CANADA: NEWFOUNDLAND - WOODLAND CARIBOU HUNT

Prime season runs from late-September to mid-November. The rut however spans the latter part of October and into early November, which is the optimal time for these NFLD Woodland Caribou hunts.

- Moose: Can be booked as a combination species to most guided Caribou hunts in Newfoundland.
- Black Bears: Can be added to most NFLD Caribou hunts by trophy fee basis + licensing & tag.

Standard hunt packages are 6 full days. Most camp locations can access at least a portion of its hunting area by boat – but generally hunters do a decent amount of walking. While fall colors are beautiful, the landscape is remote and rugged. Reach a strategic vantage point for dawn each day. Once on a small peak, visibility can be good for a long distance, and it’s not uncommon to begin spotting Caribou, Moose or bears quite quickly. During the October rut, Woodland Caribou form harems and can remain quite localized for lengths of time while they court, challenge and breed. To see the most animals, hunters often inventory the different harems in the area, before deciding on a specific bull. During the rut, Caribou are bold and curious, and hunters can even grunt or flag Caribou into archery range.

Early and late season, the Woodland Caribou can undergo mini migrations, reminiscent of Barren Ground Caribou hunts. Getting in front of the animals or lying in wait at a good natural funnel proves most effective.

Most clients bring their own firearms, but some rifles can be rented if preferred (must be reserved in advance). Shooting distance can range from 75 to 350 yards in typical cases. Popular calibers are anything in the .270 - .30 caliber plus range. Muzzleloaders are also welcomed when Caribou hunting in Canada.

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

Newfoundland is rugged and wild. It’s a patchwork of small lakes and mountains in all directions. The land comes complete with expansive low-lying sphagnum bogs, muskegs and fens. River valleys are belted with alders, birch or poplar, while higher up the rocky soil gives way to a more conifer-dominated forest mainly composed of black spruce or tamarack. Boulder fields or “rock gardens” work the ankles but the rocky ridges provide the best trekking once you’ve crested their summit. Autumn conditions can at times be wet and windy, but fall colors are in their full seasonal glory as the caribou rut begins to peak!

Woodland Caribou hunting in Newfoundland means getting acquainted with the wet landscape of maritime Canada, reaffirmed by the North Atlantic’s classic fall weather. Mornings are often calm, dewy or frosty with low-lying fog that burns off shortly after the sun crests. Rain can come and go, same with short bouts of high wind. Other days, however, can be warm and sunny. Snow or temperatures dipping below the freezing mark are generally uncommon until the late season in November. The animals are used to it, so hunters must ensure they come prepared for the elements.

With dozens of fly-in locations, there are many lodging options for a Woodland Caribou hunt. Generally, trophy caribou camps consist of comfortable and established wall tents with elevated wooden floors. All camps have generator electricity, outhouses, camping and dining tables, propane stoves, cots & coolers. Some even have cell phone reception, and others have motorboats. Hunters normally share a large wall tent, while the guides stay in and maintain a kitchen tent which also serves as a common area. Still very comfortable as far as tent camps go. Cabins may also be used for some guided Caribou hunts.

Hunters do not go hungry and often enjoy some local favorites. Camps are often stocked with fresh codfish, hams, salted pork, beef and moose steaks, and, at times, fresh mussels or lobsters. These are served with roasted potatoes, buns, rice and salad. Homemade desserts are also served. Breakfasts are classic with blueberry pancakes, waffles, toast, coffee, juice, muffins, eggs, bacon, and sausages. Pack your own lunch with an array of items. Various sandwiches, granola bars, juice boxes, cookies, candy, pudding, tinned meat or fish, as well as dinner leftovers.

Destination City: Hunters are usually asked to arrive to either Deer Lake, Gander or St Johns NFLD. The remote hunting areas are spread out over vast areas accessible only by aircraft, with seaplane bases 1-3 hours’ drive from each of the destination cities.

Travel Suggestions: St Johns is easy to reach from various major eastern US airports. Connections to the other destination cities such as Gander or Deer Lake can be reached most directly with flights connecting via St Johns, Montreal or Halifax, or at times directly from certain US airports.

A percentage of clients drive to NFLD for their Woodland Caribou hunt, and return home with their meat and trophies directly. For those leaving meat and trophies with the outfitter - capes are carefully skinned, trimmed, labeled and frozen. Similar for skulls or skull plates. After the season, the outfitter delivers all trophies to a capable taxidermist in Newfoundland who can do the complete work, or prep, certify, crate and deliver trophies to a local shipping agent or expeditor to be shipped. Meat is deboned and frozen, and can also be left with the outfitter to be shipped later or donated. Options for detailed or specialized butchery, or products like sausages, ground meat or jerky can also be done, and later shipped. Turnaround time ranges from 4-8 months.

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