The area has a diverse game population: Stone Sheep, Grizzly Bear, Mountain Goat, Mountain Caribou, Moose, Black Bear and Wolf as mentioned but several species of grouse and ptarmigan also live in the area. The following is a brief overview of the species of game.
Moose:The Moose we take should be 50” plus ,with wide palms and good brows. In our first season operating (2017) the SMALLEST was 52’’. Record class animals are taken consistently, the largest taken we know of was 72”! (Remember these are CANADIAN MOOSE!). The Moose hunting is above average in late August & early September, but still the best rut hunting/calling is in mid-late September and early October. Moose make a great combination with Goat or Caribou in September. Moose hunts can be taken on the lakes and rivers with boats or by horseback into harder to access areas. Season opens: Aug. 20th. For inspection, an incisor (front) tooth for moose needs to be submitted. It is also a requirement to leave evidence of sex to the hindquarters. In region 6, the antlers need to be inspected also. We have NO quota on Bull Moose and there is NO size restriction but please try and take mature bulls only. This is not a Problem whatsoever!
Stone Sheep:Our area has a yearly quota with the ability to harvest up to 7. Most of the sheep are quite dark in color. The average sheep ranges from 35-39 inches with 43”+ rams having been taken in the past. Some of the sheep country can be accessed with horses, but you will need to do some hiking. In 2017 We planned on doing all sheep hunts with backpack (with the clients that allowed us to) It turned out to be the best year they had. Our area does not have a super high population of Stone Sheep making it a physically demanding hunt with the effort rewarded by some of the most beautiful rams on the planet. Our area is a good summer area with good feed and cover, but has limited winter range due to above average snowfalls. Season opens: August 1 – Oct 15th. Rams must be full curl (over bridge of nose) or 8 years old. Head must be sent in for inspection with bridge of nose and eye socket attached and a tooth. After inspection the skull & cape can be taken home on a commercial flight.
Grizzly Bear:Grizzly hunting in BC is currently shut down by the Government.
Mountain Goat:Our goats do not get quite as big as coastal goats but the hunting for them is more pleasant (no Devils Club or coastal rain/fog). The goats targeted range from 8 ½ - 10”. The area can produce record class animals but we book a hunt based on finding a mature Billy that is a respectable representative. We hunt early-late August for the best weather and mid-late September for the best hair. Late November hunts can be arranged upon request. We do not want the clients shooting small Billies or Nannies, even though they are legal. Season opens: Aug. 1st. The horns and hide with penis or teats are needed for inspection. We have no quota on goats.
Mountain Caribou:The caribou population is one of ( if not ) the best in BC, some very large animals have been taken. The largest bull we know of ever harvested from our heard was taken on our northern border and scored 426 B&C net. In August, the Caribou are scattered and found higher on the ridges. By mid to late-September, the animals have grouped up and are found at lower elevations on the plateaus. In order for a caribou to be legal in our area, it must have 6 top points or 5 top points and 1 back (rear) point. Season opens: Aug. 15 in region 6. For inspection, the following is needed: Antlers and lower jaw w/incisor teeth attached. All horseback Moose hunters should be packing a Tag for Caribou during September and October!
Black Bear:Bears can be taken on an opportunity and trophy fee basis on some of the hunts. We do not have a lot of black bears, but there are some big boars in the area, with most of them being jet black. Season opens: August 15. No inspection required.
Wolf:Wolves are taken on an opportunity basis at no cost. A hunter must have purchased a tag (maximum of 3 wolf tags/season.) Many of our hunters would like to harvest a wolf and if they have a tag they should get the opportunity to shoot first. We tell the guides don’t wait very long before you shoot also, so be quick on the draw! Season opens: August 1. No inspection required.
General:We need to and always try and harvest the oldest animal(s) possible. This impresses the game department and they will be more generous with quotas. By doing this it also keep the quality high and the opportunity plentiful for all our clients. Hunters are not to shoot Sow Grizzly, Nanny goats or young goats unless by accident or under 8 year old rams. I’d prefer that we don’t shoot any small moose either (though legal). Shooting a substandard animal just so you can take something home isn’t why your here. (Especially early in the hunt). We want every hunter to go home with a Trophy of a lifetime and its better for everyone if you hang in there and “Do What It Takes”. You will be glad you did!
Fishing:We have good fishing in our many lakes and rivers. There are boats w/motors on most of the main lakes. The most common fish in our area include: Lake Trout, Bull Trout, Dolly Varden, Rainbow Trout, Pike, Arctic Grayling & Whitefish. Keep just enough fish to keep for camp use and release the others. Bring a pole if your into it! (make sure you have a fishing license).