2014 BIG GAME ANNUAL

NEWS FOR 2014

One of the best sheep/moose areas in the YUKON TERRITORY will open up for commercial hunting after being closed over a decade. Cliff Graham hunted dall sheep in this area in 1997 and saw 29 full curl rams. He and 3 friends all scored on mature sheep including two monsters at 42 inches. The area had been closed except for residents and in 2014 we are working with the new outfitter, look up Hunt DS135 or MS135 in the sheep and moose sections. Prices are very reasonable and we expect some bomber rams and monster moose to be taken here.

We have located a new start up outfitter in central Kansas that only wants to take 2 archers and 2 rifle hunters per year. We expect some good bucks to be taken here and HCU’s Scott Steinkruger bought a 2013 rifle hunt and will be able to tell you more about Hunt WD564.

We work with 2 very reasonably priced Africa outfitters for ELEPHANT and CAPE BUFFALO. One of our South Africa outfitters conducts 10-day elephant hunts along the Botswana border, but we only expect the hunts to continue to take place in 2014 and possibly 2015 due to a large mining operation that will soon start up in the area. This is a free-range hunt on 70,000 acres and has been 100 percent success past years. There are 2 tags available for 2014 priced at $38,000 all inclusive. Look up Hunt ELLD in the Africa section.

We are also listing a Namibia outfitter that conducts dangerous game and plainsgame hunts in the Caprivi Strip. He has very moderately priced hunts for both elephant and Cape buffalo. 7-day management buffalo hunts up to 36 inches are only $11,500. 10-day trophy buffalo are $18,000, free-range and all inclusive.

His passion is elephant hunting and prices run from $15,000 for an 8-day non-importable bull, $32,000 for a 10-day management bull up to 40 pounds or a 14-day trophy bull averaging in the 45 to 55 pound class for $40,000 including export permits. Check out Hunt NMKS.

On another note we expect importation of Africa lions into the United States to possibly cease in the near future due to political pressure, so don’t put off that safari.

We would also like to thank our past customers for all the extraordinary word-of-mouth promotion for our service. By far the majority of our business is repeat customers (86 percent) and second to that is referrals made by those same hunters.

Sincerely,

HCU Consultants

2014 Show Schedule

We will have a booth at the following shows so feel free to stop by and visit.

January 24-26 Huntin’-Time Expo

Delta Plex Arena, Grand Rapids, MI. booth 336

February 1-9 Great American Outdoor Show

Harrisburg, PA. booth 5214

February 12-16 Allegheny Sport Show

Monroeville Convention Center, PA. booth 922

February 20-23 Indiana Deer Turkey and Waterfowl Expo

Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN. booth 466

February 22-24 Backwoods Outdoor Show

Oklahoma City, OK. booth 1

February 28 to March 2 Iowa Deer Classic

Iowa Advents Center, Des Moines, IA. booth 415

March 7-9 Michigan Field and Stream Deer and Turkey Expo

The Summit, Diamondale, MI. booth 424

March 14-16 Ohio Field and Stream Deer and Turkey Expo

Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, OH. booth 423

March 21-23 Kentucky Field and Stream Deer and Turkey Expo

April 4-6 Wisconsin Field and Stream Deer and Turkey Expo

Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI. booth 717

April 25-27 NRA Annual Convention

Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN. booth 5068

August 16-18 Red River Hunting Expo

Oklahoma City, OK. booth 1

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How Hunting Consultants Unlimited Free Service Can Assist You

HCU works with over 100 Outfitters, Ranchers, Bush Pilots and Guides.(last sentence bold) Unlike booking agents, who have contracted to fill up an outfitters openings, we are hunting and fishing consultants. To do our job properly, we often put you directly in touch with the outfitter or rancher before you decide on a specific trip. This is to ensure that you understand what to expect and to determine whether it is right for you. Bottom line, you can contact the outfitter to discuss the trip and make your own decision before sending us a deposit. (last sentence bold)

Our service is free(bold) to you because we charge the outfitters or ranchers a commission. Some of the best outfitters do little or no self-promotion. Instead they rely on their reputations, word-of-mouth advertising and on Hunting Consultants Unlimited. Some ranchers and small outfitters take so few hunters per year that they cannot afford to advertise, print expensive brochures or attend sport shows.

Think of us as a free information service.(bold) You can benefit from our experience, knowledge and information network by reading our newsletters, calling us on the phone or consulting our constantly updated website, www.besthunts.net. (Website address in bold). We can put you in touch with the outfitter or rancher and when you are ready to book we expect you to send the deposit to Hunting Consultants Unlimited. When you return from a successful hunt or fishing trip booked through HCU, please have your friends call us rather than the outfitter. This keeps our service free and quite often the right hunt for you may not be the right hunt for a friend.(last 2 sentences bold)

ELK

COLORADO RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE

20,000 PRIVATE ACRES

ONLY $4250 GUARANTEED TAG

LOTS OF ELK NEAR 100 PERCENT

Here is a high success hunt on private land that has guaranteed licenses issued from the state, no drawings. At press time ELK SUCCESS WAS 18 FOR 18 ON BULLS AVERAGING 5X5 and MULE DEER SUCCESS WAS 8 FOR 8 AVERAGING OVER 170 INCHES.

This ranch is allocated 42 elk tags from the state and we expect them to harvest near 100 percent due to the ranch location in a very high migration route along with the number of resident elk on the ranch. Success in both 2012 and 2011 were close to 100 percent for both elk and mule deer.

This is a high success hunt priced at a bargain rate of only $4,250 and you can add trophy mule deer for only $3,250 and this gets you an extra day of hunting. Mule deer hunting has been more trophy oriented, taking only about 10 hunters per year and success has been running about 100% on bucks averaging over 170 inches.

Since this ranch is in the Ranching For Wildlife Program he can hunt from September 5 to December 5 with rifles. Most bulls taken will be a 5x5 averaging in the 230 to 260 class and top bulls reach the 280-inch category. Resident elk are hunted on the early hunts during the rut. Typically the elk hunting gets better on the later hunts. Starting about mid-November more elk move onto the property due to pressure on public land and the normal migration out of the high country. The ranch is located at about 7500-foot elevation has good access and this is not necessarily a physical hunt. Hunters come in on Saturday; hunt Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (4 days), leave Thursday. New lodge accommodations, meals, guided 2x1 and airport pickup in Hayden is included. Deer typically score in the 160 to 185-inch class. Pronghorn can be added to the early elk hunts for only $2,200 and the ranch produces nice bucks averaging 73 to 78 inches. This hunt is very high success on all species. Very limited openings. HCU’s Craig Green has been on this hunt. Hunt EK226.

NORTHEASTERN UTAH RIFLE HUNTS

DURING THE SEPTEMBER RUT

PRIVATE FREE-RANGE RANCHES

NEAR 100 PERCENT SUCCESS

SPECIAL CWMU GUARANTEED TAGS

This outfit controls some of the best elk hunting in northeastern Utah. Most of the ranches are in the Controlled Wildlife Management Program known as CWMU. This allows them to rifle hunt in September with guaranteed licenses, no drawings, similar to Colorado’s program Ranching for Wildlife. We have listed a few ranches in an affordable price range with high success on quality bulls. Openings are very limited due to repeat hunters. These ranches also offer mule deer hunts.

The Morgan piece is made up of several ranches and has recently increased in size now totaling 60,000 deeded acres. In 2013 over the course of a couple months they had 40 hunters take 39 bulls averaging in the 270 to 280 class, with the top bulls reaching the 320’s.

In 2012 they took 23 bulls for 25 hunters and both unsuccessful hunters had opportunities. In 2011 they had 16 hunters take 16 bulls. Bulls typically gross score between 270 and 320 Boone and Crockett. As you can see the success rate has stayed very consistent and the number of hunters taken has increased with the amount of land being added to the program.

Lodge, cabins or ranch house accommodations, 5 days guided 1x1 is $8,000 guided 2x1 is $7,000, with airport pickup in SLC included. Available dates are September 11 to 15, 19 to 22, 25 to 29 and this is a CWMU so tags are guaranteed and you can rifle hunt during the bugle rut season. Some ranches have a better elk hunt later during the month of October so they also accommodate hunters up to October 28. Hunt EKM655.

South Fork Ranch is also a CWMU and has over 70,000 private acres. Last fall in 2013 they hosted 50 elk hunters over the course of the season and 49 bulls were harvested. The average bull came in between 250 to 280 points. In 2012 out of the 50 hunters 48 scored on bulls. As you can see the success rate on quality bulls is very high and has been the past 5 years.

It is a physically easy ranch to hunt going from 5,500 feet with low cedars up to 10,000 feet with oakbrush, aspen and pines. Small private cabins are the accommodations with a cookhouse and they can take up to 10 hunters per hunt. September rut hunts or late November hunts are $7,500 1x1 or $7,000 2x1 and the tags are guaranteed, no drawing or points. Hunt EKSF655.

Minnie Maude Ranch is a CWMU with 15,000 private acres located near Price, Utah and has produced the biggest bulls the past 3 years. In 2013 over the course of 3 hunts they had a total of 20 hunters harvest 20 bulls, averaging 290 inches and the top bulls grossed into the 330’s. In 2012 all 18 hunters tagged bulls, with the best scoring in the 330’s. In 2011 success continued at 100 percent with 22 hunters taking 22 bulls.

The property has little road access and can be a more physical hunt. They do 3 groups of 7 or 8 September 14 to 18, 21 to 25 and 27 to October 1. 5 days $8,000 guided 1x1 or $7,500 2x1. The areas bordering Minnie Maude are spike only areas, so the bulls have a chance to put on some age. Tent camp accommodations, with airport pickup in SLC. No drawing, guaranteed tag. Tax is not included on any of these hunts at 6.5 percent and availability is very limited. Hunt EKMM655.

NEW MEXICO CHASE RANCH

LAST YEAR WILL BE 2014

Sad to say 2014 will be the last year this outfitter will have the Chase Ranch. It will be incorporated into the Philmont Boy Scout Property in 2015. Past years this hunt continued to produce quality bulls at a very affordable price with guaranteed landowner vouchers included, no drawings. 2013 was a little tougher due to the drought, but they still ended up 4 for 7 on the first hunt and 2 hunters missed and one passed. Top bulls grossed 320 and 300 inches. Second hunt went 3 for 3, including a couple in the low 300’s. At press time the third hunt had just finished with 5 hunters taking 3 bulls.

In 2012 the first rifle hunt in early October produced 8 bulls for the 9 hunters and the unsuccessful hunter missed 2 bulls. All were good respectable bulls with the best one grossing in the 320’s. The second hunt produced 5 bulls for 6 hunters with the top bulls scoring 336 and 2 more in the 300’s. On the third hunt later in October 3 hunters took 3 bulls. He also ran a fourth hunt and both hunters scored on 2 bulls.

2011 season started off with 12 hunters taking 9 bulls and 7 scored over 300 inches. The best went 350 and 2 more were taken right at 330. The second hunt 7 of the 8 hunters tagged out, including 3 over 300 inches and on the third hunt all 3 hunters scored with the best going 310.

In 2010 over the course of 3 hunts, 19 hunters had tagged 17 bulls and the top 3 grossed 330 inches.

This 12,000-acre ranch in northeastern New Mexico borders the Philmont Boy Scout Ranch on one side and the famous Veremejo Park on the other, in fact, this outfitter is also issued a few tags to hunt 8,000 acres in Dean Canyon on Veremejo.

The first 5-day hunt, October 1 to 5, guided 2x1 including landowner voucher is $5,500 with a $2,000 trophy fee. Second hunt, October 11 to 15, is $4,750 plus $2,000 trophy fee. Third hunt, October 22 to 26, is $3,750 plus $2,000 trophy fee and December hunts are $3,750 with a $2,000 trophy fee (dates are approximate). If you draw blood the trophy fee is paid. Hunters can expect to hear some bugling on these early hunts and black bear can be taken for only a $500 kill fee.

He also offers a 6-day archery hunt for $3,750 plus $2,000 for September 9 to 15 and a higher priced $4,500 plus $2,000 trophy fee September 17 to 22. In 2012, 6 archers took 4 bulls, including 2 scoring in the 330’s.

Old ranch house accommodations with satellite TV, phone and screened in porch. 3-day cow hunts are also available for only $1,200. Hunters fly into Colorado Springs, Albuquerque or Amarillo and rent a car. License and 7% tax is not included. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz, Scott Steinkruger and Cliff Graham have all been on this ranch. Hunt EK333.

SEPTEMBER RIFLE BUGLE HUNT

35,000-ACRE UTAH RANCH

24 HUNTERS TAKE 24 BULLS

TYPICALLY 100 PERCENT SUCCESS

This hunt takes place in northeastern Utah on 35,000 free-range private acres. This hunt has been 100 percent success for several years. In 2013 size was off due to the low spring rainfall. Best bull scored 346 and they averaged between 310 and 315.

In 2012 all 24 hunters took bulls over the course of the 3 rut rifle hunts. Best bull grossed an amazing 386 Boone and Crockett points. Six more were taken that scored in the 340’s, with an overall average above 320. 2012 was an exceptional year for size, but success like this is typical.

This ranch is in the CWMU program, allowing them to rifle hunt in September during the rut. The property has an amazing bull to cow ratio of 80:100 and hunters can expect to see 15 to 20 good bulls per day. They normally take 8 hunters per hunt starting September 14 and finishing early October. This way all the hunters get to experience the rut in full force with bugling bulls and crashing of antlers. HCU has never had a hunter come home without a bull on this hunt.

Size was down in 2011 due to overall weather conditions, with bulls averaging a little over 300 inches. In 2010 they went 24 for 24 and the best bull grossed 346 Boone and Crockett. In 2009 the average bull grossed 320 and the best went 365 inches.

5-day hunt guided 2x1 is $10,000 with lodge accommodations and home cooked meals. Hunters are picked up at the Salt Lake City airport. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have been on this ranch. Openings are very limited. Hunt EK255.

UTAH CWMU OFFERS SEPTEMBER

RIFLE RUT HUNTS ONLY $6500

This private ranch located in northeastern Utah gets 4 elk tags that they can use in September for a rifle rut hunt. Past years have been near 100% success on bulls averaging just shy of 300 gross Boone and Crockett. In 2013 they took 3 bulls for the 4 hunters including 2 bulls in the 300-class and a 5x6 grossing 280 points. The unsuccessful hunter became quite ill and could not hunt, so in reality they were 3 for 3. In 2012 they had a banner year taking 4 bulls grossing 360, 330, 300 and a 290. This is not the norm and we don’t expect bulls scoring over 320 to be taken very often.

They usually run this hunt about September 13 to 17 and it is priced at $6,500 guided 2x1 with cabin accommodations and meals included along with airport pickup in Salt Lake City.

Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have hunted with this outfitter and the ranch has 2 main drainages that are not physically demanding to hunt. This hunt is open for 2014. Hunt EK772.

COLORADO PRIVATE-LAND ELK $4500

4-DAY HORSEBACK HUNT

This outfitter has exclusive rights to his family’s private ranch. Combine this with horses to take you up and down the mountain daily, remodeled old turn of the century cabin accommodations, over-the-counter tags, plenty of elk and the price is affordable.

2013 was a tougher than normal season, all hunters were into elk, but success was down for whatever reason. First rifle they went 5 for 8. Combined second season was 6 for 9. Third season was 12 for 15 and fourth went 4 for 6. He had a few deer hunters and they killed bucks in the 160 to 170-inch class.

2012 season over the course of 4 hunts they had went 8 for 8 on the first gun hunt, 11 for 13 on the second hunt and all 13 had opportunities, third hunt 5 for 7 and a couple missed, fourth hunt 7 for 8 and the unsuccessful hunter missed and crippled a bull.

2011 first rifle hunt went 8 for 8 on bulls, second hunt 7 for 8, third hunt 3 for 7, but they hit and lost 3 and missed 6.

In 2010 he had 40 rifle hunters over the course of 4 seasons score on 34 bulls. Most bulls taken are 5x5’s averaging in the 240 to 260 class.

The outfitter produces numbers like this pretty much every year. His archery hunts are very exciting, all calling with spot and stalk. A very exciting way to chase bulls and his success is unmatched. In 2013 his 15 hunters killed 8 bulls, 7 were hit and lost and everyone took shots. In 2012 they had 11 archers kill 7 bulls and 2 hunters missed or crippled bulls. In 2011 he hosted 12 archers and they took 6 bulls and wounded and lost 6. All wounded bulls were hit at under 25 yards and all hunters took shots except one hunter and he passed. In 2010 he had 11 archers take 10 bulls.

This small personal outfitter operates on a private ranch with high elk numbers just southeast of Craig. Most bulls taken are 5 points, although some will be 6 smaller points. Hunters can add mule deer for $2,000 and there are some trophy deer.

All hunts are horseback and are 4 days guided 2x1. Accommodations is a renovated pre-1900 ranch house with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, big kitchen, living room, mud room and enclosed porch. The first rifle hunt has been 100% in the draw. The second and third season elk permits are sold over-the-counter. Fourth season elk hunters need to apply, but draw has been near 100%.

Deer permits have also been close to 100% draw. Rifle elk hunts are $4,500 or combine with mule deer for $6,500.

Over the past 8 years he has had only 5 bowhunters not take a shot at a bull and success has been just over 75%. Two hunts are September 17-20 and 21-24. Bow hunts are $5,000 and muzzleloader is $4,500. Hunters are picked up at Hayden airport. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this ranch. Hunt EK824.

COLORADO RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE

GUARANTEED LICENSE-NO DRAW

90% SUCCESS $5700 FREE-RANGE

120,000 PRIVATE ACRES

SEPTEMBER TO JANUARY RIFLE HUNTS

This private land hunt is conducted on 120,000 acres in the Colorado Ranching for Wildlife program, allowing hunters to rifle hunt from September 1 to December 31. This allows the outfitter to hunt the rut in mid-September and also to take advantage of the late season migration to the winter range, which is located on this property. Most bulls taken are 5-points grossing 240 to 270 and they get the occasional bull pushing 300-inches. At press time elk success was at 100 percent with late November and December to go. Past years success is normally 90% with near 100% opportunity. Over the course of a 3 month season they will harvest over 100 bulls on their properties.

Hunts are conducted by horseback or vehicle depending on which area of the ranch is to be hunted and the truck accessible areas can be done by older hunters. There are very high numbers of elk on these ranches and it is not unusual to see 20 to 50 head daily and into the hundreds a day on a late season hunt. Nice ranch house accommodations include hearty meals. A 5-day hunt guided 2x1 from mid-October to December 10 is $5,700 and from September 1 to mid-October during the rut is $6,500 plus license. Guaranteed tag, no drawing. Airport pickup in Hayden is included. This hunt has been one of our most popular due to a very high success rate, lower physical demands and affordable price. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this ranch. Hunt EK373.

$4500 PRIVATE LAND

COLORADO ELK HUNT

ARCHERY/MUZZLELOADER/RIFLE

NEAR 100% OPPORTUNITY

2013 produced another great elk hunt for this outfit and tags are over-the-counter. The first season his 6 hunters took 6 bulls, including two 6x6 bulls scoring 280 and 290 inches. Second hunt 5 hunters took 4 bulls, including 2 bulls scoring in the 290’s and 2 bulls were missed. Third season 2 hunters took 2 bulls, a 5x5 and 4x5. Success has been very high on these hunts.

2012 first rifle hunt went 5 for 6 on bulls and 2 were wounded. Best bull grossed 290 Boone and Crockett. Second hunt was slower than normal and went 2 for 6, with 2 guys missing bulls. Best bull taken was a giant 330 bull. This hunt takes place on private land in the mountains near Hotchkiss, an area well known for good elk numbers.

In 2011 he took 6 hunters on the first rifle hunt and they went 100 percent tagging 6 bulls, 2 grossed over 290 Boone and Crockett and the rest were in that 250 to 270 class.

One big bull was hit and lost. On the second hunt 6 hunters killed 3 bulls and missed 4, all 5 points.

All 5-day hunts, archery elk is $4,500 for August 28 to September 26. Muzzleloader hunts are $5,000 September 11 to 19. First season rifle is $5,000 for October 16 to 20, second season $4,500 October 23 to 31, third season $4,500 November 6 to 12 and fourth season $4,500 November 17 to 21. Elk/mule deer combo is $7,500 with a trophy fee of $1,000 for any buck grossing over 180 Boone and Crockett. First and fourth rifle elk draw has been 100 percent on these private land tags, second and third seasons are over-the-counter. Muzzleloader elk usually requires 3 points to draw. Mule deer are draw, 2 or 3 points should get you a tag and landowner vouchers are available. Airport pickup at Montrose or Grand Junction. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has visited this ranch. Archery spots, third season elk and some mule deer openings are available for 2014. Hunt EK163.

WYOMING UNIT 11 TROPHY ELK

EASIER TO DRAW THAN UNIT 7

SIMILAR TROPHY QUALITY

7-DAY HUNTS ONLY $5,750

Here is a trophy area not all that hard to draw that is commonly overlooked. We work with an outfit that offers hunts in both Unit 11 and Unit 7. Unit 11 will probably require 5 points to draw, where as Unit 7 normally takes the maximum 8 points. Outstanding trophy quality and success are very similar in both Units with this outfitter. They have a great setup in Unit 11, where they have built a nice log lodge and have 6,000 private acres bordering the Medicine Bow National Forest. There are no wolves or grizzlies in this area of southeastern Wyoming.

In 2013 they had 4 rifle hunters take 4 great bulls averaging over 320 gross points, including a monster 360 bull. Archery season went 2 for 3, with both successful hunters taking bulls in the 315-inch category.

In 2012 all 4 rifle hunters scored on bulls averaging 335 gross Boone and Crockett points. One of two archers took home a bull scoring 325 inches and the unsuccessful archer had opportunities.

7-day hunts for both archery and rifle are priced at $5,750. Bow hunts start September 8 and rifle is October 1 to 20. Hunters fly into Denver and rent a car for the 2 1/2 hour drive or fly into Cheyenne where pick up can be arranged. HCU’s Cliff Graham has hunted with this outfitter. Hunt EKM703.

WYOMING UNIT 7 TROPHY ELK

HCU works with a couple high success trophy oriented elk outfitters in Unit 7 of the Laramie Range in southeastern Wyoming. It normally takes maximum points of 8 or possibly 7 to draw this unit. Here are the write-ups on both.

2013 started off normal with rifle hunters taking their bulls early in the season, including an 82-year old hunter bagging a 360-inch trophy bull, but unusually warm weather hampered the later hunts which can be the best. Overall 12 rifle hunters scored on 9 bulls averaging 320 inches. Their 3 early season archery hunters took one 320 bull. They had seen 3 giant bulls in the 380 to 390 class just before season and one archer was holding out, but they couldn’t locate them.

In 2012 they had 5 archery hunters take 3 bulls, two 345-inch bulls and one at 320, two monster bulls were missed.

Rifle season went 13 for 16 with the best bulls scoring 345 inches and the average was close to 330.

All hunts, archery and rifle, are 7 days priced at $5,750.

Archery starts September 8 and rifle is October 15 to November 20.

They have 60,000 deeded private acres northwest of Wheatland. This small run personal family outfit has been in this area for many years and has access to some of the best ranches. They also own one of the ranches and the terrain is rolling hills mixed with sage and wooded canyons, low country and easy to hike and glass, very accessible. They also have access to more mountainous areas where it is more traditional elk hunting. The accommodations is a nice cabin next to their home and all the hunters can stay at the same place, so older guys can hunt lower country or younger guys can hunt the more mountainous terrain and be from the same group as everyone gets together in the evening for meals and lodging.

Hunters fly into Denver and rent a car for the 2 1/2 hour drive or fly into Cheyenne where pick up can be arranged. DRAW DEADLINE is January 31. HCU’s Cliff Graham has hunted with this outfitter. Hunt EK703.

The other outfitter works out of a 160,000 private-acre ranch located just south of Douglas, Wyoming in trophy Unit 7. Bulls normally are taken in the 300 to 340 range and top bulls will go in the 360 class.

The ranch offers 2 types of hunts and they are priced accordingly. All hunts are 5 days and success is similar as with quality, just the accommodations vary. Prices are the same for either archery or rifle hunts. Their less expensive hunt is their tent camp, 5 days 2x1 is $6,000 or 1x1 is $7,000. The lodge hunt is $7,500 2x1 or $8,500 1x1. This is a nicer atmosphere with a large lodge and some cabins for hunters sleeping quarters. They also have fancy guest houses for an additional $500 to $1,500 per week that is especially nice for a hunter that would like to bring along his spouse.

All of September is archery season, rifle hunts are October 15 to November 20. Elevation is about 6,500 feet and hunt up to about 8,500. The main method of hunting is by truck to access areas and glass. Horses are available and may be used out of the tent camp, where there is more hiking. DRAW DEADLINE is January 31. Hunt EK828.

NEW MEXICO TROPHY BULLS

100% SUCCESS PAST 7 YEARS

FREE-RANGE GUARANTEED TAG

2013 produced 4 bulls for 4 hunters on the first hunt, including a 360, 340, 330 and a 300. Size was down due to low rainfall. Second hunt was also 4 for 4 including a monster 395, 340 and a couple low 300’s.

2012 was another good year for this small outfit. The first hunt went 4 for 4 including a 360 plus bull, 350, 330 and a 6x6 300-inch bull. The second hunt also went 4 for 4 with a 350, 330 and 2 at 300 inches. He also took 2 bowhunters and both scored on 320 bulls.

