If you haven’t seen Browning Camping’s lineup, you’re missing out. Check out their sleeping pads. Available in sizes regular, long, XL and double (as well as just a seat), these Jet Stream Polyurethane Open Cell Foam pads self-inflate, are made of tough material, have brass valves, come with a stuff sack and repair kit and even feature the famous Buckmark in raised foam on every pad. Bottoms and tops are Ripstop fabric, which reduces sliding around.

No more will you have to sleep on the hard ground or pack in a heavy air mattress!

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Well into the 21st century, hunters have entered a new age; a time when technology and information can be used to increase efficiency in the field. With the coyote population explosion, producers and wildlife managers alike are scratching their heads. No solution seems obvious. Coyote numbers remain excessively high and hunting appears to be the only viable management option. Great news for today’s sporting varmint hunter; the out-of-control population creates unlimited shooting opportunities. Add in the wealth of tools at our disposal and this genre of predator hunting fast becomes not only attractive but accessible as well.

Fur markets traditionally dictate the number of hunters harvesting coyotes each winter. In search of prime pelts that bring top dollar, times have changed as the markets continue to weaken. Consistent with the decreasing number of meat hunters, so too have the number of predator hunters dwindled. Unfortunately this translates to a thriving and in fact growing coyote population, particularly in agricultural regions. Dairy, poultry and pig farms especially, tend to attract coyotes. Chickens are often easy targets for hungry coyotes and, likewise carcasses are periodically left out creating an easy meal for wandering predators. In turn, coyotes thrive throughout Western Canada’s agricultural belt. Therein lies the problem. While numbers skyrocket, hunter numbers continue to go down. While fur markets once kept coyote numbers at least at bay, today coyotes face considerably less persecution by hunters. While sparse demand continues, by in large the vast majority of coyote hunting is done by sport hunters; those seeking to practice off-season shooting skills while contributing to coyote management. Yes, there is still a demand for coyote hides albeit perceptibly diminishing as time goes on. This is, at least in part, the New Age coyote hunting paradigm shift.

New Age Calling & Decoying

On the bright side, today’s coyote hunters are becoming more academic. Like other hunting pursuits, contemporary predator hunters understand more about coyotes; where they live, what motivates them, how to set up, how to call, and how to create shot opportunities.

As a rule, whenever I think about setting up for a calling session, I consider possible shot opportunities, wind direction and severity, whether or not I know of any den sites, and overall visibility. Coyotes respond to sound but they really key in on visuals. If I sound like one of their peers or prey-in-distress, I can generally get their attention. Whether or not they will commit to approaching is an entirely different thing. If you hunt coyotes, you know that not every dog will commit. If they are in earshot, most will stop, look, and listen, but only some will respond further. This is where combining familiar vocalizations with visual enticements enters the equation. An assortment of decoys can add the finishing touch to most set-ups.

Predator hunting decoys are many and varied. One such decoy that has revolutionized my own coyote hunting is Flambeau’s Lone Howler full-body decoy. Coyotes are generally sociable but during the breeding season, males are constantly on the lookout for a breeding partner. This little beauty can be just the ticket for bringing one in close for a shot opportunity. On many occasions I’ve had reluctant coyotes commit as soon as they lay eyes on it. Emulate the sounds of a female in heat or a young pup, in the right situation, and this combination of calling and visual attractor can be deadly.

Since electronic calls have been legalized in my home province of Alberta, I’ve taken to using a Johnny Stewart call. With interchangeable sound cards, I now have access to a wide assortment of prey-in-distress and coyote calls, all at the touch of a button. As a New Age coyote hunter, this electronic advantage has opened up a world of opportunity. Through trial and error I’ve learned that the e-call is indeed productive but it is never a full guarantee. Likewise, I’ve also learned that in some situations, nothing beats my tried and true howler and dying rabbit mouth calls.

If conditions are right; for example visibility is good, I’ll bring out the full arsenal. This includes a stuffed rabbit with a motion magnet inside to give it movement and the 3D coyote decoy placed maybe 20 metres away from the rabbit. Both will generally be positioned 40 metres from wherever I take a stand. Hillsides can provide great cover for the shooter, but in most situations, wearing suitable camouflage and sitting on the ground against a tree can offer sufficient concealment. I’ll often start each session by howling. If no response is evident, I’ll initiate a prey-in-distress call and continue with this for up to 20 minutes. The shrill cries of a squealing rabbit can be heard for great distances, particularly on calm frigid mid-winter days. Keeping a watchful eye out for any movement in or along tree lines, across wetlands and in any open areas will hopefully allow you to see an incoming coyote before it sees you. Remember, they have phenomenal eyesight and can detect even the slightest movements at great distances. If they are hungry and convinced that an easy meal can be had, let alone that there is another coyote already capitalizing, the calls can often be too enticing to ignore. On many occasions I’ve seen coyotes race in and even speed up when they see the rabbit decoy.

