I am planning a seven-day elk hunt in BC for the fall of 2007. Ideally I would like to combo. this hunt with a black bear and mule deer or whitetail. All of my initial research pointed toward the south Kootenay region as the place to find a nice (280-320) bull elk. Now it seems as though I’m coming across more and more positive reports from the northern/Peace region. I am told the elk herd is strong and the scenery is amazing.



Can those of you who are familiar with the area give me any more insight? Has anyone had any positive/negative experiences with outfitters in the area? The outfitters that I am considering in the Kootenays are Wild Horse River and Saw Tooth. In the Peace region, BC Guide Outfitters has caught my attention. It seems that they traditionally specialize in moose, but have recently taken over Wolverine Valley Outfitters. I am told that Wolverine Valley has a pretty good elk herd.



I am looking for a rigorous wilderness hunt. I’m 32 years old, in good shape, and prefer to get off “the beaten path.†I am a farm boy from Michigan and have spent my short life chasing woodlot whitetails. This will be my first (hopefully more to come) out-of-state hunt. After a couple years of socking away money toward the goal, I am able to afford an outfitter in the $5000-6000 range (plus tags and travel). Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

I have worked over the past 10 years on the Alaska HWY reconstruction/re-alignment projects up in northern BC (Peace Region)and Yukon.

I seen alot of good elk taken up north of Ft. Nelsen area. There are some outfitters in the Muskwa region what get in a few mountain ranges over from the Liard River. Potenial opportunities probably for trophy big horn, stone sheep, as well as good bear.

Another good place to try would be the British Columbia Outfitter Association.

I personally dont know of any names, but maybe the Canuck moderator could steer you in the right direction.

Good Luck.

I don't think that elk and deer are open at the same time in region 7B (Northern BC). You should definately have no problems finding a good sized elk and black bear combo though.

I have both lived and hunted extensively in both the Peace/Muskwa Region and the Kootenays. You can definitely get the kind of hunt you want in either location, and you'll have to be a little careful in either location (ie. there is a pretty wide range in outfitters in both places).

The Kootenay's would be better if you have your heart set on an elk/muley/whitetail/bear combo. On average, you'll also be more likely to find the price range you have stated. Your price is on the lower end, which is often not necessarily a good thing! If you are willing to spend up to even $7000 you will get into the range of a few of the premium outfitters.

On average, the Kootenays are more "accessed" (roaded) and have a higher density of resident hunters. But, there are still some great remote locations and some really great outfitters.

The elk hunting in either end of the province is probably just as good as the other, and the trophy quality is comparable.

I don't really know the outfits you are interested in very well.

Back Country Outfitters is based just north of PG and is not really in the Peace River area (its in Reg 7A which is the Omineca Region). Elk hunting is pretty new in the region...they only opened a season there a few years ago. I don't want to slag an outfitter or area that I am not familiar with, but the truth is that I would personally go to a more traditional elk area for my dream trip. Plus, the area they hunt is not NEARLY as wild or as scenic as the northern areas or the Kootenays.

If you want to hunt the north, which is more remote on average and is all horseback (unless you book in a more developed area nearer the settled areas), I would suggest the following...all are well established and recommended outfits with lots of elk and good quality...

-Tuchodi River Outfitters (Larry Warren)

-High and Wild Wilderness Safaris (Barry Tompkins), used to be called Big 9 Outfitters.

-Prophet Muskwa Outfitters at Sleeping Chief (Kevin Olmstead)

-Folding and Terminus Mountain Outfitters (Dale Drinkall)

-Stone Mountain Safaris (ex-Dave Weins, can't recall new owner)

If you are interested in the Kootenays, there are some good outfitters with some nice territories. I am not really familiar with Sawtooth or Wild Horse, but they do have good territories with some great elk.

Here are a few more you may want to consider:

-Elk Valley Bighorn Outfitters has great territory with pretty high success rates. Anna Fontana is the owner.

-Packhorse Creek Outfitters in the north Flathead valley run a good operation and are having increasing success rates on elk. Its a nice territory as well, but a little more accessible than Elk Valley Bighorn Outfitters territory. They do have some great backcountry area though, and have gotten a few really big muleys the last couple years! Dave Beranek is an owner.

-Both Leuenberger's run good operations. Harry Leuenberger runs Baldy Mountain Outfitters and Steve Leuenberger runs Ram Creek Outfitters. They both have pretty good success and some nice country, but neither territory is really remote if thats what you are looking for.

