July 4/10 Happy Independence Day!!  Once again, where does the time go?  Our spring and so far summer has been unpleasant.  There have been a few areas in the province that have experienced flash flooding of 6-8 inches of rain in 2 hours.  As well we even had a tornado touch down with 200mph winds; crazy for Saskatchewan. 

Anyway, we are all doing good, and trying to enjoy the start of summer.  Joyce has started a new job, fulltime with the local Sask Environment office which has created some more responsibility for old Dad at home, and changes for the kids too, but should be good with some additional income.  Roan starts school this fall so it has been a good opportunity for Joyce to be able to return to work and good for Roan to get ready for some independence at school.  We are all adjusting, but managing.

Kids have started with swimming lessons again, and playing in the mud since we get rain daily.  Holy friggen bugs, it is bad, really hard to enjoy being outside when it is this bad.  Dogs do not even like being outside.  We had a bear in our yard, that came right to the front steps, so that was exciting and concerning at the same time.  He went through my bait trailers and cleaned up some left overs, then walked around my truck a couple times, but did not climb into the back.  Dogs were not happy having a bear roaming around.  

Craig (part-time guide), myself and my Dad got drawn for moose this year in our zone, so definately looking forward to Oct 1.  Hope Monty and Dan are around at that time again to help load a big bull!!  The Oklahoma guys arrive that week too for fall bear so it should be a fun week.

Joyce and I have been busy working in the yard and trying to get as much done on the house as we can while juggling our little family.  We got our cover-all building up and I am actaully pleased with it, we now have some outside storage.   Bookings have slowed, so we still have some openings if anyone is interested.  Hope all is well and stay healthy!!    

June 18/10  Well we have obviously ended the spring bear season and for some reason my last couple of posts have not appeared on the site.  Again not sure what happened as I do not pretend to be a computer "guru".  Anyway I will try and give a quick summary, we have gotten 11-13 inches of rain since May 22.  It is wet and crappy, predection for Saskatchewan farmers is that there is about 5 million acres of unseeded land.  That equals world econmy shortages..........not good. 

We have pretty well all the sites cleaned up.  Kids are winding down for school, soccer and swimming, and hopefully we can get some camping and boating in this summer.  Joyce starts a new job next week so it might be tough to get away to far.  We took the kids to a water park and dinosaur museum a couple weeks ago on the way to get my gun.  So I now have it, and it is nice, got the Nikon Omega scoped mounted on it and just need to shoot it!! 

I have been busy trying to put up a 32x72' coverall building to try and keep my stuff out of the elements.  In summary that is about it for news.............Anyone wanting to deer or elk hunt let me know asap, we have some smokin good deals......I think anyway!!!  

May 22/10 Good news and bad news.  Good news is that bear activity is good, bad news is that we had a week of 90 degree temps and the bears are hitting baits at night.  Other bad news is that we only had 3 clients for the first week and now only have 3 guys the second week.  Tough to make spring payments but we will manage.  Any way as for the bears and the first week we had 1 wounded bear, 1 missed bear, and one dead 250lbs boar taken with a bow.  Len had the opportunity to sit a bait with one of the Texas hunters (actaully North Carlina) and videoed 4 coloured bears and 4 black bears all at the same site with lots of fighting chasing and climbing.  I wish I could have been in there to see it all, great activity!!

  Lots of laughs, lots of first times at the camp, some good footage, and some tension at times.  All in all we had a great time with the texas trophy hunters crew, and made some new friends.  The last nite of the hunt I smashed my finger with the loading ramps and thankful we had a nurse in camp.  Anyway I will be fine and we are gearing up for the Wyoming boys arriving tonite.   

May 15/10 My apologies it has been a couple weeks.  I posted a lengthy drawn out up date last week and lost it, then of course was peeved and haven't had the time, or energy to get back on here.  Anyway in brief summary I had my eyes done with laser surgery May 3 ......amazing!  I have wore glasses for almost 30 years and now I can see.  Very exciting and only those with bad eyes will understand.  I definately reccomend it.  We have been busy with getting baits ready and feeding the bears.  We also had to move some furniture around in the lodge, soccer started last week which both Joyce and I are coaching, Joyce has been baking for the bear hunters, dance for Mikayla is done this weekend, seeding has started, it has just been a busy time of year. 

Bear baites have been going very well, and Roan has been with me lots helping.  Mikayla has been coming along too when she has not had school.  It has been alot of fun this year especially having them tagging along and asking questions.  It is a good test for me to slow down and enjoy having the opportunity to spend time with them and not get frustrated when we do not get as many baits done, or they need a snack, or we get stuck and they think we should call mom.  Bottom line I enjoy the time and the bears have been hungry and both kids have the outdoor bug!!!!  

Len and I are pleased with the activity at the sites and we have done all we can do, the rest is up to the bears, the hunters and everything else beyond our control.  So sit quiet, pay attention to scent control and do what we tell you!!!  Whether you trust your guide or not can be the difference, and I suggest listening to your guides; we have been doing this for years and have a good understanding of the activity at each site; even if you think you know more than us!!! 

I am heading into Saskatoon this morning to pick up the Texas guys, however they are experiencing flight problems and will not be arriving until midnight, so we have some details to figure out.  Regardless of when they get here we will be hunting Sunday afternoon, and I should mention the bugs are officially out!!  (Thermacells you will need em) 

Well that is it for now.  Hope to get trail cam pics and bear pics on soon.  I will try and keep the updates going as we progress into the spring bear season.

Woody's thought for today:  Be proud of your outdoor passion regardless of what it is, bow, gun, tradional, fishing, site seeing whatever.......... .  Enjoy it, and pass the passion along by teaching the next generation about nature, even if you do not know that much just enjoy it...........  Patience can go along way with others..........Slow down and smell the roses, or in our case the bear bait!

April 27/10 Hey that is my birthday........Happy Birthday to me!!! 

Well I just wanted to say that it rained, snowed, and was fairly unpleasant all weekend, but we all went baiting anyway.  That shows our Woodland Outfitting committment to getting bears!!  The kids were wet, dogs had enough Joyce was oil from one end of her to the other, and even my parents were along for moral support.  Good Times!!  Anyway we got almost all the sites up and going and will do the last few this week.  Then get cameras out and see what is happening. Len will start running baits regularly shortly and we will be ready.  The last beaver run happens tommorrow and we will be stocked up and ready to rock.  A another fellow outfitter near us, Rob Nye is doing a beaver run from a local trapper and scooping 100 beaver carcusses (sp) for us.  So we are ready as long as the bears can tell time!!   I should also mention we are now on youtube under "baiters."  (no "master" in front of that)

Tonight we are having a small birthday supper with my family, parents and grandma and maybe even some cake!  Also would like to mention our new cook has been hired and will have her first trial run this spring, so please be kind.  Her name is Ruby and we welcome her to our team.   Hopefully she is happy with me as a boss and will be excited about 4:00am mornings for deer season as well. 

Woody's thought for today:  "Your word is only as good as your actions, so stand by your word or keep your mouth shut!!"  Sometimes I wonder if people actually hear what they are saying.  My day often consists of the thoughts, Beer is good, God is Great, and People are Crazy!!  I am so Thankful for all I have!!! Another year older and I can not believe how fast times flies by.................  So I guess that may be summarized as a few thoughts for today.   

April 20/10 Hi there!  Hope all is well with everyone.  I thoroughly enjoy this time of year.  Got a few bear baits out, and will get the rest out this weekend.  The whole family including wife, kids and dogs are going baiting this weekend, so that should be fun, and "helpful".  Kids are so excited about helping, and exploring for beaver skeltons.  The weather has been just awesome, which is good and bad, in that the bush is drying nicely, but the bear's may be looking for greens too, and getting hot.  I guess we will see........  Regardless looking forward to spring bear, maybe some wild boar hunting, and possibly some fishing.  We have Joe Betar and the Texas Trophy Hunters crew coming the first week, as well as Waylen, from Nikon, and then the Wyoming boys the second week.  Should be fun, and we will get some good footage for the Texas guys for an upcoming TV show.  I will keep you posted when I know the airing times.   I expect some excitement and good stories from the Wyoming boys, (just a hunch).  Still trying to talk a couple Wisconsin guys into a spring bear hunt yet.

The quads, rhino, and argo are ready to go, and hopefully we can avoid any major breakdowns.  Spoke with the Canadian Firearms Center this morning and all is done with my paper work for the border so I can get my new T/C, which the border guys have probably broke in............Also trying to get a scope from the Nikon rep that is coming up this spring for bear.  My birthday is next week so I made list for Joyce and the kids of muzzleloader supplies for my b-day present from the kids.  It helps to make a list...........

I should also mention that I am looking for an ice machine for the Oki's.   

Since it is spring bear season, and it can be wet, it makes me think of another quote;

Woody's thought of the day:  "Never test the depth of water with both feet."  "He who laughs last, thinks slowest!!!"

I will let you know how the baiting with all my help goes.................   

April 13/10  I am back!!!  I got back late Monday afternoon from the SCI - Lake Superior show.  Had a great time, and met lots of new people.  I was very impressed with the numbers, the vendors, the organization, as well as the classy feeel to the event.  I even won a Thompson Center Triumph muzzleloader, which I thought was an awesome way to end the banquet.  However, Canadian Customs also liked it and kept until I have all the paper work.  Anyway, I will have it back in my possession, and have intentions of it taking a bear this spring, I hope.

We had an awesome time, I will be back on here asap, but have to run for now..............    

April 5/10  Happy Easter Folks!  Hope everyone was able to spend some time with your family and enjoy and extra day or 2 off from work.  I am on my way to the SCI - Lake Superior Chapter show this coming weekend.  I am leaving late Tuesday and continue on my way and pick up a couple buddies on the way, so should be fun.  I finally got a few pictures put together from our past hunts for potential clients to see what we can offer.  Also we will finally have a binder of a few pictures at the lodge for veiwing too. 

Sold a quad a couple days ago, so hoping to pick another one up while down there this week.  Anyway that is about it for now, talk to everyone in a week or so.................Later

Woody's thought of the day:  "Women like the strong silent type; they think we are listening!"

March 30/10 Good day all.  Hope everyone is getting excited about spring, snow melting, water running, grass growing and beaver hunting.  Not that kind of beaver hunting; yes it is getting nice out and the ladies are wearing less clothes, no I mean the rodent beaver hunting.  It is that time when we start looking for beavers for bear bait.  It is getting to be time to begin the spring ritual of beaver hunting (flat tail) for the bears for bait.  I believe it should be a good season for bears, beavers, and deer.

I am counting down the days until I go down to the SCI banquet/show and hopefully get a few last minute bookings and cap off the 2010 clientel list.  We are booking much better than I expected even though the sluggish economy is still struggling.   So to get the last few spots filled would be great, which I expect from the SCI banquet.  What is the deal with the Cdn dollar against the American dollar, not good for tourism or trade.  

I had a good visit with Kent from Rockridge last week and he got some more predators this winter so that is only helping the deer.  He also mentioned talk of some possible opportunities coming our (outfitters) way in the form of  wolf and coyote hunting for clients.  No confirmation yet, but definately talk at the government level which could add some time killing opportunities for clients that tag out early.  He also mentioned that he too is ready for some beavers (once again the flat tail).  If you are going to read about bear hunting you must only think of beaver in one sense of the word!!!  Tough sometimes, I know.............

I have not sold any equipment yet and actually decided to keep the argo for spring bear just to get to a couple difficult spots which are good producers.  Also the last guys that came to look at the argo just ticked me off so I decided the hell with it I will keep it for now.  Our temps lately have been mid 50's f, so the snow is almost all gone, and the sleds are put away for the summer.  Therefore I do not think I will be making any purchases while down in the states next week. 

