A Fishing Trip Checklist

Is there anything better than a fishing trip?  A fishing trip provides the ultimate escape, as few things are more relaxing, enjoyable and memorable than traveling to fish with your friends and/or relatives.  Countless fishermen choose to go to a new place every year, seeking a new adventure and challenge.  Others like to stick to tradition, departing to the same fishing spot year after year.  Whatever your ritual may be, there are few things to look forward to more than a fishing trip.

For novice fisherman, packing your first bag for a fishing trip can be exciting, but it can also cause some minor anxiety as you fret over what to bring and what to leave behind.  The worst-case scenario is arriving at your destination and either realizing you forgot something at home, or chose not to pack something that you ended up needing.  Below are 4 things that you should always pack for your fishing trip.

1)    Clothing for all weather possibilities.  This should include a jacket and extra layers for when it’s cold out, a reliable rain suit, waterproof shoes and something comfortable to wear when it’s warm out.

2)    Bug spray, sunglasses and sunscreen lotion.  All three of these things are borderline necessities, as you do not want bugs to drive you crazy or a sun burn/sun poisoning to prevent you from having the best possible time.

3)    Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and other bathroom toiletries.  A necessity for any type of vacation.

4)    Proper fishing equipment.  Either talk to the place you are staying at, or to a more experienced fisher to see what type of rods, reels and other equipment that you will need for the trip.

This is just a brief list of what one should pack for their trip.  Figuring out meals, sleeping arrangements and other mitigating factors will also affect what you decide to pack.  Luckily, some places take care of that for you.

And don’t forget your passport if you are leaving your country for a unique fishing trip!

 

 

 

What Exactly Do You Need To Enter Canada?

In summer of 2009, U.S. laws changed to stricken the requirements for entering our neighboring country, Canada. Ever since then, there has been confusion and speculation as to what you need to enter and exit Canada.

Documents

Age, transportation, and motive all affect which documents you will need. Customs officers are entitled to refuse entry to either country at any point. Having the incorrect documentation could throw a gigantic wrench in your vacation, so we have provided you with a checklist. Ensure members who are traveling with you have everything that he or she needs according to their demographic.

•    Traveling by air, for adults and children, passengers are required to have a U.S Passport and a Nexus Card.

•    For Adults arriving by land or by sea, a U.S passport is required.

•    In MI, NY, VT, and WA, an Enhanced Driver’s License is acceptable for entry to and from Canada.

•    For vacationers on cruises, which begin and end on the same port, passengers may provide a driver’s license and a birth certificate. However, some cruise liners are stringent in order to protect their assets, so check with them first.

•    For kids arriving by land or sea, under the age of fifteen may present only a birth certificate, as they have no photo ID.

For more information please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/tourist.asp.

Being Prepared to Hunt

With hunting season in full swing, it is important not to overlook the basics. Before you head out on your hunting trip, look over the 2012 Manitoba Hunting Guide for some important information about rules, regulations and guidelines for the hunting season. In the guide, you will find a wide range of information from changes in the laws, to general information about hunting on public and private land, to big game hunting regulations and even tips for handling and preparing wild meat.

In addition to reading over important material and keeping up-to-date with the latest hunting rules and regulations, before you head out, make sure you have all the necessary items to make sure your hunting trip is a safe and enjoyable one. Below you will find an outdoor travel checklist from the Manitoba Wildlife Federation

Hunting Checklist:

•    Have a map of area and a compass- and make sure you know how to use them!
•    Bring a large orange-colored plastic bag – this is useful as emergency shelter, signaling device or rainwear.
•    Do not forget a flashlight and spare batteries.
•    Bring extra food and water.
•    Make sure you pack extra clothing – clothes for rain and wind, toque and gloves, sweater and warm pants, and proper footwear.
•    Pack sun protection including sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, long-sleeved shirt and pants.
•    Always have your pocket knife with you
•    Remember to bring waterproof matches and/or a full lighter.
•    Check weather forecasts prior to departure.
•    Have a first aid kit  on hand and know how to use it.

