For the past 14 years in late May/Early June I've gone on great black bear hunts in Northwest Manitoba. One isn't wise to predict success, but only a couple of times did we not get everyone a fine animal. In other words, if you don't kill a good bear, you probably screwed something up.

This year will be June 8th through the 15th. You will get to hunt Sunday through Saturday night.

This year I will be flying a float plane into a remote lake system that's full of trophy pike and walleye. I've caught dozens of 40" to 50" pike with my fly rod in this lake. It's over 30 miles long with only one simple portage (and that's not necessary if the water is high). As many inlets/bays as the lake has, I'll bet that there are over 300 miles of huntable/fishable shoreline. There will be 3 or 4 outboard powdered Lunds (one for every two hunters) at the camp for fishing and transport to the bear baits. The bigest bear I've killed up there measured so much over 7' square that you'd not believe me if I told you.

The somewhat rustic but very comfortable camp has a heated bunkhouse and a guide shack/kitchen/dining area. There is a hot shower, too. The lake system hasn't been hunted for two years. I've hunted it three times in the past and have taken Pope & Young bears with my bow each time. Rifle hunters are more than welcome.

This is a really laid back hunt. The camp is on a great, sandy beach, perfect for a roaring fire, good conversation and a toddy or two.

A typical day would be arising at 8:00 or so to a breakfast of pancakes, bacon, coffee, and eggs as you like them. Then to the boats for fishing, catching lunker pike and walleyes until you just get tired of reeling them in. About 2:30 you'd enjoy a shore lunch of fish fillets, fried potatoes/onions and baked beans. Then a nap or more fishing. About 5:00 pm you make yourself a sandwich and take it to the stand with you. It doesn't get dark until 11:00 pm so you'll be picked up by boat about then. Everyone then gathers by the fire to recount their sightings/kills, for a cigar if desired, and a single malt (if that's your perference)... Then, horrors... the next day, you do it again. If you are not out hunting because you've already gotten your trophy, you'll be enjoying a steak on the grill while awaiting your buddies return! Not bad, huh? There will be a SAT phone in camp, but you get castrated if you call your office!

There are elevated stands and ground blinds. Rifle hunters can plan on shots of 30 yards or so while I like to set up the bow shots up close! I've never had much of a problem with bugs (mosquitos) on these hunts. I take simple precautions when hunting don't get bothered at all. With the camp right on the lake, breezes almost always keep the area bug free. I've never seen a no-see-um there, if that makes any sense at all???

This year I have had two cancellations in my party.
I can arrange a great discount if anyone wants to go.

I did a video for Wilderness Sound Productions/Larry D. Jones two years ago. The video is HUNTING FEVER or some such nonsense, but here is a picture of the bear:



Please e-mail me, if interested.

[ 04-11-2003, 23:07: Message edited by: JudgeG ]

I'm not able to seriously inquire but I wouldn't mind knowing the ticket for such an excursion. Sounds like fun!

Too bad Russ isn't here.

he and I have emailed a number of times about bears.

Hopefully, he'll be back safe and sound soon.

Russ had a trip planned for this spring at a place about 300 kms south from where we catch a float plane (and fly further north). He was planning on camping and then hunting baits that were "reachable" by pickup or ATV. It is a very good way to hunt up there, but doesn't really give the wilderness experience that we get. I've done both and enjoyed each. There is some value in being able to drive to the WalMart!

Russ has given up a great trip (,if you count the raffle) to do his duty. Semper Fi and Godspeed to our Russ.

[ 04-12-2003, 18:04: Message edited by: JudgeG ]