Your first Western Big Game hunt.

[Mammoth Steppe]

Hi there, first post on the forum, thanks for having me.

I live in Eastern Canada and have been racking my brain for months now on just how to get started into Western hunting. This forum came highly recommended for this topic.

This post is mostly directed at those living in the "east" or at least those that don't live right near the mountains. What was your first experience hunting western game, how did it go? For those of you in my shoes today, what are you considering as your first hunt out west?

I've been looking into the costs of some of these outfitters and the prices have come with a bit of a sticker shock. I had no idea sheep hunts were six figures haha.

We've got plenty of white tail, black bear and moose here so I'd be interested in pursuing something we don't have. What would you recommend for that first western experience, elk? caribou? mountain goat? brown bear?

I'd be looking into Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon for reference.

 

[MoeFaux]

I'm a Michigan boy, and I love getting out west to see places and pursue animals that are different from home.

My first was a guided elk hunt in CO. It was a trip that my dad and his buddy planned then invited me to join - I couldn't even tell you the name of the outfit. It was a decent time and a successful hunt but was lacking a lot of the things I now look for.

I chased black bears in Oregon with Freak Horn Guide Service. The owner, Brock, and his guys do a great job at the things I look for, and his prices are reasonable because they're not bloated with luxury items. I got a warm place to sleep, hearty home-cooked meals, and time afield with guys who are passionate, ethical, and easy to get along with. I'll be going back.

I also chased bears in BC with Chilanko Forks Outfitters. I'm pretty sure the owner, Allen Tew, has been on the scene for at least 164 years and is a workhorse in the field. His daughter was also a great guide and fun partner in the field. I would love to give them my business again, but takes a bit more time and money for me to get to their spot, so I'm not sure if it'll happen.

Those areas you're looking at will have great opportunities. I would love to be hunting brown bears or caribou up there if I could afford it.