Bears can do an immense amount of damage inside a building and the early spring this year has pulled them out of their dens about a month ahead of schedule. Paul starts filming the lodge and area while I get the tractor started and trailers ready to haul out to the runway. The batteries on our solar generating system are in good shape and the solar panels are pumping the amps into the charger, bringing them closer to full charge. I am able to plug in the air compressor and fill it up without starting the generator. The front tractor tires and a couple of the trailer tires have lost a bit of air over the winter and a top up is necessary before moving them out to the runway. When the equipment is ready, Paul catches a ride with me to the strip and sets up his camera in preparation for the DC-3 arrival.

About 1700, we hear the distant rumble of the two big radials and the DC-3 soon pulls into sight. Arnie flies over for a wind check and is soon doing his approach from the North. His smooth landing produces a cloud of fine dust and he rolls easily up to the unloading ramp. What a beautiful sight and everything going like clockwork! One of those rare days in the lodge business!!!

Paul and I drive up to the airplane as the props slowly wind down. We greet the crew and Nelson as they bail out of the big beautiful bird. We are soon pulling out the cargo and stacking lumber off to the side. I take Arnie for a quick look at the lodge while the propane pigs are being offloaded and when we get back the DC-3 is empty. Paul sets up his camera and does an interview with me about the success of the operation and other comments pertaining to lodge resupply.

All too soon, the boys are ready to depart and I film the startup and warm up of the DC-3. With a cloud of dust and a “Hi Ho Silver!” the DC-3 pulls away from the cargo area and taxis for takeoff. I run part way down the strip to film the takeoff and get a good shot of the plane lifting off the runway a third of the way down. I keep the camera rolling as Arnie returns for the obligatory buzz job and he goes roaring by at 40 feet sounding more beautiful than a world renowned symphony. All too soon it’s over and I am left with the wind sighing through the trees and the last of civilization winging its way south to other adventures.

It’s 1900, I have yet to light the fire in my cabin and the air is cooling rapidly as I pull the first load of lumber back to the shop near the lodge. I park the trailer inside and head for the cabin to light the stove. Soon the roaring fire raises the comfort level of the cabin to livable and a can of beans is bubbling merrily away on the stove top. Ahh, what would we do without these modern conveniences? I am so tired I can barely stay awake for my bean banquet. After eating I collapse on my bed and I am soon unconscious.

A gorgeous sunrise greets me after a GOOD night sleep and a breakfast of caribou jerky and trail mix washed down with North Knife Lake champagne (lake water). I head out to the runway for the last load of lumber and three hours later I have it loaded. All the pigs are rolled off to the sides and the cargo area is cleaned up of all evidence of yesterday’s operation. As I am parking the last trailer in the shop, Nelson arrives in his 185 to take me to Churchill and Dymond Lake. He unloads cargo for here and loads up the cargo for Churchill.

I am at the controls as we depart the strip at 1300 and we’re soon climbing through turbulent skies to the calm above the broken cloud layer. The tops of the clouds are much higher than we anticipated but the higher we go, the stronger the tailwind. When we level out at 16,500 feet (that's right 16 THOUSAND feet) we are clocking 175 knots and 45 minutes later it’s time to start the descent into Churchill under clear and smooth skies.

 We pull up to the gas pumps and are amazed to hear that there is no Avgas in town. Fortunately, I have a stash in town. My buddy Norm Preteau arrives to meet us and I get him to drive me to town with my cargo and pick up the gas, and some fresh groceries for my stint at Dymond Lake (at the goose hunting lodge). We are soon back at the aircraft and I fill the tanks with the jerry cans of Avgas while Nelson loads up the aircraft one more time. At 1500 we are back in the air heading for Dymond Lake and 10 minutes later we touch down on the narrow strip in front of the lodge.

Soon I am standing by the off-loaded cargo watching Nelson roar down the strip on his way back to Thompson. His buzz job sends a thrill down my spine as he circles over me on his way South and I start the next chapter in the adventurous life of a lodge operator.

Soon excited hunters will be matching wits with the wily snow goose as our annual spring hunt gets under way for yet another year. There are already thousands of birds in the area and despite the snow being almost gone it still looks like winter with the geese covering every available bit of open ground.

