Outfitting Service
Our Philosophy
We offer a variety of trophy hunts during all four seasons, some easier than others. Bottom line — our hunts aren’t easy. They’re physically and mentally demanding, but the rewards and trophies are as high as we attest to.
Since everyone has different interests, we spend a lot of time customizing our trips. In the long-run, the time put in up front — matching your physical abilities and your hunting experience with a desired hunt along with seasonal timing and other variables — contributes to a successful experience all around.
Sustainable Hunting
Our hunting is consistent with the North American Wildlife Conservation Model (NAWCM) which is a unique system of conservation, applied in Canada and the United States, with no equivalent elsewhere in the world. It is properly referred to as a “model” because it consists of components that are interrelated and transferable between regions. It is a New World phenomenon, founded by North Americans for North America. Originated in the mid 19th century, the model was matured by the early 20th and reached its full form by the 1950s. It has continued to evolve ever since.
The model has two basic tenets:
- our fish and wildlife are reserved for the non-commercial use of individual hunters and anglers;
- our fish and wildlife are to be managed in such a way that their populations will be sustained at optimal levels for future generations;
The framework underneath the tenets consists in seven concise stipulations first articulated during the second half of the 18th century. Refined and modified over time, these pillars of the NAWCM are commonly referred to as the Seven Sisters for Conservation:
- The Public Trust. A Supreme Court decision in 1842 established the legal precedent that it was the government’s responsibility to hold wild nature in trust for all citizenry.
- Prohibition on Commerce. Eliminating markets and commercial traffic in dead animal parts. Hunters and anglers led the effort to eliminate killing wildlife for profit.
- Democratic Rule of Law. All citizens could participate in developing systems of wildlife conservation and use. Every citizen had right of access by law, and by law every citizen had right of say. Wildlife was firmly in the cradle of democracy.
- Hunting Opportunity for All. This democratic access to the taking of wildlife that has so powerfully engineered the broad-scale public participation in wildlife conservation and management that this continent is famous for.
- Non-Frivolous Use. Meaning that man can only kill for food, fur, self-defense and property protection.
- International Resources. The boundaries of states and nations are of little relevance to wildlife and fish, and policies and laws for wildlife conservation had to address this reality.
- Scientific Management. By habit and inclination, hunters and anglers were naturalists and very early in the model’s formulation science was identified as a crucial requirement.
Responsible implementation of this model, along with efforts to protect wildlife habitat, restored decimated game populations and brought many of our best-known wildlife species back from the edge of annihilation.
The wildlife diversity and abundance we enjoy today is nothing else than the result of successful implementation of the NAWCM.
With respect to such sustainable hunting approach, we promote responsible hunting by responsible man and woman. As a hunter gains experience and skill, studies have shown that he or she will typically pass through six distinct stages of development, and it should be the goal of every hunter to become a true “sportsman”.
Shooting Stage. The priority is getting off a shot, rather than patiently waiting for a good shot. This eagerness to shoot can lead to bad decisions that endanger others. A combination of target practice and mentoring helps most hunters move quickly out of this stage.
Limiting-out stage. Success is determined by bagging the limit. In extreme cases, this need to limit out also can cause hunters to take unsafe shots. Spending time with more mature hunters helps people grow out of this phase.
Trophy Stage. The hunter is selective and judges success by quality rather than quantity. Typically, the focus is on big game. Anything that doesn’t measure up to the desired trophy is ignored.
Method Stage. In this stage, the process of hunting becomes the focus. A hunter may still want to limit out but places a higher priority on how it’s accomplished.
Sportsman Stage. Success is measured by the total experience of the appreciation of the out-of-doors and the animal being hunted, the process of the hunt, and the companionship of other hunters.
“Give-back” stage. In this stage, hunters are interested in introducing others to hunting and passing on the proper hunting values. These hunters also teach others about safety and the responsibilities of hunting.
What Sets Us Apart
We trophy hunt year-round and we’re solely Canadian-owned. For every type of hunter, we develop options so you can choose a hunt according to your past experiences, species priorities, and personal preferences and/or disabilities. Our custom services include:
- Licensed professional guides that give you 110% on every hunt
- Customized hunts catered to your schedule, interests, heath and physical limitations, as well as special conditions
- One-on-one options for every hunt
- Export service and caping of trophies
- Ground transfers between Vancouver and our ranch via our own bus
- Small hunting groups suited for family holidays as well as parent/grandparent and child/grandchild combinations
- Variety of non-hunter adventure add-ons
- Dry climate with almost no bugs
- Excellent Blue Tick Hounds for tracking cougars
- Calm and stable Cayuse mountain horses
- Top bird dog — a German Wirehaired Pointer for upland birds and waterfowl
For non-hunters accompanying you on ranch-based hunt trips, our all-amenity lodge has the right accommodation and the tailored experiences such as guest ranch stays, wildlife viewing, pack horse trips, horseback riding, fishing, snowmobiling, alpine hiking, yoga, and much more.
