GETTING READY FOR THAT LONG AWAITED FLY-IN HUNT I remember long ago browsing my Dad’s “Field & Stream” magazines, reading of incredible moose hunts in the breathtaking remote wilderness of Alaska and the Yukon. The remarkable pictures of giant bull moose had made a long lasting impression on the novice hunter I was, and although only 8 or 9 years of age, I had firmly made up my mind that I would indeed partake in such an adventure as soon as I could. Over two decades passed before such an opportunity arose. At last, long time hunting partner Gord Trenholm and I were invited to join in on two consecutive annual 10 day “fly-in moose hunts” in the remote Cassiar Mountains of northwestern British Columbia. Four giant bulls later, we were both hooked for life. We have since had the good fortune of a further eight consecutive “fly-in” moose hunting adventures to northern Alberta resulting in seven monster bull moose, some weighing in at over 1500 pounds (estimated live weight) and sporting racks in excess of 56-inches wide. I can also brag about passing on a few more giant bull moose. You can expect to hunt Alberta`s largest bull moose on the Canadian Shield. - photo Gord Trenholm The most appealing part of fly-in hunts – at least for me – is the exhilaration and almost exotic feeling one experiences when stepping out onto the floats after landing on a remote northern lake, where no man has been before you. You can immediately observe Mother Nature behaving as she has for thousands of years, almost oblivious of your presence. Just imagine for a second… no other hunters, no oil rigs, no cut lines, no quads – nothing but you, pristine wilderness and big mature bull moose! This is why Gord and I are so passionate about fly-in hunts! Following are a few points to consider when preparing for your very own fly-in hunt: WHERE TO GO I don’t think I will surprise anyone by stating that very little of Alberta remains untouched by oil and gas exploration, mining activity or lumber harvest. However, there are still a few select areas remaining that are reasonably productive in terms of fly-in moose hunts. These areas are almost all concentrated across the very northern part of the province, and although low in actual moose densities, most bulls found will indeed be big mature bulls. These areas include: - The Birch Mountains (north west of Fort McMurray). - The northeastern corner of the province nestled between Wood Buffalo National Park and Saskatchewan, to the north of Lake Athabasca. - The Caribou Mountains area, north east of Fort Vermillion. There are few places on earth as remote as the Canadian Shield in Alberta`s far north. - photo Gord Trenholm In all cases, you require to do some serious research on the area you are considering. I would first recommend contacting the department of Sustainable Resource Development, Fish & Wildlife Division, and request to speak to biologist(s) involved in the most recent northern Alberta aerial moose surveys. You will be provided with incredibly valuable statistics and data. You will also want to contact local Fish and Wildlife Officers responsible for the geographical area you are considering. The information provided by these individuals is essential and crucial to establishing hunting / harvest potential, not to mention hunting outfitter activity. You will need to establish if this area is served by a reliable float plane charter service. Another amazing source of information is the bush pilots. Call the charter service and ask to speak to pilots who regularly fly over the area you are targeting. Once again, you will be amazed at the valuable information these daring individuals can provide. Note that you should allow a minimum of seven days for a fly-in hunt with ten to twelve days being of preference. The type of floatplane you hire will detemine how many trips will have to be made getting your gear in and out. - photo Gord Trenholm FLOATPLANE TYPES Remember the key words here: “Fly-In Hunt”. This does mean restricted weight and restricted bulk space. The type of floatplane available will very much impact how much gear you can consider bringing. Approximate payloads are as follows: - Cessnas 180 & 185’s are fairly small and will often require several trips to get all of your gear in as their payloads are restricted to about 500-pounds plus pilot. - Cessnas 206 can take considerably more with a payload in the range of 850-pounds plus pilot. - DeHavilland Beavers are at the top of this game with a payload of 1000-pounds plus pilot. - Otters and Cessna Caravans will usually handle just about anything you can throw at them, but it will come at a cost. *Be sure to enquire about prepayments, deposits, cancellations, maximum weight capacities, external loads, familiarity to the body of water you have selected, and charter company procedures for bad weather scenarios. Requesting a fly-over of your lake will often increase your chances of coming home with big bull moose. - photo Gord Trenholm *With a bit of luck – you may convince the charter float plane outfit to fly over your planned destination previously whilst on their way to or from other destinations, so as to establish potential campsite locations. *Be sure to request (or demand) a thorough fly over of your lake and immediate surroundings. You may spot good moose habitat from the air, not to mention smaller adjacent water bodies to hunt during windy or bad weather days. You will also clearly see hazardous submerged rocks in the lake, which could be damaging to your boat or canoe. WHAT TO BRING Following is a brief list of some absolute essentials for a successful fly in hunt:
Andrew Lake Lodge & Camps is Edmonton-based company (Alberta, Canada) with a phone number 7804747247. Our data show that the company is located at the address: PO BOX 7622. The company has a web site: www.andrewlakelodge.com.
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