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!

Flying Moose in Northern Manitoba

Hello to all of you moose hunters! Ever wonder if there’s a more efficient way to transport a bull moose from the kill site to Burntwood Lake Lodge? Here at BWL we like to make this step as easy as possible by using one of our Robinson 44 helicopters to sling the moose out. By using this method of transport, makes it a bit easier on our guides and insures that meat wastage is never an issue.

The video you will view is a bull moose being slung from a hunting site approximately 15 miles from the town of Snow Lake, Manitoba onto the local hunters flatbed trailer. Slinging Moose with Heli 2015

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.

Advice for Spring Walleye Fishing in Manitoba, Canada

Fishing for Walleye in Spring

Right now, in very early spring, is the best time to find and catch trophy size walleye in Manitoba, Canada. It is one of the most productive seasons because many walleye spawn and hunt for food in early spring.

Catching elusive fish like the walleye is easy enough if you have a few of our tricks up your sleeve. The key is to ensure that you do not underestimate the walleye, but you can underestimate the weather. Spring seasons also come with rain and deplorable weather that may deter some anglers, so the fish aren’t as sketchy as when the waters are busy. Furthermore, the fish will look for rocks during cold weather, so they could be easier to find.

Shallow or Deep Water?

Location is important. Water is clear in spring, and they’re quick, so finding and baiting them is key. Walleye often reside in predictable locations, usually in shallow water. Walleye love rocks and places to hide. Sunken islands and running creeks with big rocks are a walleye’s dream home.

Bright, Plastic Lures or Live Bait?

Since the water is clear and these fish can see well, avoid bright or ostentatious lures. Less is more with walleye, and live-minnows will do just fine. As fish are very hungry in early spring, extra minnows could mean a bigger fish!

Day or Night Fishing?

Walleye in shallow water notice hooks better during the day for a few reasons. The sun is shining, the water is clearer, and there are more anglers around. Therefore, walleye are under pressure to survive during the day, and harder to catch. Some anglers will head out at night to better their chances of catching a record Walleye.

Boat or Wade Fishing?

As walleye reside in shallow waters, fishing with a boat is just an accident waiting to happen. Consider a pair of waders for standing in the water. Wade fishing is subtle, and ideal for catching walleye.

Advice for Spring Walleye Fishing in Manitoba, Canada

Fishing for Walleye in Spring

Shallow or Deep Water?

Bright, Plastic Lures or Live Bait?

Day or Night Fishing?

Boat or Wade Fishing?

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 23^rd 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!