If you’re hunting tight quarters and feel that decoys are not an option, don’t despair. I’ve had many successful coyote hunts where I’ve set up in the bottom, or on top, of a drainage with limited visibility. In fact, these situations often present the most excitement as coyotes barrel in with reckless abandon. If game trails are apparent, consider setting up with your rifle facing directly down a heavy trail in the direction you anticipate the coyote to come from. On many occasions this strategy has worked great as the coyotes come trotting down the trail and directly into my line of fire.

One of the advantages of hunting coyotes in the New Age is again the luxury of choice. Given the high density of coyotes, I will often drive around until I locate what I consider to be a high odds opportunity. For instance, if snow conditions are deep and crusty, covering ground on foot can incredibly taxing. Regardless of the situation, walking out to do a set-up is imminent, but carefully choosing your stands can save a lot of energy.

Two winters ago the snow was nearly thigh deep; walking across full quarter sections simply wasn’t an option. My partner and I scoured the landscape, passing up several opportunities before finding one that screamed of shot opportunity. The wind was right, the woodlot was just big enough to conceal our downwind approach, and two dogs were lingering close to the tree line. Sneaking across the backside of the trees to a pinch point, we sat down against two big poplars. I proceeded to blow on a mouth call and within minutes we could see both coyotes scurrying across the snow, making their way toward us. In short order one sprinted right at us and didn’t stop. Clearly the coyote had its mind set on an easy meal and wasn’t about to pass it up! As I continued calling I have no doubt the coyote would have pounced on me. Thankfully my partner made a snap decision to swing, lay his .243 Win across my lap and shoot. The coyote rolled on the spot just five paces from us! That one was attributed to academics and interpretation of an ideal situation.

Technological Advantages

Coyote hunting in this New Age means capitalizing on various advanced technology as well. Venerable calibres like the .22-250 and .243 are great options and I use them extensively myself, but many contemporary coyote hunters are leaning toward more sexy calibres like the .223 and .204 Ruger. With the coyote game, the flatter a rifle shoots, the better. New Age coyote hunting is really all about gearing up for long range shots and the rifle is just the starting point.

High-powered optics make long range shooting possible. From long-range laser rangefinders to riflescopes, these are requisite tools for the New Age coyote hunter. Topping today’s long range varmint rifles with strong optics is a priority. Ballistic reticles with hash marks facilitate shots past 200 metres. Most of today’s optics manufacturers are delivering a solid product and I’ve got several different makes and models on my various varmint rifles, but if you’re looking to specialize, you can’t go wrong with something like a 5-20×50 mm Vortex Razor HD with an EBR-2B ranging reticle. This riflescope uses sub-tension lines for ranging, holdover, and windage corrections. While it may have been designed for more tactical applications, a tool like this can be a great asset for the academic coyote hunter. I also really like Bushnell’s Elite 8-32×40 mm riflescope for long range shooting. This biggest challenge with shooting at the highest magnifications is that it is virtually impossible to shoot without a bipod.

Rest assured, New Age coyote hunters have much to learn, a lot to consider, and plenty of opportunity. If we equip ourselves with the right gear and a little know-how, we are sure to put some fur on the ground. Coyote hunting today means we get to practice our hunting and shooting skills in the off-season while doing our part to manage coyote populations at the same time.

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With its 6 MP full-colour resolution and 36 low-glow infrared night vision LEDs, the X-8 records game activity day or night. Utilizing night vision technology that is virtually invisible to game and a motion-activated, passive infrared (PIR) sensor, the X-8 captures game up to 60 feet away. The camera features an impressive trigger speed of less than one second, and the multi-image mode allows the camera to capture one to three images per trigger.

Hunters can observe food plots and field edges from dawn to dusk by taking advantage of the Field Scan time lapse technology from Bushnell. Field Scan allows users to program the camera to automatically snap images at preset intervals ranging from one minute to 60 minutes, while maintaining the ability to simultaneously capture live trigger images.