This outfitter has limited his property to only three hunts for a combined total of 8 or 10 hunters on close to 100,000 acres of prime private property. In 2011 all 8 hunters took bulls with the top going 350 Boone and Crockett. In 2010 he took 11 bulls for 11 hunters averaging just over 320 and the best bulls grossed 350 Boone and Crockett. In 2009 he had 12 hunters all take bulls, including 4 over 350 points. In 2008 6 bulls grossed over 330. In 2007 they had 6 bulls gross over 340. As you can see if you really want to take a good bull then here is the place. Hunters over 70 years in age have taken trophy bulls on this hunt.

He has several ranches in northeastern New Mexico totaling over 95,000 acres. He runs two or three consecutive 5-day hunts guided 1x1 with the first one priced at $12,000 starting in early October and the second hunt is $11,000 and when he runs the third hunt it is $10,000. Guaranteed landowner voucher is included so there is no draw. Hunters fly into Colorado Springs and rent a car. 2014 is booked, next opening is in 2015. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this ranch. Hunt EK278.

UTAH RUT RIFLE HUNT

20,000-PRIVATE ACRES

PAST YEARS 100% SUCCESS

FREE-RANGE GUARANTEED TAG

Last fall, over the course of 3 September rifle rut hunts totaling 12 hunters all tagged bulls, but size was down due to low rainfall averaging only 330 Boone and Crockett inches, best bull scored 368. Past years, depending on the amount of moisture, bulls have averaged gross scores of 345 to low 350’s, with the top bulls scoring over 380. In 2012 the top bulls taken on this free-range hunt were 390, 368, 366, 363, 352 and 350.

This 20,000-acre ranch located in southeastern Utah takes 12 to 14 elk hunters per year. It is in the CWMU program allowing them to conduct rifle hunts in September during the rut with guaranteed tags, no drawing. 5-day hunts guided 1x1 are $15,000 plus license and tax. Nice accommodations and good home cooked meals are included. This is a top shelf hunt for trophy animals in a beautiful setting. Hunters fly into Grand Junction, where they rent a car. Very limited availability due to repeat bookings. Hunt EKGE72.

MONTANA HIGH SUCCESS

TRADITIONAL HORSEBACK

ELK HUNT ONLY $3495

First rifle hunt in 2013 continued to be excellent. 9 hunters took 7 bulls and 2 cows. In 2012 all 8 hunters on the first gun hunt scored.

Here is a high adventure horseback elk hunt in the Snowcrest Mountain Range in southwestern Montana. This hunt has been high success past years, especially the first rifle hunt in mid-October when the bulls are still bugling. The area holds resident elk and is not dependent on the migration. This is not considered a trophy hunt and the average bull taken is a 5-point.

Hunters normally spend their first and last night at the main lodge with private rooms and baths. Hunters typically horseback to one of 2 tent camps that has been previously setup in the mountains. Accommodations are wall tents and after an early breakfast you horseback out each day on this traditional style of horseback elk hunting.

5-day hunts guided 2x1 are priced at only $3,495. Archery hunts start early September for 3 weeks and rifle is normally late October to late November. Elk licenses have been leftover for this region so the draw has been 100 percent and price is $789. Airport pickup can be arranged in Bozeman or rent a car. First rifle hunts book quickly. Hunt EK775.

ARIZONA WORTH APPLYING

TROPHY BULLS AND BUCKS

Arizona is a premier hunting state, but the drawing odds are very low. We suggest for hunters to apply for the draw, but do not expect to pull any tags. This outfitter will do your paperwork and put you in for the best units for only a $25 fee (you can apply for elk, mule deer, coues deer, antelope and sheep all for $25). He consistently produces trophy quality bulls in the 340 to 390 range with success near 100% on the early gun or archery hunts. Late season rifle hunts are easier to draw and you still stand a good chance of taking bulls in the 310 to 350 class. He also conducts trophy mule deer hunts in the Kaibab and has guided hunters to many 200-inch deer over the years.

A quick update from 2013, 17 archers took 14 bulls, best scored 393 and they took 3 more grossing over 370 with 100% shooting. Also he had a rifle hunter tag an 8x9 bull grossing 400 inches. Mule deer hunts were just getting under way at press time the first hunt had just completed with 2 of the 3 hunters tagging out, including a 190 and 185-inch 4x5. The unsuccessful hunter looked over 200 bucks and missed a 38-inch monster.

It is worthwhile for hunters to purchase the $125 license or only $22 for a youth license and accumulate bonus points. The outfitter will assist you in applying for the correct units and dates. He charges $5,000 to hunt the full season (14 days for archery or 7 for gun) guided 1x1. January 31 deadline for elk and May 30 for deer. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz took a big 340 archery bull on this hunt. Hunt EK91.

We work with another archery elk outfitter that specializes in big bulls. Last fall his 7 bowhunters took 3 bulls with 100 percent opportunity. 3 of the archers were traditional and limited on shooting distances, although one did miss at 15 yards. The 3 bulls taken scored 320 or better.

In 2012 he had 4 archers draw Unit 5B South and they took 2 bulls, 360 and a 343. Of the 2 unsuccessful hunters one hit a monster in the 400-inch class at 23 yards, later hit a 360 type bull high and missed 2 more. The other hunter passed on several bulls and missed a 370 class.

In 2011 they went 2 for 3, the hunt was just too physically demanding for one older hunter. The other two took two monster bulls, a whopping 393 and a 360. In 2010 all 5 hunters had multiple shots and they connected on 3 bulls, 340, 335 and a 321. He typically hunts units 5A, 5B North, 5B South, 1 and 27. Hunts are 7 days guided 1x1 for $5,350.

Arizona drawing odds can be hit or miss since they use the bonus point system, but normally you can draw in one of the 5 Units with about 6 to 9 points, where as in Units 1 and 27 the average is more like 10 or 12.

Season starts about September 9 and draw deadline is late January and the outfitter will assist you in the draw. Hunters are picked up in Tucson. Hunt EKB404.

ARCHERY ELK HUNTS

HIGH SUCCESS NO DRAW

This Colorado ranch has very high elk numbers and produces an extremely high rate of opportunity. The outfitter hunts on his family’s 5,500 private acres southeast of Craig. In 2013 his 15 archers killed 8 bulls and hit and lost 7 more. All hunters took shots. Best bull taken grossed 315 Boone and Crockett inches, a great bull for this area. Most bulls taken are 5x5’s in the 240 to 260 range.

In 2012 he hosted 11 archers and they scored on 7 bulls and 2 hunters missed bull. The top 2 bulls taken grossed 285 and 280 points, the rest were in the 240 to 260 class.

In 2011 his 12 archers took 6 bulls and wounded and lost 6 more, all shots less than 25 yards. In 2010 he had 11 archery elk hunters and they tagged 10 bulls. Two were 6 points grossing 290 and 280, but most were 5-points.

He runs two 4-day horseback hunts priced at $5,000 guided 2x1 for September 17 to 20 or 21 to 24 with cabin accommodations. Main method of hunting is calling and spot and stalk. Hunt EKB824.

Here is good Colorado hunt on private land priced at $4,500 for 5 days guided 2x1 during the month of September. He has a couple private ranches with cabin accommodations in the mountains east of Hotchkiss, an area known for high elk numbers.

In 2013 his 8 archers took 5 bulls, 4 of them were 5x5’s and one 4x4. One bull was hit and lost and another missed.

In 2012 his 6 archers took two 5-point bulls, hit a big bull and a 5-point, but lost them both. Hunt EKB163.

Another Colorado outfitter who hunts their private ranch offers 6-day full service hunts for only $3,000 and you can add mule deer for $800. The 2013 numbers look bad, but are deceiving, 0 for 6. Windy weather conditions ruined many stalks. One archer hit a big 6x7 that looked to gross in the 320’s, real big for this country, and the bull was seen later doing just fine. HCU hunter, John Nymark, shot a cow the last day of his hunt. Of the 6 archers 3 took muley bucks and the best scored just over 195 inches.

2012 season was even down due to the hot dry weather, but they still had 100 percent opportunity for their 12 archers. They ended the season taking 3 bulls with the best grossing 285 inches and 5 bulls were hit and lost. The best muley taken grossed 170 inches.

This is a private land hunt in southwestern Colorado with either bunkhouse or wall tent accommodations, depending if you hunt the upper or lower ranch and includes guiding and meals. All hunters have given great reviews on this outfit, but space is limited. Hunt EKB252.

This 70,000-acre western Wyoming ranch has high elk numbers. In 2013 over the course of 3 hunts they had 18 hunters tag 9 bulls. Size was down just a bit and none grossed over 300 inches. In 2012 archery hunts went 5 for 5 on the first hunt September 10 to 15, second hunt 5 for 7 and third hunt 7 for 9. Best bulls taken grossed just over 300 inches. 5-day archery hunts guided 1x1 are $6,500, 2x1 is $6,000. This is also the top ranch for archery mule deer. Mostly spot and stalk, with hunters normally seeing a 180-inch buck almost daily. Mule deer is September 1 to 5 or 6 to 11 and priced at $5,750 1x1 or $4,750 guided 2x1.

Licenses are on a draw basis, but have been 100% on the special higher dollar draw for both elk and deer at about $1,050 for elk or $550 for deer. Elk draw deadline is January 31 and deer is March 15. Accommodations are a beautiful 1 million dollar lodge in a very picturesque setting. Hunters can fly into Salt Lake City and rent a car for the 2 1/2 hour drive to Evanston, Wyoming. Hunt EKQM655.

100% SUCCESS PRIVATE LAND

UTAH OR IDAHO MOUNTAINS

AS LOW AS $4900

The outfitter has 10,000 acres under high fence in normal elk habitat in northern Utah and southeastern Idaho. Hunts have been 100 percent success and accommodations at both operations are very nice lodges set back in the mountains. This is a premier operation, not your normal high fence elk hunt. Hunting methods include horseback, hiking, ATV’s and trucks.

5 days total, including 3 hunting days guided 1x1 are $5,900 for bulls gross scoring up to 340 points and these are big mountable bulls. Bulls 341 to 360 are $7,900, with larger bulls priced separately.

Management hunts for mature 5-point and 5x6 bulls that will never be a 6x6 are culled out for genetic reasons. These hunts are priced at a very reasonable rate of only $4,900 and the bulls normally score in the 280 to 300-inch class, with some taken that are even larger.

Hunts run from September to December. Add license fee of $688 and tax of 6%. Non-hunter rate is $600 and they can accompany the hunter. Airport pickup at Idaho Falls or Salt Lake City is included. Hunt EKP149.

NEW MEXICO/WYOMING/UTAH

COW ELK HUNTS PRICED

FROM $1000 TO $1500

This outfitter runs cow elk hunts from November 18 to January 31 on the famous Veremejo Park Ranch in northeastern New Mexico. The ranch is over 200,000 acres and has a high elk population and they control it by having these later hunts. 2-day hunt is $1,050 and is guided 2x1. If you have a group of 2 hunters the price drops to $950 each. Hunters typically stay in a motel in Raton and eat restaurant meals at their own expense. The guide takes you out both days and once you have scored they will deliver your elk to the local butcher for processing.

He also has the Red River Ranch in southeastern Colorado where they do the same deal as on Veremejo. These hunts are conducted in January and February.

Both of these hunts have landowner vouchers included so you are guaranteed a tag, no drawing. Hunters buy a state license and their cow elk tag. Hunt EKC933.

We work with 2 outfitters in southeastern Wyoming for cow hunts. Success runs near 100 percent. The draw has been 100 percent, but you have to apply by the January 31 deadline, sometimes there are leftover tags available in early July that can be purchased.

One is a no frills 3-day hunt guided 2x1 for $1,000, where the hunter stays in Wheatland and pays for his motel room for approximately $60 per night and his breakfast and evening meal. Hunters are picked up at the motel, lunch is provided and hunters are returned at the end of each day. These hunts start in late November and run to January 31. Hunt EKC703.

The other outfitter is on a 160,000-acre private ranch located near Douglas that offers cow hunts for $1,500 guided 2x1 late November, December and January for 3 days. This includes guide and nice guest cabins on the ranch, but you supply your own food. The cabins have a kitchen for cooking. The ranch normally winters about 5,000 head of elk so success is normally 100%. Hunt EKC828.

This Utah outfitter has guaranteed tags, no draw, on $1,200 cow elk hunts from mid-November to January 31. 3 days guided 2x1 and hunters stay in the Best Western Motel in Coalville at their own expense and pay for their own meals plus $100 per day to the guide. They hunt private ranches with high elk numbers. Hunt EKC655.

MULE DEER

BLACKTAIL

PEACE RIVER ALBERTA MULIES

SEPTEMBER FARMLAND HUNT

6 HUNTERS 6 BUCKS

AVERAGE OVER 177 INCHES

In September of 2013 this outfitter hosted 6 mule deer hunters, taking 6 bucks and gross scoring 186, 180, 179, 175, 174 and 173. In 2012 this was an exploratory hunt and

HCU had the only 2 hunters on this September rifle hunt. Both hunters scored the first day on 2 exceptional bucks, a 179 and a 199-inch buck. They decided to stick around a few more days and both took black bears weighing over 300 pounds.

This 6-day hunt guided 2x1 is priced at $7,000 and includes license, tax, lodging and meals. Most of the times you are covering open plains country by pickup and glassing. Black bear can be added for $750 plus a $1,500 trophy fee or whitetail for $3,500. Hunts run from September 17 to the 22nd. Hunters fly into Grand Prairie where the outfitter meets them for the 1 1/2 hour drive to the hunting area. Hunt MDPR883. COLORADO TROPHY MULIES

AVERAGING JUST UNDER 180

REQUIRES 3 TO 8 POINTS TO DRAW

This is a trophy hunt that doesn’t require all that many preference points. In 2013 the second season hunt went 4 for 4, including a 181-inch, 180, 176 and a 175. On the third season 4 bucks were taken for 4 hunters, a 181 and 4 bucks scoring in the 170’s. The fourth season 2 bucks were taken for 2 hunters, a 184 and a smaller buck. He also took one archer and he took a tremendous 203-inch buck along with a 280 bull.

In 2012 he took 3 deer muzzleloader hunters and they tagged a 183, 178 and a 170-inch deer. He had 3 archers and they scored on a 180-incher, hit and lost a 180-inch and the third hunter just missed. The 2012 rifle deer hunt had went 6 for 10, including a 184, 182, 180, 178, 30-inch wide 173 and a 32-inch wide 3x4 scoring in the high 170’s. A couple die-hard trophy hunters passed on bucks that looked to score in the 180’s.

In 2011 all bucks gross scored over 170 and into the 180’s.

2010 he ended up taking 6 bucks for 8 hunters. Top buck grossed 190 and 3 more at 175. A 190-class was missed on the last hunt and a repeat hunter passed on a 180-plus buck the first day of the hunt.

He hunts about a dozen ranches varying from mountain country to oakbrush hillsides to agricultural property including alfalfa and hay fields.

Archery, muzzleloader or rifle hunts are $5,000 for 5 days guided 1x1 or $4,500 guided 2x1, with escalating trophy fees of; deer harvested gross scoring 170 to 179 inches has a $500 trophy fee added to the price, 180 to 189 is $1,000, 190 to 199 is $1,500 and any buck taken scoring over 200 inches is $2,000.

Elk/mule deer combo is $7,500. Cabin accommodations include a shower house and cook cabin. Second gun season normally takes 3 or 4 points to draw a deer tag, third season is 6 or 8 depending, but landowner vouchers are available. Airport pickup at Montrose or Grand Junction. Hunt MD163.

ALBERTA TROPHY MULIES $6600

2 PERMITS $6600 EACH 100% SUCCESS

AVERAGE HAS BEEN 180 B & C

Both hunters in 2013 took bucks gross scoring between 180 and 185 inches. This has been the most consistent muley hunt for quite a few years. In 2012 both hunters took bucks consistent with past years grossing at that 180 mark. In 2011 both hunters took bucks in the 180-inch class and one hunter even did it with the bow during rifle season.

The outfitter has 2 muley tags in Zone 305 where it normally takes a resident about 5 years to draw. He hunts a 25,000-acre private cattle farm, along with several more in southern Alberta and has run 100% success on bucks averaging 180 inches. Mule deer here have a tendency to have good deep forks, not a lot of width, but good mass, typical of most Canadian mule deer. The season normally opens the last Wednesday of October and he prefers to start his 6-day hunts at that time or into early November to catch some of the rut. Some days hunters have seen between 20 and 30 bucks. Fairly open terrain and good for glassing. Hunts are guided 1x1 and include ranch house accommodations, meals and airport pickup in Calgary. License is $250 plus 5 percent tax. Next available opening is in 2016. Hunt MD678.

UTAH CWMU PRIVATE RANCHES

TROPHY MULE DEER $7500

GUARANTEED TAG NO DRAWING

This outfitter located in northeastern Utah has several ranches in the CWMU program allowing hunters to rifle hunt in early September when the bucks are in bachelor groups and much more out in the open. In 2013 this area was low on rainfall in the early spring hampering antler growth, but they still took 3 bucks at or over 200 inches. 5 day hunts guided 2x1 vary from $6,500 up to $8,000 for 1x1 depending on the ranch. Accommodations can be a lodge, cabin, ranch house or one ranch has a tent camp. Most ranches are very accessible and are well roaded, but one in particular requires a good amount of hiking and you must be in good physical shape.

5-day hunts start early September when the bucks are in velvet and continue into October. Success typically runs near 90 percent.

They also offer a quality archery mule deer hunt in southwestern Wyoming on a large 70,000-acre private ranch where most hunters will see bucks in the 180-inch class almost

daily. 5-day hunts September 1 to 5 or 6 to 11 are $6,500 guided 1x1 or $6,000 at 2x1. Accommodations are in a million dollar lodge with a great setting. Draw has been 100% on the special high dollar $550 draw and the deadline is March 15. Hunt MDBQM655.

TOP ALBERTA MULE DEER HUNT

100% SUCCESS AVERAGE 175 TO 180

The 2013 season was just over half completed with 13 combination mule deer/whitetail hunters having scored on 13 mulies, with the top 3 gross scoring over 190 inches, some 180’s and the rest in the 170’s. 10 whitetails had been taken with the best buck scoring 170, 3 in the 150’s and the rest in the 140’s. Eleven more hunters would come in before the season finishes up.

In 2012 the best rifle muley was a 213-INCH NON-TYPICAL. For the 2012 archery season 8 hunters took 6 bucks scoring on a MONSTER 214, 186, 183, 170, 165 and a 162. Archery hunts are for 6 1/2 days and include license and tax for $5,500.

The outfitter specializes in trophy class mule deer for both archery and rifle. He takes a very limited number of hunters in this trophy unit that is a draw for residents. The hunt takes place in farm country east of Red Deer near Stettler, Alberta. It is known for big mule deer, whitetail and hard to believe moose. This Zone 204 only gives out 125 permits to residents and just a few for non-residents and the area is 40 square miles.

6-day rifle hunts guided 1x1 are $7,500. Nice cabin accommodations, meals, and airport pickup in Edmonton. He also offers a 6-day combination hunt for both whitetail and mule deer for $9,500 guided 1x1 or 10 days for $11,500. Whitetail success has run 80% or better on bucks averaging 150. Hunters are responsible for licenses and 5% tax. Very limited openings. Hunt MD883.

SOUTHEASTERN MONTANA

MULE DEER OR WHITETAIL

PRONGHORN COMBO ONLY $3250

PRIVATE RANCHER/OUTFITTER

This rancher/outfitter has been 100% on nice mature deer and pronghorn for several years. He runs a small personal operation in southeastern Montana. Muley bucks average 23 to 25 inches with good mass gross scoring in the 160’s, with the chance on

170 to 180-inch deer. Deer tags are good for either mule deer or whitetails and he takes some nice whitetails.

In 2013 he had 3 early season whitetail hunters take 3 bucks, 2 between 145 and 150 and a 165-inch buck. Mule deer hunts were just about to start at press time and in 2012 he went 6 for 7 on mulies scoring between 155 and into the 170’s.

5 days guided 2x1 and hunters pay for their own meals and lodging at the local motel for about $60 per room. Hunt dates are about October 20 to Thanksgiving. If a hunter draws a pronghorn tag he can take one the first 2 weeks of the deer season at no charge. Hunters fly into Rapid City or Billings and rent a car for the 2 and a half hour drive.

Montana has changed their deer license program, so now you can typically draw an elk/deer license for $944 and then apply for the special draw for bull elk in this trophy unit and it is very unlikely that you would draw so you should get back $383, so your deer license is only $561. If you do draw the elk tag this is a great trophy unit and the outfitter will upgrade your hunt to include a bull on a $2,500 trophy fee only. Montana now allows you to purchase a bonus point from June to September for $50. Deer/elk draw deadline is March 15 and pronghorn draw deadline is early June. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has hunted this ranch. Hunt MD427.

20,000-ACRE COLORADO RANCH

RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE $4250

GUARANTEED TAG NO DRAW

At press time all 9 mule deer hunters had scored on bucks, including a 28-inch 190 point, 3 more in the 180’s, 3 in the 170’s and 2 in the mid-160’s. The past 3 years had produced similar results with the top bucks grossing 190 inches and the overall average in the 170’s. Hunts that have these kinds of numbers are typically priced well over $5,000, so this is a bargain with a guaranteed tag. The only problem is the hunt fills quickly and typically needs booked at least a year in advance.

The ranch is in the Ranching for Wildlife Program guaranteeing you a mule deer tag, no draw or using of your preference points. Best of all you can hunt in September when they are in bachelor groups or mid-November during the rut. The outfitter has only had the ranch the past 3 years and he is an accomplished mule deer guide and hunter. He continues to manage this ranch for trophy quality mule deer.

These are 4-day hunts at $4,250 guided 2x1 from September 5 to December 5 and elk can be added for $3,250, elk success was 100 percent for 18 hunters at press time. 20,000 private acres with a 7,500-foot elevation and good road access. New lodge accommodations, meals and airport pickup in Hayden is included. 2014 deer is sold out,

book now for 2015, openings are available for elk only priced at $4,250. HCU’s Craig Green has hunted with this outfitter. Hunt MD226.

UTAH TROPHY MULE DEER 1X1 $4500

This has been a premier trophy mule deer hunt past years, but due to the low rainfall spring of 2013 the quality was way off last fall. This hunt has been priced at $6,500, but the outfitter dropped the price for 2014 to only $4,500. There is no reason the quality shouldn’t be back this fall. They only took 6 hunters in 2013 and 5 scored.

In 2012 all 7 hunters took bucks, including three in the 180’s, 178, 174 and 2 smaller bucks. This is a trophy hunt guided 1x1 and HCU has had hunters take bucks grossing over 225 inches. 2011 was off a little with the top 3 bucks scoring 187, 183 and 174 and several more trophy bucks were missed or crippled.

In 2010 he had 6 gun hunters and 3 bowhunters on this 20,000-acre ranch. Success was 100% including a 220-inch buck taken on the bowhunt and 2 more over 180 inches on the rifle hunt. All bucks grossed over 170, except for a 3x3 management buck taken on the last day.

The ranch is in the CWMU program allowing them to set their own hunting schedule. The early rifle hunt will start September 1 when the bucks are in bachelor groups and full velvet. 5 hunting days guided 1x1 with cabin accommodations is $4,500 plus license and tax. They expect to take 6 hunters for the first two weeks of the season.

They may also offer a later mule deer hunt October 15 to 19. HCU’s Craig Green took a good mule deer on this later hunt. Nice lodging, home cooked meals and the ranch is picturesque with high deer numbers. Hunters fly into Grand Junction and rent a car. Hunt MDGE72.

COLORADO RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE

RIFLE MULE DEER RUT HUNTS $5700

120,000 PRIVATE ACRES

NEAR 100 PERCENT SUCCESS

This outfit has 2 ranches totaling 120,000 acres in the Ranching for Wildlife Program southeast of Craig. This program allows hunting during the rut with guaranteed tags. They hunt the higher elevations by horseback or foot and low sage country by trucks. Success typically runs about 100 percent and they start late October and run to December

10. We like early to mid-November for good rut activity. Success runs near 100% on bucks averaging in the 170’s and typically several bucks are taken each year in the 180’s and the occasional 190-inch plus buck.

5-day trophy hunts guided 2x1 are priced at $5,700. Mule deer/pronghorn combos can be arranged in late October. Very nice ranch house accommodations and family style meals include airport pickup in Hayden. Very limited openings, guaranteed tag, no draw. Hunt MD373.

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COLORADO PRIVATE LAND

ELK/MULE DEER COMBO $4500

ELK TAG OVER THE COUNTER

MULE DEER VOUCHER INCLUDED

This outfitter has properties in southwestern Colorado near the town of Paradox. He typically only takes 3 combo hunters the week of October 22 to 28, 5 hunting days, guided 2x1 for $4,500. This includes your mule deer voucher and elk tags are over the counter. The same hunters normally rebook the openings, but he expects to have more neighboring property for 2014. Last fall the hunters took 2 bulls, including a 5x5 and 6x6, and 2 muley bucks grossing 165 and 150. One bull was missed. This is not your normal elk hunt. Most bulls are shot near the river off alfalfa or hay fields at first light or late evening. Most of the day you are hunting deer in the low sage country broke up with rocky high walls. Accommodations are normally a nearby ranch house with meals included. Hunters fly into Grand Junction and rent a car. Hunt EK/MD72.