It will be a good hunt.

Everyone had a great time, fishing and playing cards until the wee hours of the morning.  I should also mention that all of the guests survived and did not die after eating BBQ Jalapeno Goose Breasts, a common favorite in the Blueberries & Polar Bears wild game cookbook series authored by Helen Webber and Marie Woolsey.

The group was very concerned that they wouldn’t like the goose breasts and would end up being hungry, so they convinced chefs Helen Webber and Karli Reimer to cook up some additional burgers - just in case.  When the meal was over, everyone was full, the plate of goose breasts had disappeared – and all that remained was a plate half full of cold uneaten burgers.  

As expected, Helen and Karli’s goose breasts had won over the hearts of the guests in this showdown. This is why we say, always listen to your guide and never disagree with the cooks.

–  Kent Mitchie

When we arrived we found that several years of guide/guest traffic and severe spring ice flows had taken their toll on the old dock.  Lumber for a new dock had been brought in the previous winter, so with the help of fellow guide Damon we began building the new dock. The dock construction was completed in two phases.  Phase one required the building of four floating sections. Phase two was the finishing touches.

The log cribbing was rebuilt and stabilized with more rock. The overall size of the dock was increased to 8 feet wide by 130 feet long. New lightweight poly barrels were used as floats. The dock was constructed with metal corner brackets and steel pins that allow it to flex and pivot up and down without twisting, resulting in a smooth even walking surface without tripping hazards.

And finally, the new dock was built with 2×10 and 4×4 pressure treated lumber.  The result…

We now have a new and improved long-term dock!

 – Kent Michie

Head Guide/Dock Master/Dog Whisper/ Mosquito Tamer/Black Fly Trainer/Baer Slayer/Expert Bull Shipper

There was quite a bit of activity going on at the airport. A Hercules cargo plane was being loaded with emergency supplies for one of the Northern communities that was unable to get their freight in on the winter road this year. There was also a Lockheed Electra from Buffalo Airways of Ice Pilot fame being loaded at the same time. Tucked in behind the Electra was another aircraft, and I could only see a bit of the fuselage. Was that a DC-3? Closer inspection proved it was and a light bulb immediately went on. Here was the solution to a potentially BIG problem we would be facing this summer for hauling lumber and pigs of propane into the fishing lodge at North Knife Lake!

I quickly phoned the office and asked them to track down someone in Yellowknife who might authorize us chartering the DC-3 for a trip into North Knife Lake Lodge, about 160 km north of Thompson. After getting pertinent information like runway length and distance from Thompson, the co-ordinator from Buffalo Airways gave me a price and asked when we would have our load ready.

Mike, the co-ordinator asked if it would be ok if one of the photographers from the Ice Pilot series on TV could accompany the small bush plane and photograph the entire operation for a potential addition to their series. Good publicity doesn't come cheap so I readily agreed. A quick phone call to my son-in-law Nelson in Calgary secured the plane to do the strip check. He could be in Thompson shortly after noon on Sunday, the day we were to load up the DC-3. The remainder of Friday and Saturday were spent finalizing details, getting the load properly configured and adjusting priorities. The three lifts of lumber and four pigs of propane weighed in at 7000 pounds.

It should be mentioned here that our strip at North Knife Lake was built specifically with the DC-3 in mind. By the time we got it finished, there were no DC-3s left in Manitoba and ferrying one in from Saskatchewan was cost prohibitive. We had a very nice DC-3 strip that had never seen the plane it was built for. Part of my excitement in this operation was just having a DC-3 land on the North Knife Lake runway for the first time. We'd had a Hawker Siddley 748 land on the strip when it was frozen in December, but it was unable to handle the soft conditions of summer the way a DC-3 could.

Sunday morning broke crisp and clear across the three prairie Provinces and barring any mechanical breakdowns, we expected to see a successful completion to Operation DC-3. We got the crew transported from the hotel out to the airport, where we met the loader and proceeded to start the process of loading.