If I do not get back on here in the next week or so, I will be gone April 7- 12, so Happy Easter to all.  If any one is considering a hunt please confirm ASAP, as I do not expect to have much for availability beyond mid April after the show.

I also wanted to give some readers a quick recap of what we have to offer, especially for those that may only read a couple paragraphs of my babble.  We have consistently had success above 85% for deer and bear, averaged low to mid 140's B and C every year for deer, and had an average of 40% color phase bears, with one every year over 20 inches.  We can now drive any where we want with ATV's anytime of the day, we have warm comfortable accomodations, we use ground blinds, evevated blinds, and tree stands.  We have a repeat clientele base of  70%, and are reported to be good people, and run a good operation.    

Woody's thought of the day:  "If you want to run with the big dogs, you can't piss like a puppy!!!"    

March 22/10    I had an interesting email from a client wondering why I am selling equipment??  What is happening??   Well it is to up grade the old equipment that we have beat the living crap out of so that I can get some newer more comfortable ATV's for my valued clients, thus not because I am going out of business.  Sometimes I wonder if this journaling thing causes more concerns than it is good for business, I guess maybe I am not always clear in what I write, or interpretation is confused.  I once took a "Philosophy of Language" class in university which was extremely interesting as we tend to read a sentence or pargraph and get several different meanings depending on our past expereinces.  So I guess maybe that is the case in my babblings......... Regardless business is better than it has been for a couple years.  Now if I was selling stuff last year that could definately have been interpreted as a question mark.  So no things are good and hopefully even better than in the past for the 2010 hunting season.  I suppose the uneasiness with the economy has put us all on edge. 

I just returned yesterday from a fishing trip up north with our hockey team.  Well needless to say lots of laughs, lots of fish, and lots of beer.  To summarize 14 men in 2 cabins!!!  We had wrestling, BS, swearing, drinking, deep fried food, and gas!!!!!  Good Times......  Anyway it was time to come home as a couple of us had to be back for our daughters skating carnival on Sunday afternoon.  I was in bed last night by 8:00, and still not ready for work this morning.  I guess I need to get practised up for spring bear, with the late nights and early mornings and a couple beer in between.

We are pretty well booked for bear and only a few spots for deer left so that is looking much better than it did last year.  I spoke with Kenny B, from AL last week and it sounds like he has a full group for this fall as well so that helps alot, as I did not expect to see him and that group until 2011.  Always good to have our regular guys back as it is nice to see old friends.  And many clients become friends, which is just part of the hunting sportsman mentality with a common interest.

A buddy of mine that I work with said I have to cut down on the jokes in the daily journal and actually start writing some valuable information, so I guess that is what I will do.  Cause I know how much people enjoy my philosiphies.( haha)  or I guess the cool thing (acronym - big word, I know) would be lol, or even cooler is lmao.  For those of you (Dan G)that do not have a clue what I just said...............HAHA means I am trying to be funny.  LOL means Laughing Out Load, and LMAO means Laughing My Ass Off.  And no I did not know all that, I had to ask too.   So there ya go..............

Stay safe, and keep your head up!!! 

Woody's Thought of the Day:  The grave yard is full of people who did not have time to Die.  Tell your kids how much you love them.  They need to hear it!!    

March 17/10  Happy St Patricks Day!!  Spring has sprung for us in Saskatchewan.  It has been a beautiful March, and a mild winter.  I actaully heard on the news that it is one of the mildest winters on record.  Great for all, including deer and bear!!  I have been playing in the mud, not as much as Roan however he seems to have quading and mud bread right into him.  It is crazy to see a 4 year old have as much ability as he has with a quad, it makes me smile watching him literally fly through the mud and water and burn around and laugh as the mud is covering his face.  Unfortunately his mother and her washing machine do not get our humour and mud fetish.  It must be a guy thing.  Honestly I still like playing in the mud with the quads too.

Anyway back to my point.  I have been getting quads out, and changing oil etc and looking at selling a few things and up grading if possible.  Would like to buy another side x side, and maybe a newer quad.  It seems as though we put on alot of miles in a season.  So I may be selling a quad, boat, and argo.  I would like to get rid of my boat so I could get a pontoon boat, and the argo would be replaced with the side by side.  I have been getting new brochures etc done up for the big trip to the SCI show which I am looking forward to meeting some new clients as well as past ones, and picking up Dan on the way, so should be fun.  Also looking at making some purchases while in the states since the Canadian dollar is now par with US.   Since the exchange rate is not helping on hunts I have decided to try and take advantage and possibly purchase the side x side down there. 

March 3/10 I am not sure why I find this joke so funny, but it is...........Maybe that is why I really don't drink much any more.....enjoy!Bob came home drunk

Feb.24/10  Well I'll be damned another month is gone.  We have been enjoying winter so far, it has been a relatively good winter, with not too much cold, and just a nice amount of snow for snowmobiling.  Joyce and I have been out with kids almost every weekend, and we all enjoy it.  Roan is now old enough that going fast with Dad is a good thing.  I should mention that anyone possibly interested in swapping a hunt for an ATV, sled, boats, 4x4 vehicles, equipment, other hunts etc should give me a call, as we always could use something, and I like toys!! 

As for news there really has not been too much exciting for us except it is noticeable that the days are getting longer, and that means spring is just around the corner and so is bear hunts. 

Anyone has any input on the new M8 sleds let me know.  We are still working on the new place which I am not sure if that will ever end.

I have a few jokes that should offend almost everyone so enjoy and remember it is good to laugh at yourself!!!    

Jan.26/10  Winter has arrived in Saskatchewan.  We had decent snow, wind and lots of drifting this past weekend, which basically closes things down.  I thoroughly enjoy storms which seem to slow our lives down which is refreshing.  One of our clients sent me an interesting quote which ties in nicely with todays message.  Enjoy the read..............  

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE

Kids have been busy with activities and I have been enjoying playing hockey as well.  The only problem I am noticing is age; my groin hurts, I tweaked a ham string, my hands are like rock, and I am coughing from the windage problem.  Not sure I realized I was approaching 40 until this winter.  Also not sure I am caring for the youth ship to sail!!  Anyway only as old as you feel so I guess I feel about 55 this week............Regardless it has been fun and I enjoy the activity, also started on the treadmill in the mornings and will hit the weights again soon.  Not quite ready for that soreness of lifting yet. 

Bookings are progressing much better than last year which is nice, however we still have some openings for deer, bear, elk, and birds so give us a call.  Still getting lots of inquiries, and guys wanting to come hunting, but abit concerned about the economy.  One other concern I have been hearing is that the east side of the province has experienced extreme winter kill and wolf problems. 

Well just to clarify abit, the deer numbers really have not declined in our area, the problem was considerably further east and in the porcupine hills, and wild cat hills, which is not near our area.  The other concern of wolves unfortunately exists in almost all parts of North America were there are deer.  Our area and much of the north east region of Saskatchewan has been blessed with outfitters and trappers that enjoy trapping and over the last few years have taken a huge number of wolves (in exess of 100 between 4-6 trappers) which is very good for the deer herd.  Unfortunately much of the information that is passed along is often inaccurate and clients looking for places to hunt should first consult with the outfitter, then check references. 

As an outfitter we really do not have much to gain by lying about what we offer or what our harvest data suggests.  Most outfitters prefer to have a repeat client base which just makes life easier, so most outfitters are trying there best to describe accurately what to expect.  From a clients perspective all outfitters are not out to screw you on a one time deal, so spend some time talking with us and all of us do not deserve to be painted with the same brush.  We as outfitters do realize that there have been bad experiences and there are things beyond our control, but I can say that most of the outfitters I know are doing there best and certainly not in it for the money.  Many of us do not consider each other competition and we are genuinely happy for other outfitters who have a successful season or get a giant animal.  Success is good for all of us, so we support each other and often try to help one another for the betterment of the entire tourism business which speaks very favourably to the Saskatchewan Outfitters Association.  Hope I am not scaring anyone away but it is true, so give me call!!   

Jan.08/10  Congratulations to all our Alabama clients and friends on the awesome game last night were Crimson Tide won the BCS National Championship!!!  I know Kenny Belletty and his family were at the game and were cheering on there team to victory.  I seen some of the game and really enjoyed it.  Once again congrats we have many clients from Alabama who are faithful fans!!!

As for our world not alot is new.  Kentrock, my neighbor has started wolf trapping and is off to a good start with 3 down.  Always exciting to hear he is taking down the enemy.  We are very thankful that our local reserve allows Kent to trap in this area and control our fury little friends to some extent.  As with any population there needs to be some controls for predators as well.  Hopefully the family and I will get out to Rockridge this weekend and see Kent and Lori and pick a few things up, see the wolves and go for a weiner roast and snowmobile ride while checking out some new areas.  Winter is always a good time to scout and get around without any problems.

The kids are back into routines and activities.  Roan has started skating lessons, Mikayla starts next week.  Both kids are doing gymnastics, and Mikayla dances twice a week, so we are enjoying running kids to sports.  I too have started back playing hockey and enjoy the activity as well as socializing with old friends. 

Temps are still on the cool side but our snow situation is very slim.  We probably only have about 4 inches which is barely enough for snowmobiling.  However the winter so far as been very easy for the deer herd.  Cold is not the problem for deer it is snow.  So I am assuming that the out look for the 2010 deer season is very positive, especially with all the young bucks we seen this past fall.  As for bear we are always in pretty good shape for them.  Bookings are progressing and hopefully we may not have to attend to many shows.  The preserve hunts are still available and the elk will be that much bigger this year, so give me acall and we will get something set up.  I will for sure be going to Wisconsin in early April to attend an SCI banquet with some friends from down there, then they will be up in May for a spring bear hunt.  Also hoping to see some of the Mossy Oak crew and Texas Trophy Hunters as well this spring.  Bookings are shaping up and we are busy making calls to get 2010 organized with dates for hunts, so let us know if we are missing anyone.  Stay in touch...........and Stay Warm!!!  Which may mean some cuddling with the spouse, not each other!!!         

Jan.2/2010 Wow another year is gone........  The saying really is true the older you get the faster time passes.  It is unfortunate that we get so got up in our own little lives that life just flies by..............  We should be born in to retirement with finiacial security, begin work slowly, start to loose assets, have someone look after us while we can enjoy breast feeding, and leave the world as an orgasm!!!

Several songs that I listen to sum it up nicely and as I age I realize there is alot of meaning to these songs and consequently life.  For example "I'm in a hurry" by Alabama, why are we always in a hurry???  For what???  Because our little lives are so important we forget the truely important things, like family, friends and enjoying and appreciating what we are blessed with...........  I would not consider myself a religious man, however I am certainly spiritual and believe there is a significant difference, which will have to wait for another day.   

But I personally need to step back and evalaute my own world.  So many of us just run on our little wheel and really do not stop to smell the roses, or can't see the forest for all the trees.  Maybe we should take Tim Mcgraw's advice and LIVE LIKE YOU ARE DYING!!!  Because really with all the accidents, disease and mishaps who knows.......  Maybe we should not be afraid of death, but I am and can not imagine anything happening to my own little family.  I guess I am not ready for a life changing event and do not want my kids to not have a dad.  They are way to precious which so many of us are so incredibly busy, (doing what??) that we forget to enjoy what is truely important and take for granted until it is too late. 

So my New Years Resolution is to take more time to enjoy life and take a step back and appreciate, with true gratitude of what we  have been given, and discover the "Secret" to life.    I hope we all continue to be blessed with health, wealth, and happiness!!! Thank-You, and Happy New Year!!!       

