Bear Hunting in Manitoba Archives - Burntwood Lake Lodge

What to Pack For a Hunting Trip

Fall is the perfect time of year for hunting bears and moose. Conditions at this time of year are ideal, as the animals are out scavenging in preparation for winter, and temperatures are generally mild and pleasant. But without proper packing, your perfect hunting day could still go awry. So what should you take with you?

Proper clothing

The right clothing is key to a successful and safe hunting trip. Vibrant colors like hunter orange will make sure other hunters see you. Make sure to layer and pack warm clothes so you can adjust if need be to stay comfortable. You’ll also need heavy duty boots for trekking through the woods. But try to break in your clothing and boots ahead of time so you’re already used to them.

Hunting licenses

You’ll need to make sure you know the rules and regulations of your desired hunting area and plan accordingly. Get in touch with local agencies to find out what licenses you’ll need to have with you and what fees you may need to pay. The rules will vary from state to state, but in most places you will need to have a special license.

Other essentials

There are lots of accessories you could bring with you, but there are some you shouldn’t go without! Make sure you have some form of GPS for navigation, and rope for moving and carrying things. You’ll also want to have a flashlight to help you see in the darker corners of the woods, as well as a hunting knife. Don’t forget essentials like water and food – granola and protein bars are a good choice for something small and lightweight but rich in nutrients.

For your next fall hunting trip, be sure to visit Burntwood Lake Lodge in Manitoba, Canada! We provide expert guided Bull Moose and Black Bear hunts as well as gorgeous waterfront accommodations. Contact us today to plan your adventure in the great Canadian North!

Ways to Judge the Age of a Black Bear

Campers, hunters and wilderness lovers alike have probably encountered a black bear or two in their day. Unlike animals like deer, it’s often difficult to discern a black bear’s age—which can make hunting them tricky.

Here are some tips on how to tell the age of the next black bear you encounter:

Bass Pro suggests trying to divvy the bear up into three categories before deciding whether or not you want to try to shoot him. The bear may be either too young to shoot, between 1 and 2 years old, an average bruin, around 3 to 4 years old, or a large mature bear, five years and older.

If you’re unsure where to categorize the bear based on size, observe their behavior. If you’re a novice bear hunter, it’s a good idea to watch videos of older black bears, compared to younger black bears, so that you can see the differences between their behaviors. Older, larger bears have more weight to move around and tend to shuffle and lumber, while younger, lighter bears are more excited and exuberant. Plus, if other bears tend to run away when a particular bear approaches, he is likely older and much larger.

Outdoor Life says that a bear’s hair can also indicate his age. Older bears will have shorter, even, thick hair, while the younger bears will have longer, shaggier hair.

Once you’ve observed their behavior, take one last look at their heads: the triangle formed between the two eyes and the nose can also indicate the age of a bear. Older bears will have wider triangles, because of their broader, fully-grown skulls. Younger bears may have a narrower triangle, indicating that they still have some growing to do.

If you have an itch for a black bear hunt after reading this post, learn more about the black bear hunts here at Burntwood Lake Lodge. Call us at 1-877-358-2259 to book your hunt today!

2016 Fall Moose Hunt

The fall hunting season started off with fisherman, bear hunters and a duck hunter. The bear hunters didn’t fare so well as the bears would not come to the baits no matter what we put in them. The fishermen kept track of the fish caught a total of 377 in 4 days! Our duck hunter fed us his bacon wrapped duck for the week. Can’t get enough of this delicacy! When he wasn’t hunting he was out looking for big northern. For the amount of time fishing there was some nice pike 13 over 30” with the biggest being 39”.

The moose hunters arrived on September 17th. The week proved to be successful with 2 bull moose tags filled. Mid-week, guide Leo had a moose coming and another smaller one swam from behind them across the river and his guest filled his tag. The next day, guide Johnny called a nice moose in. The hunter had the horns and head in the scope at 30 yards and didn’t feel he had a good enough shot. The following day, Leo had another one coming to the call and the hunter dropped the shooting stick and that was it for the bull moose.

Rain, high winds, and fog slowed down the second week of hunting. Mother nature at its finest! This didn’t stop our guides and guests from getting out there. Joe took his new guests out and saw a bull in the river but didn’t get close enough to get a shot. Tuesday was calm in the morning and guide Joe heard 2 in the Hunting River. Guide Leo and guest heard a call from down the Burntwood River but couldn’t get close enough for a shot.

The third week started off the same, heavy fog in the mornings and later in the week 25mph winds and 10” of snow! Guide Leo and guest headed for the spot he had heard the moose down the Burntwood River and it paid off with a smaller bull. Our successful hunter also saw a huge black bear and bought a tag in case their paths crossed again.

Guide Johnny went back to his secret spot where he had heard a moose on the first week but it was scared off. After calling for a few hours, the moose came back out of the bush and his guest was able to fill his tag with a beautiful 16-point rack.