-Findlay Creek outfitters has a really, really nice territory with some great elk country, but I don't really know the owners very well. They do have a pretty good rep though, and I've never heard any horror stories.

-Marty Lightburn (Rocky Mountain High Outfitters) also has a nice territory and a great rep.

-Height of the Rockies Outfitter (Sean Beswick) is another good one, that is in some remote country adjacent to national parks.

You can get info on any of these by googling their business names...they all have websites.

If I was interested in a rigorous wilderness adventure, and I couldn't try out a few places over a few years, I would go to the northern rockies. I'd probably pick High and Wild (check out his mountain elk hunt!), Tuchodi, Folding Mountain or Stone mountain.

Hope this helps! PM me if you want add'l info, but be patient...I can be slow replying...

Cheers,
Canuck

Canuck, I hunted with an outfit called Ottertail River Outfitters, back in 1991 in Northern BC off of Williston Lake, elk/moose combo; hunting wasn't good at that time but the scenery was amazing.. Do you know who took over that outfit??

Regards,
Craig Nolan

I am not familiar with Ottertail but I do know the country a bit and I could look up the current owner. Where was their territory...Kwadacha? Ospika? Akie? Richardson mts?

Cheers,
Canuck

Thanks a million for the info.

Ahh, isn't it true. Ya get what ya pay for. Several of the outfitters that you mentioned had been on my list. As you said, they were nearing or exceeding the $7000 mark. Maybe I should save up another year or so and head further north...

The elk/WT combo hunt I am considering is a rifle elk hunt and a bow whitetail hunt. My understanding is that both open on Sept. 1.

BC Guide Outfitters have recently purchased Wolverine Valley Outfitters near Tumbler Ridge. This is the area I am looking at.

I sincerely appreciate the leads. Time to do some more homework...

NimrodX, I can think of few other industries where the old axiom "you get what you pay for" rings more true than in selecting an outfitter... I've been fortunate enough to go on multiple outfitted hunts in 10 states or so and I've seen both ends up close save up if you need to and go with the best you can afford to...Very good luck to you!!

Regards,
Craig

quote:

The elk/WT combo hunt I am considering is a rifle elk hunt and a bow whitetail hunt. My understanding is that both open on Sept. 1.

In the Kootenays, the season for both starts on Sept 1, but it is also bow-only for both until Sept 9. From Sept 10th on is a general open season (rifle/bow/muzzleloader/shotgun) for 6-pt or greater elk and any buck whitetail. Muleys are 4pts and better. The peak of the elk rut is about Sept 18 to 20.

Up north the season and restrictions varies a bit more by Mgmt Unit. There are really good whitetails in the Peace, and there is a bow only season for deer from Sept 1 to 20. Remember though, all the whiteys are in and around farm country.

I wouldn't buy an elk hunt in the Peace though. Its good hunting, but its not like it is further north....if you're into a true wilderness adventure that is.

Another good outfitter for a combo elk/wt hunt is Horseshoe Creek Outfitters in Hudson's Hope. Really big whitetails and good elk, but not the type of hunt you specified. The elk and whiteys are in or adjacent to farmland in that area too. Ray Jackson is a good outfitter though, and has had good success and some high end clientele. My father has a bison ranch in his area and they live only a few miles apart.

quote:

BC Guide Outfitters have recently purchased Wolverine Valley Outfitters near Tumbler Ridge. This is the area I am looking at.

That makes more sense! I read your post too quickly....somehow my brain registered "BC Outfitters was bought BY Wolverine Outfitters" not the other way around!

The Wolverine Valley does have elk, but IMHO its nothing like the quality of hunting that you'd find around the Muskwa, Gatho, Tuchodi, etc.

For the sake of $1000 or $2000, I'd beg, borrow or save it and go with the well known outfitters with the top end territories.

Cheers,
Canuck

I've been looking into a combo elk/deer/bear hunt as well. How late does the season run in BC? Does it go through Thanksgiving week?

Canuck,

I'm really starting to feel as though BC Guide Outfitters is the best I can afford... I respect your knowledge of the area and greatly appreciate all your leads. I looked into all of them.

The northern hunts seem to be completely awesome. Unfortunately, they're also more expensive than the Kooteneys. $8000 was a starting point. As much as I would like to, I just can't do it.