In addition to high-quality images, the X-8 can capture full-colour video in five to 60 second programmable segments. Thanks to a nine-month battery life and massive 32 GB SD card capacity that can store more than 20,000 images, hunters can rest assured with the hard working X-8 trail camera in the field.

Available in July 2012 for an estimated retail price of $149.99, the Bushnell X-8 trail camera includes an adjustable web belt for quick deployment in the field.

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As the evening sun began its descent, I heard a twig snap. Adrenalin pumping I knew this could only mean one thing: a deer was coming my way. Moments later I glimpsed a patch of hair and heavy antlers behind a tangle of leaves and branches. It was a handsome four-by-four mule deer. Just a few more steps and I would have my shot opportunity.

The cool evening air carried the aroma of early fall, but sadly a subtle breeze swirled with reckless abandon. During the rut, the wafting air currents may not have affected this buck the same but in the early season as velvet sheds and bucks enter their earliest stages of the pre-rut, all senses are on high alert. As abruptly as it emerged from the foliage, the bruiser buck stopped, raised its nose high in the air, and snorted. Alarmed, it spun, stomped off stiff-legged, and continued to blow loudly as it made a quick exit! My near picture-perfect shot opportunity was foiled and, despite best efforts to control scent, the deer busted me. The lesson here is that no matter how much we do to control scent, sometimes environmental conditions and circumstances intercede to give game the home turf advantage.

Bottom line — human odour is offensive, especially to wildlife. We can never eliminate our foul smell completely, but we can certainly take measures to minimize it. Using the wind in our favour is indeed the most important step any bow hunter can take, but we can also use scent-blocking clothing, blinds, cover-up scents, and footwear to contain or eliminate much of our offensive smell.

Is Scent Control Necessary?

Scent control is probably one of the hottest topics discussed among bow hunters. Archery hunting is a close-encounter game and we simply cannot experience success if we can’t get close. Contemporary marketing has convinced many of us that commercial scents and scent eliminators are the ticket. While I’m a firm believer in a few of these products, I can say with great confidence that after twenty-some years of bow hunting and a decade of operating commercial bow hunts, some do indeed deliver as they promise but if we fail to hunt smart, no amount of technology or cover-up scent can close the deal for us. In the end, this means it’s important to understand thermals. Acknowledging when, when, and how thermals carry scent along with reading and interpreting prevailing winds will help you get close to game.

Use the Wind

Wind can be capricious. It can come up in a hurry and it can dissipate just as fast. It can gust, swirl, waft, or blow with intensity. Erratic or swirling winds create the worst conditions for any bow hunter. The unpredictable nature of wind carries scent to and fro at random. Every bow hunter knows that erratic or swirling winds or even light breezes can be the kiss of death when it comes to close range hunting.

Some bow hunters concerned with scent control prefer calm conditions, but my own preference is usually for a slight or even stiff but constant breeze. Depending on the species I’m hunting, wind can be good or bad. Spot and stalk hunting for instance is usually more successful when a consistent wind allows the bow hunter to work into or across it. Regardless of its mood on any given day, there is no arguing that wind carries scent.

One of the most valuable tools I carry is a wind indicator bottle containing odorless talc powder. Before doing any stalk or even walking into a stand location, I give the bottle a squeeze to see how the air currents are moving. If you don’t use one already, you should.

Clothing & Scent-Blocking Fabrics

Odor concealment is equally important. Some of the best gear I’ve discovered in recent years is made by ScentBlocker; in particular, their Dream Season line. Several companies proclaim scent-blocking or masking qualities and, given the outcome of a recent court case, evidence has shown that claims about their ability to block human odour are substantiated. Over the last few years, I’ve become a big fan of this stuff. Made with activated carbon and antimicrobial technology to aid in odour control, this technology is unreal and yes, it works!

Along with scent-blocking clothing are other related fabrics used extensively in some of today’s portable commercial blinds. One of the best odour controlling blinds I’ve discovered is Ameristep’s Dream Season ground blind. Utilizing ScentBlocker technology as well, it effectively conceals and helps block undesirable odours from possible detection by game.

