on music than on the river. So far this season, I again have made more on music in this first month. The past two days definitely helped with having back-to-back gigs at Riley's in Helena and at the fundraiser at Izaak's in Craig. (Thank you Mark and Mike for your persuasive abilities in passing the hat.) I just wish there were more opportunities in the area for live music. I may have to get creative; any outfitters out there looking to hire entertainment for their guests?

So the reality is, in choosing the life I've chosen, it's feast or famine and financial security is almost certainly more a mirage than an oasis. I'm still working with the kids and probably will be for the summer as well as playing music and guiding. Diversity in revenue streams is still a must and I don't plan to cash in my chips for a cubicle just yet. However, if I don't get the days this summer, I won't be able to afford to work with the kids next winter. We will see...

Keep 'em where they live y'all.