Dec. 28/09 Christmas is over and it is back to the old grind.  Good Morning, it is 6:00am and I can not sleep.  I have to many things on the old mind lately and it seems to affect rest patterns.  Anyway I had a good visit with my neighbor outfitter Kent yesterday, it is always good to visit with him he has been in the business a long time and has good insight.  Hopefully get out and do some trapping with him this winter.  I am not much of a trapper but would like to learn alittle.  He has really got me thinking about attending sports shows or not, so the jury is still out on that one.

The kids and our little family had a great Christmas as it was quiet which was awesome for me.  I see and talk with people  alot between the business and my job so it is nice to just kick back and spend some time at home.  We have been moved in for 3 months and it seems like this is the first 4 day stretch that I have actually been around home. 

I started finishing the trim and really enjoyed the time as the kids were running around with new toys and Joyce was working on finishing some staining the day flew by and I actually got alot done.  Back to work at the hospital for a couple days, then Joyce's family and my sister are coming here for New Year's and Joyce's B-day is also on the 31st. so it is usually a celebration.  Hoping to get out fishing with the brother in laws and do some snowmobiling as well. 

Hope everyone had a good Christmas and bring in the new year with a bang!!!     

Dec. 22/09  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers and clients.  Hope the holiday season treats you well and not too much weight is put on as some of us tend to do...........Good luck with the New Years Resolutions as well.  Mine will be to get back into shape so I avoid having a friggen heart attack. 

As some of you are aware my past year has aged me and my blood pressure has gotten high.  I am sure I am not alone as the economy has affected many households.  Regardless I think we have over come many obstacles and my list of telling people off is growing.  I am sure many of us have a list in our heads that we would love to tell people how we truely feel, and between building a house and running a business my list has grown..............  Anyway my book edition will start in the New Year, I guess that may be a resolution too. 

As I started to say I truely hope all our clients have a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year!!  

Dec.15/09 Still cold!!  Hope everyone is getting ready for Christmas and all the family activities.  For many of us this week means kids Christmas concerts so pretent to enjoy.  Our temps are still in the -40's with wind chill, so I guess I will not be getting an elk this year it is just to cold. 

I am back at work in my "real job" with the Health Region as a counsellor for Mental Health and Addiction Sevices, so hopefully I can make more time to keep the journal up to date.  I am a bit surprised at how many people read it and therefore how much crap I get for not keeping it up to date.  If people keep hassling me about not staying on it faithfully I am going to start adding some of my life philosiphies and see how you like that!!!!  

I keep threatening that I am going to write a book some day, so maybe I will just start on here.............As many of you know I really don't talk alot I am more of listener and thus have observed alot, one might say.  As any good author I will not use real names for any of you that may be starting to worry!!!  I actaully like that idea, maybe I will start my book on here.  Not that twitter BS, a real book that could actually be enlightening and insightful.  Not sure how to start though, or what my theme will be.........I could definately write something about the trials and tribulations of my life, but I guess that is what life is all about.  I will start planning, maybe that is where I will make my millions!!! The title could be "The true meaning of life!!"...........Perhaps to deep for my faithfull followers??? 

I will start the book soon so check back often.............I know outfitter, guide, counsellor, farmer, contractor, and now author........Crazy!!!!

Dec.14/09  Hi, it is still damn cold!!!  With the wind blowing it is -47.  Needless to say it is cold and a person can not do much outside.  We are getting bookings for bear and lots of inquiries for deer, so if you are looking to book a hunt you better get at it. 

One thing I wanted to mention that I seem to be getting asked fairly regularly is whether we are selling or not.  Well yes I did list the operation for sale and yes there were hopes that Len would take over the bear portion, but we have decided to remain as is with the possibility of Len taking on more responsibility in the future but for the next year or 2 Joyce and I will be operating the business the same if not better.  As the kids are getting older it is easier for all of us.  And as the saying goes everything is for sale at the right price!!! 

So Joyce and I are still the owners and it will remain that way.  As with many businesses there is a "restructuring phase" and we have done that so we are excited to get back to business and enjoy the outfitting world once again.  I can honestly say we are truly looking forward to next year and providing a fun successful hunt with Woodland Outfitting Company.   So with that being said lets get all our bookings done by the New Year the way it used to be and forget about this damn reccession!!!!      

Dec.7/09 Good evening.  Winter is here and it is now getting cold with an inch of snow on the ground.  It is -30C tonight which is about -25F.  Getting cold regardless.  Deer season has come to a close today for all deer hunting in Saskatchewan. 

 I know many of you are wondering how Len faired this season as he has shot many big deer.  As of yesterday he was still looking so since I have not heard yet today, I am assuming he did not get his monster this year.  Len takes deer hunting very serious and has spent countless hours sitting for the big ones, so when he says you have to put in your time; he knows!!  Anyway I don't think this was his year for another big one, or I would have heard. 

As for my hunting adventures thus far it has been not to bad.  The kids and I got a good main frame 8 that is wide, heavy and decent height.  He scores 167, so we were happy.  We got him this past Saturday, and Len will hopefully have him mounted by next years season.  Draw antlerless elk opens Tuesday (tomorrow) for a week so I will try and get meat for the freezer this week too. 

We are having trouble with pictures getting on to the web site, but have our web guy fixing so I promise we will have them on soon, I hope.  Keep in touch for bookings and stay warm!!  If you want me to email a pic of my deer before we get pics on the web site let me know..............Hope all is well with our readers!!  P.S. Dogs are fine.  Now it is too cold for them to get into to much trouble, I hope. 

Nov.28/09  I just got home from taking the last group of clients back to the airport and on my way back Joyce called and was a bit panicked as the dogs got into a porcupine again.  So when I got home we had some removals to do and Deisel the male rottie does not like being held down and his mouth pried open while someone (Joyce) digs in there to get quills out.  Then I went quilly willy hunting but no luck.  Kids were with the dogs and of course tears were involved.  Welcome home dad!! 

Not sure what happened but 2 months just flew by.............Wow!!  Were to start???  Deer season is done, and it went well considering the ridiculously warm weather we have been having.  Obviously any one that was up this year in Saskatchewan experienced the warm weather and no snow.  Regardless of the weather we managed our first 100% deer season so that was exciting and cool.  We generally achieve about an 85% average granted client numbers were down but we still had great success.  Thanks to Len (guide), Colleen (cook), Joyce, Roan, Mikayla and of course all our great clients.  Hope to see you all next year and be sure to bring friends.   And Thank-You Very Much for all the laughs, it really makes this business worth while when we have fun and success certainly helps the fun aspect!!!  Looking forward to seeing some of you at the up coming sports shows.

 My kids are happy the season is done and Dad is home.  That honeymoon phase should last about a day!!  Now I hope to take them out hunting this coming week, so if we have any success I will let you know.  We have a 150-160 around our house so he is on the "list".  And apparently there is a "good one" at the farm as well.  

 I apologize for not getting pictures on the site and up dating the journal but life has been busy!!  Hope to get pics on in the next couple days.  As we are wrapping up there is lots of talk about rebooking etc so please let me know ASAP so we can arrange the weeks you would prefer.  My plan is to attend 1 or 2 sports shows after Christmas and will hopefully fill any remaining spots.  I will not be in a position to hold tags without a deposit attached.  Our plan is to attend Harrisburg and/or Salt Lake City.  As most outfitters will attest this was a tough year for bookings and most of us need to expand our market base.  Our deer hunts for 2010 will be $3,200 US, and bear hunts will remain at $2,400.00 US and we all can hope like hell the economy turns around or the hunting outfitting busineses will not exist for many of us.

I better run, Roan is in the bathtub and demanding my undivided attention.  Again keep in touch and let me know ASAP for bookings!!!

Sept.27/09  Holly smokes I can not believe September is gone.  What happened??  Well we have ended our bear hunts with an exciting  end.  Of course we love ground blinds and it creates adreniline rushes, just ask Bill from NY.  Anyway all good things come to an end and the bear hunts for 2009 are done, but we did get a couple more bears along with some crazy wild boar hunts.  This is definately something we will be offering in the future the guys had a blast and took 6 wild boars on Saturday.  Cheap entertainment!!!!  It was great having Tommy Lee's crew in camp and once again lots of laughs.  We will see you guys next fall as well.    We will have pictures up soon.  We are still offering some elk hunts and at very reduced rate so give me a call and cash in on these giants.  We need to reduce our herd for winter.

A good story about a big bear.  One of our local guys was out touring around, happened to be close to one of our bear baits along the ditch and a cow moose and calf come running out of the bush.  Hot on there trail was a very big black bear who had full intentions of getting the calf.  The local guy was able to get his truck between the calf and bear and turn the bear away from getting the calf moose.  Needless to say the moose would not go back into the bush.  Unfortunately we did not get this bear but we do have a trail cam picture and a close encounter but no shot presented.  This bear is as big as last weeks bear and definately has a bad attitude.  He is a big miserable boar and hopefully we get him the spring of 2010, before he gets us!!  

Len is having a break and we will be starting to get ready for the deer hunts.  As most hunters are aware bookings for hunts are low so if anyone is interested in a good last minute deal please let us know.   The good news is that all our clients this fall from the bird hunts, elk hunts, and bear hunts will be back next fall.  Looking forward to it already!!  Our fall (September) has been hot which has been great for the late harvest.  Hopefully the good weather continues through October and then cools off for November.  If the local elk herd is any indication of antler growth the deer should be smokin.  I have heard of several wild elk taken by local hunters in the 350-400 range which is awesome.  Well I better run the kids and I are going scouting for deer sites.   

September 19/09  Good evening.  I just got back from taking the Oki's back to Saskatoon to fly early Sunday morning.  We had a good and bad week.  The good is that we got several bears.  One being well into the Boone and Crocket record books and tipping the scales at over 600lbs.  An absolute incredible specimen of a bear, congratulations LD it is a giant bear and as big as they come.  It is the biggest bear our camp and many camps have taken.  Awesome; words or pictures can not do this big black bear justice. 

We had several guys get there first bear which is always a blessing especially for Monty and Shane who have struggled in the bear department in the past.  Shane held out until the last day in the last hour before he took a very nice 300lbs black, and then the OKI's needed a little celebration time last evening (this morning).  See you guys next year, it is always good to have these guys in camp, as my vocabulary tends to expand, right Matt.

Another high lite for the week was Big Freddie getting his first elk from our preserve.  And his guide (me) managed to call in a 400 class bull within 100 yards and Freddie made a perfect shot.  The elk are in full rut and aggressive which creates much excitement..............Trust me!!!

The down side to our week was that the heat was ridiculous for this time of year in Saskatchewan, however great for harvest, not so great for the bears.  We had a full week of 85-95 degree (f) which is not ideal for bear hunting.  We struggled all week but managed to squeak out a 75% success rate.  The guys never complained and were understanding that it was hot and not great hunting. 

 All in all we managed to get a giant bear, a giant elk and several very good bears, and lots of laughs and new friends.  Also Thank-you to the Oki's from Len and I.  We appreciate the gifts!!  Len has been busting his butt to have all our stands and baits ready but some times those bears really do not care how much he works.  Also thanks to Colleen for all her hard work in the kitchen, I do not think anyone lost any weight while in our care, no matter what they tell there wifes.  I am guessing some diets may be on the agenda, myself included.  One more week of bear hunts and a little break and then the deer will begin.     