MONTANA MULEDEER/PRONGHORN

ONLY $4750

30 hunters had taken 29 bucks and there was one hunt remaining to go at press time. Best bucks came in pushing 180 inches and the overall average was 160. A couple

hunters drew pronghorn tags and they took good 15-inch bucks with mass. He had 3 rifle hunters with elk permits take 3 bulls, all scoring in the 325 to 350-inch range.

2012 success was normal at the 95 percent rate and in 2011 best bucks included an 8x8 scoring high in the 190’s and several in the 180’s. This is a great hunt with lots of deer, open country for easy glassing and plenty of ranches to hunt. Hunters that draw a pronghorn tag can take one at no additional charge on the first two hunts. Success is 100% on bucks up to 16 inches. Deer tags are good for mule deer or whitetails and several whitetails are taken each year averaging around 140.

5-day hunts are $4,750 with nice ranch house accommodations. IF YOU FAIL TO DRAW A PRONGHORN TAG YOU CAN HUNT MULE DEER ONLY FOR $4,150 ON THE FIRST 2 HUNTS. He has 7 ranches totaling about 200,000 private acres near Miles City and also another 40,000 acres he only hunts two weeks during the rut for a total of 8 hunters. Fly into Billings and rent a car.

Montana has changed their deer license program, so now you can typically draw an elk/deer license for $944 and then apply for the special draw for bull elk in this trophy unit and it is very unlikely that you would draw so you should get back $383, so your deer license is only $561. If you do draw the elk tag this is a great trophy unit and the outfitter will upgrade your hunt to include a bull for $2,200. Montana now allows you to purchase a bonus point from June to September for $50. Deer/elk draw deadline is March 15 and pronghorn draw deadline is early June. Hunt MD232.

NUMBER 1 TROPHY MULE DEER $12,500

Last fall size was really down due to the low spring rainfall. They took 11 bucks all scoring from 182 to 189. A couple bucks were in trail cams that would go 200 inches or better, but were not seen during the hunts.

The outfitter runs a September 1 to 3 strictly trophy velvet hunt for only 3 hunters. In 2012 they took a 219-inch typical and another hunter took a 201-inch buck. One hunter passed on a net typical book buck looking for a 220-inch 11x7 with a 33-inch spread they had on film, all on the velvet hunt. They also had pictures of a 30-inch 6x4 that would gross over 215 and another 200-inch plus monster. During the hard horned hunt over the course of the regular season they shot 12 bucks averaging 195 inches.

In 2011 they took 5 hunters on the early hunt and 4 scored with the best one grossing 231 inches with a 10 and a half inch drop tine. Overall they averaged better than 210 inches. This 3-day premier velvet hunt is priced at $14,500 and if you fail to take a buck you can come back and hunt 5 more days in late September or early October at no additional cost. Their regular hard horned October hunt is 5 days priced at $12,500 and in 2012 the overall average was 195 inches. It was down some in 2011 when they only averaged a little over 185 Boone and Crockett.

This 35,000-acre ranch normally averages over 190 Boone and Crockett and several bucks have been taken over the 220-inch mark.

The ranch is located in northeastern Utah along the Wyoming border. Hard horned hunts guided 1x1 are 5 days including lodge accommodations and airport pickup in Salt Lake City. If you are a serious mule deer hunter call for more details. Hunt MD255.

NEW MEXICO TROPHY MULEDEER

LATE NOVEMBER EARLY DECEMBER

RUT HUNT $8500 AVERAGES 180+

At press time the 2013 season had not gotten under way. He offers 2 hunts for only 2 hunters per hunt. Late November and early December, both prime dates. Some great bucks were seen while elk hunting the property. In 2012 they took 4 bucks for 4 hunters averaging just over 180 inches. In 2011 the 4 bucks taken gross scored 232 INCHES (4X4 MONSTER WITH SOME STICKERS), 190, 185 and a 180.

This outfitter hunts several ranches in northeastern New Mexico totaling 95,000 acres. Guaranteed landowner voucher is included so there is no draw. This is a rare opportunity to hunt New Mexico bucks in the rut. Hunters fly into Colorado Springs and rent a car. Very limited openings for 2014. Hunt MD278.

HUNT KODIAK ISLAND

SITKA BLACKTAIL/DUCKS/FISHING

This outfitter has scaled back his deer hunting operation, but he still offers a 4-day unguided hunt for $3,600 and hunters can take up to 3 bucks and also enjoy some fantastic duck hunting and fishing. Private cabins or suites for accommodations with prepared meals are included, along with daily transport to hunting area by boat. He starts October 8, when duck season opens, and finishes November 15.

Past HCU customers have been astounded with the excellent duck hunting that is also included. Extra days are available for $900. License is $85 and deer tags are $150 each, no taxes. Hunt SD162.

We work with another outfitter that operates out of a lodge with 6 bedrooms, shower, bar, TV and sauna. Success has run 100% on this 7-day guided hunt from October 5 to November 30. One deer limit priced at only $4,000 guided 2x1 or $5,000 1x1. Many hunters have taken record book bucks with this outfitter including the new #3 SCI and #11 Boone and Crockett. Excellent sea duck hunting for many species and fox hunting is

also included. Hunters fly into Kodiak and charter to the lodge for about $200 roundtrip. Hunt SD783.

OREGON COLUMBIA BLACKTAILS

OR COLUMBIA WHITETAILS

This outfitter has several private ranches to hunt in western Oregon near the town of Roseburg. The hunt is typically 100% success and the area holds plenty of blacktail bucks. In 2013 5 hunters took 5 blacktails with the best going 130 inches.

In 2012 they were 4 for 5. One hunter took a cougar while deer hunting and another missed one. Cougar can be added for the $15 license and the kill fee is $1,000.

In 2011 his 5 hunters had tagged 5 blacktails. In 2010 his 6 hunters scored on 6 bucks and they typically saw 6 to 8 bucks daily. In 2009 he hosted 9 rifle hunters and they tagged 8 bucks, with one hunter passing. The best buck grossed 145 and the average was 115 to 120 Boone and Crockett. In 2008 he had 9 hunters and all scored on good bucks, with 5 making the Boone and Crockett record book. The area has plenty of open hillsides, great for glassing.

5-day hunt guided 2x1 with bunkhouse accommodations and meals is $4,100 or 1x1 is $4,850. He only takes up to ten hunters total from mid-October through the first week of November. The last 2 weeks are best for rut and this is not a physical hunt. License is $150 and over the counter tag is $370, no tax. This hunt needs booked at least a year in advance.

He also offers Columbia whitetail for $6,800 and this includes a landowner voucher. Success has been 100% on bucks scoring over 105 inches and he only takes a couple each year. The area holds a high number of whitetails and hunts will be September 29 to October 15. Hunters fly into Eugene or Portland and rent a car. Hunt CB101.

WHITETAIL

COUES DEER

SMALL ALBERTA OUTFITTER

GETS 8 RIFLE TAGS PER YEAR

At press time 5 of the 5 hunters had tagged bucks and he had 3 more hunters to go on what he thinks is his best week. The current top 2 bucks taken grossed in the 150’s. In 2012 their 8 hunters tagged 5 bucks, a MONSTER 200-INCH BUCK, 182-INCH 4X5 with a sticker, 162-INCH 4X4 WITH 26-INCH MAIN BEAMS AND 13-INCH G-2’S, 150 and another buck over 140. The 3 unsuccessful hunters were repeats that passed on bucks up to 150 inches.

In 2011 he only had 5 tags and they took a 169, 165 and a 155-inch buck.

2010 the best buck taken gross scored 186 Boone and Crockett. They also took a 4x4 scoring 160 and another 150 plus buck. In 2009 the best buck went over 175.

This outfitter is an hour and half north of Edmonton and he hunts 70 percent private farmland and about 30 percent bush. He mainly hunts the last 2 weeks of November and has 6 tower stands and 4 ground blinds, all heated. Hunts are Sunday to Sunday, 6 hunting days for $5,000 plus license. Ranch house accommodations, home cooked meals and Edmonton airport pickup is included.

He will take one or two archers in late October for only $3,500 for 6 days and more days can be added. He also offers 6-day moose hunts for $5,000 in early November. HCU’s Scott Steinkruger has hunted with this outfit. Hunt WD832.

GREAT SASKATCHEWAN AREA

20 HUNTERS TAG 17 BUCKS

At press time this outfit had hosted 20 hunters and 17 were successful. Best bucks for 2013 grossed in the upper 150’s and the overall average was just shy of 145 points.

In 2012 the numbers totaled 24 bucks for 28 hunters and the best buck taken gross scored 183. Average bucks taken scored in the mid-140’s. 4 repeat hunters were holding out for really big deer and HCU’s Scott Steinkruger hunted the same week as two of them and they both passed on 150 class bucks.

At press time in 2013 they were 5 for 6, one hunter held out and the best buck grossed 155. The outfitter also has a duck guide that will take out hunters after they tag their buck for only $100 per day. Duck hunting is normally available on the first and second deer hunts.

This longtime outfitter recently purchased a proven quality operation in northwestern Saskatchewan near Meadow Lake, an area known for really big deer with terrific genetics. The past outfitter has been producing monster whitetails for several years and had been managing their herd with a 140-inch minimum. It has superb accommodations and they normally use heated double bull blinds on bait sites.

This outfitting family is not new to the business. HCU has worked with them for over 15 years and they run top quality hunts. This new operation will fit into the schedule, as their sheep and moose hunts will have finished up in early October, in plenty of time for the Saskatchewan hunts.

6-day hunts are $4,800 plus tax and license at about $300. Hunters fly into Saskatoon and rent a car for the 3 1/2 hour or Edmonton for a 5 1/2 hour drive. Archery hunts will be the last week of October and rifle hunts typically run from early November up to and including the first week of December. HCU’s Scott Steinkruger has been on this hunt. Hunt WD119.

ILLINOIS/MISSOURI OUTFITTER

HUNT THEIR PERSONAL FARMS

VERY LIMITED HUNTERS

Here are a couple HCU hunters that own farms in Illinois and Missouri and decided to open them up to a small number of hunters last fall. These properties have been managed for themselves including food plots, cameras and stand placement for several years.

In 2013 on the Illinois property, 307 acre piece, they had 4 archers take 2 bucks, 170-inch beauty and an 8-point just shy of 140. One archer missed a 150 and the other saw over 25 bucks. Gun season had not started at press time. In 2012 they took 2 archery bucks, a 150 and 147-inch 8-point. They had 3 gun hunters take one buck grossing over 180 inches.

November 1 to 20 archery 5-day rut hunts are priced at $3,000. November 22 to 24 and December 5 to 7 shotgun or muzzleloader 3-day hunts are $3,000. 3 days of archery followed by 3 days of gun is priced at $3,500. Hunters stay at a Motel 6 real close to the farm at their own expense, about $60 per night. Meals, guide service and all transportation during the hunt are included.

In Missouri they own a 550-acre farm that has been managed for trophy deer. 5-day archery hunts from November 1 to 19 will be priced at $2,500 and 5-day rifle hunts November 16 to 20 will be $3,000. Includes lodge or cabin accommodations, meals and guide service. Hunters fly into Peoria or St. Louis and rent a car. Hunt WD696.

SMALL SASKATCHEWAN OUTFITTER

HIGH SUCCESS 6-DAY HUNT $3500

HCU has worked with this small outfitter on both his whitetail and bear hunts with great success. Typically deer hunts run around 90 percent success. 2013 rifle hunts were in the process at press time. They had an early freak snowstorm hit the day before the opener and it dumped over 2-foot of snow, knocking over trees and blocking the trails to the bait sights. It took days before they could even get to enough stands to hunt, so at the week’s end only one hunter had taken a buck out of the six. The second week was more in line with all 6 hunters scoring on bucks, all in the 140’s and 150’s.

In 2012 the best buck grossed 160 inches and 3 more were taken in the 150’s. The overall average was a little over 140. Most years the average has been 145 and top bucks go in the 160’s with the occasional monster being taken.

6-day rifle whitetail hunts in November are only $3,500. He has 25 heated box blinds about 8 to 12 feet off the ground. Nice two story cabin accommodations right on the lake with good fishing. This is a super priced hunt and airport pickup can be arranged from Saskatoon. Taxes are about $210 plus deer license at $350. Openings are very limited. Hunt WD577.

HUNT IOWA BRUISERS

BOW OR GUN $3400

6000 PRIVATE ACRES

At press time they had just finished up 3 weeks of archery, October 27 to November 15. 19 hunters tagged 10 bucks, top 2 went in the 160’s and overall they averaged 145 gross points. 3 bucks were hit and lost, including one real good one they had on trail cam. He will take 5 gun hunters the first season December 7 to 12, 6 on the second December 14 to 19 and finish up with 4 hunters on the late muzzleloader hunt sometime between December 26 and January 10.

2012 archery hunts went 8 for 18, best bucks included a 182, 174, 165, 162 and a 160-inch deer. 5 bucks were hit and lost.

They have over 6,000 private acres that are enhanced with plenty of food plots in southcentral Iowa, Zone 5. They enforce a 140-inch minimum rule and take a very low number of hunters considering the large amount of property, which really helps the trophy quality. They use over 100 lock-on stands and a dozen ladders stands. They also have 10 blinds built on stilts for gun hunters.

All hunts are 6 days bow or gun at $3,400 plus 5% tax. Arrive Saturday, hunt Sunday to Friday and leave Saturday. They have 2 camps about 25 miles apart. The North Camp is fairly new with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and holds up to 4 hunters. The South Camp is an old farmhouse and it sleeps up to 6.

Draw deadline is in May and it normally takes 2 preference points to draw the archery tag or 1 point to draw a gun tag. Call us to acquire your preference point or apply. Hunt WD799.

MONTANA RIVERBOTTOM

WHITETAILS $3250

100% SUCCESS PAST YEARS

ON BUCKS OVER 140-INCHES

PRIVATE RANCHER/OUTFITTER

This rancher/outfitter runs a small personal operation taking about 3 or 4 whitetail deer hunters per year in southeastern Montana on several thousand acres. Success has run 100 percent past years on whitetails in the 140 to 160-inch class. He also takes about 6 muley bucks averaging in the 160-class Boone and Crockett with a chance on 170 to 180-inch deer. Deer tags are good for either mule deer or whitetails.

Where else can you go and be almost guaranteed to take a 140-inch whitetail or better for only $3,250 and you can stay in the states? You will have the opportunity to look over quite a few bucks while enjoying the southeastern Montana scenery or you could opt to take a muley instead.

At press time he had taken 3 whitetail hunters and they had scored on 3 bucks, including a 165 and 2 in the 145 to 150-inch range. In 2012 he took 4 whitetails and the best buck scored 167. Mule deer are typically 100 percent success on bucks gross scoring from 155 into the 170’s or better.

5 days guided 2x1 is $3,250 and if you draw an antelope tag he allows you to take one the first 2 weeks of deer season at no additional charge. Hunters pay for their own restaurant meals and lodging in a local motel for about $60 per room.

Hunt dates are about October 20 to Thanksgiving. Hunters fly into Rapid City or Billings and rent a car for the 2 and a half hour drive.

Montana has changed their deer license program, so now you can typically draw an elk/deer license for $944 and then apply for the special draw for bull elk in this trophy unit and it is very unlikely that you would draw so you should get back $383, so your deer license is only $561. If you do draw the elk tag this is a great trophy unit and the outfitter will upgrade your hunt to include a bull on a trophy fee basis for only $2,500. Montana now allows you to purchase a bonus point from June to September for $50. Deer/elk draw deadline is March 15 and pronghorn draw deadline is early June. Hunt WD427.

KANSAS OUTFITTER

ONLY TAKES 2 ARCHERY AND

2 RIFLE HUNTERS PER YEAR

Here is a very small start up outfitter that only wants to take a couple archers and rifle hunters per year on his family’s 2,000-acre farm in central Kansas along the Arkansas River. He also has an additional small private lease just for hunting and another 1,000 acres they farm. At press time he had a 170-inch 6x6 on trail cam along with a wide tall 10-point, another buck in the 160’s and a big framed 8-point. HCU’s Scott Steinkruger and a friend will rifle hunt in 2013.

Price for 2014 will be $3,450 for a 6-day archery hunt and IF YOU DO NOT DRAW BLOOD THE OUTFITTER WILL REFUND YOU $1,000. Rifle hunts are 5 days guided 2x1 and priced at $4,250 AND IF YOU DO NOT DRAW BLOOD HE WILL REFUND YOU $1,750. This tells hunters he is serious for his hunters to be successful. Hunters will pay for their own motel and meals in the nearby town of Great Bend. Archery hunts could be from early November up to Thanksgiving. Rifle hunt would start the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving. He hunts Units 5 and 560 where tags are almost 100 percent draw. Hunters fly into Wichita and rent a vehicle for the 2 hour drive.

Hunt WD564.

NEBRASKA HUNT PRODUCED

BUCKS AVERAGING 140 INCHES

This outfitter has an extensive high protein feeding program and it is paying off. He has also been trying to educate his hunters into holding out for better bucks.

He has over 100,000 private-acres northwest of North Platte with over 8 miles of Platte River bottom land, it is a whitetail paradise.

In 2013 his archers took 4 bucks including a double drop-tined 183-inch beauty, a 161, 159 and a 133. All archers had 100 percent opportunity on 130 class bucks or better. First rifle hunt was completed at press time and his Island Camp produced 7 bucks for 11 hunters with 2 grossing 150 inches. West Camp had 10 hunters (6 mule deer and 4 whitetail) with everyone taking bucks. Best muley went 171 inches and averaged 160. Top whitetails went 167 and 148.

Island Camp has 7 miles of riverbottom and bucks in the 120’s to 130’s are very plentiful with the better bucks in 150 to 160-class. He runs archery and 2 rifle hunts consisting of 10 hunters per each hunt. It has a remodeled ranch house and new bunkhouse for accommodations.

West Camp is located on 80 square miles in the hills for mule deer and 5 miles of riverbottom on the Platte River for whitetails. He takes archers and normally about 12 mule deer and 5 combo hunters.

5-day bowhunts are $2,250 with a $750 trophy fee run October 24 to 28 or November 1 to 5.

4-day rifle whitetail hunts are $3,500, mule deer is $4,000 or 5-day combo is $6,500 from November 12 to 15 or 17 to 20.

Nice ranch house accommodations, meals and guiding are included. Licenses are over the counter, no draw. Fly to Denver and rent a car or if you fly into North Platte they provide airport pickup. Hunt WD/MD565.

SMALL KANSAS OUTFITTER

PRODUCES TROPHY BUCKS

ARCHERY $3000 RIFLE $4000

This outfitter has 8 different properties totaling over 15,000 private acres in southeastern Kansas. One property includes 6 miles of riverbottom on both sides and has alfalfa fields. He also enforces a 135-inch minimum with a $400 penalty.

2013 muzzleloader hunts went 2 for 7. A big 180-inch deer was taken along with a 150 and a real big buck was missed.

Archery hunts appeared to be slow all over Kansas and the same was true for this outfitter. 2013 archery hunts starting late October and running through November 21 ended with 5 bucks for 12 hunters including a 155, 150, 140, 136 and a dink. At press time 5 more bowhunters were coming in late November. Rifle hunts had not started yet.

2012 muzzleloader hunt went 2 for 3, including a 162 and 153-inch buck. 2012 archery season was 5 for 10 including a 177, 147, 145, and 2 at 140. Rifle hunts were 3 for 4 with 2 bucks going in the 160’s and a 120.

5-day November archery hunts are $3,000. Rifle hunts December 4 to 8 are $4,000 and December 11 to 15 is $3,500. Muzzleloader hunts in late September are $3,000. Nice lodge accommodations, home cooked meals and airport pickup in Wichita can be arranged or you can rent a car for the 50 mile drive. Hunt WD316.

ADAMS COUNTY OHIO

9000 PRIVATE ACRES

ARCHERY RUT HUNTS $2500

GUN HUNTS $2750

At press time 19 bowhunters had scored on 8 bucks ranging in size from 115 to the low 160’s. Many of the hunters are repeat customers looking for better deer and pass on bucks up to 140 inches. Gun season had not started at press time.

This outfit is unique as they prefer hunters wanting to assist in their own hunt. 80 percent of the archers that hunt here bring their own climbing stands and assist in setting them up. Some hunters come every year and the area they hunt is set aside for their group and only their group, it is not hunted any other time. They assist in stand placement and come out at different times just to scout. The outfit is looking for real hunters that want to contribute to their hunt. The outfit also has about 40 stands, 180 acres of food plots and feeders on the property.

This family operation owns 9,000 deeded acres in Adams County, which is considered one of the top producing counties in Ohio. It is located in the south-central part of the state near Kentucky.

Accommodations can be a nice ranch house known as Poplar Flat that sleeps 12 with 2 bathrooms or they also have a couple cabins at separate locations equipped for groups of 4 or 5.

5-day early bow season October hunts are priced at $2,250. Rut hunts from October 25 to November 27 are $2,500. Shotgun or muzzleloader hunts starting November 28 are $2,750 and late season muzzleloader hunts January 7 to 10 are $2,500. Hunters arrive on Sunday, hunt Monday through Friday and depart Saturday.

Tags are over the counter, no draw. Hunt WD430.

TEXAS WHITETAIL HUNT

4-DAYS ONLY $3250

30,000 FREE-RANGE ACRES

This outfitter has 2 ranches totaling over 30,000 private-acres, all free-range, located 30 miles south of San Angelo. You can sit in your tower stand and look over plenty of bucks before pulling the trigger on this hunt. He takes about 35 hunters per year over the course of 6 weeks. Success runs near 100% on bucks averaging 135 or better and the top bucks taken break the 150-inch mark. High deer numbers, nice comfortable ranch house lodging, good weather and fun guides make up the recipe for a very enjoyable hunt.

4-day hunt starting the first weekend of November is only $3,250 and runs to mid-December. We prefer the rut dates just around Thanksgiving. Openings are very limited due to repeat customers. Some repeat hunters have been with this outfitter for well over a decade. Airport pickup in San Angelo included. Hunt WD233.

$2500 TEXAS FREE-RANGE HUNT

ON 2200 PRIVATE ACRES

This ranch has not been commercially hunted since 2008 and has been in the family as a working cattle ranch since in the 1930’s, but the drought forced them to sell off the cattle in February of 2012. The rancher would like to take a group of 4 hunters for a 3-day hunt priced at $2,500 each anytime from early October until the end of February. The ranch has 8 hunting blinds with spin-cast feeders with most bucks being mature 8-points in the 110 to 120-inch class. Hunters can take one buck of any size and possibly a doe for meat. The ranch is located in the western Texas Hill Country, 20 miles northwest of Junction.

Modern bunkhouse accommodations, nice cookhouse with meals furnished, airport pickup at San Angelo is included. Hunt WD944.

$3000 TEXAS WHITETAIL HUNT

100% SUCCESS AND BARGAIN PRICED

Here is a HCU exclusive that has been a fantastic hunt and all past HCU customers have had nothing but praise for this operation, in fact, all of the hunters have rebooked this hunt at least one more time and quite a few have hunted here several times. This is not your normal piece of property leased out to an outfitter to run hunts on solely to make a profit. The ranch owner only allows a very select number of hunters each year to hunt his ranch, run by him, mainly for enjoyment and to manage a healthy deer herd. Fantastic accommodations coupled with Black Angus steaks grilling over the mesquite fire at the end of the day along with a cold beer or a glass of fine wine. It just doesn’t get any better.

Here is a great bargain, something not common for Texas whitetail hunts. This 3,000-acre private ranch under high fence is located in the Texas panhandle near the town of Clarendon. Arrive on a Thursday, hunt Friday, Saturday, Sunday and depart on Monday. Three hunting days are priced very economically at $3,000 and that includes a buck of 8 or 9 points and gross scoring less than 150 Boone and Crockett inches, very nice accommodations, food and 1 on 1 guide service. Deer grossing from 150 up to 169 Boone and Crockett points have a trophy fee of $2,000. Top trophy bucks scoring over 170 have a $4,500 trophy fee. Limit of one deer per hunter. This ranch has limited hunting and is very brushy where as many mature bucks are not seen all year except for during the rut.

HCU’s Scott Steinkruger has been on this ranch several times and he reports it as being a special place. Quail hunting or red stag can be included with this hunt. Texas non-resident license is $300. Hunters are met in Amarillo. Extremely limited openings, call for availability. Hunt WDP806.

1000-ACRE PENNSYLVANIA

WHITETAIL AND ELK PRESERVE

This preserve has over 1,000 acres under high fence where they conduct whitetail and elk hunts in the mountains near DuBois in west central Pennsylvania. They operate out of a very nice rustic lodge with private bedrooms and baths. 3-day hunts are the norm and they will give you 4 to 6 days for groups of 4 or more.

Whitetails taken that gross score up to 140 inches are priced at $3,000, 141 to 159 is $4,000, 160 to 179 is $6000 and 180 to 199 is $8,000. Elk scoring up to 300 inches are $4,000, 330 inches $5,000 and 350 inches $6000. Cow elk hunts are $1,500. Season dates are typically September 25 to January 1. Hunting methods include treestands,

blinds and spot and stalk. Pheasants can be added to any big game hunt. Airport shuttle $100. Hunt EKP/WDP290.

