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!

How to Successfully Release a Fish

Many lakes, including Burntwood Lake, participate in catch and release fishing programs. While catching a fish is typically straightforward, the releasing part of fishing may be difficult for those who are new to the sport.

To practice successful catch and release, follow these steps:

  1. When handling a fish, wet your hands or put on rubberized gloves so you help maintain the slime coat on the fish. The slime coat you tend to see helps protect the fish from infection and helps with swimming.
  2. After preparing your hands, hold the fish horizontally whenever you can since that is the way fish naturally swim when in the water. Try not to drop the fish onto any hard surfaces.
  3. It’s important to keep your fingers away from the eyes and gills of the fish and avoid squeezing fish around the belly since that can damage their internal organs.
  4. To minimize handling, use a release tool such as de-hookers or recompression tools, if needed.
  5. Although you may want to take photos of your big catch, remember time is the essence! Release the fish as soon as you are able to and release the fish head first into the water so water is forced through the mouth and over the gills. This helps to resuscitate the fish. .
  6. Last but not least, know the current fishing regulations that apply to the state you are fishing in and accurately measure the fish in order to abide by the regulations. Here at Burntwood Lake Lodge, we practice a catch and release policy of all Northern Pike over 30”.

We want you to have a great experience on the water but we also encourage anglers to be responsible and knowledgeable. If we now have you feeling eager to fish, book a stay with us today by calling 1-877-358-2259.

Go Fish! Take Your Children Fishing

Have you been contemplating whether or not you should go on a fishing trip with your children? After reading about the benefits your children can gain from some good ole’ fishing, you’ll find yourself booking a trip with us sooner rather than later.

Fishing isn’t just a way to pass the time; it can increase your children’s appreciation of nature, allow them to unplug from technology and learn patience.

Appreciation of nature

The more time spent in the great outdoors, the more your children will realize the beauty of our great world. Encourage them to take in every moment because it’s not often that kids these days get out in the fresh air. Grab your pole, put some sunscreen on and head outdoors.

Unplug from technology

Getting your children away from their screens once in a while will help them see that they don’t need to be playing on a computer or video games in order to have fun. If there is no technology present, you can appreciate nature and have a truly relaxing day with your family.

Patience

Going fishing teaches children to be patient and to wait quietly for the things that they want. We live in a world of instant satisfaction and “wanting it now” so fishing really tests patience, which is a great skill to have. Children also learn that not every fishing trip will be as successful as they are hoping. After all, the sport wouldn’t be any fun if we caught a fish every time we put our line in the water.

Come visit us at Burntwood Lake Lodge and experience great walleye fishing with your children. We are sure you will create memories on the water that will last a lifetime.

Best Fishing Apps

In this high-tech world we live in, almost everything now is completely mobile based and users depend heavily on their phones, even avid outdoorsmen. If you’re planning on visiting us and going fishing at Burntwood Lodge, you will most likely take your phone along with you on the boat. You’ll want to have it to prove the size of your fish to your buddies, but also because technology can help us find and catch fish easier. As bizarre as it may sound, fishing apps have become a staple for some of the more successful modern-day anglers.

Here are two fishing-related mobile apps that will help you reel in big, the next time you venture out to go fishing:

Fishidy

This app allows anglers to record catches and data about their trip, share them with friends and link them to real-time locations. The Fishidy app also allows fishermen access to pro-tips and the ability to upload photos of their fish to the online “bragging board.” The entire network is map-based allowing anglers the ability to easily discover patterns and trends from their results. Want to know how you did on the lake last May? Just check the app. At the very basic level, this app is a user-friendly map-based fishing log and is free for both IOS and Android users. If Facebook is for your past and Twitter is for your future, Fishidy is for your fishing.

Pro Angler

This app contains a wealth of information on over 100 species of saltwater fish. You have access to pro-tips from guides in your location, weekly updates on what’s biting, a GPS based boat guide to help you navigate to the hot spots, weather updates, locations of bait and tackle shops and more. If you caught a fish and wish to eat it for dinner, this app even has recipes from top chefs on how to cook your catch. Pro Angler is a one-stop shop for die-hard anglers. The app is free on IOS and Android users.

Here at Burntwood Lake Lodge, we love to keep everyone up to date on new technology that makes fishing easier. Haven’t booked your upcoming excursion yet? Visit us online to learn more about our fishing experiences and give us a call at 1-877-358-2259 to plan your trip.