Sept.11/09 Good Morning.  We have closed out our first week of bird hunts and set a new personal best for our camp.  We had limit shoots 5 days in a row for Geese and limits on ducks a couple days as well.  Even with the late harvest it was a very good hunt.  The snows are just starting to arrive and unfortunately the Cali's had to get on the road and drive 37 hours home.  Have a good trip fella's and hope to see you next year.  They definately had a good time and provided us with lots of laughs.

We are heading into Saskatoon to pick up the Oki's today and start the bear and elk hunts.  Len and I are looking forward to the week and getting some good bears since we had a lite camp in the spring.  This is an annual trip for Freddie's Oki crew so it is always good to see friends.  Len has been baiting the bears and harrassing the beavers (Len is good at that) and baits have been hammered so we expect some big bears down!!! 

I was at the elk preserve yesterday and anyone that has hunted elk much would be blown away at these things.  Just imagine 60+ big bull elk in full rut with "NO" access to cows.  It is a crazy bugling fighting on edge show down.  These bulls are all 340-400+ and looking for one of 2 things.  (fighting or f.......g) It was awesome, I was in my glory.  Freddie will be our first elk hunter this year and I hope the Big Oki does not get mistaken for another species, cause I know he can not run fast !!!!  I hope to have pics on soon but technology is not my thing and when it does not work the way it is meant too .............well it makes me unhappy.

One thing I learned from the CA boys was that I will be offering do it yourself hunts in the future.  These guys were very self sufficient and it worked well.  So that is something we will be looking into for future hunts.  Thanks again guys it was fun.  Mike, over and out for a couple days!!! 

Sept. 8/09 Hello, I just had a few minutes and wanted to give a quick update on our bird hunts.  We have been limiting out on both geese and ducks the first 2 days so needless to say the California guys are pretty happy.  They drove along way so it has been a worth while trip.  They are supper group of guys that takes bird hunting serious, obviously.  Good job guys and good work with the faithful dog Gunner.  I am looking forward to BBQ goose this evening.  The harvest has been late with access to certain fields limited but we have been fortunate and once again doing well!!!!  Hope to see more Californians for bird hunts next year!!!! 

Aug.25/09  Well I must not have enough to do I have been on here twice in the last 2 weeks.  I just wanted share some news that may develop into some different hunting opportunities.  First which I am not sure if everyone knows is that the laws have changed for our ATV use in our zone so that we can now travel anywhere at any time in our entire hunting area!!!  Possibly allowing us to explore and hunt new areas.  Very Good news!!

The other interesting note is that I am now working on relocating our camp to be right in the hunting area and thus eliminate much of our vehicle driving time and expense.  Therefore the camp would allow us to hunt right from the door step and change the homey atmosphere to a real hunting camp atmosphere.  In cutting lodge expense, travel expense, etc, it will also allow me to cut hunt costs which are obviously passed along to the clients.  We are excited about this possibility and may potentially have it in place for this falls deer hunts; maybe.  the only detail is to sell the lodge in Carrot River which will be going up for sale this week.  If the lodge sells then we will begin organizing and establishing a camp just North of Kent's (Rock Ridge).   We may even start the transition if the lodge does not sell.  It will be an exciting change, and create a true Northern adventure which I know is appealing to many clients, and allows me to keep hunt costs down and still remain a quality hunting experience.

From a hunting standpoint we are now getting bear baits going and getting ready for the Oklahoma crew for bears, but first the California crew for birds.  Joyce and I are also in the process of getting moved and want to be in by the weekend so that Mikayla starts on the school bus Monday.  That is all my news for now...........We have sold several hunts in the last couple weeks so thanks to all the last minute bookings, and if anyone else is interested or possibly considering a hunt this fall, let me know ASAP as we are filling up!!!  Thank Goodness!!  Looking forward to seeing the Clarkes this fall who were not scheduled to be back until 2010.  Big Don and I were the ones in the beaver pond late one cold Novemebr night.........Remember that Don???  Better bring your life jacket this time!!!!

Aug. 14/09  Hi Folks, It is Mike here the summer has honestly flew by and hasn't been real warm.  From many of the guys I talk with from alll over North America that is the general consensus regardless of location.  Our high for this weekend is 10 c or 40 F, not good for the crops.  Frost warnings are coming as well. 

As for the hunts we are getting close to starting the bear baits for September and start hearing the Canadian geese arrive.  We have a couple weeks of bird hunts as well as a couple weeks of Bear/elk combo hunts which should all be fun.  Our cook has returned for September and October but Kristen will be gone this November as she is heading for Africa.  Good luck Kristen we will miss you.  On that note we are pleased to have Collen Schmaltz join the kitchen for November.  Colleen comes to us from a little further south, and has a wealth of experience.  Welcome aboard Colleen and all the best to Kristen.

Joyce and I have been busy with our project and getting very close to moving.  Len has been busy helping as well, and hopefully will be around to help move before the bears and birds start.  We are all very excited to get the season rolling and be back in the bush.  Of course we could always use more bookings but we will take what we can get and be thankful in the this difficult time our countries are in.   Take Care all and give me a call if you are interested in a last minute hunt............I will give you a good deal!!!!  Well I better run, Len and I are pouring cement today for our back patio.  LATER. 

Oh one more thing I would like to mention for a local family.  I would like to pass our condolences on to the Elves family after Kenny Elves was suddenly killed after hitting a deer on his quad.  A total freak accident that could happen to any one of us that are out and about with deer and quads.............He was only 35.  Sorry for your loss.  

July 17/09 Hello everyone Len here its been awhile again but it is summer and of course busy busy relaxing and fishing.Dont get too much time to kick back and when its hunting season so have to take it when you can.So Mike is planning on heading to Virginia for a show or two to promote what Woodland has to offer so if your close by please stop in.I wont be coming ill be getting prepared for our  fall bear season and our goose season. It should be a great september the bears are plentiful and the camp will be full of some familiar faces.Freddy Caulk will be back with a great crew again and Larry Spencer one of our whitetail clients has put together a crew also, so looking forward to it. Also we will be filling september with some elk hunts and fishing and also some upland bird hunting.Our September month is a great month with our bear hunts  and our upland game bird season starts along with our waterfowl and some awesome fishing so its real easy to make a week go by in a flash.But myself my daughter Taylor and fiance Ashley are in British Columbia for two weeks visiting her family and doing some vacationing in the mountains but i thought i would put in a plug to say hi to everyone out there.Before we left gave Mike a hand on the new lodge by putting the framework up for  a deck its been a long journey for Mike and Joyce on the new build but it is coming together for sure, and they dont even have any grey hair from all the stress hahahahaha.But i,m off to see some sights so thanks for takeing the time to read and i,ll post again soon.Trying to also get some new pics up with no success so i'm still trying to figure that one out.

June 21/09 Hey folks sorry i have been absent for awhile but duty called, its forest fire season here in saskatchewan so i was off fighting fire for a bit plus yes i have been fishing lol and it has been great.Just wanted to pop on the website to say all the best to one of our regular clients Kenny Belletty who is in hospital recovering from open heart surgery.I just called his daughter Courtney to see how he was doing they had a big scare but she tells me everything is going to be ok. So from myself Len and the rest of us at Woodland Outfitting our thoughts are with you Kenny,Courtney,Stephanie and family get well soon big guy.

June 02/09 Well its june and still not summer in saskatchewan but it did give me time to go through some of our spring bear trail cam pics and put them  in the 2009 bear trail cam section and i also put photos of some of our unharvested bucks from the trail cams last year.They are in our 2008 deer section.Hard to believe that none of these boys were taken but they decided to stick to the night life.But hey that was last season so if they faired well through our winter which was cold but minimal snow so im sure they did fine and added some inches to boot for sure.We did have alot of nocturnal activity last year  but thats why it,s called hunting not killing, you take the good with the luck and the knowledge with the skill.Not sure what the whitetail season will bring as far as bookings yet this year since the economy on both sides of the border are feeling the squeeze but we will still be keeping tabs on the deer with trail cams and barley in hand like always.It gives us the chance to enjoy the outdoors see what deer are moving around and how they have grown from last year. The barley and alfalfa we feed well that just gives them that extra  nutrition they need to make it through the cold saskatchewan winters even if we dont hunt some of our bait sites we still keep the deer nourished.But hope you enjoy the new pics i'm definately not happy with the performance of our trail cams and i'm not going to mention what brand we use i'm sure you will figure it out.But i have read the manual cover to cover and performed every function on these cams to better them.They take great pics when you dont need them too like when we are baiting or standing in front of it but when that trophy comes in they just dont make the grade for the price you pay.If you have any suggestions on a better choice email me at mogge73@hotmail.com with what you have.Anyway thanks again for the read folks hunt safe and hunt hard.

May 31/09 Hey folks its been a few days but i have been busy working on the leisure packages which you can find under the information and prices option on the website.I think they are resonable and should be very enjoyable.They include shed hunting some beautiful forested areas for  whitetail shed antlers ,elk sheds and moose if were lucky.Also we added some shed hunting ,fishing and upland bird combos which will go together well to fill up a day.How the combos work is we will fish early morning and evening and mid day we will fill up with shed hunting when the fishing is a little slower.The upland birds we will hunt late afternoon into the evening and our mornings will be filled with fishing.Or a combination of all three or a preference of one anyway you get the point.I have been out fishing the last week and its pretty good we caught and released alot of good northerns and walleye and a few perch even.So the fishing is going to be great yet again this year.Its also going to be another great year for upland game birds they seem to be everywhere again this year which is good.So if your interested check out our packages and give us a call or email and dont forget to congratulate Mike on his first archery bear and a colored one yet.I,ll have to get the pictures up on the site.Mike had a secret bait out on the farm he wasn't telling anyone about hahahaha.We do get time to hunt when we are finished with clients but we do not hunt on the outfitting allocation just as general rule.What we have in the allocation we leave to be harvested by our clients.But i have work to do so thanks for takeing the time to read the log and i'll post again soon.

May 23/09 Well we wrapped up our spring bear season last night with no other bears harvested.So the count is outfitter 2  and bears still walking around to be many.We had a very high number of bears on the baits this year which is excellent and only filling two out of the five tags we had this week well thats why they call it hunting.The weather was a major factor and with the moisture the buds start to show and the grass starts to grow. So our bears wonder off for their intake of greens leaving the baits for a few days returning when they are satisfied with their vegetarian diet.But our bear population in our allocation is great and we are looking forward to our fall bear season for some excellent hunting, good laughs and some great success.Mike and his two little helpers Mikayla and Roan went out this morning to pull our remaining baits and clean up the sites, so good luck to them hope they have a great family day together.Joyce wasn't able to join them this round because she is taking one of our clients to the airport in Saskatoon.Family and great people are what make any operation run smoothly with great laughs and good times.So a huge thanks goes out to Kristen who blessed us with a week of amazing cooking, i'm sure we all put on a few extra pounds.And again to the "Master of Destruction" Dan who made it another great week thanks for the help buddy.And to Mike,Mikayla,Roan and Joyce who are still working today to get everything finished up.Also to our hunters, thanks again for a good week hope to see you all again.So thats all for today people keep checking the site for new photos from our trail cams and adventures still to come.Plus it's fishing season and we are working on some new leisure packages so stay tuned to find out what they are.Have a great day everyone.

May 22/09 Hey Woodland website viewers it's Len here just giving you an update on our week of spring bear. For starters today was our first day of sunshine with no snow and yes i'm saying that because we have had snow and rain the whole week of this season up until today.We have trail cam pics of some amazing colored and black  bears at our baits  and a few that will hold a fall weight of 350 to 425 pounds with no question.We will get some new trail cam photos up on the site once the season is wrapped up  and we have had a chance to go through all the pics on our cards. Once again Dan has joined the crew to give us a hand which is very much appreciated he brings 20 years of bear knowledge with him and a whole lot of laughs, and oh ya he hasn't broken anything as of yet this season but this is the last day of the spring hunt so its not over yet. Its been a tough week with only two bears harvested due to the late october early november weather we have been having but Dan and Mike are out with our three remaining hunters and it is  unbelievable bear weather today the temp. is good and wind is down and its not snowing so best of luck to them tonight and you will find out the results tomorrow.Take care readers and i will be here with an update when i get one.

