Yukon Outfitting

There have been guided trips recorded for non-resident hunters in the Yukon since 1912. The early years of the industry produced some famous and successful guides and outfitters, including Johnny Johns, Eugene and Louis Jacquot, Thomas Dickson, Buck Dickson, Andy Smith, Tom Connally, Bella Desrosiers, Alex Van Bibber, Curley Desrosiers, and Louis Brown. All lived in the Yukon and made a significant contribution to the social fabric and economy of the Territory. In 1958 the present system of outfitting concession areas was established. Johnny Johns helped draw up the concession boundaries with other outfitters of that time.

In general, outfitting is a stable, long term, family oriented type of business. Many outfitters have been involved with the industry for many years before becoming and outfitter and started as horse wranglers or guides and worked their way up to owning an outfitting concession area. Outfitters are involved with the industry because of the way of life and because of their love for the outdoors. Once in the industry the outfitters tend to stay involved. One of member of the Yukon Outfitters Association has been in business for over 35 years and another outfitting business has now been passed down to a third generation.
	Yukon outfitters run their offices out of their own homes, and may make several promotional trips each winter to hunting trade show conventions. The reputation of Yukon outfitters remains excellent within the world wide hunting fraternity. Each year, magazine articles appear in foreign publications praising the Yukon and the quality of its guided hunts. Several Yukon outfitters would probably rank in the top ten best outfitters in all of North America.