Cover-Up Scents

Observing the trend in cover-up scents over the last couple decades, you’ve probably noticed a huge influx of commercial products. When the first commercial cover-up scents were made available, it was common to see things like earth, rabbit and fox scents. Today things like cedar, pine, coon, acorn and more are readily available. Attractants like estrus and urine scents have become so popular today that many different brands can be found on the shelves of your favourite hunting store. And, while I’m sure many work, I’ve come to rely on a select few.  Having tried many different brands over the years, I now rely on three main brands including H.S. Scents, Tink’s and Scent Shield products almost exclusively. Sometimes I’ll hang canisters with cotton or tissue saturated with these estrus or urine scents near where I’m hunting. Other times I’ll anoint the ground close to my stands, place attractants in existing or mock scrapes, and sometimes I’ll put a few drops on the sleeve of my jacket or on my pants.

In my experience, cover-up scents work but circumstantially. In my view a smell is a smell. I tend think “no odour” is better than introducing an “additional odour.” Most bow hunters have their own opinion on this matter, but for me scent-eliminating sprays are a better bet for controlling odour. They are probably the most universally used and most effective cover-up products on the market today. Tink’s Vanish, for example, uses Byotrol, a technology proven to destroy over 300 odour-causing compounds produced by the human body and the environment. Needless to say, for bow hunters, this is invaluable.

Footwear

As obsessive as many bow hunters are about scent, it is surprising how many of us forget about our feet. Feet sweat and smell. Think about it; we wear our boots or shoes everywhere and we step in all kinds of stuff. From washrooms to gas stations, restaurants, and more; everywhere we step, we pick up manmade odours that are highly offensive to critters. Aside from spraying down with odour-eliminating products, we can take practical steps to minimize foreign odours. Granted, we’ll never get rid of them completely but we can take simple steps. When possible, wear a rubber boot. Rubber tends to shed odors more than fabrics or even leather. In the early-to-mid-season, I like to where a knee-high rubber boot.

But just wearing that footwear isn’t enough. Savvy bow hunters take extra care to wear street shoes or boots in their vehicle and even up until they arrive at the location they’ll be hunting. For years, I stored and transported my hunting clothes and boots in plastic bags or Rubbermaid containers. I’ve even gone so far as to place spruce limbs in with them to ensure as natural a smell as possible.

Other Stuff

In the end, bow hunting demands that we consider a variety of variables to help us get close to game. Remember, your face, hands, and even your breath retains odour. I’ve seen odour-eliminating facemasks, gloves, and even chewing gum that is said to obliterate foul breath. Just how far we take the scent control thing is up to each bow hunter but one thing is certain; if animals catch our scent, it’s game over.

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According to professional hunter Jim Shockey, “The .357 caliber Benjamin Rogue air rifle offers more knock-down power than any .22 cal rimfire.”  The Rogue .357 is a multi-shot repeater equipped with an innovative, micro-processor controlled valve that extends the firing distance and provides accuracy and lethality out to 100 yards,” says Shockey.

Ken D’Arcy, Crosman President and CEO, said that the pioneering technologies in this air rifle will, “combine to change the course and perception of airgun hunting in the same way Samuel Colt changed shooting with the first repeater. Encroaching development and increasing predator encounters have helped with the acceptance of using big bore airguns for urban animal control as well as hunting,” he said. “This venture into big bore hunting airguns is a natural progression for us as we continue to focus our product development on the hunting category.”

The new Benjamin Rogue .357 ePCP hunting air rifle is “different than traditional compressed air PCP or CO2 airguns because of its innovative, patent-pending eVALVE,” said D‟Arcy. “The electronically driven power furnished by the eVALVE promises dramatic changes to the way we are used to hunting with airguns. No other airgun provides as many as 20 shots per fill and shoots at a consistent rate of 150 foot pounds of energy, and certainly not at this price range,” he said.  Crosman Corporation

“The Benjamin Rogue‟s flexibility adds further distinction,” said D’Arcy. “By  adjusting the electronically controlled settings, the Rogue .357 is capable of short and long distance shooting, making it appropriate for both small and larger game hunting,” he said.   “The Rogue‟s velocity ranges from 700 to 1,000 feet per second with knock-down power from 100 foot pounds of energy (fpe) to an astounding 250 fpe. The limitations of traditional close range airgun hunting are all but eliminated with the Rogue. You can now hunt with an airgun that ethically harvests game at considerably longer ranges,” stated D’Arcy.