ARIZONA COUES SPECIALIST

100% DRAW AND NEAR 100% SUCCESS

ARCHERY AND GUN HUNTS

Here is the best opportunity for a quality Arizona Coues deer without going across the border into old Mexico and you can get a tag. This outfitter specializes in archery hunts, but his gun hunts tend to run 100% success on bucks averaging over 90 inches and topping out in the mid-teens. His archery hunts generally run a 90% success rate and one of his hunters took the new World Record buck in 2010 scoring 135 7/8. He normally takes 10 to 15 rifle hunters per year and 30 to 40 archers.

These southern Arizona hunts include lodging, meals and 1x1 guide services for $3,950 or if you hunt private land the hunt cost is increased by $400 plus a $700 harvest fee. Archery hunts are December 26 to January 31 for 5 days and gun hunts are 6 days. Archery hunts are conducted by mainly ground blinds, with some treestands and spot and stalk. Gun hunts are basically spot and stalk for the last week of October, second and fourth weeks of November.

Archery tags are over the counter and gun licenses are on a draw that is near 100%, with a May 30 deadline. Hunters are picked up in Tucson at no additional cost. Hunt CD404.

This outfitter has now leased a 90 square mile parcel in Old Mexico east of Hermosillo strictly for trophy Coues hunts. In 2014 the price will only be $4,350 plus a $700 harvest fee, but we expect prices in 2015 to increase to $5,500 with a $1,000 trophy fee. He will offer both archery and rifle hunts on an alternating schedule. He expects this property to produce some top end trophies with the feeding program he is implementing. Hunts will be from December 1 to January 31. Hunters can fly into Tucson where they will be met and driven across the border to the ranch or fly into Hermosillo where they will pick you up. Hunt CDMX404.

ANTELOPE

Most of the western states that offer antelope hunts have been experiencing a lengthy drought the past several years and it has really taken a toll on the pronghorns in both numbers and quality. Some states have reduced the number of tags available making it harder to acquire a license through the draw.

WYOMING OUTFITTER

HUNTS 3 UNITS ONLY $1850

This small family run operation offers hunts in 3 areas of southeastern Wyoming. All are priced the same at $1,850 for 3 days guided 2x1. They take a very limited amount of hunters and last year took a total of only 13 hunters.

One is west of Laramie in Area 50 where they hunt 6,000 acres of private land. Accommodations are a nice log lodge just recently built. Season runs September 15 to October 15.

In Area 103 near Wheatland they have 60,000 private acres. Accommodations are a nice cabin next to the outfitter’s home. Season is October 5 to 31.

They are in the process of acquiring another 16,000-acre lease in Area 42 with good pronghorn numbers. Accommodations would either be in their log lodge or the cabin in Wheatland.

Drawing odds have dropped from 100 percent to between 60 and 85 percent depending on the areas and hunters can apply as a group.

Hunters fly into Denver and rent a car for the 2 1/2 hour drive or fly into Cheyenne where arrangements can be made for pickup. HCU’s Cliff Graham has hunted with this outfit. Hunt PG703.

25,000 PRIVATE ACRES

NEW MEXICO RANCH

This had been our premier pronghorn hunt until the drought of 2011. Last fall in 2013 they only took 2 bucks off the 25,000 private acres, both scoring in the mid-70’s. In 2012 they took 4 bucks off the property, but quality was down. In 2011 HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz were on this hunt. Bob did take a buck grossing 82 inches, but the others were not the caliber of bucks normally taken on this hunt.

In 2010 before the drought, 3 of the 4 bucks taken had 16-inch horns and grossed 80 inches or better. In 2009, 3 of the 4 bucks taken gross scored over the Boone and Crockett minimum of 82 points and the best grossed 87 with 2 more at 85. In 2008 all 4 bucks grossed over 82 with the best coming in at 87 and 86 inches.

The outfitter is expecting the ranch to improve with positive weather conditions and the genetics are definitely superb, but until then the price will continue to be down from $4,000 to $3,000 guided 1x1 for this 2-day hunt that includes nice ranch house accommodations, home cooked meals and airport pickup in Midland or fly into Lubbock, Texas and rent a car. Season is the second or third weekend in September. 2014 is available. Hunt PG685.

COLORADO PRONGHORN HUNT

STARTS AUGUST 15 ONLY $2500

GREAT FOR STUDENTS OR TEACHERS

This 20,000-acre ranch is in the Ranching for Wildlife program guaranteeing you a pronghorn tag. Rifle hunts start August 15 and continue to run into early November. Perfect dates for students or teachers. In 2013 all 14 hunters took home bucks. Past 3 years success has been 100% on bucks 13 to 15 inches and averaging gross scores in the mid-70’s, top bucks near the 80-inch mark. 3-day hunts guided 2x1 are only $2,500. Elk can be combined on this hunt for an additional $3,500 and this includes a fourth day of hunting.

This has been one of our most popular hunts due to the guaranteed tag-no drawing, liberal season dates, 100 percent success on quality bucks, nice accommodations with great guides. New lodge accommodations with family style meals and airport pickup in Hayden. Guaranteed tag, no draw. Openings are available for both pronghorn and elk in 2014. Hunt PG226.

$2500 NEW MEXICO PRONGHORN

AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER DATES

GUARANTEED TAG NO DRAWING

Drought affected horn growth in 2013, but all 6 hunters took home bucks averaging almost 15 inches. In 2012 all 11 pronghorn hunters took home bucks averaging in the mid-70’s. He only took 6 hunters in 2011 due to the drought and all took home bucks

averaging 70 plus inches. In 2010 he took a total of 8 hunters over the course of 2 hunts on 150,000 acres and all 8 took nice bucks. The better ones came in at 15 1/2-inches with good mass. Many years they took up to 25 hunters on these ranches, but they cut the numbers back to improve on quality. Northeastern New Mexico has always produced heavy horned antelope and the numbers have been consistently high.

This area offers 2 seasons, each are 3-day hunts, August 20 to 22 (perfect for students) and September 17 to 19. Price is very reasonable at $2,500 guided 2x1 with a new lodge equipped with trophy room and all the amenities. Guaranteed landowner voucher is included so there is no draw. Hunters fly into Colorado Springs and rent a car. Hunt PG278.

COLORADO PRONGHORN HUNT

GUARANTEED LICENSE-NO DRAW

STARTS AUGUST 15 ONLY $2450

This has been a very popular hunt due to the guaranteed tag-no drawing, liberal season dates, 100% success on quality bucks, nice accommodations with great guides.

These couple ranches combined total 200,000 acres and they are in the Ranching for Wildlife program allowing rifle hunts to start August 15 and continue to run into November. Perfect dates for students or teachers.

Success has been 100% on bucks in the 13 to 15-inch plus class gross scoring in the 70’s and top bucks usually make 80 inches. 3-day hunts guided 2x1 are only $2,450. Nice ranch house accommodations include family style meals and airport pickup in Hayden. Guaranteed tag, no draw. Hunt PG373.

WYOMING PRONGHORN $1850

OR MOUNTAIN RANCH IS $2200

DRAW HAS BEEN 100% ON TAGS

2013 proved to be another year with 100 percent success on decent goats despite the 2-year drought that has been hampering horn growth. Pronghorns here averaged 13 1/2 to 15 inches, with the best gross scoring 79 inches, not real tall, but heavy.

2012 quality was down due to the severe drought. All pronghorn hunters were successful on bucks ranging from 13 1/2 to 15 inches. The 2011 fall produced the best pronghorn bucks on both ranches for the past several years. This outfitter has 2 private ranches, one in the plains and another in the mountains. Success has been 100% both archery and rifle for years and quality is a little better on the mountain ranch.

He typically runs about 8 gun and 2 or 3 archery pronghorn hunters on the 65,000-acre plains ranch, but plans on cutting it down to 6 total for 2014.

3-day gun hunts are $1,850 guided 2x1 and include airport pickup in Casper, house accommodations and meals. Archery hunts are 5 days priced at $1,850 and he only takes 2 or 3 bowhunters during the start of gun season. He sets them up on water holes in blinds. The ranch is located between Douglas and Gillette. Hunts start September 24 and applications are due March 15 for the draw, which has been 100% past years. Next opening is in 2015. Hunt PG157.

His mountain ranch is 20,000 acres located between Cheyenne and Laramie and has a little better trophy quality, normally averaging about 15 inches. 3-day full service hunt October 7 to 9 guided 2x1 is $2,200, including airport pickup in Cheyenne. 2014 is booked full, next opening is in 2015. Hunt PGC157.

5-DAY MONTANA ANTELOPE

ARCHERY ONLY $1750

Here is a no frills 5-day bowhunt for trophy sized pronghorns. This rancher/outfitter runs a small personal operation in southeastern Montana on private property that has produced many trophy bucks. The genetics are very good and he typically doesn’t rifle hunt these ranches, only bowhunts. Last fall his 4 archers took 3 bucks and it looks like all should qualify for Pope and Young. The unsuccessful hunter could only stay for 3 days and was hampered by high winds and rain. This was the first unsuccessful hunter in the past 4 years.

In 2012 his 9 archers took 9 pronghorn bucks, including 6 that should make the Pope and Young record book and one may go 80 inches.

In 2011 he had 11 archers take 11 pronghorn bucks and 7 should make Pope and Young. In 2010 his 7 archers took 7 bucks, with 5 making Pope and Young and 2 more that may qualify.

This is a no frills hunt with trailer house accommodations, meals and guide service, all for only $1,750. Hunt dates are August 15 to late September. Hunters need to apply for tags by June 1. Fly into Billings or Rapid City and rent a car.

The outfitter has decided to offer a whitetail/pronghorn archery combo hunt. Price would be $3,500 for a combo and if you didn’t draw a pronghorn tag the deer hunt would drop to $2,800 or if you didn’t draw the deer the pronghorn hunt would drop to $1,500.

Deer draw deadline is March 15. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this ranch. Hunt PGB427.

BLACK BEAR

ALBERTA 2 BEAR LIMIT

ONLY $3800 PLUS LICENSE/TAGS

PRODUCING UNBELIEVABLE MONSTERS

SPRING AND FALL HUNTS IN 2014

The late spring of 2013 hurt the first hunt here as well, going 0 for 2, saw some small ones, but no shooters. The second and third hunts were the norm with all 4 hunters on each hunt tagging 2 bears. Finishing out with 8 hunters taking 16 bears. The biggest bear taken was a monster 8-foot brown phase and the bowhunter that took him also took a 7 footer that same evening, both with the bow. His son-in-law took a 7-foot black and a blonde with archery gear. Overall they ended up taking more off colored bears than black, including 4 in the blonde phase. Fall hunt was 3 hunters, 2 archers and 1 rifle hunter, and all took home bears averaging 6-foot.

Spring of 2012 the outfitter only had 3 permits and all 3 hunters took 2 bears for a total of 6. Of the largest 3 bears the best one squared just under 8-foot, 7-foot 8-inch and a 7-foot 6-inch.

This hunt allows you to take 2 bears so be especially selective on your second bear. Normally the main reason an outfitter takes really huge bears like this is because of a new area or he is up against an area that does not allow hunting, like a park, that he can pull old bears out of or his area is extremely under hunted. So if you are looking for a huge bear at a very reasonable rate that even allows you to take 2, you had better look at this hunt.

The outfitter will continue to drive daily over an hour north for his 5 spring hunters in Unit 509. He is looking to moving his 4 hunters in Unit 506, right by his home, to a fall hunt utilizing his normal bait sites and possibly adding some spot and stalk in the grain fields.

6-day hunt for 2 bears plus license/GST tax ($300), includes lodging, meals, guiding and airport pickup in Edmonton is only $3,800. HCU has worked with this outfitter for several years with very good results. Limited openings. Hunt BL832.

ALASKA SPRING BLACK BEAR BOAT HUNT

HCU’s Bob Wodzisz, took a couple buddies up on this southeast Alaska black bear hunt last spring and came away with rave reviews. In fact, both hunters tagged out on the first day of the hunt. The first bay they started into produced a bear that squared 6-foot 8-inches. After some picture taking the outfitter suggested that the other guide and his hunter continue on further back into the bay before leaving, a good suggestion, as they put a 7-foot 4-inch bear into the salt.

2014 spring hunts will be available from May 23 to June 5.

This is a very high success hunt priced at only $5,500 for 7 days guided 1x1 with a minimum of 2 hunters or if you have a group of 3 maximum the price drops to $5,000 each guided 2x1. The hunting area is the Chilkat Peninsula off the mainland just west of Juneau. There are plenty of bears and we expect success on quality bears to continue at 100 percent. Quite often some halibut and salmon fishing can also be enjoyed during the hunt. Crab pots are typically dropped so hunters can enjoy some Alaskan king crab along with fresh clams.

Accommodations are on his 48-foot yacht with 6 bunks and a shower. Hunters fly into Juneau and then to the town of Hoonah for about $150 roundtrip, where hunters are met. Non-hunters are priced at $2,500. Next openings are in spring of 2014. Hunt BL957.

SASKATCHEWAN BEAR ONLY $2500

INCLUDES LICENSES AND TAX

SPRING OR FALL DATES

INCLUDES EXCEPTIONAL FISHING

Spring of 2013 was tough due to the late winter and most outfitters, including this one, couldn’t even get out baiting well into May. His first group of 6 hunters took 4 bears,

second hunt went 2 for 3, third hunt the same at 2 for 3 and the final hunt only 1 for 3. The best bear taken was a big old boar with a 20-inch skull. They also took 3 more bears over 300 pounds throughout the season. On the later hunts they had 4 bruiser bears on trail-cams that they just couldn’t get killed. Late September he had 5 bear hunters and 4 of them also had deer tags. Overall they took 3 bears, all in the 300 to 350 pound class and 3 bucks, including a 140-inch 8-point, 10-point in the 140’s and a small buck.

Spring of 2012 he only had 4 hunters and they all took bears over 300 pounds, including a monster of 475 pounds with a skull measuring well over 21 inches, taken by a young girl.

Spring of 2011 his 9 hunters harvested 8 bears, including a record book 450 pound Boone and Crockett bear that scored 21 4/8 inches. One third of the bears taken weighed over 300 pounds and that number would be higher if hunters kept their finger off the trigger and didn’t shoot the first off-colored bear that came in. Off-colored bears are quite plentiful; in fact, they have outnumbered the traditional black phase.

In 2010 he had 10 bowhunters take 8 bears and the 2 unsuccessful hunters missed. Best bear weighed in at over 400 pounds and the average bear harvested weighed over 250 pounds.

6-day hunts are priced at $2,500 for rifle or archery and include nice cabin accommodations, meals, license and tax. The cabin is situated right on Tobin Lake and fishing is just outside the door. The Saskatchewan River is also boat accessible from the lodge and it holds some fantastic walleye fishing. He provides boat, motor; gas and good days have produced as many as 100 walleyes per boat. One of our most frequent requests is black bear hunts that include good fishing, well here it is.

Spring hunts are the last week of May and the first 2 weeks of June. Fall hunts are the last 2 weeks of September into early October with the option of adding whitetail with archery or muzzleloader for the $4,900 combo or start your combo October 1 when you can rifle hunt the deer. Deer are hunted in the mornings from ladder stands or ground blinds until you score on your bear and then you hunt deer morning and evening. Combination hunts tend to be conducted in more farm country. Rifle, archery or muzzleloader hunters are welcome. Airport pickup is available for $300 per vehicle roundtrip or rent a car. Hunt BL577.

MANITOBA BEAR $2500

HCU HUNTERS 100% SUCCESS

4 OR 5 SIGHTINGS PER NIGHT

SPRING OR FALL HUNTS

Past HCU hunters have been 100 percent success over many years. The outfitter has 11 permits per year and can be distributed between spring and fall. Success has been basically the same, so it is just a preference as to when the hunter wants to come.

Spring of 2013 he had 4 archers take 3 bears, including 2 over 300 pounds and a 250. One hunter using a recurve missed a 350. In the fall his 2 hunters tagged out in 2 days with a 250 and 205 pound bear. This was their first bear hunt.

In 2012 he only had 4 hunters and they booked for the fall hunt. They took 2 bears over 300 pounds and 2 more in the 250 pound class. In 2011 he had 4 hunters take 3 bears and the unsuccessful hunter had gun problems. The spring of 2010 he had 2 hunters and the best bear they took weighed in just shy of 300 pounds. This hunter scored on the fifth evening and passed on 39 bears before taking this one. In the fall of 2010 he had 2 hunters and the best bear went 266 pounds and the hunter saw 37 in 4 evenings. Bears typically average in the 225 to 250 pound class, but it is not uncommon for them to take bears over 400 pounds. Normally about 50% of the hunters are archers.

6-day hunt is $2,500 and includes the 6% HST tax, but hunters pay for a $335 license. House accommodations in Hodgson, meals and airport pickup in Winnipeg is included. Spring hunts are mid-May into early June and fall is the first 2 weeks of September. Hunt BL44.

MANITOBA MONSTER BEARS

AVERAGE OVER 300 POUNDS

CLOSE TO 100% ONLY $2800

Spring of 2013 they elected to cancel the hunt due to the freak late winter that dumped a large amount of snow. They moved the hunters to the early September fall hunt that produced 9 bears for 11 hunters. 3 bears WEIGHED IN RIGHT AROUND 600 POUNDS including 2 that will make Boone and Crockett, 2 were in that 300 pound class and the rest were 225 up to 300 pounds. 2 hunters passed on small bears.

Spring of 2012 he had 6 hunters tag 5 bears, with the LARGEST GOING 525 POUNDS AND AVERAGING 300. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz was unsuccessful on this hunt, but passed on plenty of bears. In the fall he had 4 HUNTERS TAG 3 BOARS FROM 350 TO 500 POUNDS.

2011 spring his 5 hunters tagged 5 bruins, 4 were color phase, and the LARGEST WENT 530 POUNDS. He had 3 HUNTERS ON THE FALL HUNT AND THEY HAD 50 SIGHTINGS IN ONE EVENING AND SAW 439 BEARS OVER THE COURSE OF THE WEEK. All 3 scored and the best was just shy of 500 pounds.

This outfitter runs his operation up against one of the largest national parks in Manitoba. Hunting is prohibited in the park and by baiting he pulls lots of big bears into his area. On his spring hunts the average bear taken weighs in at 300 pounds and on the fall hunts an amazing 400 pounds. They have taken quite a few in the 600 pound class and the largest weighed an amazing 711 pounds. His tags can be used in the spring or fall and stands are setup for archery hunters.

Spring hunts are the last 2 weeks of May and the fall hunt is the first week of September. 6-day hunt is $2,800 with nice lodge accommodations, meals and GST. License is $320 plus $25 Canadian gun fee. Fly into Winnipeg and rent a car for the 2 hour drive. Hunt BL204.

MANITOBA BLACK BEAR HUNT

SPRING OR FALL PLUS

ALBERTA HUNTS

Last spring was tough due to the long lasting winter causing cold temperatures and bears coming out later than normal. First hunt only 2 bears were taken for 5 hunters. The next 2 hunts everyone scored. Overall on his lodge based hunts 11 hunters took 8 bears.

6-day lodge hunts are $2,800 plus 5% tax, $335 license and airport pickup in Winnipeg is included. Spring hunts are mid-May into June and fall dates are early September.

The outfitter also is offering a very unique early May bear hunt/beaver trapping combo for two adventurous hunters that would enjoy catching upwards of 100 beavers and hopefully taking a couple big bears. This would be an evening rifle hunt on baits set about 100 yards out to try and take some big old boars and check trap line during the day. Price is the same at $2,800.

HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been in these camps. Very limited openings, call for availability. Hunt BL372.

This same outfitter also offers Alberta hunts, where you can take 2 bears. Opportunity is typically 100 percent and past seasons have also produced a wolf or two. Land-based hunts are $3,500 plus car rental of about $300 and fly-in hunts are $4,200 plus tax and license. Hunt BLAB372.

SOUTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA

SPOT/STALK 2 BLACK BEAR $2500

SECOND BEAR ONLY $800

The outfitter had 12 spring bear hunters in 2013 and all took home bears and the few that wanted a second bear took 2.

In the spring of 2012 all 8 bear hunters scored and only one hunter wanted a second bear and he took home two. Top bears squared out in the 6 1/2-foot class. The area has plenty of bears with a high color phase of about 45 percent.

This small family run outfit runs a high success spot and stalk black bear hunt in southern British Columbia. Baiting is not allowed in British Columbia so the main method of hunting is driving logging roads and glassing clear-cuts or watching feeding areas. If a hunter would like to experience hunting with hounds that is typically available, but most prefer spot and stalk.

7-day hunt includes nice house accommodations, meals and guiding for $2,500. Another great feature of this hunt is you can hunt a second bear for only $800. Spring hunts run from May 1 to June 15. Hunters fly into Spokane, Washington and rent a car for the 2 and a half hour ride north just across the border, no expensive airline tickets or charter flights. Hunting license and bear tag is around $400 plus 6 percent tax. Next available opening is in spring 2015. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has hunted with this outfitter. Hunt BL140.

NEW BRUNSWICK SPRING BEAR

ONLY $1700

INCLUDES FISHING

Here is an inexpensive bear hunt that includes fishing along with a very high opportunity rate to take a bear. Over the course of last spring his 60 hunters had 162 bear sightings and 42 were harvested. Opportunity rate was around 95 percent. The largest bear taken weighed in at 360 pounds and 4 more topped the 300 mark.

2012 spring over the course of May and June his 45 hunters had 158 bear sightings, killed 37 and hit and lost 23. The largest bear taken last spring would go 400 pounds.

In 2011 his spring bear hunt was outstanding. They had 30 hunters score on 27 bears and only one hunter did not see a bear. Best bear taken weighed just over 300 pounds.

Spring of 2010 he had close to 50 bear hunters and they bagged 33 bears. 7 bears were wounded, 3 missed and 2 hunters did not see a bear. 107 bears were seen from stands and one bowhunter saw 13.

5-day hunt takes place in May and early June, no Sunday hunting. Permanent tree stands 12 to 14 feet high are setup for both gun and bow hunters. They also have numerous ground blinds that offer more comfort with longer shots.

Main lodge with 3 cabins is located on Palfrey Lake. Cabins can accommodate up to 6 hunters. Meals and guide service included.

Although they do not guide fishermen, they provide you with boats, motors and gas at no additional cost. You need to bring your own life jackets and fishing tackle. During the day you can try your luck with landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, white perch and pickerel, before heading out for your afternoon bear hunt. Bear license $148, fishing 3-day $25, 7-day $40. Fly to Portland International or Banger and rent a car. Hunt BLNB322.

BROWN AND

GRIZZLY BEAR

OUR NUMBER 1 BROWN BEAR BOAT HUNT

ABC ISLANDS IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA

This outfitter takes 5 hunters each spring over the course of 3 hunts and 2 hunters in the fall aboard his 48-foot yacht. His past 8 spring hunts have produced 40 bears for 40 hunters until the spring of 2013 when they only went 3 for 5. He was embarrassed and said it was just unbelievable to have 2 hunters go home empty, but they just didn’t see any bears they wanted to take. All 3 bears taken were trophy quality including a monster 9-foot 10-inch boar with a 27-inch skull, another 9-footer that was just shy of 26 inches and an 8-foot 10-inch boar with a 24-inch skull.

Fall hunt went 1 for 2 including an HCU archer who only got some hair. The rifle hunter took a 8-foot 8-inch boar with a 24 1/2-inch skull.

Spring hunts are typically April 30 to May 9, May 11 to 20, May 22 to 31 and black bear can be added on the last hunt for $3,500. Spring hunts are normally conducted by cruising the Chichagof Island shoreline until a bear is sighted and then approaching the shoreline by skiff ahead of the bear to intercept him. At times you and your guide may take a small skiff into the more remote bays glassing for feeding bears.

Fall hunt is September 15 to 24 and more time is spent cruising bays and checking salmon streams for feeding bears. It is not uncommon to look over 30 to 50 bears on this hunt.

This has been a very high success hunt priced at only $14,500 for 10 days. Accommodations are on his 48-foot yacht with 6 bunks and a shower. Hunters fly into Juneau and charter a float plane to the yacht for under $200 roundtrip. Non-hunters are priced at $2,500. Next openings are in 2015. Hunt BR957.

HUNT ALASKA’S PENINSULA

FOR MONSTER BROWNIES

5 OVER 10-FOOT IN 2012

STAY UNTIL YOU KILL

Last fall this outfit had 9 hunters tag 8 Peninsula brown bears. Best bear went just under 10-foot and most bears squared between 9 and 9 and a half feet. The unsuccessful hunter was 84 years old and ran out of medication, having to go home several days early.

Spring of 2012 this outfit took 10 brownies and 5 were over 10-foot, 10’7”, and 2 at 10’6”, 10’4” and a 10’1”. They also took a 9 1/2 footer that made Boone and Crockett. This outfit has done tremendous past years mainly due to having exclusive rights to prime native land with 3 major bays and rivers, including over 30 miles of coastline. Just look over the past years stats.

This Alaskan Peninsula hunt in Unit 9 takes place near Sand Point on the south slope of the peninsula, one of the top brown bear trophy areas. Fall of 2011 all 8 hunters took boars, including a 10’4” with a 28 1/2-skull and 4 more at 9 1/2 feet. Spring of 2010 when most outfits were experiencing very deep snows and extremely bad weather with high winds on the north slope, this outfitter was just fine due to their specific location on the southeast side of the Peninsula along the Pacific. They went 10 for 12, including 2 record book bears with one measuring over 29 inches and the other over 28. 3 bears squared out over 10-foot.

Fall of 2009 went 10 for 12 and 2 hunters had to leave early after only 7 days due to commitments. In the spring of 2008 his hunters went 10 for 10 and they took an amazing 6 bears over 10-foot. Normally they will take 3 or 4 over 10-foot on this hunt.

