Bowsite.com

This hunt was during the last week of the 2014 Spring Bear Season, It was our 9th bear hunt, our 5th in New Brunswick and my 1st with Dave Cole and Trophy Safaris International (TSI), At the outset, I’ll say this won’t be my last.

Our group consisted of 7 hunters in camp along with 3 non-hunters, I was the only person who didn’t fill my tag – but that was due to my decision not to shoot any of several bears I saw during our time in the stand. Of the 6 bears killed, 1 were over 400#, 3 were in the 225-275# range and 1 less than 150#.

The weather during our week in camp was probably the best we’ve experienced on our preceding NB hunts. Rain and wind were present only two days (Thursday and Friday), otherwise the weather was GREAT, cool crisp mornings, comfortable, slightly breezy afternoons.

Other comments worth sharing are:

Lodge: The lodge featured multiple double occupancy rooms, each outfitted with a private shower/bath. Rooms were comfortable, clean and secure. The Kitchen/Dining area was well equipped, the TV room was comfortable with room for everyone. Guests also had access to the two stocked trout ponds. Trout and ‘bull head catfish’ were biting pretty well too.

Food – Bruce and his wife did a great job and kept us all well fed. Meals were tasty, and in sufficient quantities that no one left the table hungry. My only suggestion would be to serve dinner before the afternoon hunt rather than after – the only reason was that eating BIG and very, DELICIOUS MEALS so close to bed time may be the cause of my gaining a pound or two while we were there.

Quality and Quantity – Assuming we’re talking about quality of the hunt and game seen, this was one of the best hunts I’ve been on. I saw multiple bears every day (except my last day on stand). Bait sites were clean, stands were sturdy and safe; shooting lanes were clear of obstructions. I sat three stands in 5 days and couldn’t see a fault anywhere. Equipment used to get to/from stands was in exceptional condition as well.

Trophy Care: Dave did a great job handling bears once they were harvested. Care was taken to preserve the capes/hides for the hunters. Care was also taken to preserve any meat that a hunter wanted to take home with them. Bears were transported to the taxidermist in a timely manner.

Logistics: TSI/Dave Cole is one of the most organized outfitters I’ve had the privilege of hunting with. Hunters are told when to be ‘ready’.

Would I recommend TSI to other hunters – Yes, in fact we’re heading back in June 2016.