More specifically, it is a company or individual who provides or deals in equipment and supplies for the pursuit of certain activities.
[2] In North America, the term is most closely associated with outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking, rafting and trail riding using pack stations.
In the state of Montana all fly fishing guides are required to register and work under the permit of an outfitter.
Legislation exists in other states and is also being considered because of the public safety and resource management concerns regarding hunting and fishing.
In some jurisdictions outfitters are authorized to accept and process government documents on behalf of a state agency, such as hunting and fishing permits or marine vehicle licenses.