As far as the Kooteneys, I was especially impressed with Anna Fontana. Of course, for her ten day hunt I'm looking at $7250. Ram Creek also impressed me, and was probably within my financial reach. Unfortunately, Steven is all booked up for 2007. Rocky Mountain High and Height of the Rockies also seem promising. However, the phone # that RMH has on their www is out of service and they haven't responded to my email. I left a message at the number for HOTR and have not heard back. Findlay Creek also has not returned my call.

Now when I talk to the owner of BC Guide Outfitters, I get excited. Grantid, he could be feeding me a line of "bull." I'm told that when people think of that area of BC, they think of moose. Most all of his clients come for moose and treat elk as an incidental trophy. His new territory, Tumbler Ridge/Wolverine Valley, I'm told has had an elk season for years. He's looking at this new territory to build his elk hunting clientel. He used to live in the Kooteneys and has done a lot of elk hunting himself. He seems very excited about this new territory and wants to guide me himself. He didn't have any hunters in there this year for elk as their primary. He gave me the name and phone # of a guy who hunted moose with him this year and had elk as an incidentaly. The guy spoke highly of the outfit. He took a nice moose but did not take an elk. He did have a 6X in front of him at 100 yards for several minutes but did not take a shot. He also saw several other elk.

It seems that there is a mine in this area that has brought in a road. The road allows a truck to approach a general area and then to hike in for the hunt. In some ways I don't like this. In others, I think it would be a great time saving benefit of a seven day hunt.

I'm really stressing out over this decision. Realisticly, I've got about $5500 to spend on the hunt itself, add in travel expense, processing, tags, licenses, non res. fees, taxidermy, and this is getting real expensive real quick.

This guy assures me we will see elk in this drainage area. That's all I ask for. I just want to see a couple 6X bulls. I want game in the area. The rest is up to me. I mean he's not telling me it is a sure thing by any means. He's talking like 60% success rate. I consider that and think, hey, I'm young, in great shape, and want to hunt hard - I should be able to close that gap.

I don't know. I've never booked a hunt before. Has anyone ever had an outfitter who was sincere and made you feel at ease, only to hose you in the end? He tells me that if he had time to hunt next fall and didn't have clients that this is the hunt he would be going on. Is that worth anything or do all these guys say things like that? I guess, in a nutshell, is this sounding like a sales pitch or should I take him at his word? How does a guy know? I've called another reference that also spoke higly of the outfit.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Sorry for being so long winded. Imagine how my wife feels... The hunt nine months away and she's already sick of me talking about in

Thanks,
Mike

I would try Rocky Mountain High again. If his phone service was down, his email may have been too. I hunted with Marty in 02. Didn't get an elk but had a great time.

I hunted the last 10 days of Sept. & there was very little rutting activity going on, So I would definately reccomend the earlier hunt. My partner & I booked a 2x1 hunt, as it turned out he had a last minute cancellation so he had an extra guide. Marty, another guide, & the 2 of us hunted together for a few days, then we split up 1x1 carried everything we needed & spiked out for a few days. We hunted hard but it just didn't happen.

Although the elevation isn't as high as other places, it is quite steep, so be prepared for that. Also I hope you don't have a problem with grizzlies, I saw 9 during my hunt.

I would have no reservations about booking another hunt with him. Marty is a top notch outfitter.

Mike, I can appreciate your quandary!! I've been sold on a less-than-as-advertised hunt (by a now apparently reputable booking agent!) who was an excitable and enthusiastic type (albeit phony IMHO), and have conversely had some superior hunts with outfitters you had to use a crowbar on to get them to speak!! Just like with anything else, check as many references as you can, make sure that the area is capable of producing what you're looking for, and go with your instincts...I guess the main thing for me is that, again, you do get what you pay for in most instances; a given hunt in a given area may be marginally less expensive that another of the same type, but it shouldn't be significantly less expensive as most of the outfitters' costs are absolutely fixed... If you get a good feeling about this guy's sincerity, book it and don't look back

Good luck,
Craig Nolan

Hi Mike,

I can appreciate your dilemma. It is a lot of $$! I know how hard it is to make a decision on a hunt like this, especially when considering an area that you have never seen, that ranges from the southern part of BC to about 2000kms to the north! In considering similar adventures and large expenditures I wish I had had a local to run questions by, and since I have received so much help on this website over the last 9 years, I am really pleased to be able to help someone else in any way I can.

