World Class Hunting & Fishing

Back Up & Running

2011-01-27T16:43:00.004-06:00

Since my completion of the mooses hunts last October I have moved to Pine Dock, Manitoba. I have been flying for WamAir Service. Once again we now have the satellite system setup and running and the blogs should continue once again.
I will be updating and starting to blog a new operation shortly, and hoping that anyone following the blog will come to visit. Stay tuned!

Leaders Comes Through Again!

2011-01-27T16:12:00.004-06:00

I was very fortunate to guide Doug Leaders on a successful Moose Hunt last September.

This is the photo Doug sent to me last week with the shoulder mount of his moose.

This was a Mountain Lion Doug harvested this last month. The cat exceeded 9ft long weighing over 150 lbs. Great hunt Doug, congratulations on a successful hunt and keep the hunting photos coming.

Scenery of 2010 Hunting

2010-10-07T16:41:00.006-05:00

Each year while fishing and hunting it seems the Camera is wherever we are and taking photo's becomes part of every day. Normally throughout the Moose Hunt which this year was 17 days I would take up to 500 pictures. This season because of poor weather it turn out to be less, but still alot of pictures. Of most importance to me is the creations around us, the very things we very often take for granted, and these are the things that make up the best photo's of the season. I would like to share just a few with you, closing out a great letter I received from a young hunter this season.
Full Moon taken just a few days into the first week of hunting!

A late afternoon picture taken of Kitchi Rapids which is between Harrop Lake and Lewis Lake. This photo was taken using a Manual Setting facing the sun. In the Auto Setting the the glare of the water was to bright to make a photo.

This was an early morning with fog on portions of the lake. After leaving the dock in the morning I turned to find this great vision, so I grabbed my camera and was able to take the picture in full motion of the boat.

A sunset on the Poplar River, slowly moving down and calling and glassing for moose.

A sunset just below the big falls on Harrop Lake.

The following note was given to me by Cody Liewen, a young man who enjoyed this trip together with his dad Ken Lieuwen.

Wayne! Thanks for guiding me on a great moose hunt! I feel lucky to have had you as my guide. It was obvious when hunting with you that you "knew" moose. and that you have a passion and take pride in guiding hunters to a successful hunt. Although I was not able to take a moose, I have never had a better hunting experience. I have never been more excited on a hunt than when that bull Bulldozed that tree on the last evening! I couldn't belive it. I think those details will remain vivid in my memories for many years to come. I could probably continue on for pages recounting the great moments of the last 10 days, but I will save you the time. I will leave Harrop Lake without a bull moose; but I will have memories of a great hunt, a newfound respect for Moose and the challenges of hunting them, and an understanding of how a great trophy a Bull Moose truly is - no matter the size of the antlers. Thanks again and God Bless.

CODY LIEUWEN

ps- I will continue to follow your blog, and this hunt has only increased my passion for moose hunting. I hope someday to get another opportunity.

2010 Moose Closes Out

2010-10-06T05:27:00.004-05:00

The second week of hunting started out fast and furious, sort of as the first week ended. Arriving on Sunday the 26th of September we already saw a nice bull that evening, but, unable to set up a hunt in time. The second day shows our success with these two great bulls taken, Ken Schaeffer above at 1PM and Ken Lieuwen below taking his at 7:15PM.
The rest of the week was very warm and extremely windy and although I doubt the rut stopped, it slowed down some, and with the wind we were unable to hear any calling and I am sure the Moose could not hear our calls either. After the hunt we did total our seen moose for the 10 days which averaged 8 per person, with at least 5 nice bulls growing for next season.
Yesterday being the last day I took out Cody and Josh. We started out in my favorite bay and started a call. In only a few minutes a young bull was running in the water, seemed as if away from us, turn and started back after another call. Shortly after, once again as before, the bull was running away and into the wood not to been seen again.
A few minutes later as I suspected we found out why. We heard the hard slap of the antlers of the larger bull only a few hundred yards away. It was approached at a steady pace, but with the wind picking up once again, we suspected it caught our scent and shutdown just as quickly as it started. We hunted the rest of the day with the intention of returning at 4:30 for the evening hunt. We found the wind had shifted slightly, not really making it better, but we thought we could deal with it.
We setup in a narrow river channel and started our call. At 5:00PM we had the first indication our visitor had not left breaking down trees like matches. Excitement in the boat was evident, believing success was not far away. A second round of mass destruction took place at 6:05PM and we now figured we had the cat by the tail. Shortly after I could hear the grunts which seemed to disappear, growing faint. We could hear the bull till dark, and with a last sigh, all we could do was leave knowing he will be bigger next year.
I always consider these hunts to be bitter sweet moments, the hunters experience what many do not, but, unsuccessful with a kill.

Close But No Cigar

2010-10-04T21:19:00.002-05:00

The perfect morning, not a breath of wind and clear skies. Wayne, Josh, and Cody left the only waves on the lake with their boat. We met them for lunch near the rapids and grilled hot dogs. The moose were scarce today, but the walleye's bit pretty well and the Ken's boated a 36.5 and 37.5 inch Northern. Josh and Wayne had a moose close this evening but he wouldn't show himself. The day ended just about as perfect as it began. Unfortunatly, the moose population remains the same.

Day 8 Update

2010-10-03T21:26:00.002-05:00

We woke up to hear the wind really blowing. We all had hoped for a quiet morning, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. I will have to give Cody, Josh, and Wayne credit. Despite the adverse conditions (warm and windy) they have kept a very good attitude. Although they hunted hard all day, there were no moose to be found. Ken and I caught a nice stringer of fish to eat. No large trophy fish today, but we really fought the wind just like the hunters did. Babyface Lieuwen was becoming Grizface Lieuwen but he shaved today because he thinks the whiskers are bringing him bad luck. We'll see if that's true tomorrow. Stay tuned for more updates.

The Old Men Strike Again

2010-10-02T21:17:00.004-05:00

We woke to frost this morning. The water to the cabin was frozen. Wayne has been wanting a morning with frost. He thought that a cold morning would intesify the rut. Wayne, Cody, and Josh went to Wolf Bay this morning. They could hear some calling and tree thrashing but no bull presented himself. Ken and I asked if we could do anything to help out with the hunt. Wayne said we should go to Rice Bay and see if there was any rut activity. We stopped and did our best cow call. It sounded like a cross between a wolf howling and a cow being run over by a John Deere. On our third stop to call within a few seconds we heard a large branch snap. We turned to see a bull standing about 250 yards away. We gave another cow call and he started approaching. He would stop occasionally and we would give a cow call and he would start coming in again. He stopped at 100 yards and hung up. He then started to go around to get our wind. He did eventually get our wind and left the area. He was a small bull about 30-32 inches with very small palms. When we met up with the hunters and conveyed our story Cody (Babyface Lieuwen) says, "if those two old guys can call in a bull surely Wayne will call one in today." Unfortunately, the only moose that they saw today were a cow and calf that they saw this eveing. Ken L. and I had another great day of fishing. We caught enough fish for a meal and released the rest. We had one large fish, and that was a 39" Northern that I caught this morning. Ken also caught a Northern that was about 28". Make sure to ask Cody and Josh about the lucky "mongs". Also ask Ken about his friend Jamal. Stay tuned for further updates.

Fisherman 4, Moose Hunters 0

2010-10-01T21:08:00.005-05:00

Team Ken gets their limit again. The morning was cool and foggy. The moose hunters went to Rice Bay, Ken and I went to the narrows to fish. The first fish that Ken caught was a 26.5" walleye. We then caught 4 eating size walleyes. Ken hooked a large fish but had his line cut. In the same spot I hooked a large fish but also had my line cut. I switched lines and within 2 minutes I hooked a large fish again. This time I was able to land the 36.5" northern. It was a very excting adventure. We headed back to camp for breakfast. Josh, Cody, and Wayne had returned to camp when we arrived. They thought the cow and the bull were still in the bush but wouldn't respond to the calling. After breakfast the hunters went above the falls, with the intention of returning to Rice Bay by 4:30. Their trip above the falls was uneventful, but when they did their portage back below the falls there were moose tracks on the trail. They then returned to Rice Bay to do some calling but didn't hear any responses and so ended their day. After breakfast Ken and I returned to "the Narrows" to catch some more supper. We later moved to the "West Narrows" and caught a few more walleye. We were about to move when I thought I had a snag that turned out to be a 25" walleye. We then moved to the falls to greet the hunters on their return from above the falls. While we were waiting I caught and released a 35" Northern. After the hunters went to Rice Bay we returned to "the Narrows". I hooked another large fish but lost him. In about 2 minutes Ken hooked a large fish and after 15 minutes of playing him out he landed a 40.5" Northern. It was truly a great day of fishing. Stay tuned tomorrow for further updates.

Day 5 - The Two Kenny's Limit Out

2010-09-30T21:57:00.003-05:00

Josh, Cody, and Wayne went to Rice Bay to do some calling this morning. They didn't have any response and after breakfast went above the falls. The time spent above the falls was also uneventful. Josh looked for the droptine bull but even he was not to be found today. The water above the falls is beginning to drop and future trips up there may be in jeopardy. I had put a game camera on the carcass of my bull to try to get a picture of a wolf. Josh and Wayne stopped at the kill site and picked up the camera. We just looked at the pictures and there are pictures of ravens and bald eagles on the carcass, but no wolf. This evening they returned to Rice Bay to do some calling. Wayne gave a lonely cow call and within about 10 minutes had a response from a bull. A short time later they had a response from another bull on the other side of them. So they had two bulls responding on either side of them. It was a perfect situation for them, except for one detail: it was getting dark fast. Darkness fell without either bull presenting themself. Needless to say at first light Josh, Cody, and Wayne will be in Rice Bay. Ken L. and I spent the day fishing. We caught some real nice walleyes and a few small Northern. We ate walleye for supper and they were great. On a side not for my wife Lori. We ate some moose loin from my moose on Tuesday evening. It was very tasty and tender. Stay tuned tomorrow for further updates.

It Might Be Destiny

2010-09-29T22:04:00.003-05:00

Josh, Wayne, and I left the dock at 6:30 this morning with intentions to be gone all day. We arrived at the falls at 7:00 and did our portage to the other boat. We saw the small drop tine bull at the little island where we last saw him yesterday. We went all the way up the river to the second set of falls, where we then had to turn around. We stopped a couple of places on the way back to do a little calling. We stopped to have lunch along the river. After lunch I was the first to get back in the boat. I turned to look behind the boat and about 150 yards down the river the drop tine bull was just starting to cross the river. He swam the river and was now on our side of the river. Wayne asked if we should have a little fun with the bull and try to call him in. Wayne gave one cow call and the bull turned and started coming right in. With a few more calls Wayne called him into 20 yards. He stood broadside for about 5 minutes and let us take pictures. I think it might be Josh's destiny to shoot this unique bull. He keeps presenting himself to Josh but Josh isn't ready to shoot him yet. Pureza also thinks he should shoot this "cute" bull moose. We did see one other moose; we weren't close enough to tell for sure, but we think it might have been one of the small bulls from yesterday. Ken L. and Cody saw two cows and one other unidentified moose this morning. They fished for about an hour this afternoon and they each caught one walleye. Cody caught a nice walleye with a golden belly. Ken's walleye was just slightly larger than the spoon he was using. Stay tuned for more updates.