Spring hunts, May 10 to 31, are $21,000 and fall hunts, October 1 to 21, are priced the same. Rates are for the entire season, stay until you kill, and most hunters are successful in 7 to 9 days. A packer can be hired for $200 per day.

Hunts can be conducted out of base camp with the use of 4-wheelers or jet boats, but mainly this is a spike camp operation. Roundtrip flights from Anchorage to Sand Point run about $800 and the flight from Sand Point to base camp is included in the price. One opening remained at press time for spring of 2014 and several for fall of 2015. Hunt BR781.

CHICHAGOF ISLAND BOAT HUNT $13,500

2013 spring saw an extremely tough late winter and with snow still on the ground the bears were not out on the first hunt in late April. Neither of his 2 hunters scored. Weather warmed up and turned more normal for the second hunt and both hunters scored on a real nice 9-foot 2-inch boar and an 8-foot 10-incher. The third hunt saw continued success with all 3 hunters tagging out including a great 9-foot 4-inch boar taken by HCU consultant, Bob Wodzisz.

2012 spring produced 7 boars for 7 hunters over the course of three hunts. Bears squared from 8-foot to 9-foot 3 inches.

This outfitter takes a total of 7 hunters in the spring starting about April 24. Two hunters on the first hunt for 9 days, since it can be tougher if Alaska experiences a late spring as the bears will come out later. The second hunt is for 2 hunters, 7 days and this hunt has always produced good numbers of bears. The third hunt is 3 hunters for 9 days and finishes May 20.

Accommodations have been on his 58-foot Hatteras with 3 staterooms, 3 toilets and 2 showers, making this a very comfortable base camp.

Price for any of the 3 hunts is $13,500 and he may have an opening spring of 2014. Fly into Juneau and take a roundtrip charter flight to the boat for $200. Non-hunters are priced at $2,000 and we have had several hunters take their spouse along on this very relaxing enjoyable adventure. Hunt BR46.

ALASKA INTERIOR GRIZZLY

ONLY ONE HUNTER IN ELEVEN

YEARS DID NOT SCORE

This hunt continues to be one of the best grizzly hunts in North America. Fall of 2013 he had 5 hunters take 5 grizzlies, most in the 7 1/2 to 8 1/2-foot class. In 2012 all 7 grizzly hunters took home an interior grizzly.

This area east of Kotzebue is well known for numbers and quality of bears due to the draw system. Even though the odds of drawing a tag are near 90% most hunters decline to put in. This area is also tops for moose and hunters can apply for them as well.

Hunter success is due to the high numbers of bears with plentiful yielding blueberry mountain sides in his area. He also hunts moose in these same valleys and that also draws the bears. 7-day hunts running September 1 to 20 guided 1x1 are $11,000. Hunters fly into Anchorage then on to Kotzebue, where they charter to camp. This tag is based on a draw with a 90% chance and deadline is December 15 and results are in February. Bear numbers are so high the state allows you to take one every year, no waiting requirements. Moose can also be applied for at the same time for a combo hunt priced at $19,500. Hunt GR247.

ALASKA FALL GRIZZLY/CARIBOU

OR SPRING GRIZZLY

AVAILABLE IN 2015

Past years have been very high success on grizzly. Last fall HCU had a hunter take his grizzly and caribou on this hunt.

In 2012 he had a hunter wanting a sheep and grizzly combo, no caribou. The hunter ended up taking a nice 8-foot grizzly and looked over quite a few sheep, but no shooters.

In 2011 this outfitter/guide only took one hunter and he took a real nice grizzly and caribou bull.

10 days, 8 hunting, guided 1x1 is $13,800 for the combination grizzly/caribou hunt (grizzly only is $10,800) and this INCLUDES the $2,200 charter fee from Tok to the hunting area. The outfitter/guide will take you himself and his longtime partner also guides. He starts the last couple days of August and goes into September.

If you want to bring along a friend to hunt caribou only, the outfitter will take him for $5,500 and this also includes his $2,200 charter flight from Tok. Hunters fly into Fairbanks and then shuttle or fly to Tok where they are met. Next available fall opening is in 2015.

The outfitter will offer a spring grizzly hunt in the same general area, possibly depending on the caribou calving situation. This will also be 8 hunting days priced at $10,800 guided 1x1 or if 2 buddies want to come it would be $8,500 each guided 2x1. Dates would be late May and early June of 2015. Hunt GR/CU64.

MOUNTAIN LION

COLORADO MOUNTAIN LION $5500

PAST 8 YEARS PRODUCED

70 CATS FOR 76 HUNTERS

67 WERE TOMS AND SEVERAL B&C

Winter of 2012/2013 produced 11 cats for this outfitter’s 14 hunters. 2 females were taken and 2 hunters passed on females. The area around his home has a 12 cat quota and his hunters took 9 before the area was closed.

In the winter of 2011/2012 his 14 hunters tagged 12 toms, including 3, possibly 4 booners. The 2 unsuccessful hunters came in a group of 3 the day after Thanksgiving and only one hunter took home a cat. The remaining 11 hunters throughout the season all took toms, including a monster taken on dry ground that would weigh 190 pounds.

Winter of 2010/2011 was unbelievable when his 14 hunters took 14 toms and 5 made book.

5-day hunts from late November to early March are $5,500 guided 1x1. He hunts 6 different units in western Colorado. Hunters mostly stay at the outfitters home in Rangely or possibly a travel trailer and meals are included. Most hunters fly into Grand Junction, where you are met by the outfitter. He is equipped to take a couple buddies at the same time, making this a very high success hunt for a party of 2. He has plenty of dogs and employs a couple died-in-the-wool cat guides that assist when necessary. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this hunt. Hunt ML675.

COLORADO MOUNTAIN LION

5 CATS FOR 5 HUNTERS IN 2013

7 CATS FOR 8 HUNTERS IN 2012

COMEBACK FOR HALF-PRICE

IF NO LION IS TREED

Last winter this outfitter hosted 5 hunters, taking 4 toms and 1 female lion. 3 of the toms were super cats with skull sizes of 15 3/16, 15 and 14 3/4 and weighed from 160 to a whopping 180 pounds. At press time he still had one opening between Christmas and New Years.

Winter of 2011/2012 produced 7 lions for 8 hunters including 6 toms.

This is a very personal family operation that offers 5-day hunts for $5,000 with nice ranch house accommodations. If 2 hunters come together he will allow them to stay 10 days. The outfitter also offers a return trip for only half price if he fails to tree you a lion. License is about $350 and roundtrip airport pickup in Grand Junction is $150. HCU has had several hunters take their spouses on this hunt and the outfitter’s wife will take them on some real nice day trips to surrounding towns for sightseeing and shopping. Non-hunter pricing is $150 per day. Hunts start December 10 and run into late February. Hunt ML21.

BRITISH COLUMBIA HUNT $5000

32 CATS (31 TOMS) FOR 37 HUNTERS

OVER PAST 8 WINTERS

Last winter, 2012/2013, he had 4 hunters take 3 toms and the unsuccessful hunter was only able to hunt 4 days.

In the winter of 2011/2012 his 4 hunters scored on 3 toms and 2 of them measured out at 15 inches. This area is well known for big toms and the price is quite low at only $5,000 plus license and tax for a 7-day hunt compared to other outfits in this area that charge over $7,500. The scenery is fantastic, the toms typically are quite large and the outfitter is a hunting maniac that truly enjoys the chase. He takes a very limited number of hunters per year, typically 3 or 4, in his 3,500 square mile concession near the Washington border. Hunters are also allowed to take a bobcat on a $750 kill fee and if conditions are right sometimes a lynx.

Hunting methods are normally driving logging roads by pickup or snow machine looking for tracks. Nice lodge accommodations make this an excellent hunt for husband and wife or taking a spouse as a non-hunter.

Hunters fly into Spokane, Washington and rent a car for the short drive across the border. Next available opening is winter of 2014/2015. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz, scored on a big cougar and lynx on this hunt. Hunt ML140.

THE BEST LYNX HUNT

IN NORTH AMERICA

Over the past 8 years this outfitter has taken 45 lynx for 50 hunters, an unbelievable feat. He has a 3,500 square mile area located in prime lynx, cougar and bobcat habitat in southern British Columbia just north of the state of Washington.

His mountain lion hunts are also very successful, as well as being known to produce some big toms. In 2012/13 winter his 12 cougar hunters took home 11 cats. In 2011/12 all 6 hunters took home toms.

He starts November 15, mainly for lynx and gets going on the cougars about December 8. 7-day hunts are $6,500 for lynx, $8,500 for cougar or $10,000 for a combination lynx/cougar/bobcat or $5,000 for a female cougar plus 6% HST tax. Hunters stay in the guest cabin by the house and are picked up in Penticton, B.C. Hunt LX292.

NORTH AMERICAN

SHEEP

TOP YUKON SHEEP AREA

CLOSED PAST 11 YEARS

RE-OPENS IN 2014

$18,000 HORSEBACK HUNT

ALL INCLUSIVE

HCU’s Cliff Graham took a dall ram in this area before it closed over a decade ago. In his group of 4 hunters, all took rams including two 42-inchers. The area closed shortly after that due to a game law violation and just recently been resold and will open commercially in 2014. The new operator is NOT new to the hunting business, in fact, his father owned an area in the Yukon previously and he guided sheep hunters for him the past 6 years. The new outfitter took his Dad into the new area this past fall and horse backed to 4 of the 12 camps looking over the area on foot and seeing plenty of sheep and his father took a 40-inch ram.

Horseback hunts are priced at a very reasonable $17,000 for 9 hunting days INCLUDING roundtrip charter from Whitehorse, licenses and government royalties.

Hunters pay GST taxes and $150 Hunter Preservation Fund, totaling about $1,000. Sheep hunts will run from August 1 into September and he plans on taking 3 hunters per hunt guided 1x1. Moose or grizzly can be added on a $6,000 trophy fee each or straight moose hunts will be mid to late September and are priced the same at $17,000. At press time there were 2 sheep openings August 31 to September 10 and 3 moose for September 20 to 30 for 2014. Expect 2015 prices to increase by $1,000. Hunt DS135.

N.W.T. DALL SHEEP MECCA

HORSEBACK AND BACKPACK HUNTS

NEXT OPENING 2015

2013 fall was hampered by extremely tough weather conditions resulting in only 18 of his 22 sheep hunters taking home rams. 3 hunters were totally weathered out and the other unsuccessful hunter is a longtime repeat hunter that looked over 25 rams, but only wanted a 40-inch or nothing, he has already rebooked. They hosted 3 archery hunters and all took rams. Best ram in 2013 was taken by HCU hunter, Tony Muller, going 39 1/2 inches. Quite a few of the hunters added mountain caribou on a trophy fee, with 5 scoring well over 400 inches, including 3 with the bow.

In 2012 this outfit took 21 rams for 21 hunters, including an 82-year old hunter and 2 archers, one using a long bow. The average ram was over 11 years in age and measured in the 37-inch class.

In 2011 they had 17 sheep rifle hunters take 16 full curl rams. They also hosted 3 bowhunters and they took 2 rams and the unsuccessful hunter cut some hair and later broke his bow.

This is a small family operation that has exclusive guiding rights to over 7,000 square miles. The outfitter rotates his sheep camps to prevent over hunting pressure and this provides more mature full curl rams. There has never been any resident pressure of any kind in this area. He also has an elaborate base camp including a hydroelectric plant that produces power for all the comforts of home along with email. Most hunters tag out early and upon return to base camp enjoy some fantastic lake trout and grayling fishing just outside the cabin door.

Hunts start July 15 and run to early September. 10-day backpack hunts guided 1x1 are $21,000 and 12-day horseback hunts are $22,500 plus licenses, preservation fund of $150 and 2 1/2 percent taxes. Mountain caribou can be taken for a $4,500 trophy fee and last fall success was again 100 percent; with over a dozen bulls being taken including 5 gross scoring over 400 inches.

He also offers a 12-day backpack combination hunt with a base price of $11,000 and trophy fees of $11,000 for sheep, $10,000 for moose and $4,500 for caribou on August 28 to September 8. 2014 is booked full, next available spots are for 2015.

Hunters charter from Norman Wells for approximately $1,200 roundtrip. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have hunted out of this camp. Hunt DS250.

NORTHWEST TERRITORY

BACKPACK DALL SHEEP HUNT

MAY VERY WELL BE THE BEST

Success continued at 100 percent for 2013 including a couple 40-inch rams being taken.

In 2012 this outfitter had 27 hunters take 26 rams, including 4 over 40 inches.

In 2011 he had 22 rifle hunters and all scored on full curl rams and 2 of the 3 archers also scored. 5 rams were taken that measured over the magical 40 inches.

In 2010 all 25 hunters took rams, including 3 archers. 2 rams were taken over 40 inches and also a 38-inch ram with 15 1/4-inch bases.

Over the past 15 years this outfitter has a success rate of over 95 percent and that includes quite a few bowhunters. Rams have been averaging over 37 inches and just shy of 11 years old. This outfitter has an exclusive area encompassing 9,000 square miles and he is the only outfitter allowed here. This is one of the best dall sheep hunts in North America.

12-day backpack hunts are priced at $19,900 and some guides use pack dogs. Sheep hunts start July 15 and continue into early September. World-class mountain caribou can be added for a $5,000 kill fee plus license. Roundtrip charter from Norman Wells is approximately $1,200. 2014 is booked full and next available opening is in 2015. Hunt DS119.

ALASKA DALL SHEEP

PRIVATE CONCESSION

HORSEBACK OR BACKPACK

This outfitter has one of the few private concessions in eastern Alaska bordering the Yukon. In fact, he trails his horses 3 days across the Yukon to reach his area, but in 2013 heavy rains swelled the rivers to an impassible level so all hunts were backpack. He normally offers horseback hunts in part of his area and backpack in another, but all hunters should be prepared to backpack.

2013 proved to be a tougher year than normal with extreme weather conditions. 5 of his 7 hunters took home rams averaging 35 to 36 inches with the best going 38 1/2. Of the 2 unsuccessful hunters one hurt his ankle and lost 3 days and the other hunter saw rams, but never had an opportunity.

In 2012, 3 of the 4 horseback hunters tagged rams and all 3 backpack guys scored. 2011 was 6 for 6. 2010 they had 7 hunters take 6 rams and the unsuccessful hunter missed 2 and in 2009 all 6 hunters took home rams. Rams in his area have averaged a respectable 35 to 37 inches with 13 to 13 1/2-inch bases.

They operate out of 2 base camps. The horseback hunts are based out of weatherport wall tents that are 14’ by 16’ with 5’ side walls. The outfitter’s wife does the cooking and this area is not very accessible by plane, making the horses a valuable commodity. The backpack hunts are also based out of a 14’ by 16’ wall tent, but they spike camp from there utilizing pup tents. Both areas are accessed by a charter flight from Fairbanks priced at about $950 per hunter.

9-day sheep hunt guided 1x1 is priced at $16,500 and are conducted August 10 to 19 and 19 to 29. 1 opening was available at press time for 2014 and 2 backpack spots for 2015. Grizzly can be added for a $4,500 trophy fee. Hunt DS540.

ALASKA DALL’S ONLY $15,000

This is a tough backpack hunt suitable for young energetic hunters or middle aged marathon type guys. The price is very reasonable and the area produces nice rams. In 2013 his 6 hunters shot 5 rams, averaging 36 inches. The unsuccessful hunter was on a stalk of 35 rams when a plane buzzed them ruining their only opportunity. In 2012 he took 6 hunters and 2 of them quit early due to being out of shape. The remaining 4 all scored on full curl rams, including 2 just under 40 inches.

In 2011 his 7 hunters took 6 rams with the best going 38 1/2 inches and the average ram taken was 37. The unsuccessful hunter had several stalks, but did not score. In the past 12 years he has had 78 hunters tag 67 rams.

This can be a physical 9-day backpack hunt guided 1x1 conducted just outside Denali Park. Hunter and guide are flown into remote sheep country by supercub and dropped off. Opportunity has run near 100% for the past 17 years. The pilot/outfitter is very experienced and knows his area well. He runs two hunts from August 10 to 30 and we

would recommend the first hunt. 12 days with grizzly added is $18,250. Charter flight from Anchorage to McGrath to camp is about $1,400 and may be split amongst hunters. Hunt DS776.

NUMBER 1 STONE SHEEP HUNT

IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

This outfitter is typically 100 percent success, but last fall he ended up taking 6 rams for 7 hunters, the unsuccessful hunter only hunted 8 days. Biggest ram went 42 inches and the overall average was 38. This hunt is tops for success and big dark rams in the heart of northern British Columbia’s stone sheep area.

In 2012 they took 9 rams for 11 hunters. One hunter had to go home early and the other archer was within 4 different rams under 25 yards, missed one and went home empty. 2 rams were taken that went 40 inches, scoring in the mid-160’s. In 2011 his 8 hunters took 8 rams averaging in the mid-160’s, with the best one going 42 inches and gross scoring 170 Boone and Crockett. In 2010 his 11 hunters tagged 11 rams, including a Boone and Crockett ram and 2 over 40 inches, along with one bow kill. Rams are exceptionally dark in his area and average over 10 years in age with 38-inch horns and exceptional mass. In the last 8 years he has hosted 82 stone sheep hunters and they harvested 77 rams.

This longtime outfitter has exclusive guiding rights to over 5,000 square miles in one of the best stone sheep areas of northern B.C. Additional animals can be taken on a $3,500 trophy fee and kids can hunt just for the price of trophy fees on moose, mountain caribou or goat as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult.

14-day horseback hunt is $42,000. Additional costs are license, tags and HST tax. Hunters are picked up at Ft. Nelson. Roundtrip charter flight from base camp to hunting areas is $1,000. Hunt SS728.

B.C. STONE SHEEP HORSEBACK HUNT

8 FOR 8 AGAIN 3 YEARS IN A ROW

2013 stone sheep season ended up with 8 hunters taking 6 rams, but it should have been 8 for 8. One archery hunter had multiple stalks on 6 to 9 legal rams and did miss one. One rifle hunter passed on 4 legal rams early in the hunt and came away empty. Best ram taken went 40 inches scoring 166 inches. Several other rams scored in the 160’s, including 12 and 11 year old rams.

This stone sheep hunt just seems to get better every year. In 2012 all 8 hunters scored on rams for the third year in a row, including 2 archers. The best ram taken made THE BOOK scoring 174 inches. They also took a 41 1/2-inch ram and a 38-inch 11-year old ram that scored 166 Boone and Crockett.

This hunt takes place in a high density sheep area in northeastern British Columbia. In 2011 all 8 sheep tags were filled, including the new #3 Pope and Young ram scoring 173 4/8 inches. Another hunter took a 168-inch ram with 15-inch bases.

The hunt is 15 days with horses and the price is $40,000 and this INCLUDES tax and government royalty fees. In 2010, of the 8 rams taken 2 came in at an incredible 43 inches, along with a 39 1/2 and a 38 1/2.

He offers 2 hunts in the month of August and additional animals can be taken on the second hunt for a $3,500 trophy fee. A sheep hunt consists of spike camps, guide, wrangler and 6 horses. Rams are typically quite dark in his area.

Hunters pay for their charter flight from Ft. Nelson priced at $1,500, license and tags. 2 openings for 2015. Hunt SS483.

NORTHCENTRAL B.C. STONE SHEEP

In 2013 they took 9 rams for 11 hunters, best ram went 39 1/2 inches. 2 hunters in September did not kill, one guy was on his 40th sheep hunt and saw 2 huge rams, but could not get on them and passed on lesser rams.

In 2012 his 10 stone sheep hunters scored on 8 rams, including a 42, 41 and 39-incher. One of the unsuccessful hunters saw 11 rams and missed 3, while the other saw 16 rams and made 4 stalks, but no shots were fired.

In 2011 the outfit ended up 7 for 9. One unsuccessful hunter had to leave 4 days into the hunt due to health issues and the other missed a ram and saw 7 more legal sheep during his hunt.

This 14-day horseback hunt in the Cassiar Mountains is known for dark rams. The first sheep hunt August 1 to 14 is $30,000 with a $7,500 harvest fee. Later hunts running from August 15 to October 15 are priced at $40,000 and you can take a sheep, moose, mountain goat, caribou, black bear and wolf. This is a sheep hunt that allows you to take more species at no charge.

Hunters arrive in Whitehorse and overnight. Drive to Watson Lake and then charter to and from camp for $1,600 plus licenses, 2.5% GST tax and $220 hunter preservation fund. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have taken rams with this outfitter. Hunt SS491.

HUNT BRITISH COLUMBIA

CALIFORNIA BIGHORNS

4 HUNTERS 3 RAMS 2013

4 HUNTERS 4 RAMS 2012

Last fall 3 of the 4 hunters took home rams. One hunter missed 2 before scoring and the unsuccessful hunter missed one and didn’t get another opportunity. Rams varied in size from 150 to 160 inches and the best ram was 9 years old.

In 2012 all 4 hunters took rams within 8 days of hunting.

3 of the 4 rams were between 8 and 10 years in age. This outfitter has always run a very high success hunt on good rams.

In 2011 his 4 hunters took 3 rams, including a 169-inch with 36-inch horns and 15-inch bases. They also took a 10-year old ram that scored 160 Boone and Crockett and a 155-inch. The unsuccessful hunter never got a shot. This was the first hunter in all the years that wasn’t able to get a shot at a ram.

In 2010 all 8 hunters took home rams and the best one came in at 170 inches with 15 3/4-inch bases. The oldest ram of the 8 taken was 11 years in age. Over the last 8 years he has a total of 39 hunters take 32 rams. All hunters either missed or passed on legal rams except for one older fellow. Rams normally score from 150 to 170, with some full curl rams in the 10 to 12 year old class. 7-day hunt during the month of October is priced at $45,000. Shiras moose are also available in his area. Hunters are picked up in Penticton. Next opening is in 2015. Hunt BS292.

DESERT SHEEP HUNTS 100%

FOR AS LOW AS $40,000

Success has been 100% every year with this well respected outfitter. Hunters can expect a quality, safe and legal hunt out of Hermosillio.

The most popular hunts in Mexico have become large tracts of natural habitat under high fence. This longtime family operation has several high fenced ranches, normally 5,000 acres that produce great rams. Last year they hosted 9 hunters on this hunt and took 9 big rams, including a 187-inch, 2 more in the 180’s, down to the smallest still

scoring an impressive 177. 5-day hunt is modestly priced at $40,000. Most of these hunts are conducted in December and January.

This outfitter that has been in the business many years have cut way back on the number of free-range sheep hunters. For years they would do over 20 sheep hunters per year between the mainland near Sonora on Seri Indian properties and the Baja and at times have tags for Tiburon Island. Due to the over hunting pressure the past few years they have cut way back on the number of free-range hunters they take, but continue to maintain a quality private-land high fence operation.

Last year they only took 2 sheep hunters to the Baja and both were successful on rams in the 160-inch class. This year they have 4 Baja tags available.

Baja rams typically weigh about 180 pounds with longer horns than mainland rams in the 35” to 37” range and 13 to 15 1/2-inch bases. The head guide speaks fluent English. They are very good at judging and also make the call as to when and which ram to shoot.

Accommodations on the Baja can be mini camps with spike tents up to ranch houses. 10-day hunts guided 1x1 are $60,000 plus $1,300 for permits, tags and paperwork. Hunts are mostly conducted from December 1 to March 30. Hunt DS212.

WEST TEXAS AOUDAD HUNTS

This outfitter has been in the aoudad hunting business over a couple decades. He recently picked up a 30,000-acre ranch located southwest of Marfa in the Chinati Mountains. He will hunt this ranch for the first time in 2014 and plans on taking a total of 8 rams off the place. Hunts will start in January and price will be $4,500 for 4 hunting days guided 2x1 and will include lodging and meals, along with a javelina if the opportunity arises.

Long range shooting is a likely possibility on this ranch and he expects to take rams at 28 inches or better. Spot and stalk will be the method of hunting and they will use pickup trucks and possibly a 4-wheel drive mule to assist. Hunters will fly into El Paso or Midland and rent a car for the 2 1/2 hour drive to the ranch. Hunt AU11.

MOUNTAIN

GOATS

OUR BEST PRICED GOAT HUNT

NORTHCENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA

8 DAYS 1X1 HORSEBACK $9900

OR 2X1 ONLY $7000 EACH

2013 goat hunts continued to be 100 percent success. Two brothers scored on a 10 1/2-inch billy and a 9 3/4 their first day out. Several 10 inchers were taken throughout the season. The majority of hunters choose a 8 or 10-day 1x1 hunt, but 2x1 hunts are available for a couple buddies at a significantly reduced price.

In 2012 all 25 goat hunters scored and this would include 4 or 5 in the 10-inch or better category. In 2011 his 17 moose/goat combo hunters took 15 billies and 15 bulls. This is typically a horseback hunt, but sometimes depending on the area it can be backpack. In 2010 all 15 goat hunters were successful, including 4 billies going over 10 inches. All the moose hunters were successful as well, including 4 record book bulls being taken. As you can see this is a high success hunt in an area that holds plenty of mature billies.

This 4,500 square mile area located only 60 miles from the Yukon border in the Cassiar Mountains has high goat numbers and most hunters are tagged out in 3 days. Moose numbers are also quite high in his area and being near the Yukon border the bulls have fantastic genetics.

