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!

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.

Prepare For Your Hunting Trips Early

When you plan a hunting trip, you cannot afford to forget a few key pieces of hunting gear. This is why hunting checklists are popular and crucial. Realizing that you have to take a long drive back to retrieve a forgotten hunting license can ruin any good hunt, and a checklist can help you avoid that disaster. Hunting is meant to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, so do what you can to ensure that your hunt does not deviate from that goal.

The Months Prior

Check the sights in your rifles pre-season; make any necessary repairs early. Obtain the necessary information for getting a hunting license and make sure you process your application as early as possible.

Scout hunting land and secure it by asking the owner for written permission to hunt. Asking for permission goes a long way between neighbors, and it shows that you practice polite hunting etiquette.

The Week Prior

Create a hunting supply checklist, and organize each section by categories. Head to the store to purchase everything on your list, along with anything that may prove useful, and don’t forget a new first-aid kit.

Wash your bed sheets and clothes with a scent remover, removing as many traces of human scent as you can.

The Night Prior

Pack all non-perishable food and clothing into the vehicle the night before. This will save you hours in the morning, and it will make unpacking much more pleasant.

When you prepare early, you do more than ensure success through preparation, you also add excitement and anticipation to your hunting excursion. When perusing the internet for hunting checklists and packing tips, be sure to look for information specific to the game you hunt.

Cool Facts about Black Bear & Tips for Hunting

Last spring, we highlighted the enthusiasm for hunting black bear during spring in Manitoba, and to celebrate a nice entry to spring, we’re highlighting interesting facts about black bear, and tips for hunting them!

Five Cool Facts about Black Bear

1. A Black Bear has a sense of smell that is over 100x that of a human’s

2. Black bears love the smell of mint

3. Black bears breed during the summer, meaning males will travel far in search of ready females.

4. Black bears are shy and usually afraid of humans, and rarely aggressive towards them.

5. Black bears do not technically hibernate, though they do use winter denning to overcoming deplorable weather.

Five Tips for Hunting Black Bear

1. Wash with unscented soaps, shampoos, and deodorants. Similarly, to the first cool fact above, bears can smell the slightest perfume, so avoid scents if you wish to go undetected.

2. As black bears love mint, many hunters brush their teeth during a hunt to attract bears.

3. Stealth is key, limit all movement to a minimum and sit perfectly still.

4. Research and explore your hunting terrain. Knowing the grounds makes stalking the bear easier.

5. Consider hunting again in spring, as the males will be out searching for females, making them easier to stalk and ambush.