Everyone from Buffalo who was in Thompson, including the chief pilot, Arnie Schrader showed up to help load. We had to take apart the lifts of lumber and load them by hand, as that was the way we would have to unload them at the lodge. Many hands make quick work and inside of two hours the plane was loaded and tied down. Nelson came winging in just as we finished, I drove Arnie and the photographer over to the flight side of the airport and we climbed into the Cessna 185 for the one hour flight to North Knife Lake.

Arnie didn't really even have to do any checking as he could tell just from our landing that the DC-3 would have no problem. There were no serious spring washouts and the strip was in better shape than most springs after the thaw. Leaving the photographer to record the departure and arrival of the DC-3, and me to get the unloading equipment organized, Nelson and Arnie blasted off for Thompson to pick up the loaded DC-3.

Stay tuned for part two of Operation DC-3 coming soon.

Quite often a whole caribou camp will have tagged out with two record book bulls after three days of hunting. Hunters often ask, after we shoot our two caribou what else is there to do in Northern Manitoba before the plane comes. Here are some other adventures that outfitters will offer to pass the time.

Trophy Canadian Fishing – Pike fishing in Manitoba is second to none, and with these Manitoba monsters often measuring near or above the 50-inch mark, it’s no wonder anglers travel such great distances to toss their line for the beasts. The northern lakes see absolutely no angling pressure for the rest of the year, and the caribou hunting season is only a few weeks long, which means only a few dozen fishermen or so are on these pristine lakes and rivers every year.

The cold northern Manitoba lakes are also famous for Lake Trout. The trout spawn in the fall in the shallows, and it’s at this time of year that you can expect excellent success on the fly rod. Fly fishing for lunker lakers or northern pike is truly the experience of a lifetime for any fly fishermen, beginner or expert.
 
The rivers in northern Manitoba are also teeming with Arctic Grayling, which can be caught in fast moving water on either fly rods or light spinning tackle.

Upland & Migratory Game Bird Hunting – If fishing isn’t of interest to you, there is always more hunting available. Snow Geese fly through northern Manitoba on their way from the nesting grounds north of the Arctic Circle, to the warmer climate in the south. A handful of decoys and some calling will bring in flocks of hundreds of these white birds.

You can also try your luck at jump shooting the Arctic Grouse or Ptarmigan. These northern birds are beautiful in September, as they are going through their color change from red and brown to brilliant white and they make an excellent addition to the any hunter’s bag.

Gray Wolf – The north is full of Gray Wolves, and they can be hunted under the authority of any big game licence. As such, there are no tagging requirements. Hunters are reminded that the tag affixed to a big game licence must be used for that big game species, but that the licence number is all that is required to possess a wolf taken under the authority of that licence.

Black Bear – There seems to be more and more Black Bear in northern Manitoba every year. Most outfitters will either sell hunts for them as add-ons or offer combo hunts. Regardless of how you go about it, a life-size mount of a Manitoba black bear makes a great addition to any hunter’s trophy room.

Moose Hunting – Our Moose hunting in Manitoba is not very well known, but it is excellent!  Northern Manitoba outfitters have taken moose up to 66 inches. Every year hunters take moose in the 50- inch plus range. Again, many outfitters will offer combination hunts for moose, caribou, black bear and goose. The options are almost limitless.

Whether you’re looking for a trophy big game hunt, a waterfowl hunt, or the fly-in fishing trip of a lifetime, Northern Manitoba has the answer.

For more information on a Central Barren Ground Caribou hunt or any of the other exciting hunting and fishing adventures available in Manitoba, Canada, please contact Webber’s Lodges Toll Free at: 1 (888) WEBBERS or 1 (204) 377-5090. You can also e-mail us at: info@webberslodges.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

Spectacular fishing – trophy Manitoba Northern Pike,  Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, and Walleye, our remote and pristine wilderness in the heart of one of the last great ecosystems boasts virtually unexplored waters.
 

Enriched action - the day is yours. A full day’s activities supported by experienced professional guides with modern comfort-enhancing equipment to complement their expertise and ensure the experience of a lifetime.
 

Luxury lodging - in our beautiful, spacious, custom designed lodge with all the modern amenities. Enjoy a private bath off your bedroom, or you may choose a condo for a little more privacy. Luxury in the wild.
 