May/2009  It has been a good spring bear hunt.........Details coming soon. 

April 20/09  Welcome Back..........Obviously I have been away, well not away, just neglecting to write in the journal.  I have been busy with getting our house/lodge done, and we are close.  It has been a long road, but well worth it I am sure once we are all complete. 

The other exciting news is that we are now offering Elk Hunts.  We have partnered with Bugle Ridge Elk Farms located near Maureen Lake.  I am pleased and looking forward to this opportunity to add Elk hunts to our already successful operation.  The elk are giant, never been hunted before on this exceptional preserve property.  The elk hunts will start at a management hunt and continue through the categories to a 400+ animal.  Our prices are very reasonable for these world class Trophy Bulls.  Also being offered on the property are Bison and Whitetail Deer hunts.  Awesome!!!! 

On another note we are getting ready for the bear hunts coming up in May.  It is nice to be back in the bush, I love spring!  The bears are not doing much yet, but all the snow is gone, and not much water lying either.   We should have a good hunt this spring and take some nice color bears.  All the trail cams will be out soon.................  

Feb.1/09  I have heard from lots of hunters complaining about flight prices.  Do your homework before you book or contact some of our travel agents.  Many of the companies we deal with regularly are booking for outfitters and generally get the best deals.  I have heard that some flights are as high as $2400 that is BS.  Check with our folks I am sure there is no where that the price is more than $1000 at the most.  Flights should be from $600-$900 to Saskatoon.  Let us know if you are having any problems. 

It is still cold for the most part, we get a couple days of cool weather then damn cold again.  We are starting to get out abit, work is steady and the new lodge is progressing slowly.  I still have some room in every week for almost all hunts so check with me and we will get something set up.  Happy Super Bowl................  

Jan.16/09  Winter in Saskatchewan..................-50 yesterday with a wind chill and expecting melting today???  Oh well we will take it but this cold stretch has been a good one.  The positive is that we have not much snow.  Well now that everyone is over the "holiday season" we need to get back to hunting plans and sending deposits...............We have a few spots in each week so if interested give us a call and we will get you set up on a hunt that is enjoyable and very good hunting opportunities.  Thanks to all our clients that have got there deposits in for this year and 2010, we apprciate it your co-operation.    Still not particularly impressed with the contractor world but we have come across some good ones too.  Anyway I am home with Roan today, and need to get to work so I will say later for now....................... 

Jan.4/09  Happy New Year Everyone.  I have been busy working on the new lodge this week, putting up pine on the cathedral ceiling and finishing up some gyprocing.  I quit early today as I was was getting frustrated with how much is left to do with just me working at it.  Next week I hope to have a couple of helpers. 

I hope folks have a look in the 2008 Deer Gallery and see Kent's trappings with the wolves and coyotes.  I think he is having fun and I definately enjoy his up dates as Outfitters we tend to hate wolves as they are hard on the deer, elk and moose populations.  Unfortunately the wolves do not haveenough enemies and that is where Kent comes in.............."The Mad Trapper".  I expect he will have definately taken a toll on the wolves by spring!!!!  Anyone that has met Kent know's his distaste for the lone wolf!!  Thanks Kent for all your efforts in getting rid of our little predators.  I will keep putting pictures on as they come in of the Mad Trapper and his prize!! 

Dec.26/08 Merry Christmas (Happy Boxing Day) to all, hopefully everyone had a good Christmas and are recovering from eating and drinking too much.  We are relaxing today and playing with all the new toys and of course Dad's job is setting up and putting together all the Japenese toys with crapping assembly instructions.  Anyway all is well with our little family and it has warmed up abit. (-22C)  We are going out to the new place today to clean up some of the mess from our last contractor.  Speaking of contractors I am not clear as to how they can do whatever they want and charge whatever they want and do not feel the need to justify there actions or billing.  I am honestly frustrated and could make a list of those contractors that need a lesson in custumer service and times and dates of a job to be completed or worked on.  It seems to be one of the small businesses that do not follow any guidelines and do whatever the hell they want and can just go to another job because there is so much work, and do not care that there word means nothing.  But someday this mentality will catch up to them.  I have been in business to some degree for over fifteen years and would not dream of treating customers the way we have recently been treated.  If anyone wants details give me a call............Especially the local folks that I know read this regularly.

Thats my rant for this morning, I kinda get side tracked sometimes............As for hunting our bear bookings are looking good and the deer bookings are falling into place nicely as well.  Hopefully we can keep getting some more fising clients and bird hunters and we can accomodate anyone looking for hunting or fishing.   I still have some openings for everything so give me a call or send an email.  Well I better run the kids want to go to the farm and try out there new snow boards.........Not sure how that is going to work.  We got oe of those Wii game things with Cabellas Big Game Hunter, pretty cool, it is just like hunting.  The kids have been playing the boxing game and beatig the crap out of each other and laughing there heads off.  Well better run, Take Care all .............   

Dec. 16/08 It has been cold here in Saskatchewan.  Highs of -25f and colder...........  Our new lodge is now insulated and has some heat so that we can at least work in the evenings and weekends without freezing.  We are planning a quiet Christmas and I am hoping to take some time off the week of New Years and just spend some time with the family and work casually on the lodge.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our clients and anyone who reads this..............Stay in touch folks!!!  

Dec9/08 It is now winter in Saskatchewan.  We had an exceptionally mild November, and that is simply a bonus for the deer.  I have had lots of calls and emails from people looking for hunts, but are concerned with what the winters are doing and the deer herd is suffering etc etc etc.  I just want potential clients to be aware of a couple points.  First, yes most averages in the Outfitting camps in Saskatchewan were down, however lots of young deer were seen, and the outlook for next year is very positive as the deer have one less month of winter since November was so mild.  I can not express how positive the 2009 season should be and any of our 2008 clients are positive as well since the young deer are doing well, and the "harsh winter" did not kill all the deer, it did affect antler growth.  But with that being said we still a 170 and some really nice deer taken.  I am pleased with nmbers and success percentages even though our average scores were down.  I expect 2009 to be a good year based on what we have seen this year and the lack of snow thus far.  With all this being said I have felt that it is important to try and keep my prices down as I am still the new guy on the block, and still trying to develop and spread our positive reputation.  So any Deer bookings are priced very reasonably at $3600, and any Bear hunts are $2400, so check some of references and give me a call.................. My goal is to try and be fully booked by the end of December so if you are wanted to hunt with us, but would like to send deposits after Christmas please give me a call and we will make arrangements.  Thanks, and I will try and keep the journal up dated...........I should also mention that the new building project is being insulated this week so we are not far from having it heated for the winter.  Some who have not seen it would not think insulating is a big job, but we have 24' ceilings with 14 inch deep joists that all have to be cut and filled and it takes alot of time.........Anyway we hope to have it heated soon, so we can finish the gyproc, and the duct work.  Which reminds me maybe some contractors would like to discuss trading a hunt for some work.............Something to think about!!!  

Nov.29/08 Well the saying of happy to see it get here but happy to see it end still holds true...........We have completed the hunting year for 2008.  The deer season for us ended yesterday with the last of the groups being on there way.  Overall we once again had a good season with our success rate being just over 80% and our average deer B and C score being almost 140.  Considering all the doom and gloom that was forecast we are one of the outfitters that I have heard of that did not bad.  Our neighbor, RockRidge Outfitting had a similar year to ours which means that our corner of the word faired well.  It is unfortunate that Saskatchewan Environment painted the province with the same brush and said all the deer died...........This is not good for our industry, when it is not true province wide.  Hopefully this message will change for the up coming year. 

Once again I need to thank all the staff for a hellva good job.  The outitting world means long days and short nights and stressed bosses, but Kristen and Len helped things go smooth.  Woodland Outfitting Company prides itself on good old fashioned hospitality and friendship and we will continue going in the direction.  We will not treat our clients as simply a number, and that is why many become friends, and we look forward to the next years visit.  All of this is not possible without good staff, and understanding families.  Big thanks to my family, and I am happy to be home and seeing the kids, dogs and wife  (should be carefull how I list these)..............

I should also mention my appreciation to Kent and Lori Wolowski at RockRidge Outfitting.  They are good friends that do not treat us like competition and more as a team effort working together to better our areas and get clients the best possible experience we can offer.  And a big thanks for the use of your shop Kent, when Len had his little beaver pond mishap........(Oh and my little beaver pond mishap, but there just happens to be no pictures of that one).  .......... Also thanks to our clients, we work hard and expect clients to arrive ready, prepared and understanding that this is hunting, and our clients do exactly that........And this is why I have offered the discount to our repeat hunters, we enjoy and appreciate what we have.....................

Thanks to everyone that is involved in many different aspects.  Next year we will get that book deer.............It is our turn soon!!!!  If you are looking for an outfitter to hunt Saskatchewan, give us a call, check references and get booking, you will not be disappointed.   Now it is my turn to take my kids out and start teaching them about hunting.  Back to work monday, and back to getting the new lodge finished.  I promise to keep the journal updated, as well as pictures updated.  Take care all and stay in touch, I know some of you can not email, but try........................Later     

Nov. 26/08 Good Morning........We are on our way out shortly, Craig (guide) has joined for the next couple days, good to see him, and have some help and his wisdom.  Tuesday was slow with deer on the ground, but lots of visuales.  Most guys are seeing lots of does and limited buck activity which could be attributed to warm weather and a slow rut because of warm weather.  But that could all change today..........I expect a couple down today.  Our one lady hunter this week could only hunt Tuesday as she was sick on Monday, so she sat with her Dad all day Tuesday with a good day of deer movement.  I have to run into Nipawin today so Craig and Len will take care of things today..................

Nov. 19/08  Well we are into our third week and doing pretty good.  We have had several sightings of big deer but only passing through, or no shot.  I appreciate hunters that will not take an unethical shot when they have big deer in front of them.  We get alot of hunters that are willing to do what is right and not willing to just pull the trigger as they "may" get a big deer.  We have had a week of fairly active baits, except today was slow.  It was also a slow day with RockRidge Outfitting, just the day.  Both us and RockRidge have had a good season, however we are hearing that many outfitters have not been as fortunate.  Our camp has been seeing lots of deer, and a good number of bucks.  Hope to have a couple new pictures by the end of the week...............  

Nov. 11/08  Happy Remembrance Day, and Veterans Day.  We must take time to give Thanks and Remember those who have fought and died to give us the freedom that we take for granted today.  Thank-you to all the Soldiers!!  We have been fortuntate to have some hunt with us and they have all been great guys. 

As for the hunt so far this week we only have a couple guys in camp due to the last minute cancellation and these guys are seeing deer just not as big as they would like.  I am guiding alone, and doing as much of the cooking as I can, so we are bonding.  Hope to have some new pictures up soon.................Take care and if anyone wants to hunt in Decmber let me know as we are extending our season by a week to try and fill the cancellations.

Nov. 7/08  Well our first week has come to close and we end with a 100% success rate.  Our average B&C score for the week was mid 130's and seem to have good numbers at all the bait sites contrary to Saskatchewan Environments reports of severe winter kill.  Most reports from all the North East outfitters is that the deer numbers are not down and the expectation for the year is very positive.  We have unfortunately had some last minute cancellations which is very unfortunate due to an accident.  Regardless it leaves us with an empty camp which means we need to fill these tags, and we will sell these tags cheap...........Let me know if you have a group that would like to hunt with us..............................

