Hunt the heart of the Rocky Mountains with a veteran outfitter. Ten full days 1×1 guided during prime-time with a pocket full of tags ensures no one goes home empty handed on this remote sub-alpine wilderness combo hunt adventure!
| TRIP DURATION |
10 professionally guided 1×1 hunting days |
| PHYSICAL LEVEL |
Medium |
| PRIME TIME |
Mid-September until mid-October |
| WILDLIFE STATUS |
Wild, Free-ranging & Indigenous |
Package Highlights
Northern British Columbia is famous for consistently producing lots of big bull Moose. Remoteness coupled with expansive ideal habitat lets the species thrive in these vast isolated river valleys. Hunt with a proven outfitter in operation for nearly 30 years, who has been selectively managing his Moose herd by routinely under harvesting annual quota. The result has been consistent encounters with big mature bull Moose. Focus on the peak Moose rut which spans from mid-September to mid-October when conditions are prime, and so calling in various key locations is the primary hunting tactic. Average bulls range from roughly 47-53 inches, with the largest of them stretching the tape to 65 inches. Last season for example, saw two 60-inch bulls roll into camp. The wild factor is huge out here.
This is a true adventure hunt and accessing the huge remote hunting territory is part of the challenge. Hunters can cover the most terrain on horseback, but some hunts are run on the various rivers by jet boat as well. Trek deep into the wilderness spending the nights is a series of prospector style wall tent camps, or small trappers’ cabins along the way. Spike out as needed to be in the right spot for dawn in each morning, but anything could happen anytime while traversing this remote game rich area.
A big perk to these Northern BC wilderness hunts is the opportunities to combine with various species, in what might be one of North Americans best example of a Safari style adventure. No one goes home empty handed. Hunters can purchase multiple tags and are welcome to “mix and match” between 50+ inch Moose, 9+ inch Mountain Goats or 300+ inch Elk on this hunt, all with no change in base price. A second big game animal can be combined on a trophy fee basis upon success provided a tag has been pre-purchased. As a bonus, Wolves, Black Bears and big Bull Trout can also be pursued as those opportunities present themselves, with no additional costs or trophy fees aside from licensing.
Come experience the raw sub-alpine wilderness on this customizable combo hunting adventure in Northern British Columbia. It leaves most hunters humbled but hardened, feeling like they earned it. Taste that satisfaction with some freshly seared Moose steaks over an open fire…
Typical Day & Tactics
Arrive in Prince George, and overnight at a hotel. The following morning cab to the charter plane base and depart on beautiful flight to the main lodge. Meet your guides upon arrival and make final preparations to head out on the land. Overnight at the main lodge and depart by horseback, or jetboat the following morning, stopping at wall tent camps, small trapper cabins and eventually spike camps as the expedition treks deeper into the vast outfitting territory.
Each morning the wrangler assembles the horses while the guide makes breakfast and packs lunches. Depart camp early arriving to a strategic calling spot as close to dawn as possible. During the peak rut, the primary hunting method is calling, and they echo through the valleys. Move to various other key calling or glassing areas throughout the day, day after day, if that’s what it takes. Move camp and spike in different areas to locate the biggest bulls. Most hunters get opportunities at bulls in the 50+ inch range and shots tend to be quite close, rarely exceeding 250-300 yards. A string of horses and a wrangler greatly assist in deboning and packing out a big bull. Once the hide is salted and the meat is cared for, attention can then be turned towards secondary or bonus species such as Goats, Elk, Wolves, Black Bear or Bull Trout fishing.
Moose are primarily targeted mid-September to mid-October. Elk and Black Bear are more frequently seen in the first half of the season, while Mountain Goat are encountered throughout. Wolves can also show up anytime and sitting over a fresh Moose carcass is never a bad strategy. With any luck, there may also be some excellent bonus Bull Trout fishing available at some point during the hunt.
Once back at the main lodge, spend the evening repacking personal gear or meat for the return trip before the charter arrives. Meat needs to accompany hunters as checked luggage if they wish to bring any home. Several coolers of deboned meat salvages most of the prime cuts and complies with airline regulations. Hides and antlers will be brought to a local taxidermist who can do the complete work, or tan and prep them for export.
Landscape & Climate
This region of the 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 moose are found well below this, often residing in the low country and valley floors. White Spruce, Aspen and Balsam forests prevail, Huckleberry crops seem endless and the low country is laced with Alder thickets. This wilderness is also home to Grizzly bears, Pine Martins, Porcupines, Lynx, Beaver, Chipmunks, Bald & Gold Eagles, Ravens, Grey Jays in addition to the huntable species.