This premier outfitter offers some bargain priced hunts, especially for a couple hunting pals that are willing to go guided 2x1. 8 hunting days 2x1 is only $7,000, 1x1 is $9,900 and add a second species for only $3,500. 10 hunting days 2x1 is $9,000 or 1x1 is $12,900 and a second species can be added on a $4,000 trophy fee.

The Cassiar Mountains in his area run up to 6,500’ and timberline is at 4,500’. The valley floor is about 3,000 to 3,500 feet above sea level and they normally hunt between 4,000 and 5,000 feet for goats. Hunters arrive and overnight in Whitehorse. Rent a car to Watson Lake and roundtrip charter to camp for $1,600 plus licenses, 2.5% GST tax and $220 hunter preservation fund. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have hunted this area. Hunt MG491.

BRITISH COLUMBIA GOATS

2007 TO 2013

62 HUNTERS TAG 61 BILLIES

Last fall all 10 goat hunters took home billies and a combo hunter also scored. Best goat went 47 inches with 5-inch plus bases.

This outfitter only had 4 goat hunters in 2012 and all scored, except for a bowhunter that made one climb and decided goat hunting wasn’t for him. He did end up taking a moose and elk in the low country.

In 2011 all 15 goat hunters took home billies and in 2010 all 8 hunters took billies. This outfitter located in northeastern B.C. has a near perfect record over his last 5 years, including several bowhunters. They have exclusive guiding and outfitting rights to over 4 million acres.

10-day 1 on 1 hunt is $12,500 and you can add additional animals on a $3,500 trophy fee basis. If you and a buddy want to share a guide the price drops to $11,250. The outfitter INCLUDES the tax and government royalty fees.

Success typically runs near 100% on goat, moose and elk.

He offers your choice of horseback hunt, river hunt or backpack hunts. Spike camps are the norm and dates are August 25 to October 15.

Hunters pay for licenses, tags and charter from Fort Nelson to base camp for about $1,500. THIS OUTFITTER ALSO OFFERS YOUTH PRICES FOR 18 AND UNDER WITH AN ADULT ON A 2X1 BASIS FOR ONLY A $3,500 TROPHY FEE. Hunt MG483.

KODIAK ISLAND GOAT ONLY $7000

Here is a very inexpensive hunt that produces some large bodied long-haired goats. The reason the hunt is so inexpensive, you have to draw the tag and it is a no frills hunt. Odds aren’t bad at about a 30% success rate and there is no preference points involved and a couple buddies can put in together.

Last fall he only had one goat hunters and he took a nice billy on day three.

This outfitter had been 100% success on billies for several years until 2010, when the hunts were hampered by some severe weather. His 3 hunters took only 1 billy and one hunter passed on a 300 yard plus shot on a 10 incher. Both unsuccessful hunters rebooked the hunt.

Most hunters don’t want to bothered with a draw, so he typically only gets one or two hunters per year and in 2009 the largest billy taken went over 10 inches and into the Boone and Crockett record book. In 2008 his only hunter took an old long-haired billy of 9 1/2 inches. In 2007 all 4 hunters tagged nice billies and the same goes for 2006 and 2005, with most goats taken in the 9 to 9 1/2-inch range. These backpack hunts tend to be less physical than most. The highest climb is about 3,000 feet or four hours for an

average hunter, but normally the goats are lower at 1,500 to 2,500 feet elevation making them more accessible. This is still a physical mountain goat hunt.

A 7-day October hunt guided 1x1 is $7,000 and you can also add a sitka blacktail buck for only $2,000. His hunters have taken several Boone and Crockett bucks. Goat tags are on a draw with a December 6 deadline. Hunters can apply as a party. Hunt MG783

NUMBER 1 TROPHY GOAT HUNT

EXPENSIVE BUT BIG BILLIES

2013 had produced 15 goats for 18 hunters, including 12 bowhunters. Only one hunter that stayed and hunted did not score. 2 hunters left early. One rifle hunter took the best billy that scored just shy of 53 inches and most goats came in between 45 and 48 inches.

In 2012 all 10 rifle hunters took a billy, INCLUDING 3 OVER 52 INCHES. 6 archers had scored on 4 billies and the 2 unsuccessful hunters later took billies with a rifle.

This outfitters 4,000 square mile area in the Coastal Mountain range has produced more of the “Top Fifty” record book goats than any other area and also has the highest goat density area in North America. They specialize in bowhunts and their clients have taken many book billies with archery gear.

The fall hunt is from August 15 to October 15. 10 days 1x1 is $10,400 plus a $2,000 trophy fee. Black bear can be added on a $2,000 kill fee and they take some monster coastal bears. Hunters are flown to one of 30 remote lakes for this backpack hunt.

The late season winter hunt runs from October 15 to November 30. Hunters stay at the outfitters home and take day trips driving logging roads in the area. The billies are rutting and are found in lower elevations. This hunt can be done by older hunters and is less physical. 10-day 1x1 is $13,900 plus $2,000 trophy fee.

Prices do include charter flights, but not license, tags or tax. Hunters are met in Terrace. Hunt MG473.

MOOSE

YUKON MOOSE AREA

CLOSED PAST 11 YEARS

RE-OPENS IN 2014

$18,000 HORSEBACK HUNT

ALL INCLUSIVE

HCU’s Cliff Graham took a dall ram in this area before it closed over a decade ago. HCU had several hunters take some monster moose in this area, including a big non-typical bull with a double set of antlers on one side. The area closed shortly after that due to a game law violation and just recently been resold and will open commercially in 2014. The new operator is NOT new to the hunting business, in fact, his father owned an area in the Yukon previously and he guided sheep hunters for him the past 6 years. The new outfitter took his Dad into the new area this past fall and horse backed to 4 of the 12 camps looking over the area on foot and seeing an abundance of game.

Horseback hunts are priced at a very reasonable $17,000 for 9 hunting days INCLUDING roundtrip charter from Whitehorse, licenses and government royalties. Hunters pay GST taxes and $150 Hunter Preservation Fund, totaling about $1,000. Sheep hunts will run from August 1 into September and he plans on taking 3 hunters per hunt guided 1x1. Moose or grizzly can be added for a $6,000 trophy fee or straight moose hunts will be mid to late September and are priced the same at $17,000. At press time there were 3 moose openings for September 20 to 30 for 2014. Expect 2015 prices to increase by $1,000. Hunt MS135.

NEWFOUNDLAND OUTFITTER OFFERS

MOOSE/CARIBOU HUNTS IN 3 AREAS

FAR NORTHERN PART OF ISLAND

WITH EXCEPTIONAL LODGING

This outfitter runs hunts in areas 1, 40 and 45 on the northern end of the island. Area 1 is priced higher as it is normally more of a trophy area, where as area 40 is more typical Newfoundland hunting. The areas border each other allowing the use of the same main lodge. Sauna, hot tub, bathroom for each bedroom, no need to bring sleeping bags, breakfast and supper at the lodge, cook, butcher on site with 2 walk in freezers. Moose are taken back to the lodge, skinned and then taken to the processor. Hunters can expect to pay $300 for moose or $200 for caribou processing. It is then taken back to the lodge, boxed and put in the freezer ready to go with the hunter. They also offer moose hunts in area 45 bordering area 40. It is a typical Newfoundland moose camp with cabins, bunks, woodstove, generator, toilet, shower and hunters eat in the main cabin with the guides.

All hunts are guided 1x1 and priced at 6 days for moose or 10 days for combination moose/caribou hunt. Licenses are INCLUDED in the price, but not the 6.5% HST tax. Black bear can be added to any hunt for the price of the $120 license plus $900. Caribou only hunts have been 100% success priced at $7,500 for 6 days and INCLUDES license. All hunting areas are accessed by argo or walking, no helicopters or planes. Cripple policy is in effect, if you wound an animal your hunt is done.

Area 40 or area 45 moose hunts are $5,200 and INCLUDES moose license. Last fall in 2013 area 40 had 25 hunters take 23 bulls averaging 38 inches and the top 2 bulls went 50 inches. In area 45 all the hunters scored on bulls and the top couple bulls had 46-inch spreads. In 2012 in area 40 they took 38 bulls for 40 hunters, including 18 bowhunters, and the best went 48 inches, with an average of about 40 inches. In 2011 46 hunters took 42 bulls. Moose/caribou combo is $13,500 and includes licenses.

Area 1 moose hunts are $6,900 and includes moose license. In 2013 they had 30 hunters take 28 bulls averaging 46 inches and the best bull came in at 52 inches. In 2012 there were 26 bulls taken for 28 hunters and this includes about half being archers. Top bulls went 50 inches and the overall average was about 40. In 2011 they went 37 for 37, with an average of 45 inches and the best bull was 54. Moose/caribou combo is $13,500 and includes licenses.

Archery hunts are offered in all 3 areas the first 2 weeks of September and overall success is very high, almost comparable to rifle hunts. Rifle hunts run from mid-September to November and the rut is typically the last week of September and the first 2 weeks of October.

Caribou hunts were 100 percent with 11 hunters, 8 archers, taking 11 bulls including one Boone and Crockett record book bull and several Pope and Young bulls. In 2012 numbers were the same including a traditional archer taking the new number 5 Pope and Young record scoring 305.

Hunters pay 6.5% HST tax on hunt cost and pick up is included at Deer Lake Airport at no charge if hunting Sunday to Sunday. If it is any other day they pay $300 to travel by taxi. Hunt MS709.

NORTHWEST TERRITORY

MOOSE AND MOUNTAIN CARIBOU

100 PERCENT PAST YEARS

THE REAL DEAL

Last fall all 5 hunters scored on moose and caribou, best moose taken had a 68 1/2-inch spread and overall they averaged over 60 inches. Moose typically average in the 200 to 210-inch class and sometimes top in the 230’s and mountain caribou in the 370 to 380-inch category, with the best ones grossing well over 400 inches.

In 2012 all 5 moose hunters took home bulls and caribou. 2011 success rate was also 100% on both species. This family run outfit is very personal and continues to run high success quality hunts within their 7,000 square mile concession.

Hunter and guide flies into a remote tent camp where they hike and glass. 9-day backpack hunts from September 10 to 19 guided 1x1 during the rut are $20,000 plus $150 preservation fund, licenses and 2 1/2 percent tax and caribou can be added for a trophy fee of $4,500. Once you score the hunter is typically flown back to base camp where you can enjoy a hot shower with cabin accommodations and some fishing for lake trout and grayling. They close their season on September 19 for all hunts due to early winters, so the moose hunts are prime rut. Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have taken moose and caribou with this outfit. Charter flight from Norman Wells is about $1,200. Hunt MS250.

NUMBER 1 TROPHY MOOSE HUNT

PRODUCES RECORD BOOK BULLS

100% SUCCESS RATE PAST 9 YEARS

This Northwest Territory moose hunt is simply amazing for both success and trophy quality. 2013 proved to be another year with everyone scoring on big bulls, including a couple monsters. The outfitter has 3 consecutive rut rifle hunts that are top end.

In 2012 this outfitter took 17 rifle moose hunters all during the rut and all 17 took massive bulls, with the best one going 68 inches. In 2011 his 14 hunters took 14 bulls with the best going 69 inches taken by HCU hunter, John Lee. In 2010 all 11 hunters took trophy bulls, including a 71-inch bull and 3 more over 65 inches. Attention bowhunters, 2 bulls were taken with archery gear including the pending new World Record Pope and Young bull going 68 inches and grossing 253. In 2009 a 68-inch bull was taken that would go 250 Boone and Crockett points putting it in the top 20 bulls ever recorded. Over the past 9 years 118 hunters have taken 118 bulls, with 100 percent success on mountain caribou, including plenty of record book animals. This is without a doubt one of the best moose hunts in North America.

The outfitter utilizes both a helicopter and his bush plane to get into more remote areas in his 9,000 square mile concession. This area also serves as wintering grounds for big old moose and caribou.

8-day moose hunts guided 1x1 are $18,000 plus $2,500 to transport the meat, plus license, tags and tax. Mountain caribou can be added on a $5,000 trophy fee plus license. He offers 3 consecutive hunts during the month of September. Roundtrip charter from Norman Wells to camp is about $1,200 and this hunt normally needs booked at least 1 year in advance. Next available opening is in 2015. Hunt MS119.

BEST ALASKA MOOSE HUNT?

TROPHY DRAW AREA PRODUCES

NEAR 100 PERCENT SUCCESS

BULLS AVERAGING OVER 60 INCHES

10 DAYS FOR ONLY $15,000

Last fall all 8 hunters should have scored, but one hunter passed on 8 bulls the first day including a 65-inch bull another hunter later took and the other unsuccessful hunter also passed on a 64-inch bull. The other 6 hunters took bulls including a 67, 65, 64, 2 more over 60 and a 57-inch bull, despite terrible weather including plenty of early snowfall.

Fall of 2012 produced 3 bulls for 3 hunters with spreads of 69, 67 and 62 inches. The outfitter had a tag and a 4 hour window between hunters and he tagged out on a 65-incher. Up until 2012 he only had one hunter in the past several years not go home with a big bull and he was an older hunter that just was not able to physically do the hunt.

In 2011 his hunters took 6 bulls up into the mid-60’s. In 2010 he had 4 hunters and the smallest bull went 62 inches and everyone was tagged out by day 3. Best bull taken in 2009 was just shy of 69 inches and in 2008 it was 68 inches.

This had always been one of the top moose areas in northwestern Alaska, but when the state made it a draw area it just got better. He hunts 3 areas that have drawing odds ranging from 20, 38 or over 60 percent and although the odds are high it chases some hunters away. HCU has only ever had one hunter not draw this tag. Grizzly in this area are also on a draw of 90%.

The season is from September 1 to 20, but early has been better for calling and they are normally tagged out by September 8. 10-day hunts guided 1x1 are $15,000, moose/caribou combos are $17,000 and moose/grizzly is $19,500 and had also been 100% success.

Hunters fly from Anchorage to Kotzebue, where they charter to camp. Draw application deadline is December 15 and results are out in February, so if you are unsuccessful you have time to apply or purchase another hunt elsewhere. Hunt MS247.

HIGH SUCCESS INEXPENSIVE

$4600 NEWFOUNDLAND MOOSE HUNT

This outfitter has several camps located in different parts of the island allowing them to take quite a few hunters. In 2013 they hosted 76 hunters taking 70 bulls and a couple meat cows. The best bulls came in with 45 to 52-inch spreads and overall they averaged close to 40 inches.

6-day hunt guided 1x1 from mid-September to late October is $4,600 plus $400 for license and 6.5% HST tax. Most camps have cabin accommodations with electricity, shower, and wood heat. Many camps require a helicopter flight or float plane to reach and this is included in the price. Hunters may be required to spike camp. Black bear can be taken on a $500 kill fee plus $120 license.

6-day TROPHY moose hunts are priced at $5,700 and INCLUDE the $400 moose license and they typically put you into a little better area. They also offer a 10-day TROPHY moose hunt at $6,700 and this INCLUDES moose and bear licenses, bear can be taken on a $500 trophy fee.

Hunters may have to pay for a taxi from Deer Lake airport. HCU agent, Bob Wodzisz and his wife Shoshanna, hunted with this outfit again in 2013. Hunt MS94.

ALASKA PRIVATE CONCESSION

BORDERING THE YUKON

MOOSE AVERAGING 60 INCHES

This outfitter has a 50 square mile private concession that borders the Yukon and is almost inaccessible by plane keeping resident hunters out. He normally trails in a dozen head of horses to operate his hunts, but in 2013 heavy rains swelled the rivers to an

impassible level so they had to backpack. His 6 moose hunters scored on 5 bulls including a 67-inch bull and HCU hunter, Alan Henderson, took a 62 incher. The other 3 bulls were in the mid to upper 50’s. The unsuccessful hunter couldn’t physically do the hunt.

In 2012 the outfitter hosted 7 moose hunters and 6 took bulls, one archery hunter did not score. Best bull went 63 inches and 2 more went 60. In 2011 all 6 hunters scored on bulls, including a 65-inch book bull and 2 more at 60 or better.

Base camp can be anything from a cabin to a 14’ by 16’ wall tent or a 10’ by 10’ bomb shelter, depending on the area to be hunted.

8-day horseback or backpack moose hunt guided 1x1 is priced at $17,500 and runs from September 1 to 9, 9 to 18 and 18 to 27. He also offers a less physical lake hunt where they stay in bomb shelters and canoe the bays. He normally takes one hunter per year here and success has been very high. Hunters take a charter flight from Fairbanks to Tok for approximately $950 and the outfitter pays to have you flown from there to base camp. Grizzly can be added on a $4,500 trophy fee. 2014 is booked full and only one opening remains for 2015. Hunt MS540.

BARGAIN PRICED AT $9000

BRITISH COLUMBIA MOOSE HUNT

10 DAYS 2X1 HORSEBACK

2013 proved to be 100 percent success on hunters choosing moose as their number one species, including 2 Boone and Crockett record book bulls.

In 2012 there were 25 hunters wanting a bull and 21 tagged out, including an 11-year old boy that took the best bull scoring 205 Boone and Crockett. In 2011 the outfitter had 17 hunters take 15 bulls. In 2010 all 15 hunters took home bulls and they typically average 53 to 55 inches. Mountain goat success normally runs 85 percent or better and makes a great combination hunt.

This 4,500 square mile area located only 60 miles from the Yukon border in the Cassiar Mountains has high goat numbers and most hunters are tagged out in 3 days. Moose numbers are also quite high in his area and being near the Yukon border the bulls have fantastic genetics.

The outfitter has decided to offer some bargain priced hunts, especially for a couple hunting pals that are willing to go guided 2x1. 10 hunting days 2x1 is $9,000 or 1x1 is $12,900 and a second animal can be taken on a $4,000 trophy fee.

The Cassiar Mountains in his area run up to 6,500’ and timberline is at 4,500’. The valley floor is about 3,000 to 3,500 feet above sea level and they normally hunt between 4,000 and 5,000 feet for goats. Hunters arrive and overnight in Whitehorse. Rent a car to Watson Lake and roundtrip charter to camp for $1,600 plus licenses, 5% GST tax and $220 hunter preservation fund. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have hunted this area. Hunt MS491.

BRITISH COLUMBIA MIXED BAG

TYPICALLY 100% SUCCESS

2013 continued the success rate of 100 percent on moose, in fact, all but one multi-specie hunter went home with at least 2 animals last fall. Trophy quality can be top end and his yearly numbers prove it.

In 2012 this outfitter hosted 20 hunters with moose tags and 19 bulls were taken including a MONSTER 232 WITH A 65-INCH SPREAD, A 215-INCH BULL AND 2 MORE OVER 200 INCHES, that is incredible for Canadian moose. Everyone wanting a mountain goat scored and they also took 6 mountain caribou.

This longtime outfitter has exclusive guiding rights to over 5,000 square miles in one of the game richest areas of northern B.C. Success typically runs 100% on your animal of choice and at least 50% for a second animal and some hunters take all 3. Trophy quality is unsurpassed with moose averaging 55 inches, goats at 9 inches and mountain caribou in the 355 to 360 range.

10-day hunts are priced at $13,500 and this includes one animal, additional animals can be taken on a $3,500 trophy fee. 14-day hunts are $15,500 and the average hunter will take 2 or 3 animals. He also offers a $9,500 10-day hunt guided 2x1 for a couple buddies wanting to experience the best British Columbia has to offer at a lower price. He also offers a fantastic deal for kids. They can hunt just for the price of trophy fees on moose, mountain caribou or goat as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult. No $12,500 hunt price, only $3,500 per animal.

Additional costs are license, tags and HST tax. Roundtrip charter flight from base camp to hunting areas has been $1,000. Hunters are picked up in Ft. Nelson. Hunt MS728.

BRITISH COLUMBIA 10-DAY

MOOSE/ELK/GOAT COMBO HUNT

ALL HUNTERS TAGGED IN 2013

Last fall success ran 100 percent for every hunter’s main animal. They took 12 bull moose, 10 billies and 6 bull elk. Many hunters took a second animal and some all three. Best moose made the Boone and Crockett record book. Best mountain goat scored 47 inches and the best elk scored 291.

In 2012 his hunters took 12 bulls; including a 199-inch Boone and Crockett record book bull.

In 2011 they had 16 hunters with moose tags score on 15 bulls, including a monster 57-inch bull that scored 207 Boone and Crockett. In 2010 they took about 15 bulls averaging near 50 inches and the best one had a 54-inch spread and should book at 185 inches.

This area also has a very high elk density and rifle hunters experience a near 100% success rate on bulls averaging in the 280 to 290 class. September 9 to October 31 there is a 6-point antler restriction on the elk. Bowhunters also do quite well here and account for several bulls each fall. 10-day 1x1 hunts are $12,500 plus $3,500 for each additional animal and trophy fee on grizzly is only $7,000. Price INCLUDES taxes and government royalty fees. Hunters pay for their charter from Ft. Nelson at about $1,500 plus licenses and tags. THIS OUTFITTER ALSO OFFERS YOUTH PRICES FOR 18 AND UNDER WITH AN ADULT ON A 2X1 BASIS FOR ONLY A $3,500 TROPHY FEE. At press time he had one opening for 2014 on his best moose date October 14 to 25. Hunt MS483.

NORTHERN MANITOBA MOOSE HUNTS

21 HUNTERS TAG 15 BULLS

AVERAGE 50 INCHES

We don’t normally list moose hunts in Manitoba, but in this case since the outfitter is so remote he takes some great bulls.

Last fall 15 bulls were taken for 21 hunters, including a tremendous 61 incher. In 2012 his 19 hunters tagged 15 bulls averaging a little over 50 inches and the best bull went 54. Two of the unsuccessful hunters had opportunity. In 2011 he had 16 hunters take 12 bulls averaging 53 inches, with the best coming in at 56. Two of the unsuccessful hunters were archers. In 2010 he took 13 moose hunters and they scored on 9 bulls averaging 55 inches.

This moose hunt is priced at $9,995 guided 2x1 or add $890 for 1x1 and this includes 8 days, 7 hunting in the rut from September 13 to 20, 20 to 27 or 27 to October 4. It also includes world class fishing, bear, wolf and ptarmigan hunting. They have 14 outpost camps to choose from and they can put 2 hunters in each camp. Moose license is $460, bear license is $325, fishing is $32. Hunters fly from Winnipeg to Thompson Falls at about $600 roundtrip and overnight. You are picked up early the next day and the hunt price includes all flying from Thompson Falls. Hunt MS352.

ALBERTA ARCHERY OR RIFLE MOOSE

ONLY $5000

At press time the first hunt of 2013 ended up one for two. The successful hunter scored on a 35-inch bull and saw a couple monsters in the 50-inch class, but was not able to close the deal. The unsuccessful hunter passed on a very small bull and a spike, while seeing about 30 moose over the course of his hunt. The second hunt had not started.

In 2012 on the archery hunt one hunter hit a small bull that was never recovered and the other hunter saw a couple good bulls, but was unable to get any shots off. He was to come back in rifle season to try again.

2012 rifle season went 2 for 4, including a 42 and a 35-inch bull. One hunter passed on 5 small bulls.

This outfitter now has 4 tags near his home about 80 miles north of Edmonton. In 2011 he took 2 archers and both scored on bulls. One hunter scored the first day on a 35-inch bull and the other hunter took a smaller 3-year old bull. Most hunting is calling/spot and stalk mornings and evening, with a mid-day break.

$5,000 gets you a 6-day hunt either in the prime rut late September and early October for archery or you can rifle hunt later in early November. He hunts both private and crown land less than 30 miles from his house. Airport pickup in Edmonton is included. License and tax is an additional $600. Hunt MS832.

BEST ALBERTA ARCHERY HUNT?

SUCCESS CONTINUES AT 100 PERCENT

This archery moose hunt has been nothing short of fantastic. It takes place near Stettler in an agricultural area between Calgary and Edmonton. Last fall in 2013 they took a 53, 49, a guy missed 3 bulls and ended up taking a 42 incher.

In 2012 he had 5 archers tag bulls from 45 to 54 inches. In 2011 HCU customers Jamie Tille and Dean Piagentini scored on two trophy Pope and Young bulls. This hunt is pricey, but it has been 100% success on great bulls every year.

This 1x1 guided hunt is $12,000. The outfitter likes to hunt September 25 to October 5 during the rut and will allow you 2 weeks if necessary. Typically you are hunting farmland by traveling and glassing. Once a shooter bull is found the stalk is on. The area is draw only for residents and he gets several tags each year for non-resident hunters. Nice cabin accommodations with meals and airport pickup in Edmonton. Moose tag is $400 plus $110 for wildlife certificate and 5% tax. Mule deer and or whitetails can be added to this hunt. Next available opening is in 2016. Hunt MSB883.

UTAH SHIRAS MOOSE HUNTS

WITH GUARANTEED TAG

100% SUCCESS ON TROPHY BULLS

HCU works with several outfits for shiras moose in Utah. Success continues at 100% on high quality bulls, including some bulls making the all-time Boone and Crockett record book. 2013 was down in size mainly due to lack of moisture. These private free-range ranches get landowner vouchers guaranteeing you a moose tag. We have never had a hunter go home without taking a bull on one of these hunts.

This outfitter has a 35,000-acre ranch in northeastern Utah that has produced some great bulls. They get 2 tags per year and go 100% success and quite often one bull makes the record book. Price is $10,500 guided 1x1 for 5 days and they normally hunt early October. Airport pickup in Salt Lake City is included. Hunt MS255.

