Hello Parents!
The 2025 Guide School is off to a strong and focused start, with the group diving straight into their Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course upon arrival. After airport day, we headed to Lillard Base Camp near Ennis, Montana, nestled in the heart of the Madison Valley. Surrounded by wide-open skies, winding rivers, and rugged peaks, it’s the ideal environment to train for real-world backcountry scenarios.
Over the past several days, the group has been fully immersed in learning and practicing essential emergency response skills—everything from patient assessments and wound management to spine stabilization and evacuation planning. We’ve been running daily mock scenarios designed to simulate the types of medical situations that can arise in remote settings. It’s been incredible to watch the group meet each challenge with growing confidence, teamwork, and composure.
In between WFR sessions, we’ve been out on the water sharpening our core guide skills. We kicked things off with two days of walk-and-wade fishing at Three Dollar Bridge and Raynolds Pass, where the group worked on reading water, dialing in presentations, and learning how to approach pressured fish with precision and patience.
Midweek, we launched into our first day of rowing drift boats on the Madison River. Strong afternoon winds made for a demanding but highly valuable experience, pushing the group to communicate effectively and make quick adjustments on the oars. Since then, we’ve already seen major growth—technique is improving, confidence is rising, and group members are beginning to move with the mindset of professional guides.
Last night, we floated the Yellowstone River through the stunning Paradise Valley during the golden hour. It was both scenic and productive, adding another layer of experience and exposure to different types of water. The opportunity to row and fish on such a wide variety of rivers—from technical, intimate wades to big, dynamic freestones—has been a cornerstone of the program. Each river has its own lessons, and the group is embracing them all with enthusiasm, grit, and focus.
It’s been a full, productive, and rewarding first week here in Montana, and we’re incredibly proud of how far the group has already come. We’re excited for the days ahead, which promise even more growth, challenge, and memorable moments on the water and in the field.
Tight lines,
Cole, Sean, and the LFFE Team