Day 3 - Canada Moose Hunt

2010-09-28T22:22:00.002-05:00

The Canadian wilderness is a beautiful place. Everyday we are amazed at the beauty of this place. This morning we spent a couple of hours retrieving Ken L.'s moose. He shot it late yesterday evening, field dressed it and left it in the swamp, where it fell. Ken's moose was laying in about a foot of water. We quartered it and carried it to the boats. Cody and Josh did most of the carrying and were wet up to their crotch by the time we were done. Ken L.'s knee has been bothering him and he has been using a walking stick. I hurt my back yesterday and wasn't much help either. Josh said that Ken and I look like Hal and Len from the Jim Shockey show. Josh, Wayne, and I hunted above the falls this afternoon, this is where I shot my moose yesterday. We saw 2 cows and 3 bulls. The bulls were all quite small and Josh decided to pass on them. The one was with a cow and was just a 2.5 year old spike, he did have a unique drop tine. The other two bulls were with a cow and were in the 32-36 inch range. Cody, Ken, and Dan had a slow day and didn't see anything this afternoon. Tomorrow we are headed above the falls again. Stay tuned for more updates.

Ken Shoots a Moose

2010-09-27T22:12:00.006-05:00

Our day started at 6:30 a.m. as we left the dock and we were greeted by rain and wind. We went to where we had last seen the moose last night and did some calling. If he was still in the vicinity he wasn't responding to our calls. By 9:00 a.m. we were wet and cold and returned to camp for a great breakfast, cooked by Wayne and Peruza. We left camp at 11 a.m. and went to the falls where we unloaded the boat, carried our rifles, packs, lifejackets and a gas can to above the falls where there was another boat located. We were going to be able to hunt a part of the river that hadn't been hunted in about 4 years. There are rapids on the river and due to high water levels we were able to pass over them. We traveled 4.5 miles when Wayne spotted a moose laying a little up the bank from the river. We had decided that Josh would have first shot today. Wayne slowed the boat to an idle and said he was going to call the moose closer. I thought to myself, there is no way that this moose is coming in to a call while he can see us perfectly clear sitting in a boat in the middle of the river with the motor running. The bull stood up, Wayne gave a cow call and the bull started heading our direction. While Josh was looking the bull over, the bull stopped and thrashed some branches. Wayne said the bull probably measured in the low 40's for width. Josh decided to pass on the bull as he was looking for something in the 46 to 50 inch range. Wayne immediately asked if I wanted to shoot the bull. I had wanted to shoot a bull 45 inches or wider, but at the same time had said I wouldn't pass up a narrower bull if he had nice palms. This bull had very nice palms and great fronts. Wayne continued to call and the bull continued coming. At 60 yards he stopped and thrashed another tree. Wayne repositioned the boat, I put the crosshairs on the chest and squeezed the trigger. My shot was good but just for the guy's back home I gave it another one. A person does not realize how large a bull moose is until you are standing beside one. I want to thank Wayne for a great hunt. Troy have a great birthday tomorrow and this bottom picture is for you. Oh, and by the way Ken L. shot a moose today too. Stay tuned for more updates.

The Dutch Mob Strikes

Harrop Lake, Manitoba - In a blaze of gunfire Gluteus MaxiMoose was killed by the notorious gangster "GrizFace" Lieuwen at sunset today. It was reported that "Griz" was holding his rifle sideways during the shooting. When asked, "Griz" said that he wanted to send the MaxiMoose clan a message. An autopsy revealed that the corpse was mutilated and the testicles had been removed by "GrizFace" and his son, "Babyface" Lieuwen. The hit was put out by "Smoking Dan", aka Bun. There were no witnesses to testify against the Dutch mob. A picture of the deceased is above. Stay tuned for daily updates.

Schaeffer Day #1 - Josh Sees a Moose

2010-09-26T21:54:00.002-05:00

Hi everybody, Wayne said I could write on the blog tonight. I'm Ken Schaeffer and I came into camp along with my nephew Josh Schaeffer and also good friend Ken Lieuwen and son Cody. We had a great flight in with Mark as our pilot. When we asked Mark how long he had been flying, he said two days. We were all very happy that he had survived his first day and hadn't crashed. In reality he has been flying 10 years. We had a great afternoon of hunting and exploring our new territory for the next 10 days. Josh and I are hunting with Wayne and Ken and Cody are hunting with Dan. Right before dark Wayne, Josh and I were sitting on shore and doing some calling. Josh and I were about 100 yards apart, when Josh comes over all excited about seeing a Bull Moose. Unfortunately it was just a little too dark to pursue the Bull. Ken and Cody didn't see a moose but are pretty sure they heard one. Although they didnt' see a moose they did see a lot of beavers. We area all in agreement that we will come back 10 lbs heavier as Pureza is a great cook. Stay tuned for more updates.

2010 Week #1 Finished

2010-09-25T20:16:00.003-05:00

Left Doug Leaders with 45" and right Robert Sando with 45 3/4".
The first week started out strong, with a Sunday night scouting and although it was windy, we did have a cow responding to the call quite aggressively. So, with some anticipation we returned Monday morning arriving in the quiet bay well before sunrise. We drifted in a bay behind a rock outcrop and after calling a few minutes I heard what I thought was the sound of antlers against a solid tree. So I signalled both hunters and I padelled from behind the rock to find a bull trying to beat up a 8" diameter pine tree. It saw us as we moved into position and quick consideration was given to the size. My first estimate was 44-45 inches. After having the bull look at us for a while I began to have second thoughts about the measurement, thinking it may be less. Then as it started to moved and give us a glance we saw it for it's real size, and very respectable bull moose. It was about to make the "get out of Dodge move" so I gave a quick call and Doug was able to prepare for a shot. Initially the shot did not look that great, meaning, there was no tightening up I was expecting. So unsure what had happened I said "let's take a quick look" and off we went.
We found the spot where the bull was standing and I started to follow the track. Suddenly I realized I had picked up the track which brought him to the sight, not away from it. So I said I would start a 180 degree sweep, which in most cases works very well, and it did this time as well. Only 70 yds from the water lay Doug's moose which measures 45". He hit the animal in the right rear flank angle forward into the lungs.
After the 4 hour cleanup we did do an evening hunt and continued again the following morning. We kept going out calling throughout the week with no response, but we did find a few places with plenty of action, we just needed to make it happen.
On Friday morning we started out hunting the West end of Harrop Lake. Slowly moving East throughout the day and planning to be at the Lodge for dark around 8PM. We had stopped at numerous spots looking for sign and we were just on our way up the river when came around the bend to find the second bull looking right at us. I stopped the boat, waiting for Bob to get the rifle ready and I decided I better give a quick call to maintain his interest, and it worked. With a single shot with the bull facing us the Bull dropped in the river. Bob's bull measured 45 3/4". When you look at the antlers they look so much alike.
This week was very enjoyable, had two gentlemen with great character, people you like to be around and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

2010 Moose #2

2010-09-24T21:55:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Robert Sando. At 4:00PM with a single shot from a 300 Winchester Magnum this bull never made a move. As always, we were lucky to see this bull together with a cow. I will update each story later. Fresh hunters arriving on Sunday the 26th and we will start a new search for the Majestic Western Canada Moose. Follow along for updates.

2010 #1 Moose

2010-09-20T21:49:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Doug Leaders, with a single shot from his 300 Winchester Magnum dropped this moose at 7:15AM.
We started out last night scoutingh around and had a cow responding to my cow call. There are two reasons for a cow responding, 1) she might have a bull with her and does not want the bull to leave her for the new sexy voice, or 2) she is calling to telegraph the fact that the rut is starting. I think it was number 1 myself. We returned early this morning and after a few calls this bull made it's presence know but rubbing a big pine tree with the antlers. At 202 yds and the bull quartering away Doug placed a perfect shot and the bull went 70 yds.
This bull measures 45" with enormous mass and great heavy palms. Before we started this weeks hunt I told the two clients that I would like them to take animals in areas we never have before, and it worked out well, this was #1.

2010 Moose Hunt Is Here!

2010-09-18T20:45:00.003-05:00

Well, in anticipation of the arrival of the first two hunters we have been trying to prepare as much as possible in advance. We arrived in camp on the 16th and on Sunday the 19th the first hunters will be here. When we arrived on the 16th we found water levels to be higher than any other time this season. In the perfect world you might think it is much to high, but levels like this do allow you access areas seldom hunted before. So, with a little luck and, with experienced hunters we will once again venture out in pursuit of the Majestic Western Canada Moose.
Stay tuned into this blog for the next 3 weeks.

THE HARVEST

2010-09-02T03:02:00.010-05:00

Over the many years of guiding moose hunters I have learned that a trophy is only what you make of it, and that is what I try to tell all hunters when they arrive. Should the size be different between the first day of the hunt or last, absolutely not. If the animal is big enough on the last day, and you have a chance earlier, take it!
I also always tell my hunters that the easy part of any hunt is to pull the trigger, because that's when the work starts. A bull moose on the ground seldom lays down on it's back waiting for the butchering to start. So, with brute strength using manpower, ropes and mechanical devices we try to get the animal on its back, or at least nearly.

Over the years I have look for new methods of saving time, reducing work and getting back at the adventure that awaits. So, a few years ago I started not gutting the animals. This is not always possible, much dependant on locations. But, when the situation allows, this is what I do.

Get the animal, and this works with any animal as well not just moose, on it's back. I use the magic zipper (look back in history of October 2009 Tools Of The Trade) and zip open the entire animal hide, the video shows it takes only 1 minute and 15 seconds with the zipper. Start by skinning out each quarter, and once a quarter is exposed enough remove it using a knife. I never use a saw of any kind, the entire moose can be taken apart with one knife, very easily. Once all four quarters are removed skin back the neck and expose the meat there. You can remove as much meat as the hunter wants. I skin the neck until the base of the skull and remove the head from the neck. Please keep in mind if the hunter is considering a mounting trophy, skin the animal accordingly, be careful to ensure enough cape is left for the mount.
Now once you have removed the quarters and the neck meat I roll it to expose the back straps and carefully remove them full length if possible. Now comes the tricky part, the tenderloin. If you now roll the remaining carcus on it's stomach and just below the backbone at the rear flank you make an incision to expose the tenderloin, one on each side of the backbone. If you reach inside and forward you can actually grab it and slowly pull it out. Sometime you may need a small knife to assist, but usually it will come out quite easily.

Usually once a kill is made I will also bring to the site a small tarp, something to lay the quarters of meat on. I will also bring along plastic bags for the tenderloin, backstraps and cuttings. Once you are ready to transport back to the lodge try to keep things as clean as possible. Once back at the lodge any meat inside the plastic bags needs 24 hours of slow cooling before freezing. I lay it out on a table cover it with cheese cloth to cool, and the next day we will place it in the freezer.

Each quarter is wrapped with cheese cloth right away upon arrival at camp and the quarters are hung by the legs causing the meat to hang and relax which assists with tenderization. As long as the nights are cool and the fillet shed I use is well shaded to hang the meat, the daytime temps can go quite high without spoilage.