Equipped with a single air reservoir, the Rogue fills to 3,000 psi. “Thanks to the patent pending eVALVE, the remaining pressure is monitored in the reservoir and maintains constant velocity,” said Terry Neumaster, Crosman product manager. “It solves the problem other big bore PCP guns have of decreasing shot count and reduced knockdown power as the psi decreases.  Unlike our more expensive competition, the Benjamin Rogue .357 continues to deliver powerful shots even with pressure as low as 1,000 psi. This feature makes for remarkably efficient use of the remaining air in the reservoir, resulting in an increased shot count,” he said.

All the information a hunter needs for a day in the field is available on the Rogue‟s built-in EPiC LCD screen. “Accurately displaying the remaining pressure in the air chamber helps  hunters determine how many shots are left before the gun needs to be re-filled,” says Neumaster.

The EPiC screen reports other variables controlled by the micro-processor, including the controls for the e-VALVE.   “By controlling the open time of the  valve via the EPiC controls, you have the option of adjusting your shot velocity. In addition, by making adjustments to the settings for the grain weight of your ammunition, you literally „dial in‟ your preferred power,” according to Neumaster. A heavier load means more knock-down power and, although a heavier load reduces the quantity of shots per fill,  it produces heavier impact on larger game.

“The most exceptional aspect of the Rogue  .357  is  its variability.  No other airgun lets you choose what kind of game you want to hunt, in one package with only a few easy adjustments,” he said. “There is enough power in this air rifle to take a boar-sized animal and, while I like airgun hunting for the challenge of close range pursuit, having one gun that offers both short and long range options is a hunter‟s dream,” says Shockey.  “The Rogue brings airgun hunting beyond pest control and into trophy hunting territory.”

Editor’s Note: Do you think it is ethical to shoot a boar (or similar sized animal) with an airgun? Write us and let us know! editor@westernsportsman.com

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Williams has two new lure series for 2012. The first, dubbed the Nipigon, is a slender bodied 2 1/2″, 1/3 oz spoon that imitates a baitfish in distress. Available in 8 colors, featuring a red treble hook and a red 3D eye with a chartreuse halo that is UV reactive.

The second, dubbed the Yukon, is a wide bodied 1/2 oz casting spoon. Available in 6 colors, featuring a red treble hook with red UV reactive tube and a 3D eye with a chartreuse halo that is UV reactive.

Plus, check out these new finishes:

For the Flasher series. Both on genuine silver mirror; Silver/Purple (PUR) and Silver/Green (GR). Available in sizes F1 & F2.

For the Whitefish series. All four on genuine silver nu-wrinkle with two different accent colors framing the silver center; Yellow/Orange (YORN), Orange/Blue (ORBN), Blue/Yellow (BYN) and Red/Green (RGRN)

For the Dartee series. Three new colors, 2 on a Gold base ; Orange (G/OR) or Gold Prism (GLDBO). The other on a Black base ; Chartreuse (BPC), which is UV reactive.

Williams is known for making lures that catch fish — period. Check them out today at www.mepps.ca.

With 60 horsepower, Can-Am claims the Outlander 650 has proven that it can give up 150cc to competitive machines with a larger bore and still come out ahead. Throw in our supreme comfort, value and all-out trail manners and the Outlander 650 is even more appealing. For 2012, the Can-Am Outlander 650 family represents decisive value for the ATV enthusiast. And their hot new Pure Magnesium painted plastic also makes it debut on the 650 XT. And last, but not least, for 2012 Can-Am introduces the Outlander 650 MAX XT-P, which features an Air-Controlled Suspension (ACS) in the rear, XT characteristics and an edgier, performance-based finish.

Features & Benefits

Rotax 650 V-twin engine

At 60 hp, this 80-degree V-twin engine is the most powerful engine below 800cc! The liquid-cooled, single overhead cam powerplant has four valves per cylinder and is fed by a 46mm throttle body and two VDO Siemens‡ fuel injectors. The sophisticated electronic fuel injection system automatically keeps the engine’s performance at its peak, regardless of temperature or altitude. The progressive throttle ensures power is manageable whether in precise rock crawling or opening it up on the straights.

Visco-Lok Front Differential

Progressively transfers power from a slipping front wheel to the gripping one – automatically with no buttons to push or levers to pull. Plus, there’s no wheel hop or driveline wind-up so the system is totally transparent to the driver and extremely easy to steer. Can lock up to 100 per cent with no rev or speed limiter.

