About
General Information
As a member organization, we help professional hunting guides, fishing guides, and backcountry guide services reach clients seeking authentic wilderness experiences throughout New York State.
Advocating for Professional Standards
We work directly with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on guiding laws, regulations, and licensing standards. NYSOGA has partnered with the DEC to design and continually update the state guides, examinations, and related regulations. Members of our Executive Committee meet regularly with the DEC’s Office of Special Licenses to ensure New York maintains the nation’s highest standards for professional outdoor guide services.
Supporting the Next Generation of Guides
NYSOGA provides year-round training opportunities for aspiring wilderness guides and backcountry professionals, including:
- Safety Certifications: First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and Basic Water Safety courses through National Safety Council-approved instructors
- Annual NYSOGA Rendezvous: Our March gathering offers comprehensive programs to help participants obtain their NYS Guide License
- Exam Preparation: Guide license prep and review classes to prepare applicants for the written portion of the state examination
- On-site Testing: The NYSDEC administers the official Guides Exam at the Rendezvous each year
Mission Statement
The NYSOGA Mission:
To enhance the guiding profession in New York State with the highest standards of honesty, safety, and professionalism by providing New York State licensed guides with support services, representation, and a sense of community.
The NYSOGA Vision:
To be an internationally recognized association of the world’s best and most respected professional guides. To work purposefully and relentlessly to achieve our Goals and fulfill our Mission.
The NYSOGA Goals:
NYSOGA will uphold and live by the following goals:
- To increase membership by attracting and retaining new members;
- To improve exposure / promotion of the Association and its members;
- To elevate the professionalism and reputation of the Association;
- To improve the financial position of the Association;
- To increase general member participation in leadership roles;
- To improve the business efficiency of the Association; and
- To improve relations with the Department of Environmental Conservation and the legislative process.
Board of Directors
| NYSOGA Officers | ||
| Scott Locorini | (315) 335-1681 [email protected] |
President |
| Sonny Young | (518) 359-8194 (h) [email protected] |
1st VP |
| Mike Newell | (518) 894-7593 [email protected] |
2nd VP |
| Mark Waterman | (315) 351-9530(h) [email protected] |
3rd VP |
| Sheila Young | (518) 359-8194 (h) [email protected] |
Secretary |
| Jeff Whittemore | (315) 868-7054 [email protected] |
Treasurer |
| Regional Directors | ||
| Ed Moran | (631) 741-3765 [email protected] |
Reg. 1 Rep. |
| Jason Albertson | (917) 502-5893 [email protected] |
Reg. 2 Rep. |
| Brian Manning | (845) 742-0303 [email protected] |
Reg. 3 Rep. |
| Vacant | Vacant | Reg. 4 Rep. |
| Laura Baker | (518) 796-0966 [email protected] |
Reg. 5 Rep. |
| John Wainwright | (315) 894-5834 [email protected] |
Reg. 6 Rep. |
| Jamie Arnold | (607) 342-2666 [email protected] |
Reg. 7 Rep. |
| Vacant | Vacant | Reg. 8 Rep. |
| Vacant | Vacant | Reg. 9 Rep. |
| Directors at Large | ||
| Mary Hall | (518) 948-5903 (h) [email protected] |
Dir. at Large |
| Michael Papa | (914) 424-6506 [email protected] |
Dir. at Large |
| Kim Fortin | (315) 664-0096 [email protected] |
Dir. at Large |
| Craig Tryon | (315) 427-8984 [email protected] |
Dir. at Large |
| Tyler Huhn | (518) 879-3166 [email protected] |
Dir. at Large |