Big News from Hiker Trash Husbands: Jeff Is Now a NYSDEC Licensed Guide
We’ve got some exciting news to share with our hiking community! Jeff is now an officially licensed New York State guide for hiking and camping.
Jeff recently earned his certification through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Licensed Guide Program, meaning both of us are now fully licensed to guide backcountry trips in New York and several other states.
For the hikers who trust us to lead adventures, share trail knowledge, and help you build confidence outdoors, this is a big step forward and we are so excited to share the news.
Details on the NYSDEC Licensed Guide Program
The NYSDEC Licensed Guide Program regulates professionals who provide guiding services for activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting in New York's backcountry areas, including the Catskills Forest Preserve.
To qualify, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam with at least 70% score, maintain current certifications in First Aid, CPR, and water safety, and submit a recent physician's statement confirming physical fitness.
Jeff’s Path to Certification
Many of you already know Jeff through his work as Executive Director of the Catskill Center and his deep, longstanding connection to the Catskills and the outdoors. Over the years, he’s built extensive backcountry experience through conservation leadership, outdoor education, and countless miles on the trail, including thru-hiking the Northville-Placid Trail and summiting all of the Catskill 3500 peaks.
Earning his professional guide license is a natural next step in that journey, adding formal certification to the knowledge and experience he already brings to every trip. It also complements Moe’s longtime NYS guide license (#7788), meaning we now lead hikes together as a fully licensed guiding team at Hike on Guides.
For the Hiker Trash Husbands, this milestone represents more than a credential, it reflects our continued commitment to professionalism, safety, and building trust within the hiking community. From sharing trail guides and documenting our adventures to leading inclusive backcountry experiences, our goal has always been to help people feel more confident and welcome outdoors. With both of us now licensed, we’re even better equipped to support hikers on their journeys while continuing to grow the community we care so deeply about.
What This Means for Hike On Guides
As co-owners of Hike On Guides, we can now offer even stronger professional leadership on our trips throughout the Catskills and beyond. Our guided experiences include:
Day hikes - from classic summits to off-trail bushwhacks
Multi-day backpacking trips - including routes like Devil’s Path and the Pemi Loop
Camping and backcountry skills instruction
Winter hiking education and safety
Trip planning and navigation support
We continue to focus on small groups, inclusive experiences, and building confidence for hikers of all backgrounds - while promoting LGBTQ+ visibility in outdoor spaces and making a safe space for all to enjoy the great outdoors.
Professional licensing strengthens what has always been at the heart of what we do:
Thoughtful trip planning
Navigation and terrain expertise
Weather and seasonal preparedness
Leave No Trace ethics
Supportive and welcoming group experiences
Whether you’re exploring a remote Catskills peak, hiking your first winter trail, or planning a big backcountry objective, both of us are now here to help you do it safely and confidently.
Come Hike With Us
We’re incredibly grateful for this community and excited for what’s ahead.
If you’re interested in joining a guided trip, planning a Catskills adventure, or learning new backcountry skills, visit hikeonguides.com!
And as always — we’ll see you on the trail. 🥾