Nov 4/08 We are officially underway for the '08 deer season.  We have some folks from upper NY and Tennessee in this week and they are really enjoying there first trip to Saskatchewan.  We had 3 down Monday and one on Tuesday, but slow movement.  The weather has been abit unstable, but cooling down as the week progresses.  We are still sitting around freezing for lows, and no sign of snow yet............I will be on the journal regularly this month to share what is going in at Woodland Outfitting.

July 12/08  Hello Folks......I have been abscent from my daily journal I now..........Just been busy with the new lodge and life.  But all is going good, and family is happy and healthy.  We, well Len, is starting to get ready for fall bear and looking for new araes for deer.  Len is going to give us hand on the new lodge with some plumbing and dry wall.  Craig and I got drawn for Elk for archery in Montana in September with Gab and Dan, and I am really looking forward to it.  Craig and I will brush up on our archery skills with our local elk opening in Late August.  We both got new bows and are getting practising.  I have high hopes of a new trophy for the new lodge.  We both got setup from Gab with new Bowtechs.  Gab owns an archery shop in Belgrad, Mt. and will show us the good areas as he smoked a 340 big bull last year.   Anyway, I am excited about the up coming fall for clients and myself.  

June 3/08       We just returned from Regina, as I was there for meetings the last couple days, and the kids went watersliding at the hotel.  Well we made through a tough spring bear hunt with many break downs, but no casualaties so all is good.  Holy colored bears this year!!!!  We seen more color than ever before, with a couple dandies being shot.  Our success rates were not as high as I would have liked, but everyone seen bears, except one hunter, so opportunity was there, just not the right bear, or right shot.  I must say thanks to all our hunters who did not attempt poor shots and therefore we did not have any wounded animals that we did not get!!   We had many laughs and even a few tears at times with the guides, especially when some get going about being away from home too long, but those stories are just for the guides.  Anyway it was a good season and considering how many other locals as well as other outfitters, we were at the top of the heap!! 

One story about Laurie who shot her very first animal ever with a bow.  She sat all by herself Wednesday night, shot at a colored bear, hit the bear, but we could not find it.  The next night she sat the same stand, because one of our rules is that if you draw blood you are done unless you sit the same stand and the guides and myself discuss the situation.  So she sat the same stand and the same bear came back in so she shot it and hit and it died within 30yds of the barrel.........Awesome ........Congratulations Laurie! on a very nice cinnemon bear!!  But the odd part is that when we skin the bear we can not find it hit in any part of the vitals.  There is one scratch on the wrist from Wednesday night and one slice through the upper elbow, but that was it.  The elbow was sliced in a major artary and it died the same as a heart shot.  I bet that could not be done again.............Regardless Congrats to Laurie and her husband for a fun week, hope to see you again.  And thanks to you both for the excellent camera footage, we will be using that for promo's...................Good Night All!!!!     Oh and we are taking bookings for 2009 colored bears!!!!   

May 29/08  Hi folks, we are winding down for our spring bear, and trying to get through the green up slow down.  Of course the weekend that hunters arrive we get 1 inch of rain and then warm weather which really brings out the buds and green grass which the bears need.  So we are sporatic in our baits.  We were fortunate to have a couple friends bring up some trail cameras so we are watching close to help finish up strong this week.  Last week we were only 50% success rate, and would like to bring that number up considerably this week.  We have had a super group of guys and gals and enjoyed there company and understanding in the fluctutions at bait sites.  We have been fixing all season with many break downs and therefore have had a rough season of vehicle blown motor, quad down and 2 argos down...........Not good!! 

Our color phase rates are ridiculously high with around 60% of our bears seen are colored, which is exciting!!  One of our husdand/wife teams seen a colored sow with 3 colored cubs which they video taped for almost an hour, which is an awesome experience at 20 yards.  We have been after a couple big fellas that are out smarting us for now, but that just might change tonight.  I stayed at camp and am trying to get caught up on emails and phone calls.  We do have a few spots open for this fall for deer so let me know and we will get you booked in. 

We have a new cook this spring and she has done a very good job, as with all our staff.  Kristen's cooking can make the hunt more enjoyable when the bears are being difficult.  Our guides are always busy trying to figure out new ways, new stands, new setups, all to get our clients there bears, and I appreciate the effort as I am sure the clients do not realize how much effort it sometimes takes to get trophy animals.  The big guys do not get big being stupid, so setup and technique is important in conjuction with stealth in the stand.  Luck is were preparation and opportunity meet!!  Thanks to all that are involved with Woodland Outfitting Company, we are successful because of the group effort.  Also thank-you to Joyce and the kids who do not get to see me much in spring and fall but we all get through it and the support is always present when things break down and the animals do what ever they want and not what I want, and Daddy just needs a hug!!  It is hunting and not gathering..............Take care.........Mike  

May 17/08  Good day, We are finally starting our 2008 Spring Bear Hunt.  We have guys arriving today, and Dan arrived last night, it is always good to see old friends.  Our baits are being hit very well, and of course we have high expectations for this spring.  The ice is slow in getting off the lake, but the river is open.  We have 450 trees arriving today that need to be planted at the new place too, so Len will be picking up guys at the airport, while Joyce and I get planting trees.  The new place is progressing slowly........I will have new pics in the bear gallery soon......................Later    

May 11/08  HAPPY MOTHER"S DAY to all Mother's, Grandmothers, and Great Grandmothers.  Hope you all have a good Day!!

May 9/08  Good day folks........Hope all is well.  I was just informed that some changes have taken place with North West Airlines.  Passengeres are allowed only one checked piece of luggage up to 50lbs.  Anything over 50lbs will cost an additional $50, and no bags will be accepted over 70lbs.  An additional piece of luggage can be checked for $25, which basically means they are charging $25 for gun cases.  They are claiming these fees are because of the rising fuel costs.  Also passports are required on all air travel into Canada and US, but land travel will still accept birth certificates and photo ID until mid 2008, but after that time land travel will also require passports.   Anyone with any charges in the last 10 years, or any charges ever should call Lucy who is listed on our home page for clarification and any required paper work.  Canada views offences differently than the US especially drinking and driving charges.  Lucy can help so give her a call.  Other than that we are getting ready for the up coming bear hunts, and the baits are doing well.........Remember it is Mother's Day this weekend, do not forget, or you may not be coming hunting..................   Happy Mother's Day!!

May 6/08  The bears are hitting 75% of our baits, and hitting pretty hard..............When guys arrive in less than 2 weeks we should be in good shape, and hammer some dandies.  We are using a wide variety of bait this year including the old favorites as well as some new "treats".  Looking forward to meeting some new clients this spring, and seeing some old friends as well.    Things have settled abit from the big explosion.  The whole family has been out helping bait, and both kids love it..........Even the dogs have come along.  And I had my birthday in all this, as well as progress on our new lodge/house!!  I have to get pictures of baiting and new lodge in our 2008 bear gallery, soon.............Just been busy!!!!  Later.................Oh and we started soccer this evening with Mikayla which Joyce and I are coaching...........Lots of fun, and Mikayla scored a couple goals........Proud Papa!!!  

April 19/08  We had a bad day yesterday in our community of Nipawin.  There was a natural gas explosion that destroyed several buildings down town along with one fatality and several injuries.  One of the businesses destroyed was a health and fitness center that my wife and I opened over 13 years ago.  We had since sold the business, however it still had some sentimental value to us.  The town was declared a disaster and the hospital that I work was in "code orange" which requires all staff to be able to support in what ever capacity necessary.  I am on call all weekend, for Mental Health support.  Considering the size of the explosion in the middle of the day the community has been extremely fortunate with only on death.  Scary how quickly these things happen.  Less than a half hour prior to the explosion my kids, dogs and I were parked at the building of the explosion, and at the time of the blast my parents were driving by, but were not injured.  The blast was felt more than 1.5 miles away.  Several local fire departments, police, ems and nursing staff were called in as well.  A good family friend lost his business, and this is also were I get my meat scraps for the bears.  Jim broke his leg as he was just exiting his meat shop when the blast happened, and literely blew the roof off the building and into the middle of the street.  We are thankful that it was not worse and our condolensces go out to the family that has experienced the loss.  I will be going into work most of the weekend to help with Critical Incident Stress Debreifing for the accute care staff.  Len will be getting some more bait barrels out this weekend, and Craig has the new argo tore apart for repair.  Later..............And we got snow overnight, and the storm is to arrive Sunday-Monday.............     

April 17/08 It is melting!!!  Spring is here, except it is suppose to snow over a foot this weekend.  I will be getting bear sites going this weekend so hopefully we only get rain.........I will be gone next week for a couple days at the Saskatchewan Outfitters conference, as the industry has many exciting things happening right now...............Well I just get on here and Roan is bugging me for bed time so I will be back later..................... 

April 11/08 We are getting warmer now!!!  It has been a long wait., but the water is starting to run...........I have one deer spot open and if I do not get a long awited deposit soon, the other spot will be for sale as well, which will leave 2 spots up for sale.  Let me know if you want to discuss a hunt.   We can only wait so long before avoidance means no show when deposits do not arrive.  To those that send there deposits in a timely manner......Thank-you.  Please remember half the price of your hunt needs to be paid in May.  We will be heading out next week to start getting stuck and the games begin with the bears.  We are sold out for bear and looking forward to it!!! Later............   

April 7/08    Well folks we still have winter..........It is a nice day today but just melting.  We still have lots of snow so all bear hunters can remain patient and not feel like they are missing out on anything yet.  It looks like it is going to be a late spring which is fine because we can not do a damn thing about it anyway.  We are ready to get out and start setup but definately not getting in a big panick either.  I have been collecting more meat scraps, and getting anxious to go shoot some beavers for the R.M. (which is the same as a county).  We will hopefully have everything setup in a couple weeks so that we have a full month of baiting before hunters arrive the third week of May.  We are pretty well sold out for all our 2008 hunts, so Thank-you to all our clients and looking forward to meeting some new clients and developing friendships, and seeing friends from previous hunts.  Craig (guide) is working on the argo so it is ready to go shortly, Len (guide) is getting things at the lodge setup and better organized, Dan (bear guide) is counting down the days to get here, and I am watching the snow melt while sitting in my office at work, and looking forward to getting to the bush.  If anyone would like to get there names in for 2009 please let me know as once hunters get here most of next years spots will be gone............Let me know and stay in touch..................Later............Mike     

March 30/08 We recently found out that the government increased some allocation areas that were under allocated, which means some areas (outfitters) got an increase in there tags, and we were one of those lucky outfitters.  We only have one tag left, and only 2 bear tags left, and the bird hunts we have 1 week open, so our bookings are strong.  If anyone is interested, let us know as I am sure it will not take long for us to be completely full.  This is exciting as this will be our first year that we sold out of every species.  We must be doing something right.  We are even booking a few for 2009!!  Good night folks...........   