Should you have a quarter with meat damage due to the bullet penetration there may be an accumulation of blood pools that will not come out easily. What I will then do is hang the quarter of meat off the dock in the water for a few hours without the cheese cloth. This serves two purposes, 1) it will draw and remove the pooled blood, and 2) quickly cool the meat. If I am in a situation where temperatures will rise during the days of hunting, and the moose is already hanging and you feel a risk of meat loss, put it in the water. The water being cool and by covering the meat you are removing the exposure to air and it will preserve the meat for a longer period of time.

During the 2010 hunt I will try to capture as much of the things I described on video and will in segments place them on my blog for you to follow. Everything I described and hope to show you in the future can be used during the harvest of most animals, keep it simple and remember, YOU CAN'T EAT THE ANTLERS.

2010 Moose Hunt Coming Up!

2010-09-01T08:51:00.004-05:00

Above was the results of the 2009 Moose Hunt. This will be a hard act to follow. With these 4 bulls we averaged nearly 51". In just 3 weeks we will once again be on the look out for the Majestic Western Canadian Bull Moose.

The Western Canadian is the second largest of the deer family, the only larger comes from the Yukon and Alaska. In the perfect world between now and the 19th of September I would love to have at least one night with a heavy frost. The area where we are historically has produced the first frost between September 5th to 10th, but the last two years has seen changes with the very first frost in 2009 was the morning of October 6th, the morning we killed the last bull.

So, when you are dealt conditions you have to hunt them. Water levels this year will be right around average and it would be nice if it would drop lower, but the rainfall between now and the season will determine that.

Each hunter after arrival will go through an orientation, sort of going through what to expect, and reviewing the weeks schedule. For each group I will take up to 300 photographs and video clips that I put onto a DVD before they depart. This season with the new i-KAM XTREME Glasses I hope to actually get each shot on video. I will update every few days of the hunt and always give the days success when a bull is taken. Follow along and hope you become part of our hunt at Thunderbird.

Guest In Camp Part 2 (Best of the West)

2010-08-27T15:46:00.008-05:00

If you followed my blog you will remember a few days ago having a unwanted guest in camp during the night which happened to be a Black Bear in the screened porch.
This afternoon I got into an argument with that bear and the method of resolving the argument was through my trusty 12 guage shotgun, and as I knew, I was right all along.
It was 3:00 in the afternoon and there was a fresh Carrot Cake in the oven and I went towards the screen porch to find the bear back, ready to enter into the screen porch once again. I hurried towards the spare room to get my shotgun, loaded two #2 shot shells and headed back towards the screen porch. As I arrived it started to head East and I expected it to come to the front entrance, so off I ran in that direction.
I exited the front door waiting for the bear to arrive, but there was no sign of him, so, I moved forward slowly around the cabin. As I reached the back I saw the bear standing on it's hind legs against the screen porch, unable to make up it's mind "should I or Should I not". I crept along side of the building to get closer and the bear dropped onto all fours and came in my direction.
Now, if any of you follow the show "The Best Of The West" they do some amazing long range shots, so I figured I would try the same.
I waited as long as I could and at 500 yds, sorry it was 5 yds, I pulled the trigger, dropped him and never moved again. I immediately took the second insurance shot and there it lay.

Not sure exactly how heavy, but I expect it to be 230-250lbs, probably 3.5 years old.

This was the entrance the bear made a few nights back!

This was the exit the bear made the first night and where he was standing on it's hind legs considering to make a grand entrance before I interrupted him. I have never seen a bear use the same entrance and exit, it always seems to make two holes.

Perfect Camp Mouse Trap

2010-08-25T08:28:00.003-05:00

Over the years having been involved in Lodge & Outpost Camp the topic of discussion sometimes turn to, how do you get rid of the mice in the camps. Well, the term "get rid" is an myth, will never happen, but you can catch many and remove them throughout the summer season. In 1998, totally bu mistake I found what works best for me. We had gone into a camp called Black Lake and we were cleaning it in preparation for the first fisherman. I opened the door under the sink to find a coffee can that had bacon grease in it. The mice during the fall or winter had chewed a hole in the middle of the cover and when I took it out and dumped the grease, the container was full of dead mice.
So, what I do is take a container (the plastic Folgers works best) and place 2 cup of water or approximately 1.5 inches in the bottom. I then put in some cooking oil, this can be anything, basically preventing the mouse from gaining traction to climb or chew the sides. I cut a small hole in the center of the lid, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Then I take an spread a little bit if peanut butter on the bottom side of the lid, and place it back on the container. Two methods of getting te mouse on top. 1) You can place a small ramp of wood for the mouse to climb up or, 2) you can place the trap close to the wood wall or cardboard box for them to climb up.
Once the swan dive occurs, no turning back!!!!

The photo shows the hand cut hole in the lid.

Guest In Camp

2010-08-25T07:25:00.002-05:00

The last few days has given us some of the worst weather this season. With extreme winds, some rain and cold temperatures the days were well suited for getting caught up in preparing personal items to be returned home after the season. I took the amunition I brought into camp in spring and placed them into a sealed container and put them in the screened porch ready for the flight south.
Last night, as I lay down at 10:30PM I heard a noise outside and the dog gave two quick barks and all was quiet. Over the next hour a few times I heard something, but never gave it much thought. Then at 12:30AM I woke up to the noise of scratching at a door. I got up, walked to the screened porch only to find a bear at the door. I made some noise only to see it break the screen as it exited the screened porch.
Immediately the hunter instinct is set into motion, I get my trusted double barrel shotgun out and start looking for shells. Then I remember, the bear was standing beside the shotgun shells only a few minutes ago. I take a quick look around outside through the window, open the screened porch door and bring in the plastic tote with the shells inside.
I preparedthe shotgun with a few shells and I headed outside, hoping to get a glimpse of the bear. The skies had cleared and it was full moon making things very visable and after a few minutes I decide to return back without seeing anything.
Once inside I turn off all interior lights and waited until 2:30AM but the bear did not return, or at least I did not see it.
Maybe tonight, we'll see!!

Canadian Gun Registry

2010-08-23T20:03:00.003-05:00

Over the next few weeks the Federal Government will be introducing a vote to abolish the Gun Registry. The Registry was introduced in 1995 and passed into law in 1997 by the Liberal Government. Originally it was expected to cost 2 million dollars and thereafter it would become self supporting, where each registered firearm would pay for itself.
Well, knowing how governments work, and also knowing that no finance minister in Canada has the ability to forecast the weather let alone where and how much money any government will spend, hey, they went over budget!!!!!!! Only by 2 billion dollars. Yes, since 1997 the registry has cost the Canadian tax payers in excess of 2 billion dollars.
The part that is most disturbing is the fact that the auditor general of Canada for over 8 years has been telling the Canadian people that it does not work, and someone needs to stop the bleeding, which is actually our tax dollars.
Since 1997, to-date, there has not been anyone charged of an offence under the registry law, and no one can actually say where any benefits exist. What a shame!!!
My fear is that the current Conservative Government has no guts, can't make a stand for the fear of an election and will conceed to some sort of Gun Control. Lets wait and see!

Using a Range Finder

2010-08-21T06:58:00.002-05:00

I have not been on a golf course for many years, but when I did golf I found the fairway distance markers were always helpful in club selection. I also found early in my hunting career how amazing my dad was in judging distances while hunting. I now know why! After hunting the same properties for many years some things never change and over many years of hunting the distances are determined taking away some guess work.
For many years now I have guided bear and moose hunters and I never go anywhere without my range finder. Most hunting I do is around lakes and rivers and if you think judging distance is hard over a flat field, try water, it is extremely difficult.
When it comes to Moose hunts and kill possibilities, we don't add them up at the end of the trip, we take them when they come. When we do a setup anywhere and I may do a short call just to telegraph we are there, I will immediately use the range finder to get distances for my hunter. This can be done by reading the wind and determining the expected travel of the on coming animal. If that changes it may be necessary to give distances as they happen. Now for rifle hunters the shorter distances are not as critical but with the archery hunter every 5 yd increment may be the difference between success and failure. Failure is our world means wounded animals, and that in this day with the use of range finders can be greatly reduced making everyones hunt a success, for the hunter and the guide.

D.O.G. Director of Greetings

2010-08-20T21:46:00.003-05:00

In camp this summer we had the Camp Dog called Susie Q. All the guests enjoyed having her in camp and her presence was very entertaining. The summer started out with her not enjoying the water, but after an introduction (pushed her off the dock) she became a real fan of the water, so much so, she would swim across the bay to the Island which was 600 yds away. Very strong swimmer.

Harrop Lake July 25-31

2010-08-20T11:20:00.002-05:00

Received this e-mail from John Clayton today!
Wayne – not sure if you’ve heard from anyone else in our small party but wanted to make sure and thank you for the great time you showed us. I’d have sent this note sooner but after travelling back to the Kansas City area I spent the next 2 weeks moving to a new home in 100 degree heat and high humidity – I really missed the cool breezes then!

It was an opportunity for Mike and I to spend time together – we first met 40 years ago as college basketball teammates, We relived many old memories and made new ones.

It was also a time for Mike to spend with his oldest son who is about to embark on a new-business venture. We had a great time!!

Good fishing too – Mike caught the largest Northern and largest walleye of his life in less than an hour one day.

Thanks for what you do.

Thanks and good hunting this fall – we saw 2 cows in Rice Bay while we were there.

John Clayton

Hunt From The Past #5

2010-08-19T09:35:00.004-05:00

This was a successful hunt, the second week of the 2008 season. Dan Wagner with his brother Charles arrived in camp with a great deal of Deer Hunting experience and they also tried a Colorado Elk every few years.
My first week in 2008 had produced 2 great bull, but at a cost. Weather was extremely warm with wind and very high water. It was not surprising that the second week was beginning very slow. Each morning I would follow a pattern, call at 2-3 locations before breakfast. Because of high water I was able to expose hunters to areas no one had ever seen before, this was a great experiences, even for me.
The week of hunting started out slow and on Wednesday I repeated my pattern once again. We left the dock at 6:45AM and had called at two locations, and I suggested to go the the third location as we had done every other morning.
I believe if the weather permits and you call at the same locations over and over again the bull may have heard you the very first time, but will not necessarily make a move until he has finished the task at hand. He never forgets where the call comes from and eventually, if he heard you, will get there, as long as you are there at that time.
Bulls will travel all night long from one location to another looking for the lonesome calls he has heard before, if he does not find the cow in question he will stick around for up to a day waiting for the call to repeat,
On this morning we head off to location #3. It was a long narrow and winding channel and the wind was slight blowing down the channel. So, I went past my calling location and planned to drift past while calling. I gave one long lonely cow call, and immediately I heard the bull grunt, and both brothers looked at me because they heard as well.
Now, not having to second guess what I heard, timing was everything. This grunt came from less than 70-100 yards away, very clear even with the slight wind. So, I immediately paddles to the opposite side of the channel and if the bull came out where I expected, it would be less than 40yds.
It took me a few minutes to get into locations we drifted into a nice weed bed which helped keep the boat steady. I knew I did not have time to get out of the boat, so we had to wait. The bull kept up the grunt and I continued with now a soft cow call, not aggressive, don't overdue it.
Dan being the older brother and was sitting next to me, I gave him the direction to prepare his rifle. Both brothers were shooting a Browning autoloader in a .338 Winchester Magnum. They had to be very careful when injecting the shell into the chamber, so, I suggested they do it as quietly as possible, and I would make a cow call a little louder than before, which worked well.
The first thing we saw of the moose was the antler outline in the willows probably 50 yds away. I continued a soft call and the bull made the last commitment to move in. He moved out into the open facing us, now less than 40 yds away. I gave one slight call, only using my hands, not the normal birch bark call, becuase that would be to loud. Immediately the bull decide to move to our right wanting to get down wind. Once the bull turned I whispered to Dan to take him. With a single shot well placed behind the should the bull moved forward 5 yds and landed in the water.
With some loud cheers we slowly moved across the channel to find the bull under the water.
As many times before, I found the antlers, wrapped the rope around them and around the nose, and lifted the head out onto some willows. Then I extended the rope 40ft and pulled the moose out of the willows and down the channel, probably nearly 1/2 mile till we found a nice flat rock, secured it and went for breakfast.
As I always say "after pulling the trigger the work starts" and it did!
This bull was 46" wide and the most symetrical set of antlers I have ever seen. A trophy in anyones book, especially if it's the first bull moose.