In all it was a good season with great guests, good food and lots of laughs. Hope to see you all next year!

-Camp Manager Jim

monica jim and louise — Cook Monica, Camp Manager Jim, “Smiley” Louise

Reasons To Go Black Bear Hunting

Bear hunting is one of the most exhilarating experiences a hunter can engage in, especially black bear hunting. Why? Well, each hunter has his or her own reasons for seeking the game they do, but it’s safe to say hunting for black bears is an adrenaline rush unlike any other.

In addition to the unrivaled adrenaline rush, there are many other reasons to consider taking a black bear hunting trip. Let’s take a look at a few of those reasons below:

Black bear population is thriving in North America right now; therefore, your odds of a successful hunting trip are increased.

You can hunt in both the fall and spring. For example, Burntwood Lake Lodge offers guided bear hunts from late August to early October in the fall, and from late May to late June in the spring.

It is more affordable than you think. Most outfitters run great rates and specials for black bear hunting. Outfitters love taking you hunting just as much as you love to hunt, so chances are you’ll find a deal within your budget.

Black bears give you the type of challenge you may be looking for. Black bear hunting requires a lot of scouting and trying of different techniques like baiting strategies and so forth. If you are looking to challenge yourself as a hunter, going after a black bear is a great choice.

Burntwood Lake Lodge is an ideal outfitter for black bear hunting. We have scouted out the land we hunt on and are dedicated to providing you with the best experience possible. When it comes to black bear hunting, you can count on us to assist in making you successful.

Reserve Your Trip Now – It’s Almost Bear Hunting Season!

Calling all bear hunters: are you prepared for this season’s hunt?

If you haven’t booked your trip yet, it’s time to get going! Pretty soon it’ll be too late to make a trip happen for this season, and there are tons of activities and great hunt opportunities here at Burntwood Lake Lodge that you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

Here’s why you should book your trip in advance: our 1000 miles of untouched wilderness shoreline boasts about an 85% success rate on our Trophy Black Bear hunt. This area, accessible by plane only, is a picturesque landscape filled with abundant wildlife that you would only dream of on other hunting grounds. The largest black bear that’s ever been hunted on our lands was 585 pounds – and you’ll usually find one between 200 and 350.

But, hunts book up fast, so make sure you schedule yours in advance! Give us a call today to schedule your hunt; in the meantime, here are some things you can do to get ready for your black bear hunt.

Once your trip is booked, make sure your gear is in good working order, especially if it’s been a long time since you’ve used it. Having a professional check out and clean any firearms is always a good idea.

The next thing to do is make sure all of your licenses and paperwork are up to date. You can typically update and renew your licenses online, but if you’re unable to do that you can always check with a local courthouse or agency.

The last thing you’ll need to do is get your head in the game: remember that a black bear’s senses of smell and hearing are really intense. So, practice your movements, and try out some new scent covers.

But most importantly, rest up! We hunt hard. Make sure you book by August 29.

Bear Hunting Tips

As soon as the winter snow melts, we begin bear hunting season in Manitoba. From mid May though June – and again in the fall. While you are preparing for your big hunt, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

There is a thrill in hunting big game, especially black bear, although, the adventure is not for everyone. Successful hunting is a science and more than a sport. A black bear yields approximately 30%of it weight in edible meat. Bear fat is also a great product generating a quality cooking liquid. Its coat is also a luxury prize. A successful bear hunt does not come easily. Previous hunting experience will serve you well and knowledge of this species and the environment will serve you even better.

You should plan your hunt in an area you know well or engage the services of a qualified hunting guide. You will want to be well prepared with adequate hunting gear based on the probable weather for the area. Depending on where you are hunting the season is likely to be cold so your gear should be protective as well as functional. You need to be highly camouflaged and your clothing should be designed to minimize noise and block scent. The vision of a bear is similar to that of a human although they tend to be near-sighted. They do startle easily to movement so as a hunter, you need to be well hidden and extremely patient with restrained movement. Bear are also endowed with keen hearing. They will hear the rustle of your clothing, the squashing of your boot in the mud, and your conversation with fellow hunters. Again, clothing is key. A quality fleece is a fabric that is both warm and “crinkle-free” making it a good choice for any hunt. The bear was also gifted with a remarkable sense of smell which will require the skilled hunter to prepare long before donning the scent-blocking clothing. You should avoid deodorants, sprays, scented laundry detergents, and contact with domestic pets.

All hunters should exercise care and safety. Make sure your gear is appropriate for the type of hunt and your clothing is properly fitting. Make sure that you are always downwind from where you expect to see bears. Be sure to hunt with a team and have a fully charged, long range communication mechanism on hand – remember you are hunting in a remote location; your cell phone might not have a signal.

Bear hunting tours in Manitoba take place starting in May. Each tour lasts for seven days; so be prepared with plenty of necessities to last for a week or more.