Trailing Torsional Independent Rear Suspension

Trailing arm design provides excellent control and stability, especially in rough terrain by eliminating scrub. Wheels move rearward as they move up and down producing a smoother ride than the competition, and the ATV does not waver down the trail. Plus, TTI has 75 per cent fewer parts than competitive designs and significantly decreases tire wear.

Surrounding Spar Technology Frame

Rather than the common tubular box, the SST frame is a single spar that is lightweight, yet strong. It contributes to the Outlander model’s benchmark power-to-weight ratio and low centre of gravity.

PLUS:

• 26-inch (66cm) carlisle Badlands radial tire
• Lightweight and great handling tires for the base model
• Inboard disc brakes
• Unique design both front and rear reduces unsprung weight and helps centralize masses for more responsive handling.
• The industry’s first standard anti-theft device. Electronic code in key must match code in ECU to start.
• Front and rear steel racks
• 100-pound (45 kg) capacity in front, 200 pounds (90 kg) in back

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All Albertans can play a role in protecting our fish and wildlife resources for the generations to come.

Anyone with information that might help solve these cases is asked to call the 24-hour Report a Poacher line. This line is toll-free across North America.

Any information, photos, social media comments, etc. that might connect individuals to these crimes could be of assistance, regardless of how insignificant it might seem.

Information from social media such as Facebook or YouTube is becoming increasingly important to many investigations, and could provide assistance in these cases.

Callers providing information that leads to charges may qualify for a reward.

Callers can remain anonymous and still qualify for a reward.

Any personal information you give is kept strictly confidential.

Call 1-800-642-3800

To Read Unsolved Cases Click Here

Over the past 40-odd years I have been fortunate enough to hunt in 14 different countries that pretty much covered the four corners of the globe. On these hunts I have walked the plains of Africa and hiked the alpine vistas of Mongolia in search of game as diverse as mountain zebra to ibex. All of these hunts required a good deal of planning and organization to become a success. Along the way I can assure you that I encountered more than a few bumps that over time I have written off as achieving a higher plain of learning through the school of hard knocks. This column will lay out a strategy that should not only help you avoid some of these pitfalls but also lay out a plan of action for organizing your dream hunt.

Where, When & How

I’m going to make the assumption that you know precisely what you want to hunt and that it is just a matter of when, where and how. It may be a hunt in another province or territory for caribou or Stone sheep or it could be an African safari or even a trip to New Zealand for red stag. Irrespective of your destination or quarry, the essential elements of planning are the same. Once you have decided on the species you wish to hunt, the next step is to determine where, when and what the costs for this hunt will be and then determine if all will fit within your time availability and budget. The reason I raise this question is twofold.

First, many reputable outfitters are booked well down the road, particularly when it involves some of the more sought after species and second, costs for some of these hunts can run quite high. Subsequently, it is best to determine right up front if you can wait a while to save up for the trip, or if the costs fall within your planned budget. And, while it is possible in some areas to take on a self-guided hunt, I certainly don’t recommend it. A quality outfitter and seasoned guide will pay huge dividends in not only your success but also in your enjoyment of the hunt. They have both the local knowledge necessary for a successful hunt and the equipment required to make it happen. If this is to be your trip of a lifetime, don’t short-change yourself, do it right and book with a good outfitter.

One of the best places to start is by calling a number of well-known booking agents to seek their advice as to where they would recommend you hunt and with whom. Make sure that you let them know your goals, time constraints and roughly the price range that you are looking for. Another terrific way to make contact is to attend large outdoor shows that often have outfitters in attendance from all over the globe. Or use the method I most often use these days and that is to surf the Internet. It is often just a matter of typing in key phrases such as  “African lion hunts” and you can spend the better part of the day just looking over your options. Adventure stories and advertisements in magazines such as Western Sportsman are also a good source for seeking out outfitters for species that you are interested in hunting. And, finally, local hunters who have already gone on hunts for your target species are another great resource. It’s all about location and timing so use every avenue available wherever and whenever possible.

