I also posted this on the Big Game Hunting forum.

My buddy and I went to the Dallas Safari Club show specifically to find a British Columbia outfitter for a fall 2007 moose hunt. Our criteria was for a small, family-run business in the northern part (Unit 7) of the province.

After talking to seven or eight different companies, we have narrowed it down to three possibilities. Actually, I believe that we would have a great hunt with any of he outfittes on our "short" list, but I would never book with anyone unless I asked about them on AR first. The three finalists are as follows:

Chris and Thor Schippmann, with Liard River Adventures. Their operation borders on the Yukon, and my buddy thinks they would give us the best opportunity for a really spectacular Canadian moose. Thor, believe it or not, is Chris's wife, and she is cuter than a speckeled pup - and built a hell of a lot better! If she were actually going to be our guide, there would be no contest about who we choose. This is my buddy's first choice, because he believes that the further north you go, the more likely you are to bag a trophy moose. Their moose are still the Canadian species, however.

Mike and Dixie Hammett, with Sikanni River Outfitters. Dixie is a Texas girl gone north (waaay north!). Mike and Dixie's operation is a little south of Chris and Thor, but still in the ten-point/three brow tine, "trophy" area. We talked to several of their past customers who were visiting their booth, and they all highly reccommended this hunt. This was my first choice, for the simple reason of having met satisfied customers.

Dennis and Debbie Beattie, with Wicked River Outfitters. These were two very nice people, not they they were't all nice. Their only drawback is their's is an "any moose" area amd my buddy fears that the local hunters keep the really big ones thinned out. Still, last year, the smallest moose they took was 49 inches, with the average being 54. This is very, very good for the Canadian species of moose.

There they are. Any of you ever hunted with, or know anything about any of these outfitters? I look forward to you words of wisdom.

I would book with Stone Mtn. Safaris, or High and Wild; these are Dave Wiens and Barry Thompkins who are the best outfitters in the north, since Ross Peck quit doing it. Among those you mention, the Beattie's have been there for a long time and would be my choice.

IF, you can afford it, both SM and H&W have combo packages for Elk and Moose with maybe a Goat or Caribou as well. The Moose and Elk hunting is VERY good in both of their areas and a nice bull of each is not difficult to get.

I would strongly suggest getting into really good shape by stairclimbing, etc., B.C. is not Georgia and the mountains are very steep. Also, get GOOD mountain boots and break them in well before you go.

I've know Chris and Thor for many years although I haven't hunted with Chris. I think he is pretty good from his rep with other friends and I would not hesitate to go with him if I needed to.

Can't help you out as far as who is the better outfitter (as I can hunt in any of these areas on my own) but I can recommend going as far north as you can (ie.Liard River Adventures) as I feel the same way as your buddy, generally bigger and more of them the further north you go. Kutenay's reccomendations are also very good areas/outfitters if you wish to go outside of your list. No matter who you choose I don't think you will be dissapointed! Why not hunt the Yukon? that is where I would go for moose if I was paying the $$$$$

Trap,

Something happens when you cross the line into the Yukon, prices come close to doubling! It is precisely because I am paying the $$$$$ that I am going to stay in BC. Besides, what do you do with a set of 65" moose antlers anyway?

I know Mike's dad. The Hammett's are good people.

2X the price would make it an easy decision for me too then

Liard river has a the best chance at a larger Bull IMO, not much resident pressure, and varied terrain ( some of the territory is a large burn, very hard to hunt) BUT overall a good territory

Go during the rut, last 2 weeks of septemer, or 1st week of october,

I agree with Kutenays recommendations completely . I will add, however, that I wouldn't hesitate to book with Dale Drinkall (Folding Mt and Terminus Mt Outfitters) or Stan Lancaster (Kawdy Outfitters) for big moose. They both have great moose country and good reps.

Cheers,
Canuck

I have hunted with Dave Wiens at Stone Mountain Safaris on three different occasions. This is one of the best outfits in the North. My last trip with him I took a 196 Moose. I would definetly reccomend them.