COMMERCIAL FLIGHT (Lost Luggage)

2010-08-18T10:18:00.002-05:00

This week once again I had the phone call from a customer flying into Winnipeg to come to one of our camps relaying a story of the Airline lost luggage, and I mean everything, personal clothing, tackle boxes and fishing rod cases. So, if everything goes missing then surely someone screwed up, or some should have shown up at the destination. But, nothing showed and they were told everything should be in Winnipeg on the noon flight, but again nothing showed up.
This group of 6 showed determination already having travelled from Texas, they wanted to go fishing, so they purchased new clothing, rods and tackle in Winnipeg and off they went. I had already ordered for them a food package waiting for the flight into camp.
I have two questions;
1) With National security after 9/11 how can the luggage and gear fly anywhere without the passenger on board?
2) Once the baggage goes missing then surely it should never show up anywhere because once again the baggage has to fly without the customer.
So, I believe somewhere there must be a storage facility with millions of items not going anywhere!!!!!!
A security system designed by few that costs millions and serves no purposes. Tax dollars once again at work.

Harrop in August

2010-08-16T16:05:00.005-05:00

This great Walleye was caught the day the group arrived, great fish. This Walleye was 23.5" but look at the girth size!

This Pike was 37" and was netted off of a T-Bone on the Walleye in the photo. This Pike for it's length is really heavy.

Another great Pike measuring 38".

This Pike was 43.5", wow, another great trophy on Harrop Lake.

This Pike was 44", a trophy wherever you go! This fish in many cases is a once in a lifetime trophy. Many people fish a lifetime and never come close to such a trophy.

Thanks for all the photos.

Harrop Produces Big Pike

2010-08-13T13:42:00.003-05:00

Although I have not yet received any photos, I would like to thank Mark Torno together with 9 friends that just left Harrop this morning. Pike over 36" were to many to count, but the ones over 41" (Manitoba Master Angler) there were 4, with the largest being 48". This is why sometimes it is so nice to see new guests at a camp, they fished where I never had, and I had never seen anyone else fish as well. Already planning for next season, they have a jump on location for this time of year.
Photos will follow as I receive them. Thanks Mark for a great time!

Hunt from the past #4

2010-08-11T13:51:00.005-05:00

If you have followed the 2009 Moose Hunts you will already recognize Ken and this Hunt from the Past. Ken together with his friend Ed had booked hunts the second of 3 weeks of the 2009 Moose Hunt.
During the first week of hunting we had already taken a beautiful bull measuring over 52" by Roy and we had also seen another great bull in an area called Rice Bay. So, as the second group of hunters arrive and the first are loading to fly out the discussion of seeing that second bull was raised, and anticipation grew quickly, with pressure applied to hunting that area.
On the second of the second week we were in rice bay back where Roy had taken his bull, and during that hunt I had also heard another moose, so we called that morning. We had been in the bay since early morning, still dark, and now the sun was high at approximately 8AM. We had just come out of a small flowage and I thought I spotted a dark object over 1 mile away. I raised my binoculars, and focused on the object to see a Moose approaching to cross the river.
Having 2 outboard motors on the back of the boat, I could make up some area quickly. The river channel was only 100 yards across, and upon approaching the Bull stepped onto an underwater island, standing knee high in the water looking at us.
We approached to maybe 40 yds away and the Bull seemed shocked to see us, and never moved.
Ken fired a great shot behind the shoulder with his Remington 280. The Bull moved forward lowered the body into the river and only swam 20 yds when it came to the end.
Now having a bull in the water I approached after a few minutes and placed a rope around the antlers and pulled it 150 yds to a nice flat rock.
After 1 hour we had pulled the Moose from the water, skinned the animal and removed all the meat and returned back for lunch.

History on Harrop Lake

2010-08-10T13:53:00.007-05:00

By no means being an expert on this subject, I would like to show you what I think was a processing plant for Wild Rice located on an Island on Harrop Lake. The Island not being to big, the plant was located on the Southeast corner of the island, sheltered well from the normal West Northwest winds. This picture shows a firebox built using onsite rock together with cinder blocks and hand mixed concrete.

The steel drum had a loading hatch which once closed would retain the rice while tumbling above a wood fire. The firebox below was was approximately 4' X 8' and maybe 4' high.

The steel frame was a great design all self contained. The steel drum was built on a frame. The frame would roll over the firebox using the small steel rollers. There were also 2 platforms shown on this photo. The lower base platform would hold a gas powered engine running at an idle speed. The upper platform would hold a right angle gearbox with a chain drive attached to the containment drum. A roller chain attached to the drum would be the method of transferring power, and the chain would not get damaged from the firebox heat.

This photo shows the track and rolling system used to roll the processing plant over the firebox and also it would be loaded and unloaded when off the firebox.

A Mr. A Solmundson from Hnausa, Manitoba had inscribed his name in the concrete base. I am trying to find relatives of this person who might have more history than what I can provide.

The name Z. Durand from Winnipeg also had the name in the base.

This photo shows the entire structure very well.

Harrop Produces in August

2010-08-08T11:05:00.010-05:00

Tim with a great Pike!
Once again as it has every month so far, Harrop has been producing Big Pike and great Walleye this last week. A group of 5, all great friends of ours came to fish Harrop Lake the first week in August. The caught over 20 Pike greater than 36" with 4 making the master angler category at 41".

Shelby with a great Walleye!

Jim with another nice Pike!

Dave with a nice Pike!

Dave caught more big Pike than the other fisherman. Initially he started out using a floating white frog that he would cast and retreive with the bait caster. The frog (Kermet) worked really well and he lost the from on the second last day of the trip.

Jim with a great Walleye!

Dave with another trophy Pike!

Shelby with a Mooneye!

Dale with a real nice Pike!

Harrop Late July

2010-08-05T07:40:00.003-05:00

Received this e-mail this morning!
Wayne,
Thanks so much for working us in at the last minute. As you may know, this was our eighth year with Thunderbird and the seventh year at Harrop lake. My son and I have many fond memories from that lake and the fishing is beyond anything that can be described. I was a bit concerned about coming so late in the season and I mistakenly thought the fishing would not be all that great in late July. I could not have been more wrong!! We caught more fish (and bigger fish) this year than in any past year. One day alone I personally caught over 100 fish. Traditionally we come up in the first of June however I believe we will be back late next summer based on this year's great experience.
Thanks so much for being such a great host and providing the ultimate fishing experience. From the minute the float plane lands on the water it is incredible and we count the days till next year.

Kind Regards,
Rob Carrino
Gainesville, GA

Ites Party Return

2010-07-27T12:10:00.002-05:00

"Hey Wayne we had a great time at Eardley 6 of us caught over 1600 walleye in the 4 days. Biggest was 25in. We are looking forward to coming to Black Currant in August we know the walleyes are bigger there!!!"

This e-mail was sent today from Al Ites who earlier fished Eardley Lake and plan a return visit to Black Currant. Al and friends have fished Black Currant twice a season for the past number of years.

Fly-In Visitors

2010-07-21T20:26:00.008-05:00

This afternoon I had a good friend Charles Cooley with 5 other friends fly in to spend a night with us. They are on their way to Kasba Lake in the Northwest Territories.

Red Willow July

2010-07-20T19:56:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of Mr. John Miller who together with his family fished Red Willow from July 9 thru the 12th. It was on the 12th when he caught this 43.5" Northern Pike. Great fish John, hope to see again soon.

Moose Summer Schedule

2010-07-18T18:54:00.005-05:00

Every year whether hunters in camp, guests at sportsman shows I am always asked where are the Big Moose throughout the summer. I also very often during the summer will receive e-mails from hunters coming up for a fall moose hunt asking if I am seeing any big bulls. I have a simple answer. During the summer months I am not concerned where the bull are, but rather where are the cows, because later the bulls will be there.
The cows during it's lifetime can live in a 5 mile radius, unless driven away by fire or lack of food. During the rut the bulls will double that distance up to 10 miles radius. They are constantly moving to find the cows, and once found will remain there until the task is completed and move on.
One thing you can look at and it will assist you in knowing where the bulls spent the summer, what condition are the antlers in. A good example will be the 4 moose pictures I have.
The bull above was taken in late September 09' and you can read the story in the history of this blog. Please note the condition on the upper part of the palms. The tines are in good condition which indicates it summered and rubbed the velvet in a wooded area with lots of willows and trees with good green bark.

The animal above was taken in September 08' and also summered in similiar areas as the one above.

Now this animal was taken in October 08' and if you look at the tines at the top of the palms you will notice them to be very smooth almost all rubbed off. This is a clear indication of summering in a old burn area. In this picture you will see a small black spot on the lower palm. That spot was an actual hole nearly poked right through the palm. This occurs when they rub on standing burned pine trees with branches broken off. When they break very often they are approximately 2-3 inches long and as thick as a little finger, and when the velvet is on and the antler is still soft it will damage the palm.

Now look at this set of antlers. The tines all rubbed off, and yes, this animal was shot right in an old burn area. You could also see it had been there for sometime, or returned there again after the rut was completed. This animal was the last moose taken in 2009'.

WhiskeyJack In July!

2010-07-16T20:52:00.003-05:00

e-mail from Bill Markiw
Hi Wayne:
Just a follow-up note to thank you for the opportunity to fish Whiskeyjack Lake.
We’ve been back to modern living for a week now (sigh) and are back once again to counting down the days to next year’s fly-in trip!
Whiskeyjack lived up to its reputation of a quality fishery and we had very productive 6-days of fishing from July 3 – 9, 2010.
In fact, on the second day I landed a 42” master angler Northern Pike (picture attached) in the rapids near the outpost!
Walleye fishing seemed to intensify each day on our trip to the point that on the last day we could literally hook a Walleye on every line drop. Of course, as you know, you need to spend some time finding their hiding spots!
The short portage to upper Hallen Lake was not an issue and provided us another lake (much larger) to explore and challenge our fishing instincts. We were equally successful at Hallen in filling our stringer for our daily Walleye feast.
Having fished Eardley, Black Currant, Headleaf, Meat, and now Whiskeyjack Lakes, we would never hesitate to recommend these lakes to fellow fishers!
Thanks again.
Keep well.
Bill Markiw Party

BIG MOOSE IN THE AREA!