Fly fishing or hard tackle - whether you are a professional fly fisher, or a hard tackle beginner we can help you out. We have all the equipment to get you set for a day on the lake, and can also offer evening lessons for both fly and hard tackle fishing.

Exclusive adventure - walk softly, leave no footprints. With no more than 16 guests at the lodge at one time and no more than 160 a year, you are truly one of few and our spectacular retreat will still be here for your grandkids to discover.
 

Experience - 35 years of experience offering fishing, hunting and wildlife adventures in our area. We are your guide, your chef, your pilot. For us, excellence is not a business strategy; it’s a family tradition.
 

The Original - as the first luxury lodge in Manitoba we set the standard and lead the development in our industry. We are often imitated but never duplicated.
 

Northern hospitality - when you’re on the lake, a gourmet feast - shore lunch prepared by your guides, not your everyday fried fish and bread, and never the same one twice. Appetizers and cocktails ready for you when you come off the lake prepares you for the feature act.
 

Indulge - in a feast for the palate. Internationally renowned for fabulous meals prepared by our resident chef Dave Schellenberg and best-selling Canadian cookbook authors Helen Webber and Marie Woolsey, the fish stories are often relegated by talk of the gourmet meals.
 

Pristine wilderness - when you’ve had enough fishing, relax with the view of a spectacular sunset or discover surrounding eskers and lakes. Let tranquility soak into your soul.
 

Wildlife - take a quiet stroll to watch for our resident wolf pack, moose, eagles and more – and out here, you may be part of the wild life too.
 

Nature’s playground - experience the soothing rhythm of paddling your canoe, feel the sun on your skin and breathe the air as you hike, stargaze from the hot tub, experience it all.
 

Extraordinary - natural resources offer abundant wildlife in beautiful, natural settings in the true north.
 

Legendary wilderness – whether fishing, waterfowl , big game hunting, or nature watching, we are Canada’s legendary wilderness adventure specialist.
 

Exclusive fishing paradise - visit us once and we think you’ll agree that you’ve discovered the experience of a lifetime and all kinds of reasons for coming back to Canada’s most exclusive fishing paradise
 

We don’t know exactly where all of these caribou hunts took place or which outfitter was used, but we thought we would provide you with a little information about caribou hunting in Manitoba, Canada and some tips you can use when trying to book a caribou hunt with a high chance of success. If you do your homework you should have a successful trophy caribou hunt.

Non residents have been hunting caribou in Manitoba since 1991. There are only about half a dozen caribou outfitters in Manitoba, and only 500 tags are available for non residents. By limiting the number of tags distributed, the Government of Manitoba has ensured that the caribou herds here will remain strong and abundant for many years to come. Northern Manitoba caribou outfitters hunt the Central Barren Ground caribou of the Kaminuriak herd.

The size of this caribou herd is estimated to be between 380,000 and 500,000. The Kaminuriak herd begins to stage in southern Nunavut and Northern Manitoba at the end of August and September. When in the staging area, the caribou are not yet in full migration, and the herd sizes are generally smaller. These smaller herds are a big bonus for caribou hunters.

When stalking smaller herds of 50 to 100 caribou, it is much easier to get close to them, as there are far less eyes and noses that might sense the presence of hunters. Another bonus of hunting the smaller caribou herds is that the animals are much more spread out. In the large herds the caribou are tight knit as they migrate through the area. The small herds that are staging are spread out, which gives the hunter a much better chance at taking one of the trophy bulls.

Manitoba caribou outfitters see animals from mid August to the beginning of October depending on their location. Most of these caribou outfitters also offer black bear hunting at the same time, as well as wolf and ptarmigan or goose hunting, while at camp, and fishing for trophy Northern Pike, Lake Trout, and Arctic Grayling. So after you tag out on your Manitoba caribou hunt there is plenty to do at camp!

