Hunts are conducted in select seasonal peak windows twice annually. Prime spring hunts span March and April, while prime fall hunts occur in October.

-Additional Wood Bison: Can no long be taken by hunters. 

-Moose: Available on fall hunts only, booked as a combo package. 

-Wolves: Bonus targets of opportunity during spring & fall seasons, at no additional cost.   

Days start early and end late. Use 4x4 ATV’s or snowmobiles to access this remote country. Hunters can expect to cover as many as 50+ miles in day in search of bison. Ideal spring conditions hover around the freezing mark, with frozen terrain and residual snowpack facilitating access, but also making bison tracks, sign, and sightings more visible. Insects have not hatched yet, and green up only occurs mid-June. Fall hunts are limited to a couple weeks in October, and a good option for hunters seeking excellent capes, but under fair, cool weather conditions with less bugs. Expect long days in the field to maximize the search, and so bagged lunches are typical. The majority of each day will be spent travelling small trails and glassing open areas from high spots in strategic locations while searching for a trophy wood bison. 

It is exciting cutting a fresh track and locating a herd of bison! Typical shots are between 50 and 200 yards, with shot placement being extremely critical. Angry wounded bison will stalk and circle waiting for a perfect moment to charge. These bison are also known for “mobbing” a predator, all attacking together at once. When you consider they reach speeds of 60 km’s per hour, it is easy to see why Bison are considered dangerous game. Bonus wolf hunting is a great extra on this hunt! Wolves here grow big and plentiful, taken either as targets of opportunity while Bison hunting, or pursued specifically from blinds over fresh bison carcasses. Wolf hunting companions are also welcome to join.

Most clients bring their own firearms, but rifles can also be made available, provided advanced warning is given. Shooting distance can range between 50 to 200 yards in most cases. These animals are extremely tough and require good shot placement with quality ammunition. Popular calibers include .375 H&H and bigger. Muzzleloader hunting is also possible.  

Archery gear is also welcomed by anyone wishing to bring it. Compound, traditional or crossbow archery is all legal and acceptable, and it certainly makes for a challenge.

Spring in Canada’s northern boreal is a beautiful time and place. Black spruce and poplar dominate the forest, while willows, alders and tamaracks establish the lower, wetter areas. This region is also interspersed with countless natural meadows. It's generally a flat and slightly rolling environment aside from the carving of river valleys. Ideal spring conditions hover around the freezing mark or colder, with the ground and wetlands still frozen, facilitating access. Residual snow pack also betrays bison by their tracks and makes them more visible overall. Insects have not hatched yet, and green up only occurs mid-June. In the fall season, the vegetation has mostly fallen, and the forest is again ready for winter.

Winter in the boreal forest is cold, with short days and long hours of darkness. For this reason, our prime spring seasons mainly begin in March, and see nearly 10 hours of daylight. Temperatures are generally below or around freezing at times with snowpack still remaining. Conditions can vary greatly year to year however. Some spring seasons see cold and snowy weather persist, while others experience a quick thaw with warmer temperatures. Likewise in the October fall season, weather is generally cool and the forest is once again ready for winter, with cold or snowy temperatures usually arriving in November. Coming prepared for temperatures swings is highly encouraged for hunters.

This hunt is typically conducted from a quality RV trailer, often accompanied by wall tents. Mobile camps are vital to both access and hunt strategic and remote regions, and remain within striking distance of the Wood Bison herds at any given time of the year. It’s a remote wilderness environment with no phone service or WIFI available. There is a maximum of 2 clients per hunt, thus each having their own room for privacy and comfort. Guides often stay and cook in wall tents. It is nothing fancy, but hunters are kept warm, dry, well fed and comfortable, and within range of the bison herds.

Breakfasts are quick and light in the morning to get hunters in the field promptly. Enjoy bacon, ham, eggs, porridge, toast, coffee, tea or juice. Lunches are packed for the day as returning to camp is not usually an option. They consist of sandwiches and snacks such as granola bars, followed by thermoses of hot coffee, tea, soup or stew. Upon returning back to camp, sit down to a big, hearty dinner. Menu items include ribs, grilled chicken, pork chops, lasagna or pasta with game meat sauce. Sides include potatoes, veggies or salad, often with cake for dessert.

Destination City: Hunters are asked to arrive at either Fort Smith, NWT, or High Level, AB, both of which are accessible by road or small commuter aircraft. Round-trip airport shuttles to the lodge are provided and already included. 

Travel Suggestions: The best jump-off point is Edmonton Alberta, where connecting flights to High Level or Fort Smith can be booked with either Northwestern Airlines (http://nwal.ca/) at 1 877-872-2216 or Central Mountain Air (https://flycma.com/) at 1 888-865-8585. Flights are typically less than 2 hours. Should you wish to drive, High Level is approx. 9 hours, and Fort Smith is approx. 16 hours respectively north of Edmonton.

These bison do not need a CITES permit, and instead the Alberta government provides the outfitter with a letter, which qualifies export. The hide, skull and meat however must remain in Canada until the paperwork clears and Alberta Conservation officers affix the letter and a metal tag to the Bison. At this point it will be cleared by the US Fish and Wildlife inspectors and can enter the United States. This process is done mainly through the taxidermist in Alberta in conjunction with the outfitter who delivers all the bison trophies at the end of the season, and ships any meat. 

Skulls can be cleaned, and hides can be salted or tanned, or the complete taxidermy can also be done. The taxidermist can then make arrangements and deliver the trophies to have them shipped domestically or internationally. The skulls are very large and the hides are extremely thick which lengthens tanning/processing times to approximately 12 months. Bison are simply huge animals.