In this land of extremes, the weather is no different. Early season is generally warm, while late season can expect snow. Precipitation is not generally prevalent, but quality rain gear is always encouraged. Early season can be buggy in the low country, while 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 any and all weather types will likely be experienced over the course of these lengthy hunts.
Meals & Accommodations
Accommodations on this hunt will vary through the trip and can depend on the specific hunting areas. All hunters initially arrive at the main lodge, or base camp. Here there are several lakeside log homestead buildings that include a main building with common areas, kitchen and dining areas. There is also a shower, bathhouse and mobile sleeping quarters. The lodge is complete with wifi and phone service to keep in touch while away. While hunting, some more established camp locations are complete with a rustic trapper cabin, or nice wall tent camps at times with wooden floorboards. Most have outhouses, single frame beds with sleeping pads, lantern lighted with propane cooking stoves and guided constructed chairs and picnic tables. Portions of these hunts also occur from spike camps which are simple but provide for hunters needs. Nice dome style tents, with lanterns and stoves position hunters exactly where then need to be come dawn each morning.
While out on the land, the guides cook over campfire 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 a 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 (Chicken Teriyaki, Spaghetti), pork chops or wild game steaks with instant rice, potatoes or sidekicks. While transitioning through the main lodge, enjoy hearty wholesome home cooked meals.
Key Equipment Suggestions
Once a hunt is confirmed, the outfitter can provide a complete list of required equipment to ensure hunters are prepared for the conditions and this style of hunting. Key equipment items include; quality, light weight, layered clothing for weather that ranges from warm sunny days in September, to cold snowy days in October, light weight -20C or colder rated sleeping bag, sleeping pad, a good light weight internal frame day-pack, quality rain gear, hydration system, quality binoculars, spotting scope and rangefinder, trekking poles, good quality broken in hiking boots and gators, along with tall waterproof boots, a headlamp, a backup flashlight, multitool and a digital camera. Hunter orange is not required in British Columbia.
Pricing
Trophy Mountain Hunts: 10 full days – 1×1 guided – x 1 (Moose, Goat or Elk) – September-October – $12,000
- Trophy Fee: Opportunistic “stumble-on” combo (Moose, Goat or Elk) $4500 each plus licensing.
- Custom Trips: Extra hunting days can be arranged in advanced at $1000/day for up to 12-14 days
Included
- All meals and tent or lodge accommodations during the hunt
- 1×1 professional guiding with an experienced local guide
- A string of 9-12 horses and wrangler for the duration of the hunt
- All overland or river transportation while hunting
- Bonus Bull Trout fishing opportunities if possible, or tagged out early
- Basic trophy skull & hide preparations for the taxidermist
- Deboning meat and prep for travel.
Not Included
- 5% Government Sales Tax (GST)
- British Columbia non-resident hunting license, Wildlife Preservation Fund, & Tags
- Travel to the destination city of Prince George, British Columbia
- Any pre and post hunt meals and/or hotel accommodations
- Return charter flights between Prince George and the main lodge
- Trophy fees for any additional game animals harvested
- Gratuities to guides and staff
- Taxidermy, butchering, as well as meat & trophy export
- Personal side ventures or tourism or purchases of a personal nature (alcohol, souvenirs etc.)
Additions
- Extra hunting days: $1000/day (must be confirmed in advance – schedule depending)
- Non-hunting observer days: $175/day
- Rifle Rental (if possible) $500/duration of hunt
- Round Trip Charter Flights – Approx. $800-1200
- Non-resident British Columbia Hunting License – $189
- Hunter Preservation Fund – $200
- BC Non-resident Mountain Goat Tag – $370
- BC Non-resident Western Moose Tag – $265
- BC Non-resident Rocky Mountain Elk Tag – $265
- BC Non-Resident Stones Sheep Tag – $650
- BC Non-resident Wolf Tag – $55 (no limit)
- BC Non-resident Black Bear Tag – $189 (up to x2)
- Non-resident Fishing license – $75
Trophy fees for additional game species (upon harvest);
- Western Moose – $4500
- Rocky Mountain Elk – $4500
- Stone Sheep – $21,000
- Wolf – No charge
- Black Bear – No charge
Destination City
Hunters are asked to arrive to Prince George BC, and overnight in a hotel. Depart the following morning by charter flight less than two hours in duration to the main lodge.
Travel Suggestions
Prince George is most easily reached from several major western Canadian airports, especially Vancouver or Calgary, with best airline options being Westjet or Air Canada.
Airport Shuttles
Round trip airport/hotel shuttles between the airport, hotel and charter base are not included.
Special Info
Passport required for all international travel. Non-Canadian citizens can be denied access into Canada if they have a DUI or any other criminal infraction.
