I'm going to be heading to Sault Sainte Marie in a few weeks on business and I'd like to hunt one weekend while I'm there. Does anyone know of any budget hunts that I might be able to do on a weekend? A bear or deer hunt would be fantastic, but as mentioned above, time and money are a factor. I'd prefer somewhere close to Sault Sainte Marie, but proximity wise Sudsbury looks doable. It just depends on what it is. Other than the time/money thing, I'm not going to be picky.

Bear is closed now, and the deer gun seasons are very short (1-2 weeks). This is the first week, and next week will be the last. Bow season is longer, if you're into that.

You're best bet might be to do a search for outfitters on Manitoulin Island. Their season runs a week after everywhere else in the province (Nov. 21-27) due to special regulations (the whole island is private property, no public hunting areas, so written permission is required). They also have a 3 day BP season in December.

Manitoulin Island is about 4 hrs. from SSM. VERY high deer density. I've taken 2 nice 10 pointers from there, one about 115", other would be in the high 130's. Big bodied deer. Both mine were 195 lbs. dressed weight.

Just off the island, at Espanola, I had a buddy who shot a HUGE eight pointer that was over 240 lbs. dressed. Local CO's said it was the largest deer they've ever seen.

Thanks for the info Fischer, it's much appreciated. I figured out that most of the seasons were closed last night after I posted this message <sigh> . Manitoulin Island does sound like my best bet but I don't think the dates will work. I just found out today that my trip was moved up. Now I'm leaving on Sunday (the 14th) and coming back on the 23rd. So if I was going to hunt, it would almost have to be on the 19th-20th.

What about waterfowl, etc. Is there anywhere close-in to the SSM for waterfowl, or even something small like wolves/varmints? I looked all over the place for outfitters but most of them are way off to the east of SSM.

Sorry, can't help you there. I'm not a big waterfowler and I've never been to SSM myself. Just as far as Manitoulin.

The St. Mary's river in SSM has a fair run of steelhead, but I don't know if the season is still open. Perhaps at the mouth.

Only other things are grouse and snowshoe hare.

Lots of pulic land in MI Rifle season started the 15th and runs thru the end of the month. Non resident tags are available over the counter

I guess I should have said white tail season Sorry