Here you will find the answer to the majority of your questions. If you have any additional questions then feel free to email the questions, and we will continually update our FAQ’S however email responses will be short due to time constraints. We prefer you email the question and then call our staff, We are more then happy to help you in answering questions on the phone its more effective because usually an answer results in another question!

SOUTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA AREAS

Our southern British Columbia concession is located in the Rocky Mountains bordering Alberta. The area is located North of Glacier National Park in Montana, Alberta Banff National Park to the East and Kootenay National Park to the North West. While the area does not border the parks it gives you a general location of the area you will be hunting.

TERRAIN

This concession encompasses approximately 1200 square miles. The landscape varies from rocky mountain faces, long avalanche slides, high alpine lakes and a main river valley drainage. Transportation to the lodge is done by 4×4 trucks via the 2 main access roads. During the hunt the main mode of transportation is horseback and on foot.

FACILITIES WITHIN THE AREA

The southern area consists of three main camps, one being centralized and acting as the main base location with all the comforts of home including internet service and flush toilets. All camps are powered via generator and are equipped with running hot water and shower facilities. The hunter accommodations are rustic cabins with bunk beds or single beds, and are very comfortable.

Small spike cabins are accessible via horseback in the mountains if needed. Tent camps are also used to access the backcountry. Our goal is to utilize the various accommodations to satisfy and meet the requirements of each individual.

NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA AREAS!

Our northern area is located north of Prince George, British Columbia. The area is widely known for its exceptional Moose and Black Bear hunting.

TERRAIN

This concessions encompasses just over 3000 square miles. The landscape varies from mountains and interspersed meadows to swamps and lakes. We use a variety of transportation methods including 4×4 trucks, ATV’s, Argo, Jet boat as well as on foot.

FACILITIES WITHIN THE AREA

The northern area consists of four main camps, one being centralized and acting as the main base location with running hot water and flush toilets. The three other main camps are rustic and operated by generator power. Client accommodations are in heated cabins with bunk beds. These camps are newly renovated and very comfortable. If need be tarps and wall tent camps are used to access the backcountry.

ALBERTA BIGHORN AREA

Our Alberta Bighorn concession is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains along the BC/Alberta border in the Kakwa region. This territory is extremely remote with minimal hunting pressure. Alberta is recognized worldwide for its big rams and high sheep numbers.

TERRAIN

This concession encompasses over 400 square miles of untouched wilderness. Located in prime sheep country, it has a mixture of shale slopes, high alpine meadows and endless drainages.

FACILITIES

Alberta law states that no permanent structures shall be built within the concession. For this reason our base camp consists of a comfortable wall tent setup. Outside of base camp the majority of a Bighorn hunt is conducted while staying in the mountainous backcountry with the best quality Hilleberg mountain tents.

General FAQ’s

Do you hunt private or public land?

All of our hunting is conducted on public land however we have the exclusive outfitting rights within each concession.

What temperature and weather can I expect?

Hunters should anticipate a variety of conditions, from sun to snow with rapid changing temperatures. In the North it is typically very wet and often cool. In the Southern area the weather is known to change without notice. In Alberta the wind is a factor and snow is known to come early in the year. Be prepared for all weather conditions and check the local forecast before your hunt on www.weathernetwork.com  Locations to search are:

Southern Area Fernie, British Columbia   

Northern Area Prince George, British Columbia 

Alberta Area Grand Prairie, Alberta.

Do I have to put in for a draw to get my license? Will you have my license?

No, you don’t have to put in for a draw. All of our licenses and tags are guaranteed. We will have your license waiting for you upon arrival. As long as you have completed and signed your contract, we will have all the necessary information needed to purchase your license and tags. FYI contracts needs to be signed and paid in full (government requirement) before hunt commencement.

Do you provide Alcohol?

No we do not provide alcohol for your trip. While alcohol consumption is permitted after the hunting day is officially over, it will be monitored. Under no circumstances will there be any drunken or disorderly conduct tolerated in our camps. Any breaking of this rule will result in termination of your hunt and you will be asked to leave.

Do you have a wound policy?

Yes we do. All applicable trophy fees are due upon any animal shot at, missed or wounded.

