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Hunter Comments

1) Pre-scouting for moose sign by outfitter and guides was minimal as: a. The trails had not been cut out for access to the areas where moose were b. Most references of moose sightings were those that had been seen from the Argos or UTV’s 2) The prime morning hunting hours when animals are moving were spent riding on the Argos to get to the hunting locations a. Even when encouraged to begin the morning hunts earlier, it did not happen 3) Trails had to be cleared during our “guided” hunting time a. Guide and Outfitter spent the first day of hunting clearing trails b. Josh and I spent the mid part of the day of the second day clearing trees from the trail for access 4) There was an expectation from Outfitter that we knew how to hunt and call moose a. This is a basic function of the outfitter and guide on a guided hunt as we pay for this experience 5) When extra gas was needed mid-week – Outfitter and guide were both planning to go to get gas and leave the hunters unattended all day a. After discussions and frustration expressed from Chris and I, outfitter did not go to town 6) We were asked “where do you want to go to hunt” a. Again a basic question the outfitter should know where the moose are and take us there to hunt.  We do not know the land or the moose distribution. 7) The tree stand that was put up for our use was not properly or safely put up in your own words. a. After being asked if we knew how to install a tree stand by you, Josh properly installed the stand 8) We were dropped off for day long hunts in areas with very little sign of moose activity. 9) We found some areas of better sign ourselves.  10) Guide did not know how to butcher the moose Chris shot to smaller portions for packing out. 11) Basic maintenance of machines had not been completed i. I replaced the seized light switch during hunting time on the second day of the hunt ii. Brake fluid was changed and disposed of near me while I was hunting over the decoy and rut pit on the best sign we had seen. 12) While you were calling for us in the field, cigarettes were smoked which creates an unnatural odor in the hunting area. 13) No true means of communication was provide for hunters to contact Outfitter/guides when separated. i. Phone service was not reliable When I fired shot, Outfitter did not hear it to respond

Was the outfitter notified of problems? - YES

Outfitter's Response

Northern Adventure hunts offers “Wilderness” hunts in the boreal forest of Northern Alberta where there are no groomed trails, roads or the type of accommodations you would find on a game ranch. In the many miles of seismic lines, swamps, lakes and creek valleys that we hunt, blowdown and trail maintenance is something that we deal with constantly. Clients are never “expected” to clear trail but many in the past have enjoyed getting out for a walk in the middle of the day and it sometimes leads to a new and exciting place to hunt. Our camps are generally well away from any roads and we are hunting from the time we leave camp. Many trophies have been taken within a short distance of our camps. Hunts are 2 hunters per guide unless you have paid for a 1 X 1 hunt. To give clients more opportunities, if you are comfortable sitting on your own, one person can sit by themselves in one area and the other client can be taken to another spot. Sitting patiently and quietly is your best bet for an opportunity to take a moose and if you’re adventurous enough to try a call or two, it’s a great adrenaline rush when you get a response! Calling or knowing how to hunt moose is never expected it only adds to your experience if you would like to try. If you walk around the area instead of staying in one place it’s very unlikely that you will have an opportunity to harvest a trophy bull. All terrain vehicles, including 8 wheel Argos with tracks are used to hunt depending on what area/species and time of year it is. All of our machines are regularly maintained but on occasion some maintenance or repairs have to be done during a hunt. We carry tools and parts and have the mechanical ability to deal with most problems so that it doesn’t interfere with our hunting time. Argos are a high maintenance machine but will also get you into places that nothing else will. We do not make a habit of disposing of any fluids away from camp this was an exception (about a ½ cup of fishy smelling Dot 5) was disposed of well away from any moose sign. This was to try to improve the steering for a long trip back to camp. We now carry an empty container for used fluids as we try to have as little impact on the environment as possible. After guiding for 38 years, I have many clients that enjoy hunting out of my camp. If you are interested in a moose or bear hunt – please look me up and ask for some numbers. No matter where you hunt, what species you hunt, who you hunt with, bow hunter or rifle hunter: GOOD LUCK IN ALL YOUR HUNTING ADVENTURES!!