Canada: archery bear NW Ontario intel wanted

[fletcher]

I am booking a trip 8/20 -8/27/11 near Ignace, ON Sturgeon Lake, Lumberjack Lodge for archery bear. Looking for any intel available.

border crossing issues

bugs/thermacell/etc

field judging/size of bears in area

what to bring

after the shot, care, hide, butchering etc

Any tips are appreciated

[DonBo]

Your outfitter would be the best source for all the hunting information. Most would be happy to help you decide exactly what to bring and show you what to look for as far as trophy status goes. Also, usually they take care of the skinning, etc, after the shot.

Here's a link for the different passport options.

http://www.ehow.com/info_7746367_passport-options.html

good luck!

[kkahmann]

You're gonna have a great hunt--good fishing too. I guided up there in the early '80s Tons of bears then and I'm sure there are still. Don't know the lodge you mentioned but most are well run outfits. Listen to your outfitter and you'll do fine

[superbee]

You won't have any issues crossing the border with bows. You do not need to do any of the registration process like with firearms. The only issue would be if you or anyone in your party had a onviction that is considered a felony on Canada. Be sure to take a current or previous hunting lic from the state in which you reside or you will be able to purchase a hunting lic. Definately take flagging tape, thermacell, small trimming saw, rubber boots, and scent lock clothing.

The best advice on judging bears is study and watch lots of videos. If they bait with 55 gal drums, that helps alot to use a reference to judge them fairly accurate. That is what we use to help the hunters have an easier time and keep ots of feed there to bring in multiple bears. After harvesting your bear, it is critical to field dress, skin, and cool the meat down until it gets to the processor and cut up. Time is critical as it is usually warm during that week. Check with your outfitter to see if they have a cold room to hang your bear until you get it cut up or if you need coolers and ice to take care of this. If you don't, it is very likely that the meat will spoil. Loss of meat due to this can fined by the MNR if they happen to check. Last year we had the MNR stop and check our hunters and asked where the meat was. They then went to thelocal processor to verify that the meat was being properlt taken care of. Everything was good, but they said they are cracking down on this as some are not meeting the requirements. Treestand, make sure whether you are required to bring or if tehy are provided and safety harness. Camera, flsahlight, and lots of batteries are always good whn bear hunting. Good luck and post a report when you return.