2010-07-16T19:14:00.002-05:00

On a return flight to Harrop Lake I spotted a moose on the edge of the Lake. I was at approximately 2500 ft and decided to descend and take a closer look. I came over the Moose maybe 200ft above and saw what I think is probably the largest moose I have ever seen. At this time I expect the moose to be 55"+ with at least 6 weeks of growing to go. This moose at this rate will easily exceed 60" and I will work very hard to get a closer look during the season.

Hunt from the Past #3

2010-07-15T16:33:00.004-05:00

Mike & Carly at Blond Bear Site.
In my earlier "Hunt from the Past" we had Allison take a nice bull Moose. Well this Hunt has two things the same, I am the guide and Mike is the father, but this time his oldest daughter Carly who in 2005 was 16 years old looking for a nice trophy Bear. When Mike called to book the Bear Hunt he indicated that Carly was afraid of heights and would not climb into a tree stand, so I decided to hunt with her in a ground blind for the hunt.
I had been baiting for approximately 4 weeks before the fall hunt and at one of the baits I had some very light colored hair stuck to the bait barrel. Then a week before Mike and Carly arrived for the hunt we had a blond bear walk right through camp. At first we thought it was our golden retriever, but the size gave it away.
When Mike and Carly arrived I told them about seeing first the blond bear and secondly the light colored hair at one bait. So the first night we decided to all go to that site, sit and wait to see if Carly could possibly get that Blond Bear.
We had been at the site for a few hours and the mosquitos nearly carried us away. The site was nearly perfect. We were located on the banks of the river and the bait was on an elevated site, so all we had to do was lift our heads and take a peek over the bank to see what was happening.
Our shooting time in late August would have been approximately 9:20PM and an hour before that I thought I heard a sound and would take a peek. As I looked over the bank I could see the movement of a bear, but not the Blond one.
Judging the size of a bear can be very difficult and many outfitters will use the bait drum for assistance. On a 45 gallon (55US) barrel there are 2 corrugation rings used for re-enforcement. If the Barrel stands up the lower ring would mean a small bear and the upper ring could mean a nice bear, much dependant on length and bulk. Well when I looked over the bank all I saw was Black, no barrel, and this bear was massive. This was a true trophy regardless where. So I got down to tell Carly and Mike about the bear. It was a very exciting time as we all looked over the bank to take a look at the Bear.
So my first response to Carly was "are you ready to take a shot"? Carly looked at me and said "I would like to wait for the Blond Bear". I told her that might never happen and here you have a trophy Black Bear if you want, but she declined. So, I turned to Mike and asked for him to get ready. Mike looked back at me and said "I want Carly to shot the first animal". We might never get this opportunity again, I told him and he said that was fine. So for me that evening the pressure was off and we sat to watch the bear for over 1 hour. It actually got to the point where the wind was at our back, the bear saw us standing on the bank and we had to scare it away before we could leave. This was an experience of a lifetime, seeing probably one of the largest bears in the many years of guiding, having two hunters with and it walked away, never to be seen again.
We sat at that same bait a few more days and never saw that animal again. The hunt was going along smoothly and on Thursday morning we had gone for a morning fishing. Right after lunch a fog rolled in and it was like Pea Soup. We placed Mike on a bait across the river and Carly and I went to a new bait that we had not yet hunted. I was baiting it, and we did have it hit a few time, but nothing consistant. We arrived at 2:30PM dumped some fresh bait and quickly built a ground blind out of Spruce branches. This serves two purposes, one you don't need allot for the blind and second it covers scent very well. We had been behind the blind for an hour talking about various hunts Carly had already completed when I looked into the fog and saw a willow branch pot up off the ground. I told Carly to get ready. We waited with our eyes on the bait for 10 minutes and nothing showed.
Then suddenly I looked to my left, and I was slightly behind Carly, when I saw a bear facing us less than 5YDS away. It was looking right at me and I whispered to Carly to sit tight. I think the bear smelled the bait bucket that I was sitting on. The bear sensed something was wrong and it turned and slowly disappeared into the fog. After talking about the excitement and collecting our thoughts we prepared for the bear to return which only took a few minutes. The Bear approached from the other side of the bait and it slowly appeared out of the fog heading for the bait. Carly prepared and waited as the bear pushed at the bait barrel and fired a shot. The bear turned, moved less than 10 YDS and dropped in its tracks.

Waiting for Mike on the last day Carly and I fished on the river, caught some nice Walleye. Mike was not succesful in the hunt, but before leaving he told me that the hunt had been perfect and the trip had been for Carly, not him.

Hunt from the Past

2010-07-15T12:42:00.005-05:00

Once again looking back at "Hunts from the Past" this was the last animal taken during the 2009 season. A normal year at Thunderbird would see our first frost occurring around September 10th which assists in generating the rut approximately 15-20 days later. Well in 2009 our first night of frost occurred on this day early in the second week of October. The day before we had continuous rain morning till night, and yet Allison stayed out with her dad and myself until dark.
We had locked on a place where we had seen action previously in the season, but had not seen an animal. We stayed on shore, made a small fire under some trees trying to stay warm and calling, just to let anything in the area know the rut is still on.
The next day, at dark, slippery with frost we headed to the boat and snuck away from camp and headed 6 miles down the lake to where we were the day before.
Upon arrival there was a light wind out of the Southwest and I knew if I entered the same bay we would surely get winded. So, I decided to go to the bay behind the one the day before. Even here the wind was not perfect, but, perfect conditions are like dreams. The area we were in did not have good shoreline to access, so I shut the motor down and called from the boat.
It took less than a few minutes, which seemed like forever, I looked to my left and I could see the outline of a Moose. Unsure of the size I could surely tell by the size it was a bull. It just stood there looking right at us, waiting for an indication to continue to the lonely cow. So, I made another short cow call, and the bull moved right away. It was following the shoreline, at at that pace it would get downwind in a few minutes, so I told Allison and Mike I would start the motor, try to shorten the distance and call at the same time. Each time the Moose would start the walk I would call and he would stop. The initial sighting distance was more than 300 yds and I wanted that to be a little closer. I idled the boat slowly toward the moose and after ranging 230yd and angled the boat to shore. By calling the moose just stood and watch, grunting a few times. Once we were drifted into the weed bed, stationary I ask Allison if she was ready. I ranged it again at 205 yds and she fired the shot. The Moose moved quickly along shore and into the bush. The move was not a "get out of Dodge move" but rather a "I don't want to be here right now" and it took effort to go forward.
After a few minutes and rewinding in our minds we decided to give the moose some time, and decided to hunt another area for 1 hour. While Mike and I were hunting Allison was counting minutes, so, we returned just before the hour finished.
Allison had placed a perfect shot just behind the shoulder and the moose had moved only 45-50 yds.
The Moose that Allison shot was over 50" and the true width of the palms is shown in this photo. The victory lap occurs when the hunter takes the moose back to camp, head as a hood ornament. Each hunt brings new experiences not only for the hunter, but for me as the guide as well. Allison was 17 years old when she harvested this Moose, and I know throughout life she will have many great experiences, but I doubt she will ever forget this memory.

INDUSTRY AIRCRAFT (Cessna Caravan)

2010-07-13T11:20:00.006-05:00

For the summer of 2008 I had the great opportunity to fly this Amphibious Caravan C-FLXY. The tourism industry had the Caravan on floats introduced nearly 20 years ago and the popularity of this aircraft has really come alive in the last 10 years. Originally having the 600HP Turbine was a marginal power plant for the Amphib but after the first few years Cessna recognized a power short comings and loaded the Caravan with the 675HP.

The primary luxury is the ability to fly either from a runway or take off and land on the water. Off of the runway the takeoff distance with a full gross load is very short. Off the water I have found the takeoff run of the Caravan full gross is almost exactly the same as my Cessna 180.

On this day I flew into Kathy's Lake in the early evening. Much dependant on flying distance, and all my camps have a distance of 80 miles, the useful loads usually consists of 2200lbs with the necessary fuel reserve. This is considered a 7 person and gear to an Outpost. Once you exceed the 100 mile distance the legal load is greatly reduced due to the fuel burn requirements.

On this day I was flying C-FLXY and William (WAMAIR) was flying C-FJPX, his second Amphib Caravan, and we moved 48 canoers for a few week excursion.

Photo by my son Emmet:

This was after a takeoff at Harrop Lake flying back to Jack Pine where the base for WamAir is. The climb rate of the Caravan when empty is approximately 1800-2100FPM. Full gross I found the climb rate was 1000-1300FPM, much dependant on weather conditions.

Moose Hunt! Rifle, Optic & Ammunition

2010-07-12T09:46:00.004-05:00

Whenever I am asked about a Moose Hunt the subject very quickly turns to the question of "What do I need in a rifle" for the moose hunt.
My answer is always the following: If you have a rifle in a .270 Winchester in energy or better, and you have hunted with that rifle for a few years and are comfortable with that rifle, BRING IT WITH YOU.
A number of years ago I had two hunters that had booked moose hunts with me 3 years in advance. Each time I would meet them at a sportsmans show prior to the hunt they would say :we are packed and ready". Both had mention to me that they had deer hunted for over 20 years and both used 30-06 Springfield, which I said was perfect. So, when the hunters arrived in camp I was really surprised that one hunter purchased for that moose hunt a 7MM STW which is a great cartridge, well suited for the moose hunt. Prior to the evening hunt we would go out and take afew target shots which were perfect from both hunters.
The very first evening we came across a small bull and the first hunter using the 30-06 said he was very happy with that animal, fired a shot and harvested that bull. So that evening and till lunch the next day was used getting the animal out and preparing for the second hunter.
On the 3rd morning with frost on the boat we left camp well before day break, travelled less than 1 mile down the river and started calling in a guiet bay, only 300 yds from where the first bull was taken. (A Hint: After taking one animal do not neglect to return to that area again, because the first bull is there for a reason which is usually cow calling, so return the next few days) After calling for 15-20 minutes we turned the boat to see a bull approaching the call only 10 yds from where the first bull was taken less than 2 days earlier. The bull was approximately 270-300 yds away, and I thought I could close the distance before it would wind us, so I started the outboard, moved along the shoreline until what I thought was 230yds. I asked the hunter is this distance was OK, and he said NO PROBLEM.
As we set up and he squeezed off the shot the bull ran the same direction as the earlier bull had, but it seemed much more pressured. What I mean by that is when a good shot is placed on a bull the bulls reaction is to tense up and move away, but not in a panic mode. Well this bull was in a panic mode looking for new territory and RIGHT NOW.
After seeing the bulls reaction after the shot I felt we needed to take all pressure away and we returned back to camp, had a great breakfast and relaxed an extra hour. We then returned back to the shot area got on shore and found where the bull was standing for the shot. I followed the trail and found nothing in the beginning. It was 150 yds until I found a small spot of blood, found a few more later, but never found that animal. Very disappointing for the hunter, but even more so for me, because this was a true 50"+ Moose.
Now after that shot and the unsuccessful harvest of the bull I was confused what had happened and wondering if this was my fault. So, with concerns about what had happened I said lets keep looking for a moose and the very next morning we leave at dark once again. We travel another mile further down the river when I see ayoung bull, probably a good 800-1000 yds away. The weather was calm and the moose had not noticed us and was not concerned about the sound of the outboard. So after glassing a while, confirming a nice 36-40" bull we decided to move into position for a shot. We set up across the bay and the was a bank of weeds between the bull and open water, so I started a cow call. The bull turned into our direction, moved into the water when we lost sight of the animal. Knowing that he was heading toward us I had the hunter prepare for a shot when the animal would get to our side of the bay. The bull now swimming toward us, grunting all the way was creating excitement for the hunter and I.
Then as quickly as this adventure started, it also started going sour. We had a wisp of wind come from behind us and the bull winded us and turn like a spinning top. I said to the hunter that the bull will disappear into the weeds so get your scope on him. Then when he come out on the other side be ready for a shot, time will be short.
The first thing the hunter said was "I can't find him in my scope". And then I realized what happened only two days before. Then we waiting for the moose to get on shore and when it did it gave us one broadside shot and then turned to go into the woods and again the hunter said "I can't find him" and in a moment the hunt was over.
My point from the beginning was clear, know your rifle and you will be successful when the opportunity arrives. Never purchase a rifle specifically for a hunt, and if you feel compelled to do so, do it in advance and hunt with it. Not just target shoot, but hunt, vastly different methods of getting to know your rifle.