Another outfitter hunts an 8,000-acre ranch located in northeastern Utah that produces good bulls every year. He hunts late September and early October. 5 days 1x1 is $11,500 with cabin accommodations and airport pickup in SLC. Next available opening is in 2016. Hunt MS772.

HCU has access to several more ranches that offer high quality, high success hunts for shiras moose. Call for more details.

CARIBOU

ALASKA CARIBOU HUNT $5500

100% SUCCESS PAST YEARS

ONLY TAKES UP TO 4 HUNTERS PER YEAR

Here is a very small personal operation that the outfitter/guide and his partner only take a couple hunters each fall. Caribou have been 100% success past years on this hunt. HCU has worked with this outfitter over 14 years with a terrific record. He is willing to take a party of 2 hunters for $5,500 each for 7 hunting days guided 2x1 and WILL INCLUDE THE $1900 CHARTER FLIGHT from TOK AND THE $600 FLIGHT FEE to transport the caribou out of the field. These guides do this because they love it and take enjoyment out of assisting hunters to fulfill their North Country dreams. He is also willing to let hunters take a grizzly on a $4,500 trophy fee and HCU has had several hunters take grizzlies with this outfitter. This is a true Alaskan experience, where you will be spike camping on the tundra and hiking during the day with plenty of glassing.

This hunt takes place in late August or early September in Unit 20E where the limit on caribou is one bull per hunter. It is the 40 Mile Herd and according to the biologists is one of, if not, the healthiest herd in Alaska growing 8 percent per year. The state is also doing a very good job on wolf control, which has really enhanced the caribou herd.

Hunters fly to Fairbanks, rent a car to Tok for a 4 hour drive, where they take the charter flight to the hunting area, which is paid for by the outfitter. At press time there was one opening available for 2014. Hunt CU64.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES OFFERS

WORLD CLASS MOUNTAIN CARIBOU

We work with 2 outfitters in the Northwest Territories that offer premier mountain caribou hunts. Success generally runs at or near 100% on bulls with average gross scores of 375 to 380 Boone and Crockett, with some scoring into the 430’s and typically about 25% score over the 390 record-book minimum. Both outfits will typically take 15 to 25 bulls per year, either on straight caribou hunts or as extra animals on the sheep and moose hunts. Both hunts require a roundtrip charter out of Norman Wells priced close to $1,200.

This outfitter takes about 25 bulls per season, including quite a few record book bulls over 400 inches. Typically the later hunts produce the better bulls and they finish in mid-October. 7-day backpack hunts are priced at $7,500 guided 2x1 plus licenses and tax. Caribou can be taken on a $5,000 trophy fee as add-ons for his sheep and moose hunts. He normally starts hunting caribou in this 9,000 square mile area in late August. Hunt CU119.

Here is an outfitter that offers 10-day backpack hunts guided 2x1 from July 26 to September 19 priced at $9,500 plus $150 preservation fund and 2 1/2 percent taxes. He also offers moose on the later caribou hunts for a kill fee of $10,000. Caribou can be taken on a $4,500 trophy fee as add-ons for his sheep and moose hunts. HCU consultants Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have taken moose and caribou with this outfit. Hunt CU250.

QUEBEC-LABRADOR CARIBOU HUNTS

The Quebec government has decided to only allow the harvest of one bull per hunter in 2014. Package prices have dropped a small amount due to limiting hunters to one bull, but the outfitter’s expenses remain the same. He will also drop the number of hunters per camp from 8 to 6.

2013 proved to very successful. He had 150 hunters and 146 scored on at least one bull and most took two. 6 black bears were also taken during the hunts. In 2012 they hosted 170 hunters and 165 took home bulls and 90 percent of those took home 2. They had over 20 bowhunters and all scored on bulls, including a Boone and Crockett record book bull. 3 bears were also taken last fall.

They have 27 camps and typically only take enough hunters to fill 4 for any particular week. This gives them numerous locations to move hunters if the caribou sightings are down. This outfit has purchased additional camps north of the 57th parallel giving them the unique availability to hunt both north and south of the 57th, increasing the odds considerably to access caribou. They offer a couple hunt packages, ALL FAIR CHASE.

6X1 HUNT PACKAGE is priced at $5,900.

A camp helper will be provided. Meals will be pre-packaged. Hunters will have no assistance in the field and will be expected to prepare their own meals and do camp chores.

4X1 HUNT PACKAGE is priced at $7,100.

The 4x1 option is a semi-guided service for those who do not require a guide by their side at all times in the field. With this package, the guide will split up his time amongst the group of 4 and provide assistance with the field work after the caribou have been harvested. A pack frame will be necessary for this hunt. Food and cook is also provided.

3X1 HUNT PACKAGE is priced at $7,400.

This will be for 2 guides and 6 hunters. Cook and meals will be provided. Bring a pack frame to assist in the work.

2X1 HUNT PACKAGE is priced at $7,900.

Each pair of hunters is accompanied by a full time guide on this hunt. Your guide will help you spot, stalk and put an ambush on your caribou and once your caribou is harvested he will look after all the chores of quartering, deboning, caping and packing it out for you. A pack frame is not necessary for this package. Food and cook is also provided.

Hunts start August 28 and run to October 3. If the government goes back to a 2 caribou limit we expect the packages to increase by $400 plus the hunters would pay for the second tag.

All 8-day packages, 6 hunting, include roundtrip air from Montreal to Schefferville, one caribou license, taxes, parking and shuttle service in Montreal, lodging in Schefferville or Lac Pau, flights to camp, boat and motor, meat boxes, English speaking guides, emergency satellite phone communication, and cold storage in Schefferville.

The outfitter gives a $1,000 discount to students accompanied by a parent, $100 discount per hunter for a group of 4 and a $500 discount on repeat hunters.

Not included is a 7-day fishing license of $42, black bear license of $150 or small game license at $85. Meals and beverages during overnight, if applicable, in Schefferville or Caniapiscau. Sleeping bags and towels, accommodations in Montreal or gratuities. Meat butchering and vacuum sealing if required in Schefferville, normally $80 per caribou, or

overnight in Montreal. Antler transportation on the return flight to Montreal. HCU consultants Craig Green, Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have been on this hunt. Hunt CU27.

NEWFOUNDLAND WOODLAND CARIBOU HUNTS

We work with 2 different outfitters for both caribou and moose in Newfoundland. Both are premier outfitters with great success, typically 100 percent on mature bulls. Newfoundland’s woodland caribou herd had been on a significant decline in certain areas of the island. The ministry had drastically lowered the amount of tags allocated to all the outfitters, causing prices to increase. Since then the numbers have been improving and quality is on an upswing.

Both outfitters offer archery hunts during this special season the last week of August and first week of September just before the gun hunts that start in mid-September.

The first outfitter hosted 11 hunters, including 8 bowhunters and all scored on good stags. One bull made the Boone and Crockett record book and several archers took Pope and Young bulls. 6-day hunt is priced at $7,500 plus 6.5% HST tax and includes your license and airport pickup in Deer Lake. Moose can be added in the trophy area for $6,000. This outfitter has an extremely nice lodge with a sauna and hot tub. At press time there were openings for the 2014 season. Hunt CU709.

The second outfitter took 7 stags in 2013 including 3 that should make the Boone and Crockett record book.

6-day hunt guided 1x1 with nice cabin accommodations is $6,500 plus $600 license and 6.5% HST tax, moose can be added for $4,000. NEXT AVAILABLE OPENING IS 2016. Many camps are accessed only by helicopter and flights are included in the price. Rifle hunts start mid-September and run to November. Hunters can drive to Newfoundland or fly to Deer Lake Airport and be picked up. HCU consultants, Cliff Graham, Bob Wodzisz and Scott Steinkruger have all hunted with this outfitter. Hunt CU94.

CENTRAL CANADIAN

BARREN GROUND CARIBOU

$7995 FROM THOMPSON FALLS

2013 proved to be another successful year with everyone taking their first bull and 96 percent taking a second bull, exception was a few bowhunters.

The Northwest Territories has closed all their central Canadian barren ground caribou hunting to non-residents, so the only place you can still hunt this specie is Nunavut or northern Manitoba. Here you can hunt the Qamairjuaq herd and as of the latest census it has over 450,000 animals. Manitoba only has 500 licenses per year for both residents and non-residents, so this herd is not pressured.

Past years this outfitter has been at or near 100% success on 2 bulls. In 2012, 40 hunters took 37 bulls, including a couple bowhunters. The area is conducive to bowhunt due to the cover and brush. Best bull gross scored 390 Boone and Crockett and the average bull grossed 335.

7 days, 6 hunting, is $7,995 guided 2x1 or add $500 to be guided 1x1. This includes 2 caribou, fishing, wolf and ptarmigan hunting. Hunters must purchase their caribou tags at $460 each, $32 fishing license and $150 bird license if you want to hunt ptarmigan plus .0425% tax.

He has a main lodge that all hunters are flown into from Thompson Falls and this charter is included in the price. From there you will be flown to one of 2 main camps that include electricity, wood heat, shower house, satellite phone and satellite internet. Camps are located on the Nunavut/Manitoba border.

Hunt dates are September 6 to 13, 13 to 20 and 20 to 27. Hunters fly from Winnipeg to Thompson Falls at about $600 roundtrip or you can rent a car and drive, then overnight. You are picked up early the next day and the hunt price includes all flying from Thompson Falls. Hunt CU352.

BISON-MUSKOX

AND EXOTICS

SOUTH DAKOTA BISON HUNTS ONLY $3000

This 62,000-acre South Dakota ranch became Hollywood famous when the movie “Dances with Wolves” starring Kevin Costner was filmed here. The ranch has been owned and run by the same family for generations and they were also instrumental in preventing the buffalo population from extinction.

They offer a “trophy meat hunt” for a 3-year old bull suitable for mounting, yet the meat is still palatable. You get the complete animal for $3,000.

“Trophy bull” hunts are available and these old bulls average 5 to 7 years in age and 70% make the SCI record book, but are poor table fare. Hunters still get the complete animal for $4,500 and sometimes you can donate the meat at the ranch. Archery gear, muzzleloaders or rifles are allowed on all hunts.

They guide the hunter and transport the buffalo back to the ranch headquarters, where they skin and quarter the animal. Actual butchering and freezing can be done at local butcher shops for an additional charge, but most hunters prefer to have it butchered once they reach home. Most hunts are taken from October to the end of December. There are about 2,000 head of bison on the ranch, with about 50 to 100 mature bulls. Fly into Sioux Falls and rent a car to Pierre. Hunt BI567.

GREENLAND MUSKOX AND ARCTIC

ISLAND CARIBOU $13,450

This 4-day hunt guided 1x1 takes place on Victoria Island from mid-October to November under early winter conditions. Temperatures are cold but the ground is not frozen. Hunters fly commercially into Cambridge Bay, overnight, and then travel to the basic plywood hunting cabins often hunting while en route. Hunters will travel in wooden sleds that are pulled by snow machines. Success has been 100% for both species priced at $7,250 for muskox only or combine with arctic island caribou for $13,450. A second muskox can be taken for $3,250. No charter flights.

HCU’s Cliff Graham has been on this hunt and he reports it as one of his most memorable and interesting adventures. Hunt MUV89.

MODERATE TEMPERATURE FALL

MUSKOX HUNT $8250

This 6-day 1x1 hunt for Greenland muskox runs from mid to the end of August with normal temperatures of 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Mainly tent accommodations, but some cabins may be used if the muskox are relatively close. Most

hunting is done by boat and then hiking inland. Hunters fly into Cambridge Bay and from there travel by boat to the hunting area, which may take 4 to 6 hours. The hunting is done from Cape Peel to Mount Pelly on the southern coast of Victoria Island. Price is $8,250 and a second muskox can be taken for $3,250. Both gun and archery hunters have experienced 100% success past years. Hunt MUCP89.

SPRING MUSKOX $8250

ADD WOLF FOR ONLY $2100

The highest scoring muskox in Boone and Crockett and Pope and Young come from the Nunavut mainland near Queen Maude Gulf. Using snow machines on the March 18 to April 11 hunt allows hunters and guides to see lots of animals. Accommodations are primarily in cabins/homes, but tents may be used if necessary. Clients fly commercially to Cambridge Bay and then snowmobile to the village of Omingmaktok hunting en route. Price is $8,250 plus “snowmobile transfer” of $850 for 5 days of hunting 1x1. This hunt can be combined with a wolf for an additional $2,100 and success has been 100%. Hunt MUM89.

ALBERTA BAITED WOLF HUNT 80% PLUS SUCCESS $4000

This hunt has been such a high success mainly because he puts the hunter on call and when he has wolves hitting his baits he makes the call. Last winter he only made one call and when the hunter arrived at the house they could see 3 wolves on the bait. He changed clothes, got into the blind and killed a wolf in less than 2 hours. He passed on a black wolf after his first kill wanting another bigger grey one, but was unsuccessful.

All HCU customers that have hunted with this Alberta farmer have been successful and have given him top notch reviews. Price is only $4,000, a second wolf is $1,500 plus $500 per day and you might get an opportunity at a coyote. He shot 32 wolves himself over the course of 3 winters and then decided to take a few hunters every year. He has 4 box blinds with propane heat on 4 different bait sights within 30 miles of his house. Once wolves start coming into one of his baits he patterns them and then calls one of his hunters to take a flight and get up here ASAP. All hunters are on an on-call basis and quite a few of them have scheduling conflicts so he then calls the next hunter on the list. He prefers only one hunter at a time and on a 6-day hunt he averages seeing wolves at least two times. Hunts can run from January to mid-April and include house accommodations, meals, guide service and airport pickup in Edmonton. Hunt WF254.

NEW ZEALAND RED STAG HUNTS IN TEXAS ONLY $3000

The owner of this Texas panhandle ranch has some of the finest red deer hunting in North America. Years ago he artificially inseminated his females with the semen from the largest stags available in New Zealand. That was all it took to start a good genetic self sustaining herd on the property.

The 6-point management hunts are priced at only $3,000. 3-day trophy hunts are $5,000 and you can take a stag grossing up to 350 SCI. Stags scoring 350 to 400 SCI are priced at only $7,500 and over 400 points is currently $12,000.

Hunts include great lodging, fantastic meals with wine and are guided 1x1. This is no shoot, the property is quite brushy and it can be difficult to locate stags.

This hunt can be done from late August into October and can be combined with trophy whitetail or quail and chukar shoots. Non-hunters are also welcome. Hunters are picked up at Amarillo airport. Hunt RD806.

HUNT THE SEMINOLE INDIAN RESERVE

FOR AXIS DEER IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA

This outfitter operated for years on Florida’s famous Brady Ranch. He has now moved the operation to the Seminole Indian Reserve outside of Okeechobee. Back in the 1960’s these deer were brought into Florida from India and the herd exploded. This is the number one destination for rifle and archery hunters. Success continues at 100% on mature top scoring stags. In our opinion you cannot find a better operation with the numbers and quality of axis deer in a more sporting operation anywhere.

This hunt can be done from May to November and the rut is early June into July. Price is $2,850 for 2 nights and this includes a trophy axis buck, guide, excellent meals and accommodations. Additional does can be taken for $500 or extra days can be added for $350 per day and this includes lodging, meals, guide fee and animal preparation. Axis deer is the best game meat for taste and nutrition available and many hunters take does strictly for that reason.

They also offer such exotics as water buffalo $3,000, blackbuck $2,500, pere david deer $4,500, sika $2,500, fallow deer $2,500 plus a $350 day rate. Hunt AX863.

TURKEY-HOGS

WATERFOWL-DOVES

TEXAS RIO GRANDE GOBBLERS

2 BIRDS FOR ONLY $1350

INCLUDES AIRPORT PICKUP

Success continues to be 100% on at least one bird on this bargain priced Rio Grande hunt. $1,350 INCLUDES 2 gobblers, nice lodging, meals, guiding and AIRPORT PICKUP! The outfitter operates on a nice private ranch about 40 miles south of San Angelo. He offers three 2 1/2-day full service hunts starting the first weekend of April and goes to the end of the month. Hunters can choose their own style of hunting and have a choice of utilizing a guide or hunting on their own. Some hunters prefer to just hike and call, commonly referred to as run and gun, while others would rather hunt over feeders or water areas as the birds will visit these places daily. The outfitter knows the roost sites and can direct you to an area that holds birds. The spring of 2012 produced a fantastic hatch and mature gobbler numbers will be very high for the spring of 2014. This outfitter hunts his properties very lightly and only plans on taking about 10 hunters in 2014, so be prepared for plenty of action. If you are serious about a Rio hunt plan it for spring of 2014, you won’t be disappointed. San Angelo airport pickup. Hunt TU233.

3 KANSAS TURKEY OUTFITTERS

BOTH RIO’S AND EASTERNS

FOR UNDER $1000 FOR 2 BIRDS

Here are 3 Kansas outfitters that offer Rio and Eastern turkey hunts at a very affordable price. Spring of 2013 was extremely tough for most early turkey hunters due to the very cold temperatures with above normal rainfall. These Kansas birds are very

vocal and extremely callable. Success has typically been exceptionally high on these hunts. HCU consultants Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have been on two of the properties.

The first outfitter took 10 guided hunters in 2013 and they took about 18 gobblers. He has 25,000 acres of private property with nice lodge accommodations. 2 1/2-day guided hunts are priced at $1,295 and include airport pickup in Manhattan or if you don’t need a calling guide the price is only $995. Hunt TU565.

The second Kansas outfitter hosted 15 hunters last spring and they took 20 gobblers. 3-day full service hunt for $1,200 includes accommodations, cable TV and airport pickup. Hunters fly into Kansas City or Manhattan where they are picked up. He normally runs 3 hunts from April 9 to May 5. Hunt TU662.

The third outfitter located in southeastern Kansas only charges $900 for a 2 1/2 day hunt and last spring hosted 25 hunters and a few missed on the early hunts, but later hunters filled their tags. Price includes lodging, meals and a guide if needed. Hunt TU316.

NEBRASKA MERRIAMS $995

INCLUDES LODGING AND MEALS

This outfitter has over 30,000 private-acres northwest of North Platte in central Nebraska with over 8 miles of riverbottom and another camp with 70,000 private-acres half an hour to the east with 10 miles of riverbottom, both Merriam turkey havens. Last spring over the course of the season they had about 25 hunters and all took their birds except for one hunter that missed 3.

He offers 3-day hunts priced at $995 that includes 2 birds, nice ranch house lodging, meals and airport pickup in North Platte or fly into Denver and rent a car for the 3 hour drive. If you want a guide it is an additional $300. Hunt TUNE565.

FLORIDA TROPHY HUNTS FOR

OSCEOLA GOBBLERS, GATORS AND HOGS

We work with 2 Florida outfitters that have been traditionally 100 percent success past years on everything. We have hunted with both of them and they have the best Osceola hunting Florida has to offer. If you have never hunted gators out of an air-boat on the swamps at night you are missing a great adventure. Everything from chasing hogs with hounds to fishing some prime Florida waterways, this trip is bargain priced for the memories it will create.

This outfitter is located only 40 miles south of Orlando and this hunt is easily combined with a family vacation at Disney. He offers turkey hunts from March 18 to April 23 priced at $2,200 for 3 days on 25,000 private acres and you can add a hog for $200. Success has run 95% with 100% opportunity on mature gobblers. This hunt is in high demand so book early or expect to book at least a year in advance.

Hog hunts are $250 for the first day and $100 per additional day with kill fees of $100 for a meat hog and $150 for trophy boars. You can sit at blinds, spot and stalk or use hounds.

Gator hunting is a very fun and exciting sport. It can be done with the use of airboats at night with archery gear or spears. Rifles and a swamp buggy are used mostly in the day.

He offers 2 gator packages:

$1,500 gets you 3 hunting days for any gator up to 9-foot or 3 days and a trophy gator over 9-foot for $3,200. He has had hunters take gators over 12-foot and there back measures over 3-foot wide. Wild hogs can be added for inexpensive trophy fees.

This outfitter is an accomplished archer and offers all his hunts with either bow or gun. Hunt HG148.

Another top Osceola outfitter located near Okeechobee offers his 4-day turkey hunt for $2,500 and you can take one hog at no cost as long as you take the meat home. They have a real nice operation with very comfortable cabins in a great setting in the woods.

They normally harvest 30 to 35 long beards every spring and if you cripple a bird and do not find it your hunt is over.

Hog hunting package for 2 days and 2 nights is $675 and includes two hogs, additional hogs are $175.

Gator hunts on 8 to 9 foot gators are $1,500, 9 to 10 foot $2,500, 10 to 11 foot $3,500, 11 to 12 foot $4,500, over 12 foot $5,500, plus $250 for lodging and meals. Gator and hog combos make a great trip.

He also offers several packages, such as a 6 to 8-FOOT GATOR PLUS A HOG, 2 NIGHTS LODGING, MEALS, LICENSE, TAG AND GUIDE FOR ONLY $1500 IN SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER. Nice cabin accommodations and hunters fly into Orlando or Ft. Meyers and rent a car. Hunt HG863.

DO-IT-YOURSELF TURKEY HUNTS

KANSAS OR NEBRASKA ONLY $600

HCU works with a couple outfitters and ranchers that offer trespass fee spring gobbler hunts in both Nebraska and Kansas. These are for the turkey hunter that prefers to hunt on his own and do his own calling. The properties have high numbers of birds and past success has typically been near 100%, with the exception of any extreme weather conditions.

This northwest Nebraska rancher/outfitter will allow you to hunt 4 days on his private property for two Merriam gobblers for only $600. Success has continued to be 100% and all HCU customers have been very satisfied and have taken many mature toms. Hunters stay at a local motel and eat in restaurants at their own expense. An effective way to hunt this big country is glassing and locating birds and then hiking to them. He normally only takes about 6 to 8 hunters total per year on his 4,000 private-acres. The area is known as Pine Ridge country and has big ponderosa pines and canyons making this a very beautiful area to hunt turkeys. Hunts run from about April 15 to May 20 and early hunts could be cold. He prefers groups of 4 or less. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this property. Hunt TU327.

We work with another Merriam outfitter in central Nebraska along the North Platte River. He is priced at $600 for 2 birds and has over 9,000 private-acres. Depending on the date you choose he may have a cabin available for lodging at a very minimal cost, but you will need a group of 4 or more to secure this price. He runs fully outfitted hunts for $995 that includes lodging and meals and you can add a calling guide for $300. Hunt TUNEUN565.

We have a Kansas outfitter that controls over 24,000 private-acres that is willing to give you 4 hunting days for only $600 for 2 birds. You can stay at a local motel and do your own restaurant meals. This property has both Eastern and Rio turkeys. Properties are just outside Manhattan in northeastern Kansas. He also offers lodging and meals for an additional $395.

HCU consultants Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have taken birds here. Hunt TUKSUN565.

SASKATCHEWAN GEESE/DUCKS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER $2100

This outfitter operates in central Saskatchewan near the famous Quill Lakes area, well known for major flights of snow and blue geese, lesser Canadians and cacklers, sandhill cranes and many species of ducks. They operate out of a nice lodge with bird cleaning facilities and kennels are available for the hunter wanting to bring along his favorite retriever. Meals are home cooked with all the trimmings.

Typically you go out to field hunt the mornings out of layout blinds. Back to the lodge for lunch and a short nap and then back out for more geese or ducks either in one of the many nearby swamps or field shoot some mallards. Ducks can include redheads, canvasbacks, green and blue winged teal, shouvlers, widgeons, pintails and gadwalls. They use over 350 full body snow and blue geese decoys, along with some Canadian greater and lesser decoys.

Daily limits of up to 20 geese and 8 ducks per day, along with some sandhill cranes keeps your day interesting. Hunts are normally conducted late September and early October and packages are either 3 days that include 3 morning shoots and 2 evening shoots priced at $2,100 or 5 days for 5 mornings and 4 evenings at $3,000. Price includes lodging, meals, guide, decoys and blinds. Not included are shells, $145 license, bird cleaning or 5% GST tax. Shells can be ordered ahead of time at the local sporting goods store near the operation. Hunters fly into Saskatoon or Regina and rent a car for the 2 hour drive to the lodge. HCU’s Cliff Graham and some friends have hunted with this outfit. Hunt GS855.

ARGENTINA

BEST WINGSHOOTING IN THE WORLD

HCU’s Scott Steinkruger made his way back to Argentina to hunt with Manuel for his second consecutive year and will be making 2 more trips in 2014. Scott reports this as being the most fun and relaxing hunt of his life and this time he enjoyed some fantastic duck hunting along with the dove shoots. From the gourmet, yet hardy meals to the absolutely beautiful ranch-style estancia accommodations, your every need is attended to. Located in the mountains just 1 1/2 hours from the airport, the outfitter’s claim to fame “Sleep under the doves” is no misnomer. 90 percent of the shoots are 2 to 15 minutes from the lodge. What makes this hunt somewhat unique is the fact that mainly you are hunting in the mountains, not on flat farmland. The views are majestic and the hunting rivals the finest bird hunts anywhere in the world. Of course, the numbers of birds you encounter are spellbinding. During each shoot, you constantly have doves coming within shotgun range. The mountain shooting posts are reminiscent of European “driven” shoots, positioning hunters in the bird flyways. It is not unusual to shoot 1000 rounds in a single shoot. Hunts are 3 nights, 6 hunt affairs with your first hunt coming on the first afternoon of your arrival, then the next two days you hunt morning and afternoon, with the final day, you will make a morning hunt then lunch and then back to the airport for your flight home. Your day starts with a hearty breakfast then you and your personal “bird boy” will be taken to your shoot. Two to four hours of shooting, then back to the lodge for a barbeque lunch, a siesta, and then out for the afternoon shoot. After your afternoon shoot then it is back to the lodge for a cool drink and a white glove supper. Of course, it’s your hunt and you can hunt as long, or short, as you want. Your bird boy will have your ammunition as well as ice cold drinks ready for you at all times. Bring your own shotgun or rent their 20 gauge Berettas or Benellis at 70 dollars per day. All transport in country, food, beer, wine and soft drinks is included in our packages. Shotgun shells are $12.50 per box 12, 20 or 28 gauge.

