This small family-owned operation in central Alberta approached us early in 2018 about working with them to market their spring black bear hunts. After speaking with the outfitter at length, and after all of their references gave glowing reviews, we gladly signed them on with us. We have since sent them several clients in 2018 and 2019, and all tagged 1 or 2 bears.
“Nicest people I’ve ever met. Nathan and his family are very level headed, calm composure, very informed, and listened to our request. They gave 110%. I have nothing but nice things to say!!! They made you feel like a part of their family. His mom and dad are wonderful cooks. We ate very well. The accommodations were excellent. I shouldn’t write so much good stuff because I don’t want others to take my spot!!”
This outfitter had previously guided for a different outfitter, but when this territory became available, he jumped on it, as he grew up in the area and has hunted there since he was 12 years old. He hunts a vast parcel of Crown land in WMU #338 that is about 2,000 square miles, most of which is bush, and he has the exclusive outfitting rights for bears. The bears here commonly reach 7ft.+ in size, and there are some color phase as well. Hunting is over bait from treestands or ground blinds.
Your guide will drive you to and from your stand each day, and as the stands are spread out over a large and remote area, expect quite a bit of car time each day. As with most north woods bear hunts, most of the hunting is done in the late-afternoon/early evening, when the bruins are the most active, with some fishing available in the mornings or once you’ve tagged out. Expect to arrive back at camp very late each day. However, if trail cameras are showing bear activity during the middle of the day, your guide may have you sit all day. In addition, there are wolves in the area, and they could show up at any time of day. In fact, one of this outfitter’s 2017 hunters took a bear and a bonus wolf (and he may have been most thrilled with the wolf!).
Another client:
“I had an amazing time. The lodge was very clean and up to date. Every morning was exciting to see what great home cooked meal the guide’s mother cooked up. Some afternoons we went fishing for trophy pike and enjoyed the breathtaking views of the lake. In the late afternoons we hunted bears and wolves. Then at night we had home cooked meals that you couldn’t wait to eat. You never know what will come to the hunting site when you’re sitting in baited stand locations. I saw over 10 bears that week and 3 wolves and I ended up taking a beautiful wolf and a bear. It’s a very exciting hunt!! I had such a great time last year that I’m going back again this year. I 100% recommend this outfitter.”
Hunts are conducted throughout the month of May, and he takes a total of only 10 hunters per year. This doesn’t even dent the bear population in this big territory, so he will allow hunters to even harvest a second bear.
Accommodations are in a rustic but modern farm house, with delicious home cooked meals. Parties of up to 5 or 6 can be accommodated at one time.
PRICES 2022 (subject to change without notice until deposit received)
6-day hunts in May with rifle, muzzleloader or archery/crossbow – $4,000 USD + $500 USD for 2nd bear, including guiding, food and accommodations. HUNT WOLVES FOR FREE! Non-hunting observers are welcome for $150/day. Prices do not include 5% tax, processing, taxidermy, gratuities, etc.
LICENSES
Bear licenses are $300USD plus 5% tax, but INCLUDE A WOLF LICENSE! The outfitter will issue it to you.
GETTING THERE
You will need to fly into Edmonton and rent a car (about 2 hours’ drive West to camp near Edson), or the outfitter can arrange to pick you up for $200 per car load of hunters.
GETTING YOUR WEAPON INTO CANADA
You are allowed to bring your personal firearm with you. This includes your rifles, shotguns or muzzleloaders (NO HANDGUNS!). 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 www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca. Click on the link on the left hand side for visitors/non-residents, then download the NON-RESIDENT FIREARM DECLARATION (form RCMP 5589/CAFC 909). Completing this 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. It is a simple form to fill out. 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!
TO PREVENT PROBLEMS WHEN RETURNING TO THE UNITED STATES, YOU MUST REGISTER YOUR FIREARMS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT BY TAKING THEM TO ANY CUSTOMS AND BORDER PATROL (“CBP”) OFFICE BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE UNITED STATES. THE CBP OFFICE WILL REGISTER THEM ON THE SAME CBP FORM 4457 USED TO REGISTER CAMERAS AND COMPUTERS. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU OFTEN CANNOT SIMPLY DO THIS AT THE AIRPORT WHEN LEAVING THE U.S., SO YOU SHOULD DO THIS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR TRIP.