Now for the ammunition! If you reload yourself you will know what works in your rifle. If you shoot factory loads find what works and stick to it. The brand and bullet weight will change the trajectory. Keep in mid when you change a brand you are changing two components, the bullet and the powder, so keep things the same if they work. Now if you have found a factory load that works with your rifle and if the bullet weight is of a speciufic weight, do not change that weight unless you again shoot that rifle to confirm the accuracy, it may not be the same, actually it cannot be because at least the drop of the bullet will be different.

Now for Optics. For me this is explained quite simply. Spend more on your optics (scope) than your rifle. Whether you have purchased a new Savage, Howa, Remington, Winchester, Thompson or whatever you will not change the characteristics as long as the stock is well fitted to suit the rifle. But, when it comes to optics alot of things will have an affect on the performance, such as temperature and humidity. Now if you are spending $100.00 or $1000.00 the performance of that scope will be even greater with enormous variations much dependant on the day to day conditions. If the Optics Quality is poor your morning hunts could be vastly different than the evening hunts and a slight bump will cause you poor results.

KNOW YOUR RIFLE, SIGHTING AND CONTINUOUS USE IS IMPORTANT!

MASTER ANGLER, WAS IT!

2010-07-10T22:26:00.003-05:00

One of my first guiding jobs I had was as a Hunting Guide, primarily for Bear and Moose. After the first season, and the lodge where I was guiding had only native guides, but they did not guide for Bear Hunts, the lodge owner asked if I was interested in guiding some fishermen as well. So, every chance I had I would take my days off from the Mining Company where I was the project manager, I get away to guide for up to 18 days at a time.
During the first few times in camp I would get to know some of the guides who had been around a long time. I also found that when the aircraft full of guests would arrive the guide of greatest popularity was a guide whose name was Nick. Always slicked back hair and wearing mirrored sunglasses a guide who was hard to read, but his guests did catch alot of master anglers.
Now, in Manitoba, a Master Angler Pike is 41" and the Walleye is 28", and Nick was bringing the tip money by producing some big fish for the customers.
From time to time the opportunity would arise when there were no guests in camp, or possibly very few and some guides would do shore work for a few days instead of guiding. This work consisted of various duties from grass cutting, building boat ramps or cutting firewood.
This one day in particular the manager comes to the staff lunch room as asks some guides to go to the shorelunch spots to cut firewood and rebuild some boat ramps.
There was probably 4-5 guides working together, but Nick and I were there as well. One tool of the trade for guides was always have a tape measure along to measure those master anglers. So, while we were cutting logs for the ramps I ask Nick to use his tape measure. Very reluctantly he passes it over and we continue to work away. Two guys measuring and 2 cutting with chains saws and this won't take long.
Well, the time comes to assemble the masterpiece and things just don't seem right. The differences were not to great, but the logs were not consistant in measurements. Then after a confusing period trying to figure out where we were making the mistakes we started to compare tape measures. It was then we found the MASTER ANGLER SECRET.
To perfection Nick had taken the end of the tape measure, removed the angle piece and cut the first 3 inches off the end, and re-rivetted the right angle piece back on. Once discovered we sure gave Nick a real hard time, but kept the secret for him.
Now, can you imagine how much tip money those 3 inches may have put into the pocket of that guide, and how many fish were slightly short of the Master Angler true measurement, well we will never know for sure, but I always enjoy telling the story to my guests when I fly into the camps and we start to talk about making an accurate measurement.
"Was it a Nick measurement".

Good Friends!

2010-07-10T08:30:00.002-05:00

I came across this photo that a great friend on mine gave to me. The Hunter in the photo is Bill Seniuk who happened to work for me at Thunderbird in 2003 thru 2005 and in 2006 joined me at Knee Lake. Bill and I became great friends and he helped me in many different ways. The moose in the photo was taken in 2004 at the Duck Mountains in Manitoba, Canada. Bill had been calling in a low land area when heard the bull approaching, seeing it at first was unable to get a good shot. After a while he was able to call it in close enough and with a well placed shot with his Winchester .270 made a perfect shot.

Every Now and Then!

2010-07-09T21:47:00.002-05:00

Photo by Warren Hill
This Photo was taken during an early morning at Munroe Lake waiting for the sunrise and getting the Caribou Hunt underway. The aircraft is an deHavilland Otter tied to the dock. Truly an amazing picture and Every Now and Then after thousands of photos taken you find one like this. Please excuse the photo being a little blurry, I scanned the photo which belongs to William Mowat from WamAir Service.

Once in a lifetime!!!!!!

2010-07-08T20:49:00.001-05:00

HOW MANY RAINBOWS DO YOU SEE?

GOVERNMENTS AT WORK

2010-07-06T17:03:00.006-05:00

Received this e-mail today!
For those of you who have never travelled the West, or even Southwest, cattle guards as in the photo above are horizontal steel rails placed at fence openings, in dug-out places in the road adjacent to Highways (sometimes across highways), to prevent cattle from crossing over the designated areas. For some reason the cattle will not step on the "Guards", probably because they fear getting their hoof caught between the rails.
A few months ago, President Obama received and was reading a report that there were 100,000 cattle guards in Colorado. Colorado Ranchers had protested the Presidents proposed changes in grazing policies, so he ordered the Secretary of the Interior to fire half of the "cattle guards" immediately. Before the Secretary of the Interior could respond and presumably try to straighten him out, Vice President, Joe Biden intervened with a request that...before any "Cattle Guards" were fired, they be given six months of retraining.

The scary part of all this is that the Canadian Government will assist in retraining as Border Guards.

INDUSTRY AIRCRAFT

2010-07-06T13:29:00.004-05:00

Photo C-GMGV which I flew in 2006.
There are a few aircraft in our Industry that are still operating today, but, also were involved in opening the North over many years. The #1 Aircraft used without any doubt was and still is the deHavilland DHC2 Beaver. Designed originally for the military the primary purpose and requirements was to bring supplies into ground force troops using either very short and sometime no runways. The second requirement was it had to be able to load on board 45 gallon (55 gallon US) barrels by rolling through the side doors. A wide door on either side made it very versatile. The STOL (Short Take And Landing) wing design being wide and thick created amazing lift out of tight spots, even in a full gross configuration.
This aircraft became the ideal Float Plane and if you travel Canada in probably every province you will see the Beaver Aircraft.

Feature Moose Hunt

2010-07-03T16:30:00.003-05:00

Every now and then I like to look back at Hunters who have enjoyed "Hunts from the past". Today I would like to show you Steve Cegielski, who at the last minute of the last day took this 37" bull. This was not the only bull seen during the weeks hunt, but this was the best opportunity and he took it.
This was Steve's 3rd Moose Hunt in Canada and before coming to Harrop he had not seen an animal, cow or bull. On the very first evening in camp we saw a cow which seemed to make the rest of the week a success, kill or not.
Steve's second hunt was on a Lake on the Pigeon River the season before Harrop. He described his hunt in detail, and I must say, if being a bad guide was against the law, his would have been on death row shortly after the hunt. For 7 days Steve's guide took him to 1 (one) spot every morning and returned back every evening, never seeing, hearing or even smelling a moose. Worse then that they never hunted the late mornings or early afternoons, because he was told "they don't move during this time".
Well, of the moose hunters I have guided at Harrop and Wrong Lake in the past 6 years, and also others in the previous 20 years, break the kills into 3 categories, morning, mid day and evenings, our kills would be even for all three time slots. As a matter of fact another feature story coming up soon will be the largest we have ever taken, and it was shot at 11:45AM.
Bull Moose during the rut have their own schedule, and it does not take the hunter into consideration. You need to hunt, and hunt hard, if you want to be successful.
Just a few questions of your guide prior to your arrival will assist you in determining his knowledge. If you are concerned about the guides abilities or knowledge make sure you address them with the outfitter before you arrive and get stuck with the "Death Row Candidate".
One major problem occuring each year is Outfitters going to sportshows or answering phones and e-mails and promising the world, knowing very well they will never see the hunter again. Once the hunter gets passed onto "The Guide" the outfitter has finished his job.
Because the value of a Moose Hunt, and this may vary from $6,000 to $15,000 depending on where you are going, it is important to go into a contractual agreement with the hunter. As an Outfitter you have responsibilities and intern so does the hunter. So, be careful in booking a hunt, ask alot of questions, know in advance who your guide is, and then of most importance is "ENJOY YOUR HUNT". By doing your homework makes the Outfitter do his job as well.

T-BONE ANYONE

2010-07-02T17:49:00.002-05:00

Each year so many of my guests experience the T-Bone of a Walleye by a large Pike. The end of this video shows it in detail. When the Pike first grabs the Walleye the objective is to immobilize the Walleye and it will grab it from the side, bite hard a few times breaking bones in the Walleye. After the Walleye is unable to make the escape the Pike will approach the Walleye and consume it headfirst. In some cases the Pike will not let go of the Walleye and I have had guests who have caught a Master Angler Pike over 41" with the Walleye still in it's mouth.

Dedicated to Fishing

2010-07-01T11:46:00.002-05:00

I would like to thank Mr. Tom Andreotta and his son Charles for coming to Harrop and spending 10 days with us. Over the years I have seen fishermen that fish hard and long, but, never as Tom and his son. Almost every day they would be on the lake at 5:00AM and back for lunch at noon. Then after a short break they would be on the lake until nearly dark. I always worry about guests taking extended trips, unable to occupy their time, but, with Tom and Charles we really did not even notice their presence. They also had some great fishing with 2 pike over 42".
Thanks for coming to see us. See you again!

WhiskeyJack Lake Mid June

2010-06-28T13:01:00.003-05:00

I would like to take an opportunity to acknowledge a new fishing group to one of my lakes. Mr. Steve Klein and 3 friends just spent 7 days at WhiskeyJack Lake. As always, I flew in on their first day into camp to ensure all was Ok. Also as always each group says " we will always clean the camp better than it was". Well, I compliment Steve and his group. They truly provided the next group with a spotless camp, thank you. Furthermore, I did a camp check on their 5th day to provide gas and ice and I removed a small bag of garbage. After the trip I flew into WhiskeyJack and picked up two small bags, easily combined to make 1 bag.
As guests should they always removed food scrapes together with fish remains and dumped them away from the camp. By doing this alone the amount a garbage generated in an Outpost is greatly reduced. Small things like this make the operator appreciate the guests so much more. I hope also to have a fishing update of WhiskeyJack in the next week.

