The big game draw season has started in the US. Yesterday, it cost over $8,000 to apply in only 1 state, and partially apply in 2. That is just the beginning.

At the end of the day, non resident hunters who want to fully participate in the draws will need to front well over $12,000. Out of which the non refundable fees will be over $1000.

Compare that to BC. A non resident can find a 3 species hunt for less than I spent yesterday. And we can set the calendar now, without waiting to see what we draw.

One tag I put in for was Wyoming moose. That hunt will cost 1600 for the tag, and 5-6K for an outfitter. I am sure there are many great moose hunts to be had in BC for less, without having to wait 7-10 years for the tag. For a bigger moose, too.

I am extremely grateful to the operators and friends in BC who can offer wonderful hunting opportunities otherwise not available.

Thank you, BC!

This, is among the classiest posts I have ever read on any hunting forum and I am one BC citizen who really appreciates this kind of courtesy.

I am a bit tired now, but, will have some suggestions posted tomorrow ayem on good value hunts, Moose included, here in BC.

Thanks, Jack.

Excellent post.
Canada has always offered great hunting for great prices.

Nice!

Me too

Upon someone's (Dewey?) recommendation here I hunted with Stone Mountain Safari's in 2008 and had a tremendous wilderness adventure. The hunting was darn good too. Next spring I head back north for grizzly. I can't wait. Some say I should be going to Africa for what I am spending in BC. Most have not hunted BC. When I am older and not as mountain ready I will chase the buffalo of Africa. Until then I will take the to the mountains and BC is supreme in that regard.

So, can someone educate me on how one goes about getting a non resident tag for BC?
Peter.

Your outfitter will have them.

You cannot buy or draw for a "non-res." tag here and can only hunt here for big game, if you employ a Guide-Outfitter, who usually operates under a "quota" of animals per season or allocation period and within a specified territory.

So, say you want to get a Moose and would be satisfied with a representative specimen instead of a "Booner". There are lots of small "family" GOs who will sell you a hunt and then you go with their guide and, hopefully, shoot your Moose.

The smart money in these hunts goes with a 2x1, that is you and a buddy are guided by one guy and this costs less and works just fine for Moose and some other species. Then, if you like BC hunting and can afford the not inconsiderable costs, you can go on 1x1 hunts for whatever you wish.

Be aware, BC is almost all VERY tough country, steep, densely forested, wild, cold, wet and often dangerous. You MUST be in good shape and willing to endure some shitty weather to enjoy hunting here and being "skunked" is all too common. A word to the wise....

But, once you have been among the wild mountains of BC, especially alone for some period of time, you will never forget this fabulous place and will understand men like me and why we will do anything to preserve it.

A Moose or Elk is not difficult to get here, Black Bears are so easy that I cannot be bothered and Grizzlys are also not hard to get in many areas. Sheep, RMGoats and Caribou are more of a challenge, but, just the hunt itself with a good outfitter is an experience for a lifetime.

Thanks guys!
Peter.

quote:

Originally posted by Jack D Bold:
The big game draw season has started in the US. Yesterday, it cost over $8,000 to apply in only 1 state, and partially apply in 2. That is just the beginning.

At the end of the day, non resident hunters who want to fully participate in the draws will need to front well over $12,000. Out of which the non refundable fees will be over $1000.

Compare that to BC. A non resident can find a 3 species hunt for less than I spent yesterday. And we can set the calendar now, without waiting to see what we draw.

One tag I put in for was Wyoming moose. That hunt will cost 1600 for the tag, and 5-6K for an outfitter. I am sure there are many great moose hunts to be had in BC for less, without having to wait 7-10 years for the tag. For a bigger moose, too.

I am extremely grateful to the operators and friends in BC who can offer wonderful hunting opportunities otherwise not available.

Thank you, BC!

Come to Maine, spend your hard earned cash in the U.S.

http://www.maine.gov/ifw/licen...ries/moose/index.htm

quote:

Originally posted by Jack D Bold:
The big game draw season has started in the US. Yesterday, it cost over $8,000 to apply in only 1 state, and partially apply in 2. That is just the beginning.

At the end of the day, non resident hunters who want to fully participate in the draws will need to front well over $12,000. Out of which the non refundable fees will be over $1000.

Compare that to BC. A non resident can find a 3 species hunt for less than I spent yesterday. And we can set the calendar now, without waiting to see what we draw.

One tag I put in for was Wyoming moose. That hunt will cost 1600 for the tag, and 5-6K for an outfitter. I am sure there are many great moose hunts to be had in BC for less, without having to wait 7-10 years for the tag. For a bigger moose, too.

I am extremely grateful to the operators and friends in BC who can offer wonderful hunting opportunities otherwise not available.

Thank you, BC!

Are your applications NON refundable???

if they are non refundable, the equation is clear- Book a hunt.

I've worked with Stone Mtn Safaris briefly as a cook and been there a number of times as my buddy is one of thier top guides. Wholeheartedly recommend them.

Keep in mind these next few years are THE time to get good deals on BC hunting. Economy is not great, so all BC outfitters are open for business.

If you talk to Stone Mtn, be sure to say Clarke told you. They know me well.

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:
So, can someone educate me on how one goes about getting a non resident tag for BC?
Peter.

You don't need to apply for a tag in BC. Your outfitter has a certain amount of designated tags.

You call them up and book a hunt and go hunting.

As an aside, I've heard that some consider BC hunts "expensive" compared to wherever. Yes, they are not cheap. But keep in mind you that in many cases, you are going into a wilderness area, and you will see nobody else for 2 weeks.

Last fall I filled in for a camp cook at Stone Mtn Safaris (heck, I'm a CHEF) for a few weeks.

We covered an area the size of Ireland on our horses in that time, and never bumped into a human.

Doing this stuff isn't cheap, and in my opinion a true wilderness experience with moose, elk, grizzlies, goat and sheep is more fulfilling than killing a buck on a ranch. Just my opinion.