Ontario Moose advise?

[Mike Bolin]

#4968

In the process of putting together an Ontario moose hunt for next year and was wondering if any here have any experiences there and any recommendation as far as outfitters. Planning to go outfitted, not guided. Prices seem reasonable for most of the outfits I have contacted…….$2000 to $3000 plus license. Ontario appeals to me, as I can drive it. Figured I would check here to see if anyone has any advice or experiences to share. Thanks in advance! Mike

[David Petersen]

#38235

Mike — I just wrote a longist post that didn’t add anything positive to your quest … so deleted it. I simply wish you good weather, honest and competent outfitters, and an enjoyble, memorably hunting. 😀

[Jason Wesbrock]

#38949

In Ontario, nonresidents must go through an outfitter (it’s the law). Only in a few units are guides required. There are a few pitfalls of which to be aware in Ontario. First: bull tags for nonresidents are tighly limited to outfitters, but calf tags are unlimited and over the counter, and party hunting is legal (anyone in the group can fill anyone else’s tag, with certain restrictions). So what a lot of outfitters will do is book a group of four hunters and sell them one bull tag and three calf tags. The hunts cost less, so they’re popular with a lot of folks. But you basically end up with four people all fighting to kill one animal. Personally, I’d pass.

Ontario, while it certainly has a good population of moose, isn’t exactly known as the place to go for the best chance to fill a tag (it’s not Newfoundland). You may hunt hard an entire week and never see a bull. Yes, there are no guarantees in fair chase hunting, but despite what a lot of outfitters claim, there isn;t exactly a moose behind every poplar tree.

Whatever you decide, best of luck. If you go, I’ll look forward to reading about it here.

[Mike Bolin]

#39333

The outfitter I am looking hardest at seems to cater to bowhunters. Biggest reason i am looking at Ontario is the ability to drive it. I have a few friends that have hunted in Alaska and it seemed to me that the air transport of meat back to the lower 48 was not only a hassle, but and expensive hassle. This outfitter offers both a drive-in hunt and a fly- in hunt. Camp is set up with food, water, firewood and camp necessities. Personal guide services are extra. No firm decision made as of yet, am still just testing the water so to speak!

[Jason Wesbrock]

#39719

Mike,

I hope I didn’t sound negative in my previous reply. I suppose any hunt has some issues of which to be aware. Truth be known, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Ontario. The habitat is beautiful, and the people were some of the kindest I’ve ever met. I’d go back and hunt there again in a heartbeat. Heck, I’d spend a week or two up there just for the grouse hunting.

Where in Ontario are you thinking of hunting?

[Mike Bolin]

#40807

Didn’t sound negative to me at all! I am looking at Thousand Lakes Outpost out of Thunder Bay. Have been researching quite a bit over on bowsite. Ever heard anything about them?

[Dennis]

#45289

I was born and raised in Ontario. (I guide for moose in Quebec occasionally because they have gun seasons that coincide with the rut in some places {game preserves} – better tips). A fly-in north of Thunder Bay is probably a good chance. Drive in up the Black Sturgeon Rd. from Red Rock just east of Thunder bay is another good chance. Be sure you are hunting during the rut (peaks around Sept. 23) and learn some basics of moose calling. It doesn’t take much skill. If they are in rut – they’re coming in. First thing to do is determine if they are still near the swamps or have moved up into the higher country after a good freeze. Can’t help you about the outfitter. Good luck and have fun.

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