If you ever dreamed of cooking in a remote hunting camp, backcountry lodge, or outfitter’s camp, welcome to Dutch Oven Outfitters—where we teach you the skills you need to thrive in the wilderness kitchen. 

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Our Camp Cook School isn’t just about making delicious meals; it’s about mastering the primitive art of lodge cooking, handling challenging outdoor conditions, and preparing you for a rewarding career in the backcountry.

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We believe anyone with the passion and determination to learn can succeed, and we welcome students from all walks of life. 

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However, due to the physical and environmental demands of this training, we do have specific entrance requirements to ensure all participants are prepared for the experience ahead.

 

Who Can Enroll?

At Dutch Oven Outfitters, we believe in equal opportunities for all. We do not discriminate based on race, sex, religion, ethnic origin, or disability. If you have the drive to learn, a love for cooking, and a passion for the outdoors, this training is for you.

That said, the nature of lodge and backcountry cooking requires a certain level of physical and mental endurance. We will do our best to accommodate individuals with disabilities, but due to the rugged conditions of the training, participation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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Basic Requirements for Enrollment:

✔ Must be at least 18 years old
✔ Must be in good physical and mental health
✔ Must be able to lift at least 20 pounds to chest height
✔ Must be able to hike, work, and live in high elevations
✔ Must be comfortable riding a horse and working in remote, backcountry environments

If you’re serious about learning wilderness cooking skills and possibly launching a career in hunting camp kitchens or lodge cooking, this program is your chance to gain hands-on experience in a real backcountry setting.

 

Why Physical & Mental Readiness Matters

Cooking in a hunting camp or wilderness lodge is an entirely different experience from cooking in a modern kitchen.

You’ll be working in rugged, remote locations where luxuries like running water, electricity, and grocery stores are nonexistent.

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What to Expect in Our Hands-On Training:

Cooking over open fires, propane burners, and Dutch ovens
Living and working in high-altitude conditions
Packing and unloading horses and mules with kitchen supplies
Long days are spent on your feet, hauling water, chopping firewood, and preparing meals if you do not have a campjack. ( most camps do)
Feeding large groups of hunters, wranglers, and guides using only what’s available.

This isn’t a casual cooking class—this is real wilderness training designed for those who want to excel in a challenging and rewarding profession.

 

The Mental Strength You’ll Need

Beyond physical strength, hunting camp cooks need to be mentally tough. Things will go wrong—weather changes, supply shortages happen, and sometimes you have to make creative meal adjustments on the fly.

✔ Problem-Solving: No two days in the backcountry are the same. You’ll need to think fast and work with what you’ve got.
✔ Adaptability: Forget the convenience of modern kitchens—wilderness cooking requires resourcefulness.
✔ Work Ethic: Hunting camp cooks put in long days—if you’re looking for an easy job, this isn’t it.
✔ Independence: You won’t have a grocery store nearby, so knowing how to plan and manage food supplies is crucial.

If you love the outdoors, have a strong work ethic, and want to develop real wilderness cooking skills, you’ll thrive in this environment.

 

Is This Training Right for You?

If you’ve ever considered a career in lodge cooking, outfitter camps, or wilderness kitchens, this is the most hands-on experience you’ll find.

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Who Should Enroll?

✔ Aspiring camp cooks who want to work in hunting lodges or remote wilderness camps
✔ Backcountry guides or wranglers looking to expand their skill set
✔ Outdoor enthusiasts who want to master Dutch oven and fire pit cooking
✔ Anyone interested in high-altitude, off-grid cooking jobs

This training isn’t about learning a few new recipes—it’s about preparing you for real-world backcountry cooking jobs and ensuring you have the skills to succeed in the field.

 

How to Apply

If you meet the physical and mental requirements listed above and are ready to take your cooking skills to the backcountry, we’d love to have you join us!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience, where you’ll learn real-world hunting camp cooking skills from seasoned professionals.

 

Spots are limited, so apply today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in wilderness camp cooking!

Let’s cook up something amazing together!