Tips for a Successful Caribou Hunt in Manitoba

• Talk to the outfitter and find out how long they have been selling non-resident caribou hunts.
• Ask for references from past hunters, as well as contact information for the local DNR office, and the provincial outfitters association.
• Don’t be afraid to ask the outfitter any questions you have, no matter how insignificant they might be. This is your hunt and you want to be prepared.
• If planning on hunt a few years in advance, get on the outfitter’s mailing list. This will allow you to see how successful the hunts are. Also keep tabs on Web sites and blogs for current information and hunting updates. You can also find out if there is a sport show in your area that the outfitter will be attending, so you can visit and talk to them in person.
• Find out what the weather conditions are usually like at that time of year in which your hunt will take place, and also get a list of recommended clothing and gear to bring with you.
• Ask about travel insurance. Usually this is purchased separately, but it can be helpful in case of weather delays, lost baggage, etc. Even if you don’t purchase it, it doesn’t hurt to look into it.
• Read the outfitters terms and conditions carefully before booking. Make sure you have taken the time to go over everything and clarify any questions you might have.

If you would like to learn more about caribou hunting in Manitoba, Canada, please call us at: (204) 377-5090, Toll Free: (888) 932-2377 or e-mail us at: info@webberslodges.com.

We would love to hear from you!

Congratulations to the Lake Superior SCI chapter as being named the SCI chapter of the year for 2009. That makes them the chapter of the year four times in the past five year.
 

Come down to the Grand Casino in Hinckley and talk to Webber’s about your next trophy hunt. There will be great food, and lots of donated trips to bid on. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.sci-lakesuperior.com
 

We hope to see you there.

The snow is gone, ice is melting off the lakes in the southern provinces, ice fishing in Manitoba is over for another year. So what’s next? The answer, spring snow goose hunting!
 

For several weeks now, hunters have been out in many states blasting the snows. From Texas, all the way up to the Dakotas the snow geese are flying over head on their way to the northern nesting grounds north of the artic circle. Its official now, they have moved into southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Reports are coming in from other outfitters just north of the boarder saying that they are coming in waves. One farmer said that he saw the largest flock of snow geese that he has ever seen go over just days ago.
 

Snow is continuing to melt northwards in the two provinces and currently the snow line sits around Saskatoon, which is where the front line of the migration is staging, waiting for more snow to melt to continue the flight across Manitoba to the coastline of the Hudson Bay.
 

The geese will arrive at Nanuk Lodge in the first week of May, and we will be ready for them. With our first hunters on the ground on the 12th, we will have blinds ready and guns pointed as they pass over by the thousands. Nanuk Lodge will once again be the most extreme snow goose hunt in North America.
 

For the lucky ones that make it past Nanuk, they will have to dodge pellets again at Dymond Lake. Located just north of Churchill, Manitoba our hunters at Dymond will have guns ready as the geese once again make their pass over our lodge. 
 

There will be lucky ones at both Nanuk and Dymond Lake that make it past the hunters, only because they have limited out for the day. Those snow geese will make it north to the nesting grounds, but will have to make the trip south in the fall, and I can guarantee you we will be ready for them.
 

Think you are up for this snow goose hunt of a lifetime? Give us a call today!

• Trophy Pike Fishing at North Knife Lake Lodge. With Packages starting out of Winnipeg, Manitoba this is a fly-in fishing trip of a lifetime. Four or five day American plan packages, fully guided, with first class lodging and meals. This is truly luxury in the wild.

• Trophy Manitoba Big Game – Barren Land Caribou hunting packages. Fully guided five day, two caribou packages out of Churchill, Manitoba the polar bear capitol of the world. Or a seven day fully guided moose hunt at one of our modern outpost camps.

• Waterfowling in a Wild Land - North Americas most extreme waterfowl hunting at either Dymond Lake Lodge or Nanuk Lodge. Spring Snow Goose hunting in Manitoba is unlike anything else. Waves of thousands upon thousands of snow geese heading for the nesting grounds in northern Canada. Or our fall all goose and duck hunt at either lodge. Canada goose hunting, snow goose hunting as well as duck hunting all in luxury lodging in Manitoba’s wild lands.

LOCATION: Minneapolis Convention Center.
1301 2nd Ave South
Minneapolis, MN
 

DATE: March 24th to 28th
 

SHOW HOURS:
Wednesday, March 24 1pm - 9pm
Thursday, March 25 1 pm - 9 pm
Friday, March 26 11 am - 9 pm
Saturday, March 27 10 am - 9 pm
Sunday, March 28 10 am - 5 pm
 

MORE: For more information visit: http://www.northwestsportshow.com/