CAMP TAXI CESSNA 180

2010-06-27T12:04:00.005-05:00

Photo by Richard Dietrich
At Thunderbird this Cessna 180 is used daily for Camp Check, Hauling Freight and supplies to the many Outpost Camps we have. C-FSAE was purchased new in 1961 by Standard Aero Engineering hence the SAE. For the work required of the aircraft it is well suited not only in efficiency but also takes a good load.

Here I loaded each side of the aircraft with Lumber for the building of a dock.

Here I am moving a Canoe in preparation for the Fall Moose Hunt.

Here I am moving a freezer into WhiskeyJack Lake.

On this day I moved a refrigerator with the help of my son Emmet!

JUNE 2010' FULL MOON

2010-06-26T08:48:00.002-05:00

This photo was taken at Harrop Lake June 25th, Full Moon. You will look at the color and see orange which was as a result of the Forest Fire approximately 150 miles West of Harrop Lake. Smoke in the air caused the color filter, still a beautiful picture.

This was the Full Moon June 2009, almost the exact same location.

MAKING MEMORIES

2010-06-25T12:41:00.001-05:00

Received this e-mail this morning!

Dear Wayne:
We had great fishing all week. We were all packed & waiting for the plane. After about 2 1/2 hours of waiting, Joe & I decided to fish a little bit more about a hundred feet from the dock. I used an ultra, ultra light which we found on the cabin wall. It had a four foot rod & a cheap reel with no more than 4 pound test line. I found a small piece of dried minnow in the boat and put it on the "to large" jig. It was like jigging with a wet noodle. I hooked a large fish and played it for 22 minutes before Joe netted it. We went to the dock and took pictures & measured it just as William landed to pick us up. It measured 40.5" with a 15" girth. I put the rod back on the wall, washed up, & ran to the plane. What an awesome end to the trip. I also caught a 41" & a 44".
Thanks,
Arnie Van Kley

30" Walleye on Black Currant

2010-06-21T20:28:00.003-05:00

As promised here is the photo of the the 30" Walleye caught at Black Currant. Black Currant over the past few years has really produced great Walleyes. Great picture Bob! Thanks and see you next June.

AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW!

2010-06-18T22:56:00.003-05:00

THE RIGHT TIME OF YEAR

2010-06-18T09:21:00.003-05:00

Each group throughout the season ask the same question, "What is the best time to catch big fish". I will always give the same answer, and it truly is, "the best time is when you are there".
Because of the fresh water flow throughout the summer the water temps never really rise that high and you will find little difference between May 15, June 15 thru until September. We do find that many big pike are caught in early spring, and the primary reason is because there are more fishermen at that time.
If you look at the Manitoba Master Angler program which tracks and records trophy fish caught each year you will actually find as many large pike caught in July and August as in May and June.
I personally prefer late summer fishing over spring fishing and the reasons are a few. #1. You will find the temperature to be more stable each day. #2 Our rainy season is already over which usually ends around June 15-30. July and August do normally see less rainfall. #3 The insect season is greatly reduced because of drier weather giving to great access to fishing throughout the day and also great evening fishing. #4 And lastly, we find the large Walleyes schooled on reefs on the lake and wherever you find an abundance of Walleyes the Pike are not far away.
So, when planning a fishing trip never overlook the late season for large fish, its an all around great time to be out fishing.

Wellington Hits Eardley Hard.

2010-06-17T14:05:00.005-05:00

Shaun holding a 42" Pike.
I would like to introduce the Wellington Party from Kansas City. Joe first booked a trip with me in 2008 at WhiskeyJack Lake and in 2009 & 2010 they fished Eardley Lake. As you can see they certainly have Eardley figured out.

Joe Wellington with a 45" Pike. Truly one of the biggest Northern Pike I have seen, first in overall length but also in true mass.

Harry is also holding a 45" Pike. Wow, what a fish. Congratulations to the Wellington party and we will see you next year.

WhiskeyJack Really Producing

2010-06-15T10:39:00.002-05:00

Just received an e-mail from Joe VanTol who was the group leader at WhiskeyJack last week. Between 5 fishermen they averaged over 250 Walleye's each day with a personal best by Joe exceeding 100 Walleye in one day. They also caught 5 Northern Pike over 41" with the largest being 45". This is truly amazing considering each person only uses light and ulta light gear and only fish with jigs. I hope to get some photo's to update this report!
See you next season!

Black Currant Walleye's

2010-06-14T09:25:00.002-05:00

Yesterday while I was at Black Currant during the normal mid-week camp check I was talking with two of the Ruud Party from shore while they were in the boat drifting past talking about the fishing. While we were talking the other boat with two party members that we could see from the camp called on a radio to say they just caught a 30.5" Walleye. I will update with pictures as I receive them! Congratulations to the successful fisherman, a truly "once in a lifetime fish".
See you next year!

Red Willow Lake to be Beaten!

2010-06-14T09:17:00.004-05:00

Athough I am waiting for photographs Red Willow has been producing this past week as it has every other year.
First the Dietrich Party fished Red Willow with Trophy Walleye of 29" and Pike well over 43".
Then followed by the Zirbel Party one person sitting in some moving water on Red Willow caught 2 - Walleye 27" followed by a 28" and then a 30", all in less than 30 minutes. Truly amazing fishing on Red Willow.
Red Willow over the last few years has become the producer of the largest Pike and Walleye. In 2008 there were 3 Pike caught over 50" on Red Willow.
When I receive pictures I will share them with you.

History of Headleaf

2010-06-10T09:12:00.006-05:00

At this time the water at Headleaf is down approximately 7ft, this photo shows it down 5.5ft, but this spring I would it even lower. The water level control was done by the masters of construction, the beavers had built a beaver dam some 8.5 ft high. We always had to fly throughout the year lower the dam by hand so the dock would not be flooded. As you can see, that is no longer a problem. Due to high water and a quick thaw in 2008 the Spring Ice washed out the beaver dam causing the decline in water levels.

This is how the camp looked in July of 2008 with water levels still Ok, I had a work crew go in and paint the Camp.

This was the painted project complete, another great job.

In 1997 this Norseman was used to fly a group of fisherman (Clayton Party) into headleaf. They fished this lake numerous years always with great success.

This was how the camp looked in 1997, probably only a few years after construction. Times Change.

Harrop Comes Alive

2010-06-09T18:03:00.005-05:00

A real good friend of mine Oly Olson from Minnesota caught this nice pike below the falls at Harrop Lake. This Pike was 44.5 inches. The fishing this week, poor weather and all, was as good as I have seen in years. Oly also could be recognized since in the past he was a famous Elk Hunting Guide and now owns DOUBLE "O" Outfitters in Colorado. (NO BULL TO BIG)

Rock vs Aluminum (Rock Wins)

2010-06-08T16:46:00.002-05:00

Having been an Outfitter over the years I have had the opportunity to meet so many great and different people. Every now and then even the great ones will take avantage of the situation and lack responsibility for an incident that occurs and rather not say anything at all. The Outboard above obviously struck a rock while travelling a quite the speed, and it would have been noticed. For those guests who sometimes feel the prices for a fishing trips are becoming a little to expensive, these may be the reason.
This is a $1400.00 repair.

WhiskeyJack This Week!

2010-06-05T14:20:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to the Walkenshaw Group that fished WhiskeyJack Lake for the first time. During the visits I made into the camp while they were there they said they had numerous Pike over 41". They will send photo's and I will Blog them as soon as I have them. The largest was 44.5". A trophy in any Manitoba Lake.

WhiskeyJack of Years Past

2010-05-26T20:06:00.006-05:00

You will find this photo in the Blog History from last fall when I had a work crew go in and paint WhiskeyJack Outpost Camp.

This is how WhiskeyJack looked before the paint!

This is how WhiskeyJack looked in 1995, only a few years after the camp was constructed. The same party from 1995 is in WhiskeyJack right now enjoying the fishing, as before.

The camp is pretty much unchanged.

In 1995 the group flew into WhiskeyJack from Selkirk, Manitoba in this vintage Norseman owned and operated by Wrong Lake Airways.

2010 Eardley Lake

2010-05-26T19:32:00.007-05:00

Wow! The first group at Eardley in 2010 once again had some great fishing. Dave with 3 great looking pike was following by his son Travis with the 44.5" Pike. It's amazing how many people fish a lifetime and not catch a fish as this young gentleman. Great Pike Travis, and thanks Dave for introducing your son to Thunderbird Lodge.

Bear visited WhiskeyJack

2010-05-25T19:41:00.002-05:00

Took this photo at WhiskeyJack Lake. Seems like a bear came by and took a bite out of the corner 2x6 of the cabin. The top tooth mark was 6ft 5in off the ground. Must be a pretty good size bear.

C-FLXY INTO EARDLEY

2010-05-24T20:44:00.003-05:00

This video of C-FLXY is arriving at Eardley Lake, taxi to the dock and later a video of the take off as well. We took the video from my 180 so you have to put up with some engine noise and a dirty window.

Always Take Precautions

2010-05-22T14:43:00.001-05:00

Forest Fire May 18th, 2010

2010-05-19T10:52:00.003-05:00

This photo was taken at 5:30PM approximately 4 hours after the forest fire started. I believed it to be 25 miles away from Harrop Lake. The wind was blowing hard from the west the smoke was rising quickly.

This photo was taken 2 hours later showing how wide the smoke pattern was blowing directly over Harrop Lake.

This photo was taken at 8:30PM before the sunset and the cloud of smoke showed some beautiful colors.

May 18th

2010-05-18T21:04:00.002-05:00

This video, although with some wind sound, is of the smoke plumb of a forest fire only 25miles away.

Day #2

2010-05-15T20:54:00.002-05:00

May 14th, Day #1

2010-05-14T21:12:00.002-05:00

This is a true test of the quality of the I-KAM XTREME Eyewear glasses. The Stereo sound and the picture quality is quite amazing. See for yourself!

Load of Freight North

2010-05-13T10:47:00.003-05:00

A Flight North to Harrop and a flight over Eardley Lake. This video was made using the I-KAM XTREME Video Glasses. We start with a take off at Silver Falls and end with Eardley Lake.

FIRST LOAD TO HARROP 2010

2010-05-09T18:51:00.004-05:00

This is a short video of our arrival at Harrop Lake with our first load of freight for the season. The video was done using the I-Kam Xtreme Glasses. I placed some music over the video because the I-Kam glasses have stereo sound and pick up the engine sound very loud.

I-KAM VIDEO IN CESSNA 180

2010-05-05T07:13:00.003-05:00

This video was taken with myself wearing the I-KAM XTREME glasses and my son Emmet was flying the Cessna 180.