March 28/08  Hi All, it has been a while, but not much going on in the Outfitting world in the winter.  We are starting to get geared up for the spring bear, and getting bait lined up.  Len is starting to do some shed hunting, and looking for new areas for the deer hunts.  The orders for beavers are in, oil stock piled, meat scraps gathered, and oats to be coming from the farm, and our secret bait is collected.  We are getting ready, and the exitement to get out and start is there.  The only problem is that our winter is still here.  We have not seen much melting at all, actaully we still have 3 feet of snow........But soon it has to go.................If any one is interested in a really enjoyable, relaxing hunt, try the bear hunt, and I will give you a hellva deal.............Later folks and I will keep the updates current now that we are starting to get ready for the bear hunts..............Later

Jan.02/08  Happy New year everyone!!  This is the start of great year I can feel it!!  Generally speaking my 2007 was tough, just too much going on, but this year is going to be better.  We started the year the right way with being fully booked for deer by the end of December, and almost full for Bear.  Regardless, I think we will get some good hunting this year, and all our dreams will come true.  It is on the cooler side, and we seem to be getting snow almost daily.  Oh well we live in Saskatchewan who knows what the next day will bring for weather.  My family had a good Christmas and we all ate too much, drank too much and spent too much, oh well that is what Christmas is all about.  Well take care and we will talk soon..................  Remember if thinking of booking do it fast as who knows when we will be full for everything!!     

Dec. 16/07  Hi Everyone.  I am starting to feel rested after the 2007 season, and starting to get organized.  We are getting alot of requests for information, pricing and availability, so if hunters are wanting to hunt with us, please get deposits, and confirmation in.  I am really proud of our 2007 season as many outfitters, taxidermists, and locals have reported poor harvest levels due to winter kill, but we seemed to do very well considering the winter kill.  Our average B and C score was 142.  And in talking with one of the biggest Outfitters in the province his was also low 140's so I think we are definately doing a good job.  Our average success rate was almost 90% and his was closer to 80% so I am happy!!   Our bear season was also good as we got several nice color phase bears with on big guy well over 500lbs and 20".  The spring bear hunt was slow, but the weather did not co-operate either.  Our birds were good, with many limited out shoots, but I have trouble with our picture gallery.  And fishing was excellent in June, with many 10+lbs Walleye, and 20+lbs Pike, which reminds me that I need to get pictures on there too. 

I would like to thank our staff for another all out effort, as well as Thank-you to our clientel who have been excellent!!  I am trying to get all our openings and bookings staright so if you are interested let me know ASAP, as we are almost full for 2008, and some bookings into 2009.  I have been very fortunate to meet some guys that have become good friends, and I look forward to meeting more.  Our "New" brochures should be done soon, so if anyone wants a few sent to them send me an email with your address, and I will get some out to you as soon as I get them back.  If I do not get back to the daily journal before the holidays, Have a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year!!          

Nov. 30/07 Well we are officially done!!  The last 2 weeks have been 100% success rates with all the hunters being happy with the results of our hard work leading up to the season.   Our season's success was almost 90% for the month of November.  It has been cold hard on equipment, and clients mental toughness but as we sit at the table and the guys have a drink and the stories start, it is all worth it.  I believe we really have made some dreams come true and naturally we have come away from another season with friendships.  It is nice to see a season come to an end however abit sad as we remember some of the laughs and for some it was a once in a lifetime hunt and we may never see them again, and for others we look forward to next year.  As I begin to get experience and hear the compliments it makes me proud of what my wife and I have done and the business we have created.  Our staff makes the business run smooth and the clients make it fun.  Unfortunately we now book so fast that most spots are gone before the season ends, and the waiting lists start, so if thinking of a truely enjoyable hunt with hard working staff, let us know!  And please feel free to check our references and ask for more if needed, or check with the Saskatchewan Outfitters Association for any complaints, I stand by my word and we all do our very best.  If I do not get back to the daily up date for awhile take care and send me an email once in awhile.  Later...................       

Nov 28/07 We are half done the week with half the hunters getting there deer.  We have again had a good group of guys with many laughs shared.  Unfortunately we have not been able to connect on some really big deer, however there have been a couple sightings, just no shot presented.  So hopefully in the next couple days the guys still out will find the deer they are after.  Tuesday morning was pretty cool with temps dipping to -25F(-33C), but the guys were troopers and sat throgh the cold with the heaters fired up.  The temperature can create a test of wills and perserverance.  I am at work today so Randy is holding down the fort with Craig arriving this afternoon.  Unfortuntaely we had to say good bye to Len as he returned to B.C. for his other job.  We will see him again in the spring for the bears.  Please remember deposits must be in to hold spots, as well note the price increases effective November 30, so all deposits after that time will be for the new prices in 2008.  Take Care and stay in touch!!          

Nov.24/07  Good morning, we are now on to our last week and the season has flown by and at times dragged too.  We finished last week with 100% success rate, with the guys being pleased with the week.  Unfortunately we are getting a storm this weekend with more snow, this is going to make getting around difficult, which we really do not need.  Some of the guys for this up coming week were driving in and were set to arrive late last night but did not show so I hope everything is OK.  The roads are not good!  We have started to shut down and clean-up a few of the sites that we will not be using this week.  Well breakfast is ready!  

Nov. 17/07 We are on our turn around day, and excited to see the next new group.  As of right now our average success rate is sitting around 80% which for the most part I am pleased .  Unfortunately the really big bucks are still elusive to this point, but that could all change any day.  And we now have enough snow, probably about 8 inches, that is good!!  Later..............

Nov.14/07  Well the week is flying by and the rut is gaining momentum, with the big guys starting to run.  We had a good Monday, a slow snowy Tuesday and I am in the office today so hopefully there will be a couple surprises for me when I go to pick guys up this evening.   My neighboring outfitter of Rock Ridge Outfitters got a beautiful deer yesterday which will likely score in the 190's, congrats to both Kent, guides and the lucky client!   We as outfitters are working together to develop and market the incredible hunting area we have in North East Saskatchewan.  And as one of the newer outfitters in the area it is nice to be able to have support from an outfitter with indepth experience.  So thank-you to Kent and his staff at Rock Ridge for making us feel welcome and having an open door policy, I appreciate it.   As hunters prepare to come to Saskatchewan for there dream hunt they need to keep in mind a couple important points.  First the hunt is not really physically challenging however there is a certain amount of limitations placed on an outfitter when clients can not walk or climb or ride on an ATV, or do not want or do want certain things.  We as outfitters need to be aware of these limitations and expectations prior to a hunters arrival, otherwise the experience can be difficult for both parties.   The hunt may not be physical but it is definately mental.  The days get long, the nights are short, and the wind and snow takes its toll, so be prepared it is hunting and there are things beyond our control.   A positive attitude is essential in hunting and in life so keep smiling even when the hunt gets tough and life gets challenging.  It is what you make it!!  If hunters arrive prepared it is a much more enjoyable experience for all.  The best of luck to the guys and gals out after the big one this fall!!  Good Luck here, home, or with another outfitter!!

Nov. 7/07  Well we are officially underway and have a couple nice deer on the ground.  That always is a good feeling to get a couple down the first few days.  The sights are looking good and the rut is slowly picking up.  The guys this week are excellent and an easy going group to have around camp.  Everyone has seen good deer and a couple hunters simply did not have a good shot so decided to pass which I truly appreciate rather than a rushed poor shot.  Only true sportsman show that type of respect for the animal and the management program.  Thanks guys and Steph...........  One of the most important things a hunter can do to help themselves on arrival to any camp is to listen to your guides, they know what is happening at the sights and have the experience.  Bouncing from sight to sight will not improve your odds, good sights with good activity and patience will improve your odds.  We have many examples of those senerios, clients need to be able to trust the guides and outfitter, and of course that takes relationship building and time which boils down to one week.  So if I have any words of wisdom for hunters coming into camp it would be to value your guide and he has spent several weeks out in the bush prior to the season and throughout the year.  One of the best ways I have heard it put is "do not try and guide the guide".  I guarantee it will not work.  We still do not have snow and it is right around freezing, but the rut will start regardless of snow or cold.  Thanks for good shot placement fellas...............Later  

Nov.1/07  Good afternoon.  I just wanted to let all 2007 deer hunters know that we are ready for the full swing this fall, and the baits are being hit really good.  We have been using a combination of baits and it seems to be appealing to the deer.  The new sites are maybe not as hard hit as the established sites, but over all I am very pleased with the deer activity.  There has been rumblings in the outfitting world that deer numbers are down, but so far we are not seeing a significant difference.  Joyce is home and again holding down the fort so much of my attention can be focused on the bush and getting some big deer.  We were baiting yesterday and Randy and I both commented on the deer activity along with improved buck sign.   We both seen a couple nice ones.   Access to some stands is still abit tough, but frost is starting, and the argos do not have alot of trouble getting through.  I will keep postings as to how the weeks are going and if there are any 2008 spots open.  Looking forward to getting the first deer down, and the season will be rolling.  Take Care................Still No Snow........  

Oct 26/07 Hello, I am patiently sitting waiting for my wife to be dicharged from the hospital.  She has been in here for the last week for gall blader/ liver problems that have been causing alot of discomfort.  She should hopefully get out today and we get to see a specialist on Monday.  It has been tough with working full time, getting ready for the November hunt, and trying to keep our kids living a somewhat normal life.  Anyway we are managing and the deer baits sure seem to be going strong.  The weather seems to be cooling down as we are at midafternoon and we are barely above freezing.  No snow yet,  Well gotta go, I just got the call and she can GO HOME.......Later

Oct.22/07 Hi there, It is still pretty nice in the north yet.  It is expected to be around 70F this week and barely freezing at night, but I am afraid soon all will change and winter will be here.  Craig and I were out on the weekend, baiting and scouting, it was nice and the baits seem to be going nicely.  Scrapes and rubs are starting, and getting around is still pretty good, except Craig did comment that he baited and setup all week and did not get muddy and I came one morning and we wore out a winch and were covered in mud!!! Not sure why???  Anyway it was a good day.  I did want to mention a couple things in regard to our progression with bookings and exposure to the hunting world.  We have many inquiries and many disappointments when guys want to hunt with us and we do not have room.  So it is important that if guys want to keep spots we must have deposits and if not, those spots will be put back up for sale.  As of Nov.30/07 all our hunts will be going up in price, so if guys are booking for 2008 it is recommended that deposits should be with us before that date.  The other point I would like to mention is that we provide airport pickup and drop off so the Saturday hunts need to be cut short, or the pick up and drop off will no longer  be offered.  If this creates problems or concerns with travel plans please let me know and we will work out a solution.  Many of our 2008 hunts are full so if you are planning a hunt and want to get with us let me know soon!!!   I just finished booking 2 weeks of bird hunts, and 2 weeks of bear hunts, it happens that fast!!!  Remember good places book early, and stay booked!!!!  We work hard and the bookings show it!!!  .....................Later

Oct. 13/07  Well another week has come to a close, with it being an average week, with above average guys in camp.  We had alot of laughs, especially the guys that were with me when I lost the bear carcass on the highway while going abit above the speed limit.  It was quite entertaining for anyone observing our incident.  We unfortunately spent alot of time tracking and with no luck on  a couple.  The deer did not really co-operate, but bear was the focus for this group with deer just being a bonus.   The largest bear for the week is a 500lbs+, Pope and Young, Book bear that was in awesome shape.  He will make an excellent full mount.  We had a bigger bear that just would not co-operate and finally went nocternal, with glimpses seen of him daily.   We are finalizing setups and bait sites for the November hunt, and getting bear sites taken down and cleaned up this week.  We had Bob Lindquist up with Footprint Productions with the Family Fish and Game show and they got some excellent footage of there hunt and will be producing another DVD with us as well as airing on several cable channels.  His son, Robbie will be featured with his spring bear hunt while with us, this coming week on Friday at 4:30, Sat. 9PM, and Mon 6:00am. all ET.  Channels include CBS, Sportsman channel, Wild TV all with different times.  I seen the DVD and it looks excellent, have a look!!   The sites with times and channels can be veiwed at www.permissiontohunt.com  and www.footprinthunts.com   Well the guys (The Oki's) just left for Saskatoon with Randy so I guess I better help clean up and get home and see my family.  I miss them!!  See many of you in a couple weeks and we will get nocking some deer down.  It has been an awesome experience meeting new guys that become friends over the years and we truely enjoy having them around.  Even when things do not always go the way they are suppose to it is nice to have understanding guys around.  I apprieciate it.   I just would like to recognize and Thank everyone that helps me around here including the guides, cook, Joyce and the kids, my parents and the advice and help of Dan and Gab.........I appreciate it all and it takes alot of effort and organization for things to appear smoothly ran, so thank-you!   We get alot of compliments and it takes a team effort, so Thank-you to my team, our success  would not be possible without all of you!!  Well back to work........................ 