Why do you have trophy fees?

We have trophy fees for 4 main reasons:

• The government requires a harvest fee
• To promote and cover guide bonuses for harvested game
• To keep the general hunt cost lower
• To motivate the guide and outfitter to have a higher percentage of successful hunts

What is a standard tip for my guide and cook?

The industry-standard tip is 10% of the hunt cost to the guide and a quarter of that amount to the camp cook or wrangler. A tip lets the guide know how well they performed their responsibilities. A tip lower than 10% lets us know that we did not meet your expectations, and a tip over that indicates that you had an excellent experience with us. The tip should be put into your budget beforehand, as we require you to tip your guide.

Do you have any additional fees?

All fees are explicitly explained in detail in each contract.

Do you have a taxidermist I can leave my animal with to get mounted?

Yes, we do. Here are 2 recommendations: However, we do not get involved in taxidermy this is your responsibility we only recommend taxidermists. We are outfitters and we have no control over another business. However, we always try to go out of our way to help clients but please understand our position.

Canada: Maurer’s Taxidermy (Cranbrook, BC). (250) 417-9020

USA: Wildlife Recapture Taxidermy (Libby, Montana) (406) 293-7878 or (406) 270-0006

Are the deposits refundable?

No deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE, however, it can be transferred to another individual or deferred to a future date with a rescheduling fee. The fee will vary depending on the hunt that was booked.

What do we do with antlers, meat, and hides? How do we get it home?

If you are driving you can take it with you. If the species requires a C.I.T.E.S permit then it will remain with us until a permit is secured for expediting. As far as meat is concerned, it will be your personal preference as to how much you can take.

Can I send someone else on my hunt at the last minute if I can’t go?

Yes. As long as the license and tags have not been purchased. If they have the new ones will have to be administered and purchased. This will result in extra charges.

Can I send my clothes and weapon to you before my hunt?

No, you can’t really do this. The problem is that customs will treat it as if we are buying your gear from you and give us a tax and duty bill for the full value of all the goods.

What happens if I have to cancel my trip due to unforeseen circumstances?

Again all hunt deposits are non-refundable. It is recommended that you consider purchasing travel insurance to cover you for an unexpected emergency. Here are a few vendors to consider.

www.ripcordtravelprotection.com

www.globalrescue.com

Rifles

What do you recommend for a rifle and bullets?

The most important part about choosing a rifle for your trophy hunt is that the rifle is comfortable to carry and to shoot. We recommend using the following weapons for each category of game hunted. Through our experience hunting bigger game like Moose Elk, Bear, Mtn Goat requires 300 caliber or larger; however, bullet choice is just as important as the rifle itself, we are most comfortable and assured when a quality bullet is used. Quality bullets include the Nosler Partition/Accubond, the Barnes Triple Shock or the Berger VLD.  When hunting Bighorn Sheep, we recommend a lighter gun but you must be able to shoot 500 – 600 yards in this case a quality tactical scope is recommended.  On our Mtn Lion hunts and small game hunts a 243 or 22 mag, 17hmr.

What distance should my gun be zeroed at?

ZERO at 300 yards or use a recommended tactical scope!

Do you have a range we can shoot at?

YES, we have a range out to 300 yards in all of our areas.

How many bullets should I bring?

40-60 in FACTORY CASES (due to border crossing), this should be plenty of ammo for your hunt. You will have time to sight in your rifle when you arrive at camp.

How far are your average shots? What do you recommend I practice at?

Shooting range is from 15 to 600 yards in our areas, the biggest piece of advice I can give is SHOOT! Shoot your gun at ranges above; shoot until you are comfortable in different positions and varying angles. Majority of our shots are 200-300 yards, but expect shots further if you are comfortable.

Gear

What clothes/gear do you recommend?

We will provide you with an extensive equipment list, and recommended brands via email. We use a layering system, it is simpler and allows us to change clothes quickly when conditions change. The clothes must be quiet, warm and comfortable.

Do I need a spotting scope?

No, you don’t need to bring one. However it can increase your odds on a Goat or Sheep hunt we recommend these clients have 15×45 power 60mm objective. The brand must be of quality or do not bring one. Examples: Zeiss, Swarvoski, Leica.