Behind The Scene

2010-04-25T20:30:00.002-05:00

Our New Season Starting Soon

2010-04-23T09:20:00.002-05:00

Fishing Thunderbird

2010-04-22T22:11:00.002-05:00

Eardley Painting by Robert Hinton

2010-04-17T09:25:00.005-05:00

For the many guests that have been to Eardley Lake Outpost you will recognize this truly fantastic painting. The picture used to create this painting was taking by my good friend Jim Kyle while staying at Eardley Lake in August 2009. The addition of the Caravan C-FLXY that is owned by William Mowat (WAMAIR) was from another photogtaph and painted in to perfect scale. This paintng known as "My Summer Home" will have prints produced and for sale this summer. Please contact me by e-mail wayne@tbl.infosathse.com if you would be interested in a print.

FEMALE TECH SUPPORT

2010-04-16T19:57:00.003-05:00

Dear Tech Support,

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and I noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry application, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0.

In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5 and then install undesirable programs such as NBA 5.0, NFL 3.0 and Golf Clubs 4.1.

Conversation 8.0 no longer runs and Housekeeping 2.6 simply just crashes the system. I've tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.

What Can I do?
Signed,
DESPERATE

Dear Desperate,

First, keep in mind the Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while Husband 1.0 is an operating system. Please enter command; ithoughtyoulovedme.html and try to download Tears 6.2 and don't forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update.

If that application works as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the application Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5. But remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1.

Please note that Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will download the Snoring Loudly Beta.

Whatever you do, DO NOT install Mother-In-Law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources).

Also do not attempt to re-install Boyfriend 5.0 program. These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0.

In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend Cooking 3.0 and Hot Lingerie 7.7.

Best to you,

TECH SUPPORT

Eardley Lake Camp

2010-04-09T20:19:00.002-05:00

The following video is a sequence of photographs taken while Mr. Robert Hinton painted a picture of Eardley Lake. I promise anyone who has ever been there will recognize the camp right away. The painting will be called " My Summer Home " and the music I added is called Home Sweet Home. If anyone would like to purchase a print of this painting please e-mail me at thunderbird@tbl.infosathse.com

I-Kam Xtreme Video Glasses

2010-04-06T20:30:00.002-05:00

Earlier today I went for a short walk using my I-Kam Xtreme Video Glasses. I removed my audio because it was extremely windy muffling all outdoor sound. On a quiet day the Stereo Sound is amazing. I added a nice song I have always enjoyed. I will be following up with more videos shortly once we fly North and catch some early season Pike and Walleye.

Please Enjoy!

HUNTING & FISHING VIDEO GLASSES

2010-03-28T17:26:00.006-05:00

If you enjoy hunting and fishing and very often after a great day in the field or on the water you say "I wish I could have had a video camera today", well now you can, and it will produce a great action video as it happens.
They are called the i-Kam Xtreme Video glasses and come with 3 different lenses, USB connection and will upload to your PC or laptop in minutes. The camera is excellent and sterio audio produces great sound. The camera is located in the middle with the microphones located on each side. A great gift for any friend who enjoys the outdoors. If you live in Canada I can have a set delivered to your door for $169.00 plus taxes and postage.
You may call toll free at 1-800-732-2801 or e-mail me at i-kam@tbl.infosathse.com

i-Kam Xtreme Video Glasses (Canada)
e-mail i-kam@tbl.infosathse.com
Phone: 1-800-732-2801
Eyewear Features:
• 3MP digital video camera
• 4GB built-in memory for approximately 3 hours of video
• Micro SD card slot for up to 8GB of memory
• Easy operation button
• Easy PC/laptop connection (no driver needed)
• Glossy black frame finish
Eyewear Accessories:
• User instruction manual
• AC adapter
• Cleaning cloth
• Hard bodied carrying case
• USB cable
• Interchangeable polarized lenses in smoke, brown, yellow and clear
Eyewear Specs:
• 170mm x 160mm x 40mm Folded Measurement
• 39g Physical Weight
• Read speed 700kbs/Write speed 500kbs
• Embedded 550mAh Li-polymer battery for 2.5 - 3 hours power duration
• 5V DC/500mAh Power adapter
• Built in 4GB memory with support for maximum 8GB Micro SD card
• 736 x 480 resolution
• AVI Video format
• Stereo audio
• 3 mega pixel pinhole CMOS camera
• 30fps Recording speed
• 23F - 104F Working temp
• -4F - 176F Storage temp
• Supports Windows Media Player, Quicktime, Real Player, Storm CodeC
• Requires Win98, WinMe, WinXP, Win2000, Windows Vista Operating System

Last Two Sport Shows

2010-03-18T02:56:00.002-05:00

Over the last two weeks we completed the Fargo and Sioux Falls Sportsman Show. With a greater attendance than I had seen in many years both shows turned out to a great success. Now we wait for the season to start. See you all again next year on the show circuit.

ICE ROAD TRIP TO WRONG LAKE

2010-02-22T11:08:00.008-06:00

As you approach the winter road reality sets in to show that most lake roads are approximately 300-400 feet wide. Much dependant on natural ice cover, additional flooding occurs to build up to 35" of ice in order the ensure the weights of at least 2 fully loaded transport trucks can pass each other without structural failure of the ice.
The Northern Communities depend not only on the construction of the roads but also the many Transport Truck drivers spending endless hours to drive whatever conditions they are presented with. Early in the winter road season before heavy loads start the overall conditions are very good, but as the winter continues and colder temperature develop the trucks begin the haul full loads. The full loads do cause additional damage, but the neccessity of supplies over rides the continuous maintenance of the winter road.

Much of the winter road is travelled through low lying swamps, and considering that only 4 months earlier we would fly over the exact same spots seeing the waters below, its feels a little eerie.

Whether its a closed container like this, fuel tanker or a flatbed full of equipment or lumber each trip is a must trip during the very short winter road season.

With most of the road designed to have two transport trucks pass each other there are a few spots like this one marginal in width. Although very scenic it can be terrifying to have a truck meet you at these narrow spots.

Simple road signs as this are more valuable that one might think. When it says "SHARP CORNER" believe me, it is sharp. On this day the sun was bright and warm which made the road very slippery causing vehicles to slide more than one would ever expect.

This was the Little Grand Rapids junction where two full fuel trucks were waiting. Although not knowing forsure why they were waiting I believe it may be because the road into Little Grand Rapids could not take the loads of full trucks and they are waiting for another truck to return from the settlement to offload half of the fuel and both trucks will go to unlaod the much needed fuel. Throughout the winter road season, which is actually very short, each community is looking to have enough fuel hauled in with transport trucks to supply the fuel for trucks, cars, heavy equipment, boats and ATV's for the entire year.

The of course this is the Grim Reality from time to time. This vehicle was along the winter road, and only one of many that either had an accident as shown here or many broke down and did not make it off the road before the winter road season came to a quick end, sometime in late March.

Omaha Sports Show (All Canada)

2010-02-19T09:42:00.002-06:00

Jennifer Young together with the great staff had another great show at Omaha over the past few days. Attendance was up from last year, and once again we saw many of the guests who visited us in the past.

Thanks to the All Canada Staff.

St. Cloud Sportsman Show

2010-02-19T09:35:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Barry Ceniako and his entire team we once again had a great sportsman show at St. Cloud, MN. It is always great to see friends who have been past guests and always nice to meet future guests and friends planning their first trip with Thunderbird Lodge & Outposts.

The show circuit has certainly improved this year over last, and it is more evident when guests are calling for booking slots only to find them already full.

The policy of Thunderbird Lodge & Outposts is to allow the previous years guests the same slot as prior but they must confirm that with 7 days of the departure date of their last trip.

Green Bay (All Canada Sportshow)

2010-02-03T16:13:00.002-06:00

After the Madison Show we travelled to Green Bay for the 4 day show last weekend. Never having done this show before, we were shocked by the great attendance, and even more by the interest in what we have to offer. The show started on Thursday afternoon and by Saturday 3PM we had given away all the Brochure/Calendars we had brought with us. Our normal show brochure give away would be 250-300 and in less than 3 days we had handed out over 400. Green Bay has some great Sportsman, with great interest in fishing. My greatest interest was in the Moose Hunts that I have to offer. Now being sold out for 2010, 2011, 2012 and now after Green Bay 2013 as well.
Thanks again to Jenifer and the staff for setting up a fantastic show for Thunderbird!

Madison (All Canada Sportshow)

2010-02-03T16:08:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Jennifer and all the staff of the All Canada Shows, once again we had a great turn out at the Madison Show. This year was certainly one of the best shows in Madison ever. Great interest in the many Outpost trips that I offer and also Moose Hunts at Thunderbird Lodge.

2009-12-13T19:34:00.002-06:00

This last weekend we made a trip to Sioux Falls, SD to the home of Robert Hinton. Robert is the artist who painted the "Home Away From Home" of Harrop Lake. Anyone who has ever been to Thunderbird Lodge base camp will recognize the camp in detail. The original is even better than I could have ever expected, and anyone interested in receiving a signed and numbered print of "Home Away From Home" please e-mail thunderbird@tbl.infosathse.com.

The Three Amigo's Strike Again

2009-11-30T03:53:00.005-06:00

A really great friend of mine, Jim Kyle, sent me the results of their hunt back in Missouri. If you have followed my Blog you may recognize these three gentlemen (Dave, Jim and Shelby)as 3/4 of the painting crew having refurbished WhiskeyJack and Eardley Lakes in 2009 and Headleaf Lake in 2008. This photo was the result of the Rifle season and both Jim and Shelby also came through with success in the bow season as well. Thanks for the pics Jim!

This is the picture of Jim's buck in the field! You can certainly see the size of the animal being a mature buck. A great picture!

This is a picture of Jim Kyle during the earlier archery season and taking this nice Bobcat! I have not heard the details of this hunt, but with a little knowledge of the cat family, having grown up on a farm this will have been an exciting hunt. Thanks for the pictures Jim!

Ken Comes Through With A Nice Buck

2009-11-20T20:40:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Ken! Not only did he shoot a fantastic Bull Moose at Thunderbird this year (earlier in my blog) he had this Buck give him a chance for a shot on November 14th. I might only suggest to Ken that he maybe don't pressure his good friend Ed into shooting a bigger one, because it can happen!!!! I saw it first hand!

What a great buck scoring 160 3/8.

2010 Calendar/Brochure Completed

2009-11-19T19:36:00.003-06:00

The 2010 Calendar/Brochure is now being printed and should be mailed to our many customers within the next two weeks. The picture above is a copy of the painting done by Mr. Robert Hinton which is the front cover of the Calendar. If anyone is interested in receiving a copy of the Calendar/Brochure please e-mail thunderbird@tbl.infosathse.com and we will be happy to send one out.

The Family Farm

2009-11-18T20:31:00.003-06:00

This Aerial Photo was taken in 1994. It is facing South/Southwest of the yard which was 12 miles South of Morden, Manitoba. If you note the field above the hill, and the trees at the South end, this is the International border between Canada and the United States. Earlier in this Blog I featured the "Silver Pole" and it is here at the border where I took those photographs.
The Yard was surrounded by large Cottonwood Trees and a few beautiful Maple Trees.

Desiree Enjoys Fishing

2009-11-17T17:29:00.002-06:00

Many guests already know my daughter, and those that don't, well this is her at her finest! Always being involved in fishing she caught this 42" Pike in the early spring. She always took time to spend with the many guides and the one that helped her this day was Jeff Twohearts. The other portion of the picture was taken at the Big Falls on Wrong Lake.