Thank you for your interest in our Newfoundland hunting trips. The lodge is ideally located in the central interior of Newfoundland and is accessible by driving on remote dirt roads. You may wish to print this letter for future reference.

THE HUNT:

First, you will be pleased to find you have not wasted your time. We harvest very few animals from a large and remote area thus ensuring we have many large mature animals to hunt every year.  These areas are thick with big game and we have enjoyed 99% success on mature stag caribou, and 75+% on bull moose since 1990. The hunting packages we offer are 8 day (6 days hunting). Generally, one day of traveling is involved - usually a morning to get flown into the lodge and an evening to get flown out of the lodge to our home or the airport. Hence, the 6 days of actual hunting time. See below for details.

Caribou are hunted by canoe and by foot on the open ground and a spotting scope or good binoculars are a must for glassing from ridge tops or long draws of tundra. Canoe hunting for these animals is highly recommended on quite evenings. These animals are usually not overly jumpy and rely on open distance and scent for protection. Patience (don't shoot the first one you see 5 minutes from camp) and lots of glassing and walking produce the largest stags. The rifle season starts on September 8th and ends in early November (for us). The bow season starts in late August. Like most members of the deer family there is a double rut with estrous typically occurring Sept 20th and October 20th. Very "rutty" caribou is not fit for human consumption; however most hunters rank caribou above all other types of venison when not "rutty". There is a 50% chance of the caribou being rutty after October 10th. Boone and Crocket, Pope and Young and SCI record book animals are frequently taken at this location.  Caribou can be glassed/viewed from the dinner table and the bedrooms.

Moose are hunted on foot and by canoe in the forested tundra areas and along river valleys.  Binoculars are recommended.  The season runs from September 8th to early November.  Two methods are used to hunt these illusive and shy animals: stalking and calling. Stalking is done by foot in valleys known to contain bulls and is most successful in the early half of the season prior to the rut.  Usually the animal is spotted from a hill-top vantage point and stalked.  Calling is done during the rut which typically starts in late September and carries through October. Like most members of the deer family there is a double rut with estrous typically occurring Sept 20th and October 20th. The early part of the season is best if top quality meat is desired.  The rut is especially recommended to multiple species hunters.

Bear is hunted on foot with or without baits. Good binoculars and lots of nerve are required to hunt these 300-500 lbs animals. Hunters run into trophy class bear by accident while hunting caribou and to a lesser extent moose.  This area has a very healthy bear population which migrates to the berry producing barren hills of the plateau in the fall.  We will only bait bears if requested and only allow shooting at mature male bears (it is illegal to harvest adult females with cubs).  These wary animals are no fool's hen but are regularly seen feeding in the alpine regions and few days go by without accidentally crossing ones path.

Salmon and Trout Fishing

Atlantic salmon fishing is fly fishing only throughout North America and is catch and release only after Sept 7th in Newfoundland.  However, don't let this deter you.  You will be fishing one of the best salmon rivers in the world (according to Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans scientists), the Humber River, where your guide will position you on 20+ pound Atlantic salmon.  The vast majority of the salmon during this time of year on the lower Humber River are 15-30 pounds and three to four foot salmon will be seen daily during the fall season.  Catch and release is not a problem for those wishing to have a mount as taxidermists no longer need the fishes skin to make a mount (artificial skin) and only require the fishes measurements and photo.  Expert fly fishing skills are not necessary and instruction is available, but patience is required to hook one of these large fish.  Bring your camera for the sometimes hour long fight when you hook one of these aerobatic monsters.  Brook trout are also available ,but catch and release only after Sept.7th. Prior to Sept.7 spin fishing with bait and/or lures is available as well as fly fishing and fish may be retained.  The brook trout range from 1-6 pounds with the majority of fish being 1/2 - 3 pounds.  Click here for details.

Combination hunts are our specialty.  We have selected the locations for our lodges very carefully and specifically for this reason.  Most clients join us for a combination hunt.  This makes the trip more economical, exciting, and enjoyable.  For those interested in a single animal hunt, exceptional Upland Bird hunting (ruffed and spruce grouse, and rock and willow ptarmigan) with generous bag limits (up to 25 a day) is available at no extra charge (season starts Sept.16).  Should you be arriving during the fishing season (season closes Oct.7) we offer guided, full service (all gear, instruction, lodging, meals, etc etc), fishing for Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout on the world famous Humber River for a modest fee ($600 USD/day).  The fishing can only be done at the lodge in the Humber Valley, NOT at the hunting camps.  The fishing season at the hunting camps closes Sept. 8th so only early season archery hunters can experience this. Unless it is done prior to the hunt during the first week of the season.

GUIDES:

All our hunts are based on a one to one hunter to guide ratio - you will have your own personal guide.  Providing a single guide for two clients doesn't usually work well for big game so we simply do not do it.  All our guides are seasoned registered professionals with many years experience.

THE TERRAIN and WEATHER:

These locations consist of two types of terrain; open alpine hills and conifer forested valleys with soggy tundra spots.  Comfortable yet waterproof 10-14 inch footwear is a must. Walking is easy in the open alpine regions and more difficult on the tundra spotted forested valleys.  Strong durable rain gear (preferably not noisy in the brush) for early morning dew/rainy days is a must. Nylon or Gore-tex rain gear that sounds like someone is playing a scrub board when walking in the brush has resulted in many a spooked animal during the stalk. An inexpensive way to "fix" noisy rain gear is to wear an outer garment (ie track suite, camo clothes, etc over the scratchy/noisy rain gear). Note: inexpensive vinyl rain gear lasts about 1 hour in the Newfoundland bush before it is torn and you're wet.

