Hi, greetings from South Africa. After reading some books on bears I would like to visit the Bella Coola area. Plus Prince George because a friend from South Africa settled there.

I have been to the US a couple of times but never to Canada. Mainly I'm interested in sightseeing and animals of course but if I get a chance I would like to do some hunting as well. Are there any reliable hunting outfitters in that area? Unfortunately I'm not the youngest anymore and a knee gives me problems. Any ideas what and where I can hunt? I don't think it will be worthwhile to bringe my rifle along, although I don't like hunting with a strange rifle. I shoot left so it won't be easy finding a rifle which suits me well. Looking forward to your response.

Bella Coola, is in some of BC's most rugged terrain and is a "cold jungle" area. The knee problem, I have it as well, will really hinder you there. I lived in that region and know from experience.

PG is in the center of BC, lots of hunting around and many outfitters. Much easier terrain and while a road trip (take two days min.) to Bella is worth the drive, rather scary road in parts, the hunting is best based out of PG.

Bring your rifle, not a big issue clearing customs here with it and using what you are used to is a very wise idea, IMO.

What chambering and loads do you shoot?

Also remember that the hunting seasons in North America are much more restricted time wise than in Africa.

You will need to schedule your trip around the hunting rather than the hunting around your trip.

quote:

Originally posted by SNAP:

What chambering and loads do you shoot?

Great advise, thank you. Well, I guess I would take my Krieghoff Classic Big Five double barrel 9,3x74R along. I'm using Woodleigh softnose bullets and Sax softnose. Are there any nice guesthouses at Bella Coola and Prince George? Do you know reliable outfitters personally?

I sent you a PM

You should have no trouble finding an outfitter that can take you for moose and / or black bear. You rifle should be well suited to moose and bear hunting too so no worries there. Mountain goats are also a possibility but not very practical with a bad knee. Mule/blacktail deer are also locally abundant in spots. Sheep hunting is very limited and in expensive due to great demand. Grizzly bear is no longer offered to non resident trophy hunting.