CANADA: BC - ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK HUNT (COMBO)

The outfitting season for trophy Elk hunts in these northern Rockies commences in late August and runs until mid-Oct. The bugle kicks off early this far north, however, and the first weeks of the season (late Aug. - mid-Sept.) have been highly successful. The second bugle generally occurs in the last week of the season (early-mid Oct.) but is not as aggressive or reliable.

- Western Canada Moose: Best combined with Mountain Goats in the last half of the season.
- Mountain Goat: Best combined with Elk in the first half of the season
- Black Bears: Best combined with Mountain Goats in the first half of the season
- Wolf: Low success rates, but no extra cost. Available throughout the entire outfitting season.
- Fishing: Excellent in the early half of the season, but still good till the end of the season.

These trophy Elk hunts in BC, Canada are x10 full days, and professionally 1x1 guided, and each hunt can be custom-tailored as needed. With a large herd of Elk near the main lodge, hunts can operate by 4x4 truck and a hike from the comforts of basecamp. Other more adventurous options include hunting the rivers by jet boat and staying at rustic trapping cabins along the way. Even more options include a string of pack horses for a proper remote, backcountry horseback Elk hunt in BC. 

Depart camp early arriving at a strategic glassing or calling spot for the first part of the morning. Move to various other key glassing or calling locations throughout the day, day after day, as needed. Set up spike camps in different areas to ensure hunters are in the correct spot. Elk can often be recovered with the help of horses, minimizing heavy packing. Once the meat and hide are cared for, attention can be put towards secondary or bonus species such as Mountain Goats, Moose, Wolves, Black Bears, or trout fishing.

Most clients bring proven, personal rifles from home while Elk hunting in British Columbia, Canada, as entering the country with firearms for the purposes of hunting is relatively quick and simple for non-residents. Elk living in these mountain conditions offer typical shot ranges of around 250-350 yards. Recommended calibers for Elk hunting in Canada should be flat shooting, roughly 7mm or larger, especially if planning to combine with Moose or Mountain Goat. Quality rifles/ammo can at times also be rented for international clients at a price of $500 for the duration of the hunt.

Archery Elk hunting is catered to and is more feasible for Elk and Moose, which can be called in, versus Mountain Goat. But everything is possible in the hands of an experienced and practiced archery hunter. Typical archery Elk hunting shot ranges would be 40-50 yards or slightly further.

This region of BC’s central Rockies is largely subalpine with steep green mossy or rocky slopes above vast conifer forests. Meandering ridge tops separate various large basins carved out by several prominent local rivers. The timberline rises to roughly 6000 feet but the Elk are most often found closer to the valley floor. White Spruce, Aspen, and Balsam forests prevail, Huckleberry crops seem endless some years and the low country is laced with Alder thickets. 

This wilderness is also home to Grizzly Bears, Pine Martens, Porcupines, Lynx, Beavers, Chipmunks, Bald & Gold Eagles, Ravens, and Grey Jays.

In this land of extremes, the weather is no different. Elk hunting in BC, Canada during the early season is generally warm, while the late season can expect colder weather and perhaps even some snow. Precipitation is not generally prevalent but quality rain gear is always encouraged while Elk hunting in Canada. The early season can be buggy in the low country, while the late season can see strong winds in the high country. 

Temperatures should generally be above the freezing mark, but late season or higher elevations will see the mercury fall. Hunters are encouraged to come prepared for anything, as all weather types can be experienced over the course of these 10-day hunts.

Accommodations while Elk hunting in BC, Canada will vary and can depend on the specific hunting areas. Hunters initially arrive at the main lodge, with several lakeside log cabins that include a main building with common areas, kitchen, and dining areas. There is also a shower, bathhouse, and sleeping cabins. 

The lodge is complete with Wi-Fi and phone service. While hunting, camps can range from a rustic trappers’ cabin to nice wall tents. Most have outhouses, single-frame beds with sleeping pads, lanterns, propane cooking stoves, chairs, and picnic tables. Portions of these hunts also occur from spike camps which are simple but effective. Nice dome-style tents, with lanterns and stoves position hunters exactly where they need to be at dawn each morning while trophy Elk hunting in British Columbia.

While out on the land, the guides cook over campfires or Coleman stoves. Meals are filling but effort is made to pack light. Typical breakfasts consist of hash browns, eggs, bacon, coffee, juice, toast, and porridge with berries. Plan on packing a lunch made up of sandwiches, trail mix, protein bars, some fruit, and juice crystals. Dinner time brings items like hamburger helper, beans, smokies and sausages, Mountain House, pork chops, or wild game steaks with instant rice, potatoes, or sidekicks. While transitioning through the main lodge, enjoy hearty wholesome home-cooked meals!

Destination City: Hunters are asked to arrive at either Prince George or Fort St. John BC, and usually overnight in a hotel. Greet outfitter staff in the lobby early the next morning and depart for an approx. 2-hour charter flight directly to the main lodge airstrip.

Travel Suggestions: The destination cities for Elk hunting in British Columbia, Canada are easily reached from several major western Canadian airports, such as Vancouver, Calgary, or Edmonton, with the best airline options being Westjet or Air Canada.

Rocky Mountain Elk trophies are carefully prepared and labeled, with hides hung on meat racks in the shade, and frozen once back at base camp, along with the deboned meat. Clients may be able to fly home with antlers and some meat or arrange for shipping. After the season, the outfitter delivers all trophies directly to his preferred taxidermy partner in Northern BC, who can complete the final work, or prepare the crate and export documents and deliver trophies to an expeditor. The average turnaround time is usually from 8-10+ months. The meat can either be donated to the outfitter or be delivered to a local butcher for specialized meat products, which can then be packaged and shipped (separate from the trophies).

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