So, please accept all my comments as a sincere effort to help you with your decision, even if I am actually making it harder!!

Just to provide a little more context for you, I have lived in the Kootenays for 15 of the last 18 years. I have hunted extensively in the Elk Valley, Flathead and southern part of the Rocky Mt Trench. I work for a forestry company whose operating area covers most of the east kootenays, so I am pretty familiar with the country. I also know most of the outfitters as a result, and consider quite a few of them as friends.

I also grew up in the Peace region and lived there again from 2003 to 2005. I have hunted in the Northern Rockies a number of times as well.

As much as I love the Kootenays and the Peace, I have to say that a fly-in or horseback hunt in the Northern Rockies is FAR AND AWAY my favorite hunting. You just can compare with the vast, remote, wild, untracked country. It is absolutely phenomenal. If I had to pay double (and thankfully as a resident I don't!) to hunt there, I definitely would. If a BC elk hunt is a once in a lifetime deal for you, I'd wait, save and go there.

Now, all that aside, hunting elk in the Kootenays or Peace is a lot of fun and a great experience. And while the roadless country is not as vast, its generally even more rugged and just as scenic. Because of the access you do have to deal with more resident hunters though.

My favorite hunting in the Kootenays is in Anna Fontana's territory. Hunting there, due to the access closures and the fact that most of her territory is actually in a park, is not far from the "northern experience". Her price is indicitive of that, and their high success rates on 6x bulls.

As I mentioned above, there are a number of others that can provide a similar experience.

I am not surprised that you'd have a bit of trouble tracking down a few of the outfitters right now. Most of them have to work in the off season to make ends meet, and a number of them are out in the bush working right now. I know for sure Sean Beswick is. I could probably track him down for ya. I am not sure about Marty, but he used to be a logger and may be doing some of that. I know Dave Beranek and a few of his guides VERY well, so I am sure I could track one of them down too.

I don't want to say anything that would be construed as negative about BC Outfitters, because I don't know them personally and have only heard good things about them (from spring bear clients). I am sure they are probably a great company and good people.

I do have a few reservations about the territory they have picked up though. Its not that its bad, I am just concerned that it may not provide you with what you are looking for.

On the positive side, they do have elk in that area, and have had elk for a long time. If you look in the BC record book, you will find a number of elk from that country in the 70's and 80's. Most of the elk in the Peace and further north originated from transplants from the East Kootenay's in the early 80's. The elk population has really exploded up there in the last 15 years.

On the negative side though, the Wolverine Valley territory is very small. Its basically just the headwaters of the Wolverine River and is essentially just one valley. As you mentioned to get into it, you have to go by an open pit coal mine. To me that has a significant impact on the experience factor. I have hunted around coal mines in the Elk Valley but I don't enjoy it much.

I am sure once you get beyond the mine the country is nice though.

Here's a couple pics for you...

This is the territory map. Armand Didier was the previous owner...



Here is a google earth image showing my best estimate of the territory boundary, the mine location (disturbed area, not property boundary) and the town of Tumbler Ridge (a community with a lot of avid hunters)...



You can see its a pretty small territory.

I am just providing this info to help you make an informed decision. If you are just after a good elk hunt with a good chance of finding a legal bull, and you feel good about the outfitter, you should probably go for it with these guys. I am definitely not trying to talk you out of it! But, I did get the impression that you want a hardcore adventure in the wilderness. If you think you can afford another elk hunt down the road you may want to save up for a northern Rockies hunt then.

Anyway, I sincerely hope this helps more than it confuses! If I can help with any more questions, or similar information for other territories, don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers,
Chris

My sincerest gratitude to all.

Canuck, yes, you have made my decision more difficult. Thank you for that Seriously, your perspective has been invaluable.

Before I start typing all the thoughts that are racing through my head, I'm going to turn this blasted PC off and go to bed. I've got to be to my folks farm in the am for a whitetail black powder hunt.

I'll get back to you after the weekend. It's amazing how a couple days in the field help a guy sort things out.

Thanks again!

