EXPERIENCE NEWFOUNDLAND'S PRISTINE WILDERNESS

Another Great Fall hunt in 2004, with high expectations for the 2005 hunting season

The latest hunting season at our remote lodges was indeed another memorable one, with the usual high success rates for big game and some very fine trophies. Our hunting conditions were overall much better than the hot conditions of 2003, but not without some foul weather. There was an increased number of previous guests back to hunt with us again and following the current season, indications are that an even greater number intend to return for a future hunt. One special note would have been the increased number of father/son hunter combinations at our lodges.

Click on 2004 Hunting photos for a pictorial sample of our most recent hunts.

Why Hunt?

Animal sightings at our various lodges showed activity that was mostly on par with other years, but there were some disappointments, and definitely some pleasant surprises. Hunter kill rate for moose was at 75%, which is normal, but moose sightings were up from the previous year, including more large antlered animals. Caribou kill rate was slightly lower than normal, with 5 hunters not making a kill. 4 of these would have been archery hunters, and there were a couple who missed shots, with stalk opportunity for all hunters on mature stags almost every day. Black bear sightings were the most ever, but only 1 bear was taken and most activity was at one lodge, with many excellent stalk opportunities. Antler size of moose taken was about average, and caribou racks were slightly smaller overall. While there was almost no small game hunting for ptarmigan, there were definitely increased sightings, indicating that the population cycle is on the upswing once again

It was the first year that the number of archery hunters at our lodges was less than the previous year, but I guess with a set number of hunting permits, that was bound to happen. Although some bowhunters did not make a kill, all were extremely satisfied with the hunting experience that was presented and all had multiple stalks on good trophies.

Here is a very brief overview of the hunting at each of our lodges for 2004.

The Forks Lodge This was the first time we have hunted this lodge for 4 years, and the moose hunting was simply terrific. There were a number of bear sightings, and some missed shots. This is our most challenging lodge for caribou, due to the rugged terrain, and few were spotted during our single week of hunting, with our 3 hunters taking just 2 stags. This lodge is really only suited to those in top physical condition.

Salmon Brook: With only 2 weeks of hunting here this year, a reduced number of sightings for all animals was not conclusive. One party of 4 only hunted 3 days because of the effects of Hurricane Ivan, but they filled all their tags with 4 caribou and 2 moose. Minimal hunting here in 2004 should do much to enhance the experience for the ‘05 season.

Rocky Ridge: An extremely successful fall, with the only missed animals being 2 moose during the final week, when very poor weather permitted only a few hours of suitable hunting on 4 days of the week. The moose were more and larger, and there is great anticipation for the 2005 hunt for moose at Rocky Ridge. The caribou hunting was great as usual, with many great trophies, and a high percentage with double shovels. Bears were almost non-existent here, with no sightings, following 2 years of good activity. Ptarmigan showed greatly increased numbers, and hopes are high for the quick rebound we have been expecting.

Caribou Lodge: Total caribou sightings were down from 2003, but a shift to more hunting in the earlier part of the season (including the archery season ) showed a greater number of animals in September as compared to the same period last year. We did not hunt during the rut period of 2^nd and 3^rd weeks of October, when last year we were often seeing groups of 30-40 caribou. The addition of a six-wheeled ATV, as well as the placement of a canoe in the river system to the west, has done much to enhance the hunting experience at the lodge. The most striking part of the hunt at Caribou Lodge in 2004 was the number of black bear sightings, with all bears being adults. Almost every hunter saw bears, and at times they could be seen in the open feeding on berries for hours at a time. Lack of great hunter interest in bears served to limit the harvest to only 1 , and it was in the 400 lb range. Plans are to have a select few hunters with specific interest in taking a bear for the 2005 season. Bear activity has been regular and increasing since we opened this lodge in 2002 and expectations are high for next year for excellent opportunity on our fair chase, spot and stalk type bear hunts.

With our staff remaining virtually unchanged from last year, operations at all 3 lodges went especially smooth, with a steady chorus of appreciation from all for a great hunting experience. 2004 continued the trend of great people at all lodges, including a number of husband/wife couples, and the father/son combinations. A trend for weather to be poor on our hunt changeover day of Sunday did create some problems. Despite this, the only overnight guest delay was during Hurricane Ivan.

Here are just a few comments back already from this year’s guests:

- Donna or Tony, " First, thanks for a great hunt. The lodge, scenery and particularly the guides and cook were outstanding. This was my best hunt ever. I plan on returning at some future date with my son - he's only 14 now, so it will be a few years. I want to share this experience with him. "

Our 2005 hunting schedule is now over half full, with all moose hunts having been filled for quite some time. There are, however, a number of caribou hunts still open at our lodges, including during archery only season and black bear add-on is also still possible. I am hopeful of acquiring some additional moose permits for next fall, but we will have to wait and see on that. We have also been taking reservations for the 2006 hunting season for some time..

Once again, we are very receptive to archery hunters and offer a very special welcome to couples, including any non-hunters. Should you have an interest in hunting with us, an early reservation is essential for either of the next 2 hunting seasons.

Looking forward to hearing from you again soon and being your host at one of our wilderness lodges.

NOTE As a result of a very successful and extremely exciting archery caribou hunt by Larry D. Jones at our Caribou Lodge during the fall of 2003, a great TV show was produced.  This show aired last quarter - on the MEN's channel. It's DISH network, channel 218.  It will air again  12-1-04  at 1:00p & 9:00p EST ... then again on 12-4-04 at 6:00p EST.   A copy of this or or other TV shows in this Bowhunting Adventure series may be obtained through the site www.ArtofDeceptionTV.com .

Please click on  Hunt summary 2003 to view a summary of the previous hunting year, Huntnews2002 or 2002 caribou racks to view some of the trophies from that fall .