Oct. 11/07  Good Morning;  We have had combo hunters this week and the deer has been slow.  The guys have been seeing some, but nothing that we are after............Frustrating.  It seems as though we are at the transition period of the rut not started and lots of food source still available.  The bears have been good but several wounded with no recovery.  We have had almost 100% opportunity, which has helped with the hunt in general, but the deer are hopefully improving toward the end of the week.   Craig and I both were fortunate to get drawn for moose this year and we both were fortunate to get over 40 inch bulls.  The weather has been pretty nice, with no snow or frost.  We are getting organized and ready for the November hunt which is not far away...............Later........ 

 Sept. 24/07  Hi All,; fall is here, and we are not ready for snow yet......The leaves are turning, the mornings are cool, the elk are bugling and the bears are eating everything.  My daughter (Mikayla) and I went baiting this past week and she will be our next guide......She loves it and remembers stand names better than me.  The bears are hitting much, much better than they did this past spring, so hopefully we can make up for the poor harvest levels this spring.  The bears are wrecking anything they believe has food in or on it, and the deer are just starting to get interested in bait sights, but it is only a month before sex will be on there minds too!!!!  I am not sure where the too came from???  Anyway things are shaping up to be a great fall and we are looking forward to the big game hunts.  Our bird hunts have been going excellent with lots of birds and some awesome shoots with another good group of hunters.   A couple deer hunters arrive this weekend, with the combination hunts for Deer and Bear starting Oct 8.  I believe our bear tags will be filled quickly that week.  Unfortunately my right hand helper (Craig) is only with us every other week, but we will be getting a new guide for the weeks Craig is gone.  We will definately miss him the weeks he is up north turning wrenches.  Well I better phone a couple guys back and answer a couple emails, and keep booking hunts for 2008, if you are planning a trip next year let us know and we can make it happen...........Take Care...........Mr.Mike................ 

Sept. 16  We had a beautiful weekend which has finally let our farmers get going with harvest, today was in the 80's with some wind.  I had an excellent weekend with my family as my wife and kids came baiting with me both days which was great to see the excitement with my 4 year old as she could name every sight and look for fresh poop!!!  My little guy who is 2 had a couple naps on the quad and never missed a beat, it was very enjoyable to have them along and chattering away the whole time, asking questions, snacking and no complaining!!!  Every sight was hit awsome, and even some major damage to a couple blinds..........I think our lack of berries this summer has made the bears grouchy.  We are looking forward to our bird hunters for the next couple weeks,................Thousands of geese in the air here right now and some great duck shoots already........and then our combo (deer and bear) guys at the beginning of Oct..............Fall is my favorite time of the year............... Stay in touch guys, I am busy but I still like to hear from Y'ALL!!!! 

 Sept. 9 2007......We have started with our fall set up and it is nice to get back and out of the office.  It helps remind me how ejoyable it is.  Our combination hunts in early October will be excellent as the bears seem to be every where, and hungry!!  The deer are still feeding faith fully along our Alphalpha feilds so there should not be any problems with them, not to mention there are a couple well over the 150 mark which gets the blood pumping.  And the bush (woods) is finely DRY!  Hopefully the fall rains will not show up until January in frozen form!  Later...............

September 2007 .......... Well it has been over a year since I have done my daily journal, so needless to say It has been Damn Busy!!  Unfortunately I am still busy and really do not have the time to do an update now either, but I will take time to get in the habit of writing before the season gets going. 

 Breifly, we moved, had a house deal fall through, buy a house that needed a lot of renovations, wife end up in the hospital, start back to work, do renovations, start harvest, get ready for hunters, fix broken brand new argo several times, get 2 new puppies, do needs assement for local community, start building a new lodge/house.

After all that we are looking forward to a good fall for both  deer and bear and have a feeling this is the year for a couple book animals for us.  We are looking forward to seeing old friends, and meeting new ones.  All in all we are getting prepared for the up coming season and getting some quality animals on the ground.  Drop me aline and let me know what is going on.  It has been so hectic that a few guys a talked to regularly I have missed and hope to hear from you soon...........Mike  

Aug.8 2006  Well again it has been along time.  I am on our web site and email daily however to actaully sit and write something seems to be challenging.  I have been busy most of July scouting, and the last 2 weeks building stands which I am nearing completion.  We are getting close to beginning harvest as the crops are turning quicker than usual with the heat.  So getting everything ready for that, takes time.  I just purchased some second cut alphalpha bales that are in perfect condition so the deer will enjoy this fall.  I am also starting to put out stands next week so that will be one less job later.  I wanted to mention that there have been guys that said they emailed however I have not recieved the email for some reason, so if I do not respond please call because I did not recieve it.  I will respond almost immediately if I get an email.   Anyway that is about all I know for now, and I will be around so keep in touch......................................Mike  

July 14 2006  Hello, it is hard to believe how fast summer flies by and soon we will be skinning big deer.  We look forward to summer all year and hope to do more fishing and spend more time at the lake and before we know it the leaves are turning colour.  It has been a busy July already as I have been getting ready in the bush and getting some new sights established.  I had some excitement a couple days ago with a hornets nest and me getting them mad.  Well needless to say I was scrambling and the bees were pissed and I am allergic, therefore me and the chainsaw were in high and the bees were in pursuit.  Anyway I made it to the truck and got some drugs into me and headed for home.  The unfortunate part was that the bees attacked my head and got my bottom lip , that one hurt the most and swelled the most.  Well when I get stung I swell, and swell some more.  So I have not left the house for a couple days.  Bookings are looking good for next year with the bear season, however if any one is interested in the fall bear, or birds for this year let me know soon, as bookings are coming in regularly.  The other piece of news that I was excited about was that Craig and I both got drawn for Elk so we will both have a good September and hopefully be serving elk  roast at the lodge this deer season.  Craig is also going south for Mule Deer and will not be with us for the first week of deer in November.  Anyway that is about all I know for now but keep the emails coming and stay in touch as I enjoy hearing what is going on else where.  Take Care.............Mike 

 July 4 2006 Happy Independence Day!!!  Long time since I sat down and did some typing as to the happenings in our part of the world.  We had a good bear season, but we didn't have as many clients as I hoped. The bookings for next year are very positive, so the word of our successes and the way we run a camp is starting to spread.  We have the first 2 weeks next year fully booked, which is starting May 7 2007, so if you are interested give us a call and at least start asking questions and then get talking with our references.  We really do have alot to offer.  And of course with all our deer hunters, and bird hunters I expect a few bear spots will be taken by them too.  And if we have anything left late this fall I will then go to1 show this winter and that will be it!!  I am thinking probably one that I can drive to and where I have some clients so we can visit them as well!!  I should also mention that once clients have a spot it is their's until they pass it up, which means once we are booked the odds of getting in later are not very good!!  So as many of our clients are saying, "get in on the ground floor."  Which brings me to another point we have fall bear available, and right now we have one full week which is a combination hunt with deer.  I sure would like to do one more week of bear and maybe birds so let me know if you are interested, and I can not stress enough if in doubt talk to references.  I am new to the business but people are happy with what we doing.  I have started getting my stands ready, trimming some sights, and of course lots of scouting.  I am really shocked at the growth these deer and elk already have, should be some dandies this fall.  I am getting excited already, however we have lots of work to do and it will be here in no time.  Anyway take care all, and I will keep you posted more regularly than the last time............Mr. Mike       

May 10, 2006 Things are moving right along and soon fishing season opens.  The boats are ready and the fish are hungry.  Speaking of hungry I can not believe how much my bear baits are getting hammered.  The bears must have had a poor fall and are darn hungry now as I can hardly keep up with some of our sights.  I am also having a hard time keeping a couple barrels locked down to the tree, so there is definately a couple big fellas hauling my barrels down the trails and absolutely cleaning them out.  We still have openings for bear this spring so give me call.  ...............Later.........Mike  

May 5, 2006 Well we have had another eventful week.  I started the week by getting my wisdom tooth out which really was not alot of fun, but is a relief now.  I have been busy with the bear baits and today I lost a barrel.  It took me a couple minutes but soon discovered a big bear had managed to get it free from the tree and hauled it 50yrds in the bush and absolutly had a feast.  So yes things are active at the bait sights.  It has been cool with snow and rain the last couple days as we need the moisture (hahahah).  I am in the process of trying to get some pictures of our spring baiting etc on here so keep checkin back.....................Bye for now...............Mike     

 April 27, 2006 It has been a while since I have had a chance to sit down and let you guys know what we have been up to.  It is actually midnight and I unfortunately have a tooth ache and I can not sleep as the throbbing is painfull and the Tylenol has not kicked in the way I was hoping.  Also it is my birthday I am 34 if any one was curious.  It has been a bad week as our male Rottwieller named Zeus was recently diagnosed with bone cancer and I had to have him put down this past Monday, he was only 5yrs old.  Of course, anyone who has pets that they are close to can relate to my pain of making that decision and truely loosing a loved one, he was part of the family and will be dearly missed.    I have been busy with getting bear baits and stands set up, and I think things are shaping up to be a good bear season.  I have been seeing good activity and the baits are getting hit with consistency.  The only problem is access to some areas as the water situation with spring melting is significant and the winch on the argo is getting a workout.  One day out I found 4 elk sheds and 5 deer sheds, and I really wasn't looking, so that was a good day.  Also for those of you who have hunted with us and know the ditch we cross there are fish in there..........big surprise to me!!!    I have been getting the boats ready for the fishing season and really getting excited about the bear and fishing season to get here and get some clients having a good time doing both.  We haven't found a new home for us or the lodge yet but still looking................ As my final note anyone looking for a quality bear hunt & fishing trip give me call and I will give you one hell-of-a good deal.  I want more bear clients as it only helps us establish a reputation as a Quality Outfitter with Quality Hunts!!  I did this with our deer hunts and proved we were on the right track and I want to do the same with our bear and get these tags sold out.  Give me a call to discuss the details..........................Take Care..............Mike 

April 9, 2006  We just got back from our Saskatchewan Outfitter Association "Spring Thaw" conference.  This was my first time at the mini convention.  And it is definately worth while.  I met some outfitters that are within the province and more than happy to discuss there camps and ideas.  I will definately be looking forward to the one in December after the deer season.  We are getting bear baits out slowly as we have well over a foot of snow yet.  I went snowmobiling this afternoon and there were very few spots I could not go.  The spring run off will likely be significant.  We have been finding alot of deer sheds and some real nice ones.  At the conference it was reported by Saskatchewan Environment that the deer herd wintered well, even with all the snow.  This is likely in part due to the fact that we had a much milder winter than we have had in the past.  I also wanted to mention that we are still looking for a place to move the lodge and re-stablish our yard and camp site.  So now that bear is getting closer that project may have to wait until after bear and fishing ends.  I will try and keep this page updated every chance I get so keep checking back!!  Take Care .....................Mike