Guest Agreement
You receive a thorough guest agreement when you book a trip to ensure that both you and BC Trophy Mountain Outfitters are prepared for your trip. The agreement includes trip details, your abilities, what to bring, waiver and release of claims, pick-up and drop-off details, including accommodation we recommend in Vancouver, as well as general information on topics such as weather and cancellations.
Getting Here
Getting here is easy. But we strongly recommend adding on additional travel days on either side of actual trip dates to accommodate unknowns such as weather or flight delays. Don’t let your trip get shortened.
We’re a 5 hour drive from Vancouver or you can leave the driving to us by choosing our van service, complete with a historical and cultural tour of BC’s Fraser Canyon.
Booking
To book a trip, we need to discuss all of the variables, including details regarding ages, abilities, interests, and past experience. We then discuss trip types and dates. When you’re ready to confirm a date, we’ll send you a complete detailed agreement. A 50 percent deposit secures your spot.
Contact us so we can customize your ultimate trophy hunting experience.
Climate
You must provide your own personal gear such as rain gear and footwear, and be prepared for rain, wind, and/or snow, for trips take place as high as 9,500 feet (2,900 metres). There’s always the possibility of snow in higher elevations, so pack for all weather conditions.
Spring and fall temperatures vary from 70 degrees Fahrenheit 21 degrees Celsius during the day, to lows below freezing. Late fall and winter clients for moose, sheep, and cougar hunts need to be prepared for winter temperatures.
Weather Network
Canada’s most accurate local weather forecasts and weather information for Canadian, US, and International cities is available from the Weather Network.
BC Taxidermy
If you require taxidermy service, we can transport your trophy to a local taxidermist that we recommend and arrange for your trophy to be shipped to you after it’s completed.
Firearms
Before travelling to Canada, review the Canadian Firearm Import Permits at: canadianfirearms.com. Handguns, automatics, and rifles with less than 18 inch barrels are prohibited.
You’re responsible for clearing customs into Canada, and upon exit, so we recommend that you contact customs regarding regulations on the locking of gun cases. We also suggest you contact your Canadian Consulate to find out the proper identification (varies with nationality) required while visiting Canada.
Taking game out of Canada is not a problem, provided you have the right paperwork. We complete the necessary forms, but some species require a CITES that must be obtained from a government office during weekdays. Others may require an inspection permit, and we’ll assist you in obtaining this.
About Rifles
Bringing rifles into Canada isn’t a problem. Handguns, automatics, and rifles with less than 18 inch barrels are prohibited. We recommend large, slow caliber rifles for hunts. Most importantly, bring what you’re used to.
For deer, goat, and sheep, we recommend rifles with MINIMUM 1,600 feet/pounds of energy at 300 yards with MINIMUM 165 grain bullet.
For bear and moose, we recommend rifles with MINIMUM 2,000 feet/pounds energy at 300 yards with MINIMUM 200 grain bullet.
NOTE: For late fall and winter trips, rifles must be de-greased to prevent lock up.
About Shotguns
Like any firearm, we recommend wing shooters bring the shotgun they’re used to firing. A shotgun using 12 or 16 guage double zero buckshot is sufficient for hunting upland birds and waterfowl. A long barrel shotgun, with full choke, is best for geese.
About Bow and Arrow
If you seek an ultimate hunt, bring your long or recurve bow for a truly traditional hunt anywhere from 10 feet to 40 yards. Our guides are also familiar with shooting game with cross and compound bow.
What to Bring
You must provide your own personal gear such as rain gear and footwear and be prepared for rain, wind, and/or snow for trips take place as high as 9,500 feet (2,900 metres). There’s always the possibility of snow in high elevations, so pack for all weather conditions.
Spring and fall temperatures vary from 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) during the day, to lows below freezing. Late fall and winter clients for moose, sheep, and cougar hunts need to be prepared for extreme winter temperatures.
We recommend you bring along:
- Camp trips, only, warm sleeping bag (-4 degrees Fahrenheit or -20 degrees Celsius)
- Binoculars, sunglasses, camera, film or memory card, and spare battery
- Personal toiletries, cloths, towel, face cloth, and lip balm
- Lots of socks (medium to heavy) and long johns
- Warm coat (wool and down) and empty pillow case (for camp trips)
- Medications (i.e. allergies or reactions to bee/wasp stings)
- Mitts with liners (for quick drying)
- Wide-brimmed hat, toque (for sleeping), and headband
- Rifle, ammunition (40 rounds), and water bottle (20 fluid ounces or 600ml or less)
- Flashlight and spare batteries, small pack, and sun screen
- Hiking boots broke in, and rubber boots with felt liners
- Late season deer/moose clients require fleece or wool pants/jackets to reduce noise and increase chances of success
- Late fall/winter trips clients require felt-pack boots for winter conditions
- Good heavy rain pants/jacket (no ponchos), breathable for hike trips (goat), not breathable for horseback trips (sheep)
Contact your airline for baggage dimensions and weight restrictions on flights. If you fly into or out of our camps, a 40 pound (18 kilogram) person restriction applies. Superfluous gear is left at our ranch.
Clients traveling on horseback are limited to a standard sized army type duffel that we provide upon arrival (approximately 30″ (76cm) tall by 14″ (35cm) across).
