I am strongly considering my first western hunt in 2008. I am 30 years old, decent shape, better than average rifle shot, avid bowhunter. Current hunting rifles are a 257 Roberts and a 300 Win Mag.

I have been wanting to start hunting in the western US or Canada for some time now. Finally have the financial backing to start doing so. Wondering what some veterans would recommend for a first time hunt? My biggest interst is wild sheep!! Although i realize that is not the best choice for a first time hunt. Interested in all game species, but some species that interest me more than the rest are sheep/goats, blacktail deer, mule deer, grizzly bear, wolf, coues deer, elk.

I may have a lead on a DIY mule deer hunt with a friend in southeastern Wyoming. Seems pretty affordable with decent trophy quality in the area. Might be a good chance to go with somebody who has been out west before. Might be a chance to combine that with pronghorn, but they don't interest me all that much.

Check out Alberta. Come and do a Combo Mulie/Whitetail, maybe a bear with a deer or all three. Use your bow or rifle with Birch Creek Outfitters in northern Alberta.

Here is the link to their website. Birch Creek OutfittersGreat people.

I would suggest for rifle hunt to bring your 300WM.

Hope the information helps.

Wyoming for antelope is the easiest and likely most successful "first time" Western hunt. Plenty of animals and public land.

quote:

Originally posted by Mighty Peace:
Check out Alberta. Come and do a Combo Mulie/Whitetail, maybe a bear with a deer or all three. Use your bow or rifle with Birch Creek Outfitters in northern Alberta.

Here is the link to their website. Birch Creek OutfittersGreat people.

have you hunted with them before MP ? i just sent them a mail about black bear hunts, but it would be nice to hear from people that have hunted with them.

peter

quote:

My biggest interst is wild sheep!! Although i realize that is not the best choice for a first time hunt.

If you have the financial wherewithal to do it, there is absolutely no reason to put off sheep hunting. You will never regret doing it, but you may regret waiting!!

I know a few outfitters in SE BC that I am comfortable recommending that can provide you with a quality bighorn hunt, and combine it with elk and muleys, time permitting (sheep hunting is no slam dunk and can burn up all the days of your trip in a hurry...but its worth the focus!).

Feel free to PM me for some contact info, etc, if you are interested.

Cheers,
Canuck