I am going on my first hunting adventure in BC with Sheep Creek Outfitters the last week of May, for black bear.

Joe Conroy, the guide has a rate plan set up with Heritage Inn in Cranbrook, which is my option for usage.

Does this work, or is there another hotel or B&B that comes more highly recommended?

Thanks in advance.

Fred

Can't help with where to stay, but this past Sept.I flew into Cranbrook, was picked up and taken to hunting camp right away. I hunted sheep for 12 days, didn,t take one but the area is beautiful.

AH,

Thanks for the reply and I am glad your hunt and stay went well. I am to arrive the day prior and will be picked up in Cranbrook the morning the hunt is to begin. I will also have a one night stay upon return from the hunt.

I am flying into Calgary and driving to Cranbrook. It turned out to be significantly cheaper, about the same amount of time (maybe less), and I will arrive in Cranbrook at a decent hour.

Best, Fred

Fred.
Do you know how to get to Cranbrook from Calgary?
There is a few different ways you can go.
If you have never been to Banff before, you could go that way. I would recomend you do it on your way to camp.. Rather than haveing to explain the large Black bear you happen to have in your trunk as you are haveing lunch in Banff

If you decide to head straight down, rent a car. head South on Deerfoot trail till yout hitt 22x/Marquis de lorne and head west. What you want to do is head towards Longview.. Its also a fantastic drive. Just heading south will still get you to highway 3.. But its not as nice and perhaps 15-30 minutes longer.

Let me know if you need anything else.
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR HUNT!!!

Calgary Guy

The Heritage is fine. The brand new Best Western is apparently deluxe. I haven't stayed there, but we get a lot of folks in on work and put them up there or the other real nice place in town..the Prestige. To a person they all prefer the new Best Western.

I agree with Calgary Guy on the drive, but if I were you, I'd do the round trip....down 22 and through the Crownsnest, then back through Radium, Kickinhorse, Canmore....

They are both pretty routes, and have "can't miss" scenery (ie. Frank Slide in the Crowsnest, and the Hot Springs/Canyon in Radium).

Fred, did you look at flying in to Kalispell MT? Its only 2 hours from Cranbrook, where Calgary is 4 hours. Plus you clear customs in a little border crossing, instead of at the airport...which can be nicer.

Good luck on your hunt. I am sure Steve will treat you good, and his territory is a pretty good one. Will you be all spot and stalk, or will you do some hunting over dogs? I suggest both if you have the time.

Last week in May is usually pretty good timing. Occassionaly the snow is late coming off though. Check in here and I'll let you know how the spring is progressing.

Cheers,
Canuck

CG and Canuck,

Thank you very much for the replies. I land at 1:55 into calgary so it sounds very feasible to add onto the drive for the scenice tour. I will plan on doing this - Thanks again.

Canuck, I did check flying into Kalispell and the only reason I am not is that after the two hour drive I would be arriving into Cranbrook around 9:30 PM. A little late for a nice set down dinner with the guide. Also the total amount of travel time from departure Tampa was almost the same. Arriving in Calgary at 1:55 and now the extra scenice tour should put me into Cranbrook between 7-7:30. This gives me time to check in, a nice dinner, and a good nights sleep (probably will be too excited to sleep).

Thanks for the recommendation, I will check out the Best Western and check back in as I get closer, on the weather conditions. What a great forum!

Kindest regard, Fred

Canuck,

I just realised I didn't answer all of your questions. The original intent is spot and stalk, but the guide did leave the option of bringing in dogs if we weren't having success.

Thanks again,

Fred

Sounds great. I am sure you will have a blast. If you get a chance to follow some dogs around for a day or two, I highly recommend it. Will you be trying to take 2 bears?

I enjoy getting guys fired up about their hunts, so feel free to shoot me any questions you think I can help with.

Here's a pic of a 7 ft black bear one of my best buddies shot last year, over dogs....not all that far from where you'll be hunting really...



Cheers,
Canuck

Canuck,

Sorry for the delay in replying. I was travelling on business.

Roger, confirmed on TWO bears :-)

Keep firing me up. This is my first trip into Canada, and first time hunting bear.


Kindest regards,

Fred

FG, you'll have a good time!! We have a healthy and BIG population of bear.