Steinkruger said that it is the perfect place to take your wife or a non-hunter. Manuel and his staff will make sure their stay will be relaxing.

The pricing below is a general guideline, but please call Scott Steinkruger at 806-679-9893 for special and customized pricing. It’s a great place to have company retreats and family reunions. Easily accessible from most major US airports. Most flights go through Dallas and Miami/Atlanta. You do not have to be a great wing shot or an experienced traveling hunter to enjoy this hunt. Accommodations are for up to 12 people (double occupancy). Your group will not be comingled with other groups.

Season dates: Year round. The most comfortable weather being March to October.

3 night, 2 full days and 2 half day, 6 shoot hunts $1,800 US (customized group pricing on request)

License $190

Tips for bird boys $120

Gun Rental $70 per day

Tips for house staff $160 total

Ammo $12.50 per box 12, 20 and 28 gauge

The same outfitter conducts superb duck hunts only 1 hour out of Buenos Aires. You can do a duck/dove combo. He also does big game hunts in the Pampas areas in Argentina.

SCOTT IS PLANNING ON ESCORTING 2 GROUPS OF BIRD HUNTERS IN 2014. The first group will be February 22 to 25 and another trip in April. These trips will be at a SPECIAL PRICE OF ONLY $1,300 per hunter. The later hunt can be combined with a duck hunt near Buenos Aires.

According to Scott there is no finer bird shooting operator in Argentina. From the time you arrive until your departure, you will be in the careful and watchful hands of Manuel and his staff. Hunt ARML.

NEW ZEALAND

AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND RED STAG ONLY $3000

FOR BULLS UP TO 330 SCI

This outfitter runs a family operation on 3 different ranches on the South Island of New Zealand. Success has been 100% for all his customers the past several years and they have taken quite a few stags scoring over 400 SCI. He offers a 4-day hunt for stags scoring up to 330 SCI for only $3,000. Stags up to 350 are priced at $5,000. 351 up to 400-inch bulls add $1,000 per 10 SCI points. There is also a $350 day rate for hunters and $250 for non-hunters.

They also offer tahr hunts for $4,500 and chamois is $4,000. Hunters typically do not need a helicopter for tahr hunts, but sometimes it is necessary on some chamois hunts. The helicopter charge would then be POA or something near $1,500 or more. Some chamois hunts can be conducted without the aid of a helicopter.

Early April is prime roaring for the stags and in 2013 this outfit had a hunter take the NEW WORLD RECORD RED STAG. They also offer wapiti, fallow deer, arapawa rams, wild goats, turkey, ducks and great trout fishing. Top notch accommodations and hunting to match make this a great New Zealand destination. Free airport pickup at Queenstown, South Island. Hunt NZ643.

HUNT THE NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA

This 360,000-acre cattle ranch with lodge accommodations is located in the Northern Territory approximately two and a half hours east of Katherine. 7 days, 5 hunting, from June to October for buffalo are $9,000 or if you bring a hunting partner the price drops to $8,000 each guided 2x1. A second buffalo can be taken on a trophy fee. Wild scrub bulls are $850, trophy wild boar $500 and non-hunters are $250 per day.

Combination hunts for buffalo, scrub bull and wild boar is $10,000 1x1 or $9,000 guided 2x1.

CULL HUNTS CAN ALSO BE ARRANGED.

Prices do not include import and export permits for trophies, firearms or trophy shipping. Hunters fly into Sydney, overnight in Darwin, where transfer is included by vehicle. Hunt AUS643.

AFRICA

BEST VALUE IN SOUTH AFRICA

6-DAY SAFARI ONLY $6600 INCLUDES

KUDU, GEMSBOK, IMPALA, BLESBOK, SPRINGBOK

AND ROUNDTRIP AIRFARE

This continues to be our most popular Africa destination. This "package" price includes all in-country transport, services of PH and staff, meals, alcohol, field preparation and delivery of trophies to export taxidermist. This price is based on a 2x1 hunter/guide ratio, 6 full days hunting, trophy fees for 5 animals (Cape kudu, gemsbok, impala, blesbok and springbok), all licenses and taxes, round-trip airfare to Kimberley,

RSA. 1x1 guide upgrade is an additional $100 per day. Extra add-on days are $300 guided 2x1 or $400 guided 1x1. Non-hunters are $200 a day.

The $6,600 price is subject to change, up or down, until airline tickets are purchased. At the time of printing, this price is accurate from most U.S. gateway cities. We have allocated $2100 towards airfare (actual cost of safari is only $4,500) and if airfare is less, we will pass the savings along and if the airfare is higher, we will pass that along also.

HCU has worked with this PH more than a decade and he operates one of the finest camps in South Africa. Over 60% of our customers have rebooked this hunt for a second trip and 20% book for a third, fourth or even a fifth time. Don’t be fooled by the low price, this operator will conduct your personalized safari with the utmost care, along with superb trophy quality. From great accommodations, food, and service, your every need is attended to.

Additional animals can be taken for the trophy fees listed below:

waterbuck $1800 nyala $2500 burchell's zebra $1300 cape kudu $1300 steenbok $400 black wildebeest $900

cape eland $1800 springbok $400 blue wildebeest $900 impala $450 gemsbok $800 red hartebeest $900

warthog $400 blesbok $400 black springbok $500

white blesbok $500 grey duiker $400 common reedbuck $1000

greater kudu $1800 giraffe $3500 mountain reedbuck $900

Additional species are available, INCLUDING LION FOR $18,000, LIONESS $7,500, CAPE BUFFALO $18,000, DARTED RHINO $13,000, HIPPO $7,500, CROC $4,000 AND 10-day ELEPHANT hunt along the Botswana border for $35,000, INCLUDES DAILY RATES.

This PH also has a concession in the Limpopo region near Thabazimbi, in the Northern Province that have the much desired Southern Greater Kudu, Limpopo Bushbuck and Bush Pig. You can choose to spend a few days or your complete safari in this area. Daily rates in this concession cost $350 2x1 and $450 1x1. "Package" upgrades are $100 per day extra and non-hunters are $200 a day.

You cannot go wrong with this outfit; book your hunt of a lifetime without spending your life savings. Book now for the few remaining dates for 2014 or plan ahead for 2015. Hunt SAGD.

ELEPHANT HUNTS ON THE

BOTSWANA BORDER

ONLY $38,000 ALL INCLUSIVE

EXPECT TO CLOSE IN 2015

One of our South Africa PH’s acquired this 70,000 private-acre lease along the South Africa/Botswana border a couple years ago with 5 elephant permits. Success has been 100 percent on bulls averaging in the 35 to 45 pound range, with top end reaching about 55 pounds. We expect the hunting in this area to close in 2014 or possibly 2015, due to a large mining operation start up. This is a 10-day hunt priced at a very reasonable $38,000 all inclusive and at press time there were 2 permits available for 2014.

Hunting methods are glassing from high spots and covering country by vehicle looking for fresh tracks then hiking. The last 2 hunters tagged out in 4 days and 6 days. Hunts normally take place in August and September with the ranch providing 5-star accommodations. Expect to see about 200 elephants over the course of 10 days. Hunt ELLD.

$6700 SOUTH AFRICA EASTERN CAPE 6-DAY

ALL FREE-RANGE SAFARI INCLUDES:

ROUND-TRIP AIRFARE, DAY RATES AND TROPHY FEES

KUDU, BLESBOK, IMPALA, DUIKER,

SPRINGBOK AND BABOON

This safari is strictly free-range on very large conservancies with a large variety of game and high numbers of animals, not your normal high fence South Africa operation. Priced right with the opportunity to take quality animals and includes day rates based on 2x1 guide ratio and licenses. Day rate tax of 14% is additional. With airfare prices subject to change we have allocated $2,100 towards airfare and at the time of printing are accurate from most U.S. gateway cities. If the actual cost is less you get a rebate and if it is higher you pick up the difference.

This operator has 3 main locations on the Eastern Cape, accessible with a short flight from Johannesburg to either Port Elizabeth or Durban. The different locations can be reached with a 2 to 6 hour vehicle ride depending on the camp, making it possible to hunt different camps on the same safari. Terrain varies in the different areas from typical flat fairly open country most people associate with South Africa to rolling hills with grassy hillsides and on up to more mountain terrain with valleys and flowing rivers.

His main lodge is in his southern area known as the Baviaans River Conservancy consisting of over 450,000 acres and located just 2 1/2 hours north of Port Elizabeth airport along the Indian Ocean. This area has 25 indigenous species available ranging from the huge cape eland to the dainty blue duiker. Accommodations consist of a very nice lodge with entertainment area and trophy room or 4 private en suite cabins. The chef prepares your trophies of the day into fine meals accompanied with traditional South African wines or beverage of your choice.

The Stormberg Mountain camp, located 2 hours north of the Bavianns Lodge, consists of a very nice home built in the 1800’s at a 6000-foot elevation. These mountains can get snow in the winter months and are home to monster Vaal Rhebok along with indigenous plainsgame, duck and good bird hunting over dogs is also available. Hunters are met at the Port Elizabeth airport for both the Stormberg Camp and the Baviaans River lodge.

His northern area is the Umkomaas River Valley Conservancy in the KwaZulu Natal Province, located only 1 1/2 hour drive from the Durban airport. It is made up of 150,000 private acres and is the best free-range spiral horned area in all of South Africa. Lodging is the more classic, but luxurious, tent camp along the Umkomaas River, where they have 4 en suite private tented cabins with indoor and outdoor showers and internet/phone service. This camp has taken southern kudu up to 64 inches, bushbuck over 18 inches, trophy quality nyala along with other indigenous plainsgame including eland, waterbuck, wildebeest, common reedbuck, impala, oribi and others. Hunters going to the Umkomaas River Camp are picked up at the Durban airport.

Bowhunters or muzzleloader hunters are welcome and hunting methods include walk and stalk during morning hours, while blind sitting in the afternoons.

They also offer day trips for non-hunters at $350 per guide and this includes a vehicle and the cost can be split amongst passengers. These are exclusively for your group, no mixed parties. Close by are national parks, Big-5 game reserves and they also have a house on the Indian Ocean for your pleasure. These are malaria free areas.

Price is $400 per day guided 1x1 or $300 2x1 and observers are $185 plus 14% tax on day rates. HCU’s Scott Steinkruger has hunted with this operation. Hunt SAAP.

Additional animals can be taken for the trophy fees listed below and extra days can be added:

baboon $350 blesbok $500 bushbuck $750

bushpig $1200 caracal $1300 blue duiker $2000

duiker $350 lechwe $2900 eland $2400

gemsbok $1250 grysbok $1500 giraffe $3500

hartebeest $900 impala $450 jackal $250

cape kudu $1100 nyala $2600 southern greater kudu $2000

warthog $450 ostrich $800 klipspringer $1500

cmn reedbuck $850 vaal rhebok $1600 mountain reedbuck $450

springbok $350 steenbok $450 white springbok $950

waterbuck $2400 zebra $1450 black springbok $650

suni $1650 red duiker $1650 jackal $250

copper springbok $1600 giraffe $3500

black wildebeest $850 blue wildebeest $950

6-DAY NAMIBIA SAFARI ONLY $6900

INCLUDES: KUDU, GEMSBOK,

SPRINGBOK, DUIKER OR STEENBOK,

JACKAL, BABOON AND ROUNDTRIP AIRFARE

PLUS SPECIAL BOW ONLY AREA FOR ARCHERS

Here is a great deal on a package that includes trophy fees on our most popular animals for 6 days, including airfare for only $6,900 guided 2x1 or upgrade to 1x1 for an additional $100 per day. Extra days can be added for only $375 per day 2x1 or $475 1x1, along with additional animals for trophy fees listed below. 15% tax on day rate is not included in the package price. HCU’s Scott Steinkruger made a trip to Namibia in 2011 to hunt with this outfitter and took a great leopard along with some plainsgame.

This PH hunts three conservancies totaling about two million acres of private property between Damaraland and Koakoland, including the Loxodonta Africana (African Elephant) Etosha and Koako Conservancies. 90 percent of his properties are free-range and not under high fence. Hunters are picked up in Windhoek and driven about 4 hours north near the Etosha National Park, where he offers 4 different camps ranging from rustic bush camps to very nice full service accommodations.

This PH also has 12,000 acres strictly for bowhunters with 8 permanent stands and he also conducts many free-range archery hunts on the 650,000-acre Loxodonta Africana Conservancy. There he utilizes double bull blinds or blinds made of natural cover and spot and stalk. He is an accomplished archer himself that specializes in spot and stalk, although most of his hunters prefer to sit in blinds at waterholes.

He has terrific indigenous species such as kudu averaging 52 inches, gemsbok, springbok, red hartebeest, mountain zebra, giraffe, klipspringer and Damara dik-dik. Day rates are $375 guided 2x1 or $475 guided 1x1 plus 15% tax. Non-hunters and hunters under age 16 are $175 per day. Day rates cover guides, trackers, skinners, field preparation of trophies, soft drinks, meals, accommodations, transport to and from the airport, basically all expenses once picked up. Touring trips to Etosha Park can also be arranged, but must be scheduled in advance. Another option would be to add a few days before your hunt for some surf fishing along the Skeleton Coast, it is only a 3 hour drive from the hunting areas. It is known for large cob, steenbra and bronze whaler sharks. Hunt NMCS.

Package prices include roundtrip airfare up to $2,500 (if it is less you get a rebate or if it is more you pay the difference), day rates, trophy fees and actual hunting days. Add 2 days for arrival and departure.

Check out these special hunt packages and listing of available animals with trophy fees and day rates all included.

10-DAY PLAINS GAME GUIDED 2X1 $8,450 (1x1 $9,450), INCLUDES ROUNDTRIP AIRFARE AND TROPHY FEES ON SOUTHERN GREATER KUDU, GEMSBOK, MOUNTAIN ZEBRA, WARTHOG AND STEENBOK OR DUIKER.

10-DAY PLAINS GAME GUIDED 2X1 $10,450 INCLUDES ROUNDTRIP AIRFARE AND TROPHY FEES ON ELAND, SOUTHERN GREATER KUDU,

GEMSBOK, BLUE WILDEBEEST, RED HARTEBEEST, SPRINGBOK, WARTHOG, DUIKER OR STEENBOK, JACKAL AND BABOON.

14-DAY PLAINS GAME GUIDED 2X1 $12,250 INCLUDES ROUNDTRIP AIRFARE AND TROPHY FEES ON ELAND, SOUTHERN GREATER KUDU, GEMSBOK, MOUNTAIN ZEBRA, RED HARTEBEEST, SPRINGBOK, IMPALA, WARTHOG, STEENBOK OR DUIKER, JACKAL AND BABOON.

You can take additional animals for trophy fees listed below or we can customize your safari for number of days and species that interest you.

giraffe $1350 springbok $400 red hartebeest $600

eland $1650 steenbok $350 mountain zebra $1150

kudu $1150 duiker $400 damara dik-dik $1150

gemsbok $680 klipspringer $950 blue wildebeest $950

warthog $350 brown hyena $2500 black wildebeest $1150

blesbok $560 impala $680 spotted hyena $950

leopard $8000 lion, elephant, crocodile (price on request)

14-DAY NAMIBIA LEOPARD PACKAGE ONLY $10,500

PLUS $8,000 WHEN YOU TAKE A SHOT

If you don’t pull the trigger on a male leopard you are not charged the $8,000, but expect to pay it according to our past customers. Last year in 2013 his 6 leopard hunters took 4 males and one was crippled and lost. In 2012 he had 6 leopard hunters take 5 big males. In 2011 he had a total of 7 leopard hunters take 5 male cats. In 2010 this PH hosted only 5 hunters due to the suspended opening of the season. 3 of them scored on male leopards. In 2009 he had 11 leopard hunters and they scored on 8 cats. He hunts traditional baits out of a blind and baits are included in the price. This includes 14 days of hunting, guides, trackers, accommodations, meals and airport pickup in Windhoek.

Additional animals can be taken for the normal trophy fees listed in the above article. You can tour Etosha Park if you tag out early for additional fees or do some surf fishing along the Skeleton Coast for cob, steenbra or bronze whaler shark. This prime fishing area is only a 3 hour drive from the hunting areas. Hunt NMCS.

DANGEROUS GAME SAFARIS

IN NAMIBIA CAPRIVI STRIP

CAPE BUFFALO $11,500

NON-IMPORTABLE BULL ELEPHANT $15,000

This PH offers moderate priced free-range package hunts for both management and trophy cape buffalo and elephant in the Caprivi, along with hippo, croc and very limited leopard. He also does plainsgame in the interior of Namibia. He mainly hunts 2 free-range areas, 100,000 acres in Area 56 called Sikunga and a 500,000-acre parcel in Area 50 known as Sobbe. He also hunts 2 additional areas depending on the time of year and game migration. He specializes in cape buffalo and elephant offering very affordable all inclusive packages.

Cape buffalo hunts are typically conducted from March to October. Trophy bulls average about 38 inches and the best can reach 40.

He offers 2 types of hunts, priced all-inclusive, no trophy fees and add 2 days for travel:

7-day 1x1 Management Buffalo up to 36 inches is only $11,500.

10-day 1x1 Trophy Buffalo $18,000.

Elephant hunting is this PH’s main addiction. Most elephant hunts will take place from April to September before the elephants move back into Mudumo Park. There is typically drier weather with less foliage in August and September, making them prime elephant hunting times.

He offers 3 all-inclusive elephant packages, no trophy fees, add 2 days for travel:

8-day 1x1 Non-Importable Bull (broken tusk or up to 30 lbs) $15,000

10-day 1x1 Management Bull (up to 40 lbs) $32,000 inc. export permit

14-day 1x1 Trophy Bull (avg 45 to 55 lbs) $40,000 incl. export permit

Accommodations in his concession areas are permanent tented camps with cemented floors, running hot/cold water, separate bathrooms with flush toilets per tent. Terrain in the Caprivi is sandy, semi swampy area situated north of the Okavango Swamps, bordering Botswana to the south and Zambia to the north. Hunters fly from Windhoek to Katima Mulilo on a 2 hour flight priced at $200 each way, where they are met for the Caprivi hunts.

Day rate on dangerous game hunt $1,450, observer $250 inc. 15% VAT tax. If a hunter would like to add additional animals on a elephant or buffalo hunt add 2 days plus trophy fees:

Crocodile $4000 14 day minimum

Eland $2200 10

Hippo (inc export) $4000 14

Hyena $600 14

Kudu $1500 10

Lechwe $4500 14

Zebra $1500 10

Steenbok $400 7

Duiker $400 7

Plainsgame hunts in the southern part of Namibia consists of open low mountains, low scrub vegetation, Bushman’s grass with trees mostly confined to dry river beds. They hunt mainly the Desert Mountains and the Kalahari Desert, along with other areas.

Hunters are typically met at the Windhoek airport on plainsgame hunts. Hunt NMKS.

Plainsgame day rate $400 1x1, $325 2x1, 4x2 $300, observer $200.

Available trophy fees:

baboon $100 blesbok $600

caracal $1250 damara dik dik $2000

duiker $400 eland $2200

gemsbok $700 giraffe $2500

red hartebeest $700 hyena brown $1200

hyena spotted $700 klipspringer $1500

impala $600 springbok $400

jackal $100 springbok black $950

kudu $1500 wildebeest black $1200

steenbok $400 wildebeest blue $1000

warthog $400 zebra burchells $1500

waterbuck $3000 zebra hartmanns $1500

FISHING

MANITOBA PIKE, WALLEYE AND LAKE TROUT $1400

This fishing operation located 450 miles northwest of Winnipeg offers guides and lodging out of their 5-star lodge or fly-in unguided packages to one of their outpost cabins with access to many different catch and release lakes. Fishermen have been taking some monster pike weighing over 25 pounds in the 40 to 50-inch class, with some days

producing 100 plus walleyes and lake trout averaging over 10 pounds. These lakes produce quality fishing that has been achieved by practicing catch and release for the past 20 years. The only exception to this rule is all

fishermen can enjoy daily shore lunches on some morning keepers.

They offer the full service American plan out of the lodge, including airport shuttle, lodging, meals, guide, boat, motor, gas, fish cleaning and prepared shore lunch. 4 days and 5 nights are priced at only $1,710, on up to 7 days and 8 nights for $2,275 per man. Corporate packages for 3 days and 4 nights are $1,750 and include 2 days on the main lake and a day fly-out to a remote lake, 2 person minimum. There is an 8 1/2% tax to be added.

Unguided outpost cabins for groups of 4 to 10 people are priced from $1,400 for 5 days to $1,495 for 7 days. These packages include the use of their 16’ boats with 15 horsepower motors, unlimited gas, cooking utensils, showers, hot and cold running water and airport shuttle. They can also purchase your groceries ahead of time for your group. To save money on airfare for a group we would suggest renting a van and make the 6 1/2 hour drive from Winnepeg to Flin Flon. There may be a slight price increase after the first of the year.

HCU’s Cliff Graham has fished with this outfit more than 10 times and it just gets better. Fish MB358.

KETCHIKAN ALASKA

SALMON/HALIBUT/LINGCOD/SNAPPER

FISHING PACKAGES

A couple advantages about this operation it is only a 90 minute flight from Seattle and this outfitter consistently catches the biggest salmon and halibut in Ketchikan in both size and quantity every year. Last year everyone limited out every day on halibut, lingcod and snapper. Each fisherman took home about 150 pounds of fillets for his 3-day trip. He takes 4 to 6 fishermen on his 30-foot boat with twin 250 Yamaha motors. The best fishing is June 20 to mid-August. Kings come in first and about July 4 silvers and some pink show up and by July 15 the kings are tapering off and the silver and pink fishing is best. Halibut fishing is always good. Average halibut are 15 to 25 pound fish and he also fishes other areas where the numbers are less, but size will average 40 to 60 pounds with the occasional monster. Depending on the fishermen for halibut he can go for large fish or large numbers. They also fish for cod and chum salmon. He finishes up early September.

3 days and 4 nights is $2,975 or 4 days and 5 nights is $3,450 and 5 days and 6 nights is $4,250. Trip includes lodge accommodations, meals, appetizers at the bar in the 24’ x 35’ trophy room, big screen plasma TV, fully guided charter fishing, bait, tackle, custom fish processing, vacuum packaging, transport boxes, roundtrip airport transfers, daily room service, phone/fax/wireless internet and all taxes. Fishermen take a 90 minute flight from Seattle to Ketchikan, where they are met and driven 14 miles to the lodge. Fish AK247.

(inside back cover)

SHOULD YOU GET PREFERENCE POINTS FROM THE VARIOUS WESTERN STATES AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

Here is a brief outline on the point system to help you draw better tags. Most western states offer preference points and you acquire these by either applying for a limited draw tag and being unsuccessful or by just applying for a point with no opportunity to draw, but just to acquire the yearly point. Typically the applicant that applies for a limited draw tag with the most points has the best opportunity to draw the tag.

To acquire points in states like Colorado and Wyoming you can apply just for the points and accumulate them over years and down the road actually put them towards a tag when you want to draw. Initial price is normally the cost of the tag, for instance, Colorado non-resident bull elk is $586 or if applying just for a point for elk, deer or pronghorn it is $354 for each species plus a habitat stamp of $10 and $3 processing fee, so you put up the $599 with your application for a bull elk tag or $367 for just a point by the April deadline and if you are unsuccessful in drawing a tag or just wanting a point you are refunded the full amount (normally in June) minus $3 processing fee, $10 habitat stamp and $25 if you did not purchase a license the previous year.

Wyoming you can just purchase preference points from July to September at a cost of $50 for elk, $40 deer, $30 pronghorn, $100 bighorn sheep and $50 shiras moose.

Some states require you to purchase a non-refundable state license to acquire points. Arizona is one of those states charging $151 for your license and then $7.50 for each point for elk, deer, pronghorn or sheep. Youth hunters can purchase the Arizona license from age of 10 up to their 20th birthday for only $26 and acquire points for the same price of $7.50 each. None of these are refundable, but you acquire points.

Arizona offers bonus points and not preference points like most states. Bonus points is basically the more you have the better your odds are of drawing, kind of like more tickets in the raffle barrel. Preference points like Colorado and Wyoming offer are basically the applicant with the most points gets preference and the tag. You can apply for most states on your home computer and a credit card, just google the state name and fish and game to get started.

Bottom line, if you have read this pretty boring, mind boggling article up to now, you can draw premier tags by getting points, but it will most likely take quite a few years. We would suggest getting in the point game if you are under 55 years old for your normal species like elk, deer, pronghorn especially in Wyoming or Montana where the point system is relatively new. It is much more valuable if you are younger and have more time to acquire enough points for a good tag. Sheep and moose tags will normally require many points.

Stay in touch with one of our consultants and he will assist you in applying for the correct points to fit your needs and to help you locate the best outfitters.

Thanks for listening,

Cliff Graham