Best Fishing Apps

In this high-tech world we live in, almost everything now is completely mobile based and users depend heavily on their phones, even avid outdoorsmen. If you’re planning on visiting us and going fishing at Burntwood Lodge, you will most likely take your phone along with you on the boat. You’ll want to have it to prove the size of your fish to your buddies, but also because technology can help us find and catch fish easier. As bizarre as it may sound, fishing apps have become a staple for some of the more successful modern-day anglers.

Here are two fishing-related mobile apps that will help you reel in big, the next time you venture out to go fishing:

Fishidy

This app allows anglers to record catches and data about their trip, share them with friends and link them to real-time locations. The Fishidy app also allows fishermen access to pro-tips and the ability to upload photos of their fish to the online “bragging board.” The entire network is map-based allowing anglers the ability to easily discover patterns and trends from their results. Want to know how you did on the lake last May? Just check the app. At the very basic level, this app is a user-friendly map-based fishing log and is free for both IOS and Android users. If Facebook is for your past and Twitter is for your future, Fishidy is for your fishing.

Pro Angler

This app contains a wealth of information on over 100 species of saltwater fish. You have access to pro-tips from guides in your location, weekly updates on what’s biting, a GPS based boat guide to help you navigate to the hot spots, weather updates, locations of bait and tackle shops and more. If you caught a fish and wish to eat it for dinner, this app even has recipes from top chefs on how to cook your catch. Pro Angler is a one-stop shop for die-hard anglers. The app is free on IOS and Android users.

Here at Burntwood Lake Lodge, we love to keep everyone up to date on new technology that makes fishing easier. Haven’t booked your upcoming excursion yet? Visit us online to learn more about our fishing experiences and give us a call at 1-877-358-2259 to plan your trip.

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

Have Itinerary, Will Travel

Have Itinerary, Will TravelVacations are a great way for us to escape. No work for a couple days and no daily routine. Sounds great right? So why would anyone want to put that freedom in jeopardy with creating an itinerary for your vacation?

The truth is there are actually quite a few perks to having a set plan for your trip.

Itinerary: Structured Freedom

Now having a schedule doesn’t sound all that great considering that’s what you’re looking to get away from. But it can help keep you from missing out on certain attractions depending on where you go.

Some places are time sensitive or are best to visit during a certain time.

Having an itinerary could be a good way to make sure you hit everything at the right time to make your vacation as memorable as possible. It will also maximize your vacation potential. As well all know, vacations go by entirely way too fast.

An itinerary will make sure you and whoever you’re traveling with will get where you want to go but still allow you to enjoy yourself.

Keep in mind too that even though it’s a structure to your day, you can always make adjustments accordingly if you spend too much time at one place.

Burntwood Lake Lodge offers hunting and fishing trips in Manitoba. Our experts will take you on an adventure into the Canadian Wilderness and give you with the best experience possible when you stay with us.

For more information on our trips, feel free to contact us today!

2015 Ice Cutting at Burntwood Lake Lodge

IMG_3208
Ice cutting transportation at it’s finest! Picture taken in front of main lodge
IMG_3204
Few blocks of ice cut at this point, stacked and ready to be transported to the ice house
IMG_3214
Brad making the load for the 6 wheeler (or himself) a bit lighter!
IMG_3218
Ice picks to pull ice out of water! Not an easy job hey Derek!??
IMG_3216
Larry supervising the boys! 🙂

Every year around March, Brad and a few friends (sometimes Larry and Sandra) need a little fresh air and exercise.   As luck would have it, a good layer of ice had formed on Burntwood Lake, 20 yards from the main docks at the Lodge.  Perfect for their annual ice cutting ritual!

This age old tradition involves cutting ice blocks into ~ 3’ lengths using a chain saw.  Once cut, the blocks are retrieved with ice picks and transported to the ice house using an ATV 6 wheeler.  Approximately 300 blocks are put up and covered with plastic and sawdust to insulate.  This ice is then chipped daily by the guests or guides and used to keep their refreshments cool during those hot summer days out on the lake while reeling in those Trophy Pike and Walleye.  There’s nothing better than local lake ice for keeping things as natural as it can be!

Looking forward to seeing you all this summer! 🙂

Bear Hunting Tips

Bear Hunting Tips | Burntwood Lake Lodge

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.