Hey Nimrod,

I was talking to a guide of one my outfitter friends here in the Kootenays...he says they have some prime dates available for one guy...first hunt is Sept.9-18 and the second is Sept 20-29. He charges $6750, but he does have a prime territory and some great success the last couple years, especially elk and muleys. Check out his website at www.packhorsecreek.com

Its wild country with lots of animals. If you don't believe me check out these links of enviro's trying to turn it into a park...

http://www.peaceparkplus.net/

http://www.flatheadwild.ca/

http://www.wildsight.ca/

Here are a couple graphics for you, like I supplied for Wolverine Valley...The territory is owned by Beranek...



The territory is bound by the two red lines, the BC/AB border on the North East and the Canada/US border on the South...



Anyway, just thought I'd pass this on...tryin' to be helpful, eh! I can put you in touch with the outfitter if you have trouble reaching him.

And FWIW, the elk in my signature banner was killed in the area.

Cheers,
Canuck

Very nice. However, I'm no longer looking for an outfitter. Sent my deposit yesterday morning. No looking back now.

I ended up booking with Rocky Mountain High Outfitters. You were right. Marty hadn't gotten back to me because he was out hunting & his computer had been down.

I was really impressed with his references. He sent me more than any other outfitter. I called eight of them. They didn't all get elk, but all of them would hunt with RMH again.

I'm completely stoked! I will be hunting the opener on Sept. 9.

Now which rifle to take... I know my .30-06 will get the job done (I'm shooting a 168gr Barnes TSX at 2900fps), but a lot of guys that have "been there done that" really seem to favor the .338 - including Marty. I have to believe that more elk have been killed by the .30-06 than all other cals combined. Then again, after spending this much money a little insurance policy might be in order...

My neighbor has a Sako .338 that he has offered to let me shoot during the summer and take on the trip. I'm going to put a few rounds through it this afternoon and see if I can handle the recoil. I'm not willing to sacrafice "shootability" for energy. I'm anxious to see how it feels.

Thanks again for the leads and advice!

Congrats!! I think you made a fine choice.

I am sure you won't go wrong with Marty. There are no sure things in elk hunting unless you book an estate "hunt" , but no matter what, I am sure Marty will give you the best chance at one that he can and you will see some good country and be well taken care of.

Your 30/06 will be fine, but a 338 will give you a little extra comfort on longish or marginal shots (raking type shots). I'd vote for the 338, but if you are more comfortable with the 30/06 after trying the 338...don't feel bad about sticking with it...it will serve you just fine.

Cheers, and merry Xmas!

Canuck

ps: If you find yourself with an extra few minutes in town and want to meet for a beer, shoot me a PM...I'll be happy to buy.

pps: The whitetail in my signature banner was killed in Marty's territory.

ppps: here's a few google images of where you'll be hunting....











Happy dreaming of your elk hunt!

Cheers,
Canuck

Well... There's now a very gently used .338 win mag in the stable. I was absolutely amazed at the recoil. I don't know if it is the Limbsaver pad or the relative heft of the rifle (Sako Finnbear), but after the first 250gr CoreLokt down the tube, the next four were in the ten ring. Very manageble - and I don't particularly like recoil. It is certainly less than my slug gun.

Now for a trip to midway for dies, brass, brushes, bullets....... Does it ever end?

I will be in Cranbrook a day before the hunt. I'll take you up on that beer. No chance that you're buying though. I owe ya one after putting me on to Marty.

Thanks a million!

Mike

Canuck
I'm just reading this post and see you mention two of the outfitters I will be hunting with next year. I have a spring black bear hunt for me and my son with Steve Leuenberger the last week of May and a goat hunt with Anna Fontana the middle of October for 2008. If I am lucky, I hope to add elk or deer to the goat.

Whats your opinion of these areas for bear and goat? I hunted with Alex Smutney (Bugle Basin outfitters) a few years ago and hope for better goats.

Hi Kodiakisland,

You really couldn't have picked better places in the Kootenays.

Steven Leuenbergers territory is a good bear territory. I'm glad you are booked in late May if your bear hunt is 2007. We have a deeper than normal snowpack this year...most of Steven's territory is pretty high elevation.

You won't find a better territory in the interior for goats that Fontana's. As a client, I'd be dissapointed if I didn't take home at least a 9.5"er. 10 to 10.5" are possible. Our goats here will make 9"s by 3 years old. I've killed a decent goat in Fontana's territory and its one of my favorite places to hunt....you will have a BLAST.

Welcome to the forums and Good luck on your hunts!

Cheers,
Canuck

Kodiakisland ... check your PMs ... I hunted with Steven twice, and have favorable things to report.