Cooking Bear Meat

One of the most common questions about bear is: “Can I eat it?” Of course! It’s perfectly delicious and safe, if not unusual. Experienced hunters may even tell you that it’s a finer meat. Bear meat was a staple of the frontier explorers, and since the bear hunting season has been elongated by many U.S. states, hunters and foodies are on the prowl for interesting bear meat recipes.

It’s been called one of the more flavorful wild meats you’ll ever come across. When hunting bear, you will need to field dress it quickly and then keep it as cool as possible until it can be properly cut and stored. The butchering process is similar to how you would butcher a deer with steaks, roasts, and ground meat for burgers and sausages.

Bear Roast

For a wonderfully tasty bear roast, cut garlic cloves and insert them into slits in the roast. Season the roast with salt and pepper and then marinade the roast in soy sauce, vegetable oil, an onion. You can add mushrooms as well. For three to four pounds of meat, cook the roast at 250 degrees for about four and a half hours (you want an internal temperature of at least 170 degrees).

Bear Stew

Have you ever considered a bear stew? Sauté the meat in oil and then stir in some flour and seasonings (pepper, salt, and oregano). Add water, potatoes, and mushrooms. Bring to a simmer, cover it, and cook the stew for about 45 minutes.

Bear Steaks

For mouthwatering bear steaks, try slicing a large onion and spreading with chili powder and sage. Place the onion pieces on both sides of the bear steak, spread the spices on the steak as well, and then refrigerate for about three hours. Brown on both sides, or cook until desired.

You’ll begin to wonder why restaurants aren’t offering bear!

Staying Warm in Cold Weather Hunting

Once you’ve set yourself down in your tree stand and you’re practically dug in to wait the few necessary hours until the perfect shot happens to come across your path, the last thing you want to feel is Old Man Winter getting aggressive. It’s important to stay warm in cold weather hunting, not just due to common sense, but because you won’t want to ruin your preparations by having to go home early from the cold. Here are some suggestions to help keep you warm this season:

EAT THE RIGHT FOODS

While eating healthy is obvious for a multitude of reasons, specific nutritious foods have been shown to work the best in cold weather situations. Having oatmeal for breakfast, peanut butter for lunch, and pasta for dinner will help sustain you. Since these foods are rich in complex carbohydrates, they break down slowly and keep you sustained.

STAY IN SHAPE

Much like the previous suggestion, this is kind of a no-brainer, but staying fit can help you in more ways than the obvious. First, you don’t want to start sweating while in the tree stand, as many people believe the scent will keep the prey away. Second, the perspiration will eventually cool and dampen your underclothes, and if you’re sitting somewhere with a high wind chill then you’re risking your health. Keep your underclothes dry by avoiding perspiration while getting to your spot in the first place.

LOOSEN THE BOOTS

You might think that you should strap your boots on as tightly as possible, but in actuality, once you’re set up in your stand, the opposite would be more beneficial. By loosening your boots you can improve blood flow and keep your feet warmer. Wear heavy socks and loosen the strings, then you’ll start to see the difference.

HAVE THE RIGHT GEAR

Invest in camo made specifically for cold weather hunting. Cabela’s has a wide selection to choose from. As you know, think about layering up so you can adjust temperatures as needed. Look into fabrics that are moisture wicking. Looks for fabrics like wool to keep you warm and dry. Also be prepared to get snowed and rained on. Cabela’s also has a large selection of wet weather camo.

Staying Warm in Cold Weather Hunting

EAT THE RIGHT FOODS

STAY IN SHAPE

LOOSEN THE BOOTS

HAVE THE RIGHT GEAR

Hunting Seasons for Manitoba

The beauty of hunting in Manitoba is that the seasons never cease. Throughout the summer, fall, winter, and spring, there is always game to be hunted in our great forests. As wildlife populations ebb and flow, the seasons are expanded and contracted to fit the need. However in an average year, each season is steadily predictable. For further questions and information on hunting seasons, contact us or view the official Manitoba site.

Here are some things to keep in mind about the 2014 hunting in Manitoba:

White tail deer

The season started at the beginning of September, so we’re well into the deer season. This year, the bag limit has been changed one buck per license. In addition, the government has lowered the party limit from four to two. Foreign hunters are not permitted. This is because the deer population is exceptionally low this year in the Manitoba area.

Elk

For general elk hunters, the restrictions are much the same as they have been in the past. They have changed from allowing one antlerless elk to a much looser “One Elk” rule. Both male and female moose can be hunted at a rate of one per license. Landowner season has also been cancelled.

Gray Wolf

Gray wolf season is back with a bag limit of one per license.

Hunter Laws

The restrictions on hunting wear have also recently changed to allow hunters to wear hats with non-orange brims. Hunter Orange must be the primary color on the rest of the head covering, however.

These laws are current as of October 2014, for a complete list of up to date hunting laws in Manitoba, visit the Manitoba Hunting Guide page.