Some other things to bring: whistle, small lightweight ground insulation, projectile-type flares, tarp, space blanket, flagging tape, notebook and pencil.

 (http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/hunting/pdfs/hunting%20guide_2012_web.pdf)

Stay safe this hunting season!

Moose season is finally here!

Are you searching for the perfect big game hunting expedition embark on this fall?  If so, you should visit Burntwood Lake Lodge, the preeminent hunting destination in Manitoba.  Our always popular guided moose hunts are now back, as moose season runs from September 23rd through October 7th!

 

One of the most unique characteristics of hunting at Burntwood Lake Lodge is that there is no resident or local hunting, only fly- in hunting is permitted.  This leaves the game all to our visitors, as competition with the locals is avoided.  Burntwood offers fully guided moose hunts with the most elite guides who can lead you to the trophy of your dreams.  Central Manitoba is renowned for having big game moose with big racks, and our guests have captured moose with racks ranging from 50 inches all the way up to 63 inches.  What a wonderful addition to the mantle that would be!

 

Right now is the treasured rut season, which ensures the ubiquitous moose will be plentiful.  Your guide can help you call out to the moose and answer their calls.  Burntwood’s customers have over a 90% opportunity rate, while 75% is the norm for the success rate.  It is truly a wonderful opportunity to finally get that big game trophy that you have sought after for years.

 

Included in our 2012 hunting package is a plane flying from Snow Lake, MB, and a return home with your game.  Also, three meals a day, fishing, government taxes and a hunting license is all included in your package.   We will also cape and dress your game.  Now is the time to reserve your trip as the moose rut season will be over before we know it.  Please contact us for reservations or to ask us any questions.  Best of luck to you this hunting season!

Black Bear Hunting In the Spring

Every spring people flock to the depths of the North American wilderness to take a shot at bringing down a Black Bear. The American Black Bear is the most common bear species native to North America. It pretty much lives in all parts of the continent, stretching north to Canada and even as far south as Mexico. Most commonly they live in densely wooded heavy timbered areas. Thankfully for us, we have over 1000 miles of untouched wilderness shoreline; this is a fly-in only area with no other camps on lake. Because of the fearful connotation, huge size and elusiveness, the bear is one of the most coveted big game animals hunted. They have the ability to withstand multiple gunshots and are difficult to bring down, especially ones larger in size.

The most popular time to hunt bears is in the springtime. Because their coats are at the optimal thickness and because of their mating patterns, this is the preferred and best chance to land a bear. We have seven day hunts starting in the late spring on May 23rd running till the 17th of June. If you can’t make it in the spring, don’t worry, we still have hunts available in the late summer and early fall from August 25th – October 7th. In the 25 years we’ve been hosting hunters, we’ve seen an incredible 85% success rate with bear hunts, and 75 % on our trophy Bull Moose hunts. We include multiple services in our hunting packages, including all government taxes and licensing.

 

Black Bear Hunting In the Spring

Every spring people flock to the depths of the North American wilderness to take a shot at bringing down a Black Bear. The American Black Bear is the most common bear species native to North America. It pretty much lives in all parts of the continent, stretching north to Canada and even as far south as Mexico. Most commonly they live in densely wooded heavy timbered areas. Thankfully for us, we have over 1000 miles of untouched wilderness shoreline; this is a fly-in only area with no other camps on lake. Because of the fearful connotation, huge size and elusiveness, the bear is one of the most coveted big game animals hunted. They have the ability to withstand multiple gunshots and are difficult to bring down, especially ones larger in size.

The most popular time to hunt bears is in the springtime. Because their coats are at the optimal thickness and because of their mating patterns, this is the preferred and best chance to land a bear. We have seven day hunts starting in the late spring on May 23rd running till the 17th of June. If you can’t make it in the spring, don’t worry, we still have hunts available in the late summer and early fall from August 25th – October 7th. In the 25 years we’ve been hosting hunters, we’ve seen an incredible 85% success rate with bear hunts, and 75 % on our trophy Bull Moose hunts. We include multiple services in our hunting packages, including all government taxes and licensing.