Gday
I have been lurking around the Canadian hunting section for a while now.
I am an Aussie deer hunter and I am lucky enough to be participating in a work exchange based out of Salmon Arm BC. I will be working with a Rapattack crew for the fire season and while over there would love to get out on at least one hunt.
After a bit of research and net browsing I have worked out I should book a guided hunt rather than try to get out either on my own or with locals (because of the regulations and limited opportunities).
I would love to hunt Elk as a primary with the possibility of Mule Deer and Black Bear. The area I have been looking at is S.E BC in Sept due to its close proximity to where I will be based and it also seems to be a good elk area.
Guides I have been looking at include:
Calamity Creek Outfitters
Baldy Mountain
Rocky Mountain High
Toby Creek

From the websites they all seem OK and with similar prices. As yet I havent contacted any of them regarding available hunts or references.
Does anyone have any experience with any of them or feel like offering alternative guide recommendations.

As this will possibly be a once in a lifetime hunt I am looking for a hunt that will offer a great experience but also a high chance of taking an Elk home. I am not looking to place in the record books but a nice representative head would be great.
The chance to take a Mule Deer or Black Bear would be great too.

And finally if any of you are coming down under make sure you post up your plans. You never know who might be able to take you out into some of our bush for a hunt. Things are a bit more relaxed with game regs out here. Year round seasons on many game species, some game animals are actually considered pests whcih provides lots of opportunities.

Matt

/

Hi Matt,

Check out this recent thread ... Kootenay vs Peace region for Elk ...for my recommendations -- you'll find lots of info for elk in the Kootenays.

If you are also interested in a good muley, I'll doubly recommend Packhorse Creek outfitters. Dave has had good success on muleys the last couple years. FWIW, as always, to be fully transparent I will state that the owner is a friend of mine.

Cheers,
Canuck

Thanks for the replies guys. I realised about the non resident guide requirement which is why I am asking about which outfitter. Had a look at the Packhorse Ck site and it looks good too.
I have previously read the other thread about the Kootenays v Peace and have picked out quite a lot of useful info.
I will have to e mail some of the operations before I ask for any other input, once again thanks.

Too bad you aren't coming to Alberta. I'd be happy to lend you a rifle and take you hunting. I just got back from Australia where I spent a year and only managed to sneak out on one "rabbit hunt".

Hope you have a good time fighting B.C. fires (what a holiday) and find a good opportunity to do some hunting and fishing.

Robin in Rocky

Give the Lancaster boys a call for top notch hunt. You should be able to get a hold of Cam he lives in Lethbridge, Alta.

Hi Alpine Hunter,
Best of luck on which ever hunt you end up on. You should have a great time hunting here. There are some real dandy elk in the Kootnays. I'm heading up north to Fort Nelson for a river boat trip this fall for Elk and the anticipation is running high.
Good luck to you,
Dave

I second A.Fleming. The Lancasters are partnered with Fontana's who have a really good Elk/Goat/Grizzly/sHeep/Deer area in SE BC.You will get a nice elk!