Booking A Hunt

Now that the decision about where to hunt is behind you, the next step is to book a hunt with an outfitter/guide/professional hunter in that area. This, in my view, is one of the most critical elements in the entire planning exercise. So here is the process I use. I first narrow my choices down to a half-dozen outfitters that offer what I’m seeking in the area that I know should produce the quality of game I’m looking for. I then contact each requesting the following information:

• Availability of hunts during the peak season for the species I seek
• Name of guide/professional hunter
• Guide’s experience in the area to be hunted
• Success rate for species being hunted over the past five years
• Trophy quality that can be expected
• Primary methods of hunting
• Type/quality of camps to be expected
• Potential number of sightings of species being hunted
• Type of weather and terrain to be expected during the hunt
• Physical condition required for the hunt
• Mode of transport to camp and during the hunt
• Listing of all licenses, permits and trophy fees and the costs of each. Pay special note that is some countries, especially in Europe, trophy fees can escalate dramatically as the quality of trophy increases.
• A listing of all costs both for the hunt and outside the hunt such as trophy care including crating and shipping costs. Ensure that any additional transport costs such as pick up and return to the airport or extra flight costs are also quoted.
• A list of references of hunters that hunted with the outfitter and, if possible, the specific guide/professional hunter in previous years.

Once I have acquired this information from each, I contact four or five references and carefully jot down key points of information they provide. The reason is simple as once you have talked to a whole array of references it soon becomes difficult to remember just who said what. I have found that most hunters are only too willing to take the time to pass on all the information you will need to make an informed decision. At times I have even gone through the process of setting out all this information on a spreadsheet prior to making a final selection. Most often one or two outfitters will evolve as the clear winners based on any number of factors from their success rate to trophy quality, or it may even be based in part on the camp life you seek or the area to be hunted.

For many of us, costs will also play a key role in this decision. However, if you do your research, bargains can be found — particularly if you can jump in on a hunt cancellation. Any one of these elements can be the ultimate deciding factor. But once you have made your selection, send your deposit and sleep well based on the knowledge that you have done your homework.

Preparing For the Hunt

My initial and primary step is to prepare a to-do list that includes all the things that must be done prior to my departure, such as:

• Make all necessary flight arrangements and ensure that you advise the airline company that you will be traveling with a firearm. (Also determine your baggage limitations.)
• Acquire all the necessary permits for travel such as a passport, gun import and export permits. Most countries today not only require an import permit but also will additionally inspect the gun on both entry and departure. Start this process well ahead of time as in some cases it can take months to obtain documentation. And don’t forget that if you are hunting abroad you will now have to obtain an export permit for your gun, scope and ammunition from Canadian Foreign Affairs.
• Develop an equipment list. Ask your outfitter for a suggested equipment list and use it as the basis for your list.
• Get physically prepared for the hunt. If it is to be an arduous hunt, I can’t stress this enough and if it involves riding a horse for 10 hours a day spend some time on a horse before you get there.
• Chose the right calibre and rifle for the hunt. Once again, seek help from your outfitter but do some additional research to ensure that your rifle and ammunition will match the game being hunted. This research should also include your search for the right optics. On many a trip I have even packed a spare scope just in case of a mishap.
• Plan and book any additional touring you may want to do in your country of destination. I find that a tour through some of the great cities, game parks or to a spectacular natural feature can significantly add to the entire hunt experience. I have booked many a tour on both the front and back of hunts; either approach seems to work well.
• Choose your cameras well ahead of the hunt so that you can become completely familiar with their use prior to your departure. I never leave home without at least two cameras, one as a primary use camera, and the other as a backup.
• Select your clothing with care. Once again your outfitter can be of help but regardless, ensure that you account for any potential foul weather. If you don’t have the right clothing and footwear to match your hunt, it can potentially be a miserable experience. So plan well.
• Plan for how you want your trophies cared for and shipped. You should speak to your taxidermist prior to your departure and seek their counsel. Most will even provide you with identity tags to attach to your trophies at the end of the hunt. Also discuss shipping with them as your trophies may require special permits and or handling.
• Spend a lot of time on the range practicing with your rifle and ammunition of choice. Make sure you are totally comfortable and confident with both prior to your departure. The same can be said for a bow hunter.
• If you don’t already have one, purchase a quality gun or bow case. Airlines are notorious for mishandling gun cases, so err on the side of quality.
• Determine well in advance if you require any special medical attention such as inoculations or prophylactics for such diseases as malaria, hepatitis (A and B), Japanese encephalitis or other serious illnesses. Talk to your doctor and/or your public health nurse.
• Last, trial run packing your bags to ensure that everything you plan to take will not only fit but also that your packed bags will fall within the baggage restrictions of not only the major airlines but also those of any secondary airline you might fly on. And don’t forget to throw in a book or two for that down time at airports or on flights and at camp. Check off each item on your list as you pack.

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