"Thank you so much Michael and Julie, not only did you set me up with my dream job, but your courses both on-site and the home study prepared me for what I hope to be a life-time of opportunities.

I had the time of my life participating in the ELM Outfitters Guide/Packer training program. My instructors gave me the experience and knowledge I needed to earn the job I've always inspired to have one day. Now, I am living the dream in Idaho doing what I have loved my whole life and getting paid for it. So thanks again for helping me to see what I knew I could be one day and I know if I every need anything or have any questions the Knott's will always be there. I truly can not thank you enough!"

Paul Gatti
Memphis, TN.
Class of 2009

"Becoming a backcountry camp cook has always been a dream of mine. I came upon the ELM training program and soon afterwards contacted Mike and Julie Knott. They guided me in the direction I was looking in order to obtain some very precise and detailed instruction. I attended four weeks of camp cook school in Idaho, and every day was a unique experience for me, learning all the ins and outs of cooking for an outfit along with a bit of packing and saddling.

It was all so very exciting. My instructor was very thorough with my training and I even picked up some terrific recipes from her. Through this entire program I had the time of my life and I just recently landed my dream job in Wyoming. Michael and Julie's outstanding job placement is now taking me into a position where at one time I felt was only a dream. Now it's a true reality.There were students from all over the world in my class, even as far away as Denmark. They were all great. I have made a lot of friends and I received the best possible training that's out there.

Thank you Mike and Julie for everything!

All I can say is, if you want the experience of a lifetime and the opportunity to do something with it afterwards, ELM Outfitters and Guides Training Program is the place to start. Git 'er done!"

Mike Gesling
Summerville, SC
Class of 2009

"I would like to thank Mike and Julie for helping me through their course. They were always there when I had questions and concerns. The home study course was a little challenging which it's meant to be to get you thinking. Talk about setting a good foundation—it surely does that. I really liked it when they came to my school to sit down with me and discuss my career and any questions or concerns I had. It reassured me that I made the right decision to choose their program. I got a job right after school and love what I am doing. There are a lot of other schools to choose from but this one was truly the best of the best. Great staff and great friends for a lifetime."

Shawn Lacey
Lakewood, Colorado
Class of 2008

"I can't thank you enough for how you helped me in my life changing career. Your home study course has a wealth of information and knowledge that I will value for a lifetime. I know that I have received the best training available to jump starting my career as a professional big game hunting guide and packer here in the Rockies. This course made my 4 weeks of hands on training a whole lot easier when it came down to learning the skills. This experience was both challenging and great fun! What really impressed me was how you would keep in touch with me during the hands on schooling, the hunting season, and still do today.You two really care about your students and their success in this business.

Thanks again for all you have done."

Travis Patterson
West Lafayette, Ohio
Class of 2008

"Mr.& Mrs.Knott have helped me thoughout their program.They were always available when I needed to ask any questions. I chose to go through Elm because of it's upstanding reputation in this industry and thoroughness of their training. The training I got has helped to get me started on my dream career in the outdoors. If you're looking for the best training, I highly recommend this school. This has been a once in a lifetime experience for me and I have loved every minute of it. Thank You so much."

Lindsey Evans
Provencal LA
Class of 2008

"First and foremost I would like to thank Michael and Julie for all their help in the months prior to me leaving New Zealand to attend the hands on training class. They understood that this was something I really wanted to do, and made it happen for me. The home study course I found very helpful, and I was much better prepared for my class in Wyoming because of this study. By the time I'd completed the hands on course I had more confidence in my abilities as a packer/guide. The knowledge and skills I acquired were very valuable for the job I landed. Once again thanks so much for giving me this fantastic opportunity, it has really meant a lot to me."

Logan Morton
Dunedin, New Zealand
Class of 2008

"The Erv Malnarich Course is great. I learned a lot and it was interesting and extremely helpful. I didn't know how much the Home Study Prep Course would help until I got to the Hands on part of the training school. I will for sure recommend this training school to anyone that has the passion to be a guide. I have gained lots of knowledge in a short amount of time during my training. Thanks for everything."

Michael T. Rawlings Jr.
Roswell, Georgia
Class of 2007

Joshua Quirke practicing the technique of scoring game.

"The Home Study Course was really interesting and fulfilling. Michael & Julie Knott were great with their friendliness and good advice. The hands on school was a blast, being around people with a similar passion and interest. The instructors were absolutely fantastic (as well as patient) I learned so much and had a really good time. If there was nothing more to say it was money well spent for my future in this business."

Joshua T. Quirke
Loxton, Australia
Class of 2007

"Thank you for all the valuable information from the Erv book course. There was so much information and the descriptions were all easy for me to understand. It was all so interesting that I could hardly put it down. Thank you both that I have the chance to become a good Packer Guide, Horseman, and Hunter in the Rocky Mountains. I will never forget this opportunity you have given me."

Reiner Scholl
Dunningen, Germany
Class of 2007

"Michael & Julie, Thanks for all your help. The textbook course really helped me to get all of the basics down, then going to the hands on school helped to visually solidify what I read and studied in the manual. I learned an enormous amount in such a short period of time. I will keep in touch and let you know how things are going. Thanks again and keep up the great work you are doing training young men and women in this work."

Luke Darling
Lexington, Ohio
Class of 2007

"My name is Brian Johnson and I would like to say that if you are interested in being a guide, ELM Outfitting & Guide Training is the best route to go for good solid, thorough training. This program offered by Mike and Julie Knott is exceptional. I have been guiding for 5 years now and love it. I don't think there is a better career. If you love to hunt and enjoy the outdoors I would definitely give them a call."

Brian Johnson
Willits, CA
Class of 2003

"Having been a secretary for 17 years a career change into Guiding and Outfitting seemed like an unreachable goal, but now after completing the Erv Malnarich Guide and Packer Training Course (Home Study) and the 4 weeks hands on training school, I now have more confidence in my horse and mule packing, which actually was one of my favorite lessons taught.

Thank you for all your help in getting me this great new job and I know I will soon be guiding for Big Game. In less then a year I have made my dream come true. After graduating from your Montana Guide School my husband and I moved to the West from Wisconsin and now I am well on my way to becoming a success and loving every minute of it. Thank you so much for everything."

Rae Whitaker
Amherst, Wisconsin
Class of 2001

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