Outfitter: Doug McMann. Skinner Creek Hunts
Date: October 13-21, 2021
Animals hunted: Moose, Black Bear, Mule Deer and Wolf
Animals seen: Moose, Mule Deer, Cougar
Rifle Caliber: 300 Win Mag, 30.06

Apologies for the late report. I normally check the forums every two or three weeks, but have gotten around to submitting the hunt report. Extremely slow at work, so why not make good use of my time.

My wife turned 50 this year, but previously asked her what she wanted to do for her birthday. She said she wanted to hunt Moose. In 2021, we were supposed to hunt spring Black Bear that year, but Covid lockdowns had put a stop to it. During a casual conversation with the wife, I asked if she would like to hunt Moose with Doug, if the opportunity arises. She said yes and previously took her first Black Bear with him. The stars eventually aligned with the boarder opening and we jumped at the opportunity.



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We started off having lunch at the Flying Beaver before leaving Vancouver. Unfortunately, the first flight out of Vancouver was turned around half way to Williams Lake. This was due to a snow squall. Doug said it lasted all of 5 minutes and was a clear sunny sky immediately afterwards. Day two saw us back at the Flying Beaver for lunch. The same bartender was there and asked us what happened. We told him and in a nice way, we hope not to see him the following day.


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Background story prior to me taking the firs Moose seen. During my wife’s Bear hunt with Doug, she passed up on shooting a a trophy Bear just under 200 yards. This Bear was Brown in color and over 7 ft. Doug has only the second bear he’s seen over 7 ft, and has seen hundreds of Bears in his life. This Bear was so large he thought it was a Grizzly at first. He asked me to shoot it, but he doesn’t have to live with her. We never did get that Bear and it still gives me nightmares today. I don’t know if I’ll ever see a Black Bear (color phased on top of it) that big ever again. It sounds greedy and it should be about the experience, but refuse to make the same mistake again.

The fist day we had over 10 miles cover without any luck. It was late when we were leaving a lumber block when I noticed the Bull Moose. I thought my eyes were playing tricks. Just couldn’t believe there’s a Bull Moose, black in color, standing in the brown pines. I placed Doug’s .300 Win Mag behind the shoulder and fires. The Moose immediately took off (no follow up shot) and Doug said the shot looked high. I didn’t think so, now I was nervous. It wasn’t to hard to find where the Moose took off too, with the hooves digging into the soft pine forest. It didn’t go far, maybe 60 yards. Let’s just say I was pretty ecstatic over the success.



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Doug took the following morning to quarter the Moose. We loaded it into the back of the truck in thirds the night before (head, front half, back half) without a Block and Tackle. It was definitely an experience I don’t want to repeat. We just thought it would be quicker since we could get the truck very close to the Moose. We still laugh about it, but won’t do it again. The copper bullet was recovered under the hide. That after we covered around miles plus, but no Moose.


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Day three started off early and we went to one of Doug’s honey holes. No luck there and he decided on making a drive to the far end of his guide area. By then we covered nearly 9 miles (if I remember correctly). We were close to the area Doug wanted to hunt, when I noticed a Bull, with the sun gleaming off the antlers and Cow off the road. I yelled “Moose” but should have said two Moose. Doug and my wife got out of the truck and I stayed in. Doug got confused when he saw the Cow take off and didn’t notice the Bull at first. The Bull cooperated for my wife to get one shot off. My wife fumbled reloading a second shot before the Bull took off. I got out of the truck after the first shot and soon noticed my wife and Doug hustling into the woods. I went straight ahead and saw the Bull quarter away from me a close distance. I drew the rifle, but didn’t fire. This was going to me my wife accomplishment or heartbreak. They eventually made their way to me and I point in the direction the Bull went. Once again, the soft pine needle forest floor left telltale hooves tracks. We follow for under 100 yards when Doug noticed the Bull attempting to stand. My wife fired and knocked the Moose back down. Doug had her put one more into it and you could see the air escape the lungs. At this point we patiently waited for the Bull to expire. The early 50th birthday gift was a success.



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When Doug got around to butchering the Bull, he found someone previously shot it with .22 cal bullet.


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The remaining days we hunted Bear and Mule Deer. Unfortunately, we were too late in the season for Bear and too early for the Mule Deer rut. I did pass on a small 3x4 on the last day and saw my first Cougar.


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I’m so glad I came across Doug’s post year ago helping Wounded Veterans. Being a Combat Veteran myself, I greatly appreciate people who give their time and services freely to support my fellow servicemen and women. He never disappoints and gives 110% each and every time I hunted with him. I’m so glad we got to make this hunt happen and give my wife a special Birthday present that will always bring back memories.


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Thanks for the great report!

Very nice!

Heck of a trip and report, congrats to all three of you, glad it turned out great!!

Looks like you had a great time, congratulations.

Well done! two bulls on the same hunt. Perfect!