In late 2022, this outfitter purchased an existing but very excellent bear hunting operation and reached out to us at Hunt Nation for assistance. We wanted to sample it ourselves and give our clients the first jump on this bear hunt. Both Ed Manasse, Hunt Nation’s president, and his Dad Butch, the VP, reserved 2 of the May 2023 spots and fast-acting clients another 4. A total of 8 hunters, they took 13 bears. All but one sit produced bears for every hunter. Often multiple bears were seen. Ed took two bears, one that had a 20” + skull and the carcass skinned and minus head and paws scaled 283 pounds, putting it around 360 lbs. live weight. One hunter took two bears on the first day. And there is excellent river fishing for pike and walleye, and even grayling. Bring a rod along for mid-day fishing.
And now for 2026 there is more exciting news from this excellent outfitter. He has advised us that he just acquired another new territory by buying out another outfitter. The purchase includes a lakefront camp and there is fishing for northern pike, walleye and perch right at your doorstep. AND they have established 14 new REMOTE bait sites on other remote lakes, and the numbers of color phase bears in that area have historically been in the 40% range!! Plus this results in expanding his territory by over 1000 square miles!. They now manage over 21 bear baits, spaced 6 to 10 kilometers apart, and their territory has more than tripled. Given the high success we at Hunt Nation have already experienced, this is excellent news for our clients.
Says Hunt Nation client Bobby P:
“Saw bears every day — in every stand, had a great time. I specifically wanted two bears if possible that were near the same size for rugs in my children’s rooms. The outfitter and his guides were easily able to accommodate including a cinnamon bear which was a nice bonus. The bears fur was great, everyone made the same comment how good everyone’s bear fur was, something about that area. The food was great every day, and the outfitter was a great host.”
Bears over the past 10 or so years have averaged around 6 feet, with some reaching 7 feet or a bit more. Success has normally pushed 100%, and we see no reason to think that will change. Huge heads seem common, meaning 18 to 22 inches. Big old melon heads!
THE HUNT:
This area has a reputation for having lots of bears and bears with large heads. Some color Phase bears too. Our personal hunts in 2023 convinced us of the large bear numbers in this concession. And for 2024 and beyond they are adding on a boat and motor and will have a number of stands reachable by water only, in areas that have not been hunted in many years. We can’t wait to see what comes from those stands! Also we thought it great that every bear seen had luxurious shiny coats- every bear!
So you may sit an inland site on day 1, then move to a water site on day 2 – whatever it takes. Most importantly, with their small number of hunters, they will have an excess number of available baited stands, all pre-scouted and pre-baited before your arrival. As you can see from the first picture in this writeup, there is no shortage of bears. Regardless of what week you choose the bait sites will be fresh. One of our 2024 2nd week hunters took 2 bears on the very first evening!
Mornings are for baiting, resting or going fishing; you only hunt the afternoons. It stays light a loooong time, so be prepared with snacks, butt cushions, insect nets and the very useful Thermacells, a flashlight, water, a pee jar, rain gear, etc. Our 2023 hunts had us on stand from 3PM to 10PM or later. Be sure to bring a camera or video, as filming bears is fun!
LODGING:
This is a wilderness tent camp. Wall tents, sleeping bags (furnished), solid cots with thick foam mattresses, wood stoves, a shower area and a cook tent and a dining area with netting. Nothing fancy, but it gives you a great atmosphere and a fun experience.
TRANSPORT:
Fly or drive to Edmonton or Calgary, AB and then take a 1.5-hour plane ride to Fort McMurray, where you will be met and driven about 1.5 hours to the camp. PLAN TO ARRIVE BEFORE NOON!
2026 PRICING:
5 DAY HUNT $4800 (Includes one bear) Second Bear: $1750
DEPOSIT IS 50% of hunt price due on booking. Final balance is paid to outfitter NLT April 14.
Dates:
May 10-15
May 16-21
May 22-27
PRICING INCLUDES: Your license, your food and lodging, guiding, round trip transport to camp from the airport and back to Fort McMurray.
EXTRAS:
Tax (5%); second bear for $1,750; tips for guide and staff; trophy transport; any hotels and/or meals inbound/outbound (airports). NOTE: If you wish to continue hunting after taking your first bear, you must pay the $1,750 second bear fee, as it applies whether or not you harvest a second bear. That fee includes your second tag.
DEER HUNTS:
This outfitter also offers 2 bow-zone whitetail deer hunts. He has personally hunted this area for years and has done extensive scouting and placed several treestands in productive areas. He has multiple trail cameras out during the year specifically during the season in search of big rutting bucks.
The hunt will be conducted during the peak of the rut from tree stands on private property adjacent to public lands only accessible through their property. Accommodations will be cabins with home cooked meals. If you tag out early on your buck the outfitter will take you coyote hunting at no additional charge and supply the rifle.
PRICES (subject to change without notice until deposit received; all prices in USD)
7 day hunt $5,500 per hunter
Dates:
November 9-15
November 16-22
NOTE: PLEASE Talk to us at Hunt Nation about passports, gun permits and US Customs form 4457.
NOTE: If you have a DUI conviction or other similar things, please talk to us about requirements for entry into Canada.
Firearms: You are allowed to bring your personal firearm with you. This includes your rifles, shotguns or muzzleloaders (NO HANDGUNS, SUPPRESSORS OR AR-15-TYPE RIFLES!). For your firearms, a simple one-page form is required to be filled out to obtain a temporary Canadian firearms permit. This form can be down-loaded or mailed to you well in advance from The Royal Canadian Mounted Police at FORM 5589. Completing this in duplicate in advance should reduce your time clearing customs. DO NOT SIGN IT UNTIL YOU APPEAR IN FRONT OF CUSTOMS, but fill it out. A confirmed declaration costs a flat fee of $25, regardless of the number of firearms listed on it. It is only valid for the person who signs it and for those firearms listed on the declaration. IF YOU HAVE A DUI OR A CRIMINAL RECORD, CALL US! YOU MAY BE DENIED ADMITTANCE. NO FORMS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING YOUR HUNTING BOW INTO CANADA!
You will also need a U.S. Customs form 4457 – easy and no cost to obtain. It is simply proof of ownership from U.S. Customs. Mandatory basically! Go to nearest U.S. Customs office, and bring your gun along.
WE AT HUNT NATION STRONGLY URGE ALL CLIENTS TO CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE WISDOM OF PURCHASING TRAVEL INSURANCE AND POSSIBLY EVACUATION INSURANCE.
Airline travel has become increasingly unreliable, with numerous delays, cancellations, extra days in airports and more. This can easily cost you the trip you have dreamed of. Likewise, a sudden illness, stroke, a bad fall, a critically ill family member, can all result in big medical bills to get you out of remote areas quickly. It is just plain smart to look at the cost of protecting yourself. Most outfitters no longer give refunds if you cancel, regardless of the reason! So you could be at risk.
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