The worst hunting weather for the season is usually had prior to Sept 15th (too hot) and after October 30th (wind, snow, and storms), but trying to guess which weeks will have poor hunting weather is nearly impossible. The moon does not dictate frost (despite the prevalent myth), but rather cloud cover and air temperature dictate frosts. Do not waste time on the frosty mornings as more moose are seen on these morning than during any other type of weather, but they tend to melt back in to the heavy cover in less than 1 hour after sunrise. However, frost is a double edged sword as it is noise and terrible for bow hunting and close stalks.

THE LODGES:

The Lodge is constructed from stained fir logs with screened thermal pane windows, an asphalt shingled roof and large viewing deck.  The lodge has propane and electric lighting and propane range for cooking, running hot and cold water, shower, flush toilet, and a wood furnace.  The beds all have mattresses and pillows. The guides camp and cook's camp is adjacent to the main lodge.  Sorry no jacuzzi's or cocktail waiters - just lots of great game hunting for the serious hunter.  Our fishing lodge in the village of Steady Brook in the Humber Valley and is a 4 star resort.

THE FEES:

All Fees Taxes, licenses, and Rebates Incl.

$3900 USD/person/week single animal (moose, woodland caribou, or black bear)
$5900 USD/person/week any two animals
$6400 USD/person/week all three animals
**Add $600USD/day for fishing (booked in advance with big game or subject to availability - all gear provided).

Note: dual hunter single animal licences available for big game - great for father/son and husband/wife teams.

Transportation Costs (Not Included)

Flights to Deer Lake, Newfoundland Canada can be arranged via the major airlines. Once across the Canadian border you will likely be flying with either Air Canada or Canadian Airlines (Dash-8, 727, 737 Boeing, etc. aircraft).  See the "How to Get Here" link on the bottom of this page.

Transportation of trophies, meat and a reasonable amount of personal gear to and from the lodge is included in the price of each package.

Motel Costs

It is illegal to hunt on Sunday in Newfoundland and Labrador.  We use Sunday as "change over" day.  This will be the day you are flown in/out of the lodge (unless otherwise requested or a 10 day trip is booked).  It is advisable to arrive the day before you will be traveling to the lodge (ie Saturday).  This allows you orientation time, a good nights rest, and a second earlier flight time should the weather not be suitable for flying on Sunday.  Local motels vary from $50-$200 Can. plus 15% sales tax per night.

Example Itinerary and Associated Costs (TAXES and Rebates on Hunt portion INCLUDED)

Flight to Deer Lake or Stephenville, Newfoundland, Canada or Drive if from New England area USA	?
We pick you up from the airport	included
Overnight stay in Motel	~70 US
Single caribou hunt 6 days hunting with personal guide. (taxes and rebates included) Two species hunt (moose and caribou hunt - 6 full days hunting with personal guide)(taxes and rebates included)	$3900USD $5900 US
Trophy shipments and meat shipments to the continental US (50 lbs box)	~$25 US/box
Meat cutting and wrapping (moose 400 to 800lbs, caribou 200 to 350lbs, bear 200 to 400lbs)(moose cape ~90lbs, caribou ~60lbs,  bear rug ~50 to 90lbs)	$0.18US per lb
That all important gift for your friend back home	?
Overnight in Steady Brook	~$70 US
We drive you to the airport	included
Flight for you and your trophies from Deer Lake or Stephenville	?
Gratuity for cook and/or guide if they make an impression	?
TOTAL

WHAT TO BRING:

1) a good camera (video and/or still) and lots of film
2) strong heavy (quiet) rain gear suitable for heavy brush
3) sleeping bag
4) good (ALREADY  BROKEN  IN) water proof 10" to 14"  hunting boots.
5) small backpack
6) warm clothes (in layers eg t-shirt, warm long sleeve shirt, light sweater, jacket.)
7) gloves
8) winter cap
9) good binoculars and/or spotting scope
10) a good book
11) small flash light
12) recommended calibers include: 30-06, 7mm, 308, 307, 270, 280, 300 mag, 338, 375
13) a draw weight of at least 45lbs is required by law for bow hunters, recommended is 60+ with rifle back-up for moose recommended (guides are unarmed and cannot defend against an enraged bull moose unless YOU provide the gun). Double lung or heart shoot the moose or watch him walk away never to be found!
14) water bottle
15) spare batteries
16) Chap Stick - A MUST!
17) synthetic material socks that do not absorb sweat

Even if you decide to book elsewhere, PLEASE feel free to email me about any other competitor.  I pride myself on being a "straight shooter" and may be able to supply additional information to you (either good or bad).  While I am positive you would thoroughly enjoy a hunt with us, it is a good bet to stay within NF if you are looking for trophy moose, black bear, or caribou.  NF has the highest density of moose in the world, some of the largest black bear, and the most caribou (woodland and barren-ground).  But, beware of outfitters quoting cheap trophy hunts - there simply aren't any (or so our regular customers tell us).  Some outfitters operate road-side camps accessible by the thousands of residents who also hunt moose and caribou, or are not serious hunters themselves and hire shoddy guides - beware.

 
 
 
 
 

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View Our Trips by Fish and Game Offered:
 

| Moose | Woodland Caribou  | Black Bear in Newfoundland | Quebec-Labrador barren ground Caribou in the Arctic | Black Bear in Labrador | Arctic Char | Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout | Local fishing guide services