Do I have to wear any blaze orange on the rifle hunts?

No! PLEASE CAMO ONLY!!

Why do I need good quality equipment?

Good quality equipment is essential when you’re hunting big game in the wilderness of Canada, and for the success of your hunt. It is very noticeable when we have clients who dress themselves in high quality equipment, because they have a more positive attitude in the field. When hunters dress poorly their hunt is sacrificed, here are a few reasons why. The gear is more prone to rip, tear and break – which can lead to hunters being uncomfortable. The Rocky Mountains are known for rapid and severe weather changes, and with low-end equipment it can not only feel uncomfortable, but may also put a hold towards a successful hunt. If your gear is prone to rip or tear easily it may be more difficult to continue with your hunt through heavy showers, and snowfall.

What kind of backpack do you recommend?

For mountain hunting you will need two backpacks. A daypack; which, should consist of 2000 cubic inches and a multi-day pack frame which should consist of 6000 cubic inches. Any half decent daypack will work such as Badlands, however a multiday frame pack needs to be a quality bag like Mystery Ranch or Kuiu.

Do I need binoculars?

YES. You will need a set of binoculars. A good quality set is recommended such as Zeiss or Leica, however any 10×42 will work (minimum 10 power).

What do you recommend for clothing?

Any mountain hunting requires the hunter to be active and then stationary! The key is to maintain your body temperature without getting overheated. The best way to dress for this type of hunting is layering. Review equipment list.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

When it comes to hunting in the mountains you need a warm sleeping bag, but warmth is not the only quality you need to get out of your bag! Recommendation would be a 100% down bag and lightweight (Under 4 lbs.) Cost is not cheap approximately $400-$600 USD. If the bags cheaper its probably not warm enough, or is very synthetic and bulky. This is critical for packing in the backcountry and useful in main camp as well.

Accommodations

What do you provide? What don’t you provide?

We provide all your meals, accommodations, transportation and field care of trophies once we pick you up from your hotel.  We provide all the drinks (limited soda) and food besides alcohol or specialty foods.

What are the accommodations? Do I need to bring bedding, a towel? Is there laundry service, internet access?

Everything with the accommodations is provided except you will need to bring a personal towel. We do require you to bring your personal hygiene products. At our camps there is no laundry service so be sure to pack accordingly. There is internet access at the main lodge in our southern concession, however it will only be used to contact family or important business only. We recommend clients bring a satellite phone if they require communication abroad.

Can I drive to your area from my home in the states?

Yes you can drive right to the lodge 4×4 recommended vehicle.  We will provide you with directions via email when your hunt is booked and transportation method is established.  All of our main camps are accessible via vehicle.

Do you pick me up at the airport?

We provide a shuttle service from the hotel to the hunting territory, 475$ USD for 1on1 or 375$ for a 2on1. We can pick you up from the airport or a shuttle service provided from the hotel can be arranged.

How do I obtain a license?

Once a contract is completed then we have all the necessary information to purchase license and tags for your upcoming hunt. We will have the license and tags waiting for you upon arrival.

What is the Admin Fee?

The admin fee is used to cover secretarial costs for managing each client’s file. In reference to applying for license and tags, obtaining licenses and tags from government, booking accommodations prior/after hunt schedule, completing contracts, payments and necessary client documents. This fee is used to enable a hiring position to effectively manage each client.

Are there any hidden or additional charges?

All the charges and fees are clearly stated within the contract. Prices do not include tips/gratuities, taxidermy, meat processing or shipping.

How should I prepare for a hunt with Total Outdoor Adventures?

Prior to your hunt, your preparation mentally and physically will be the most important factor when it comes to success. Hunters should follow our fitness plan months prior to hunting with us. Mental toughness will come with time as you work out and become more confident in your abilities. Another thing we cannot stress enough with our hunters is to SHOOT! We’ve had many hunters miss and/or wound animals because they’re not comfortable with their rifles or have not practiced enough prior to their hunt.

What clothing and gear should I bring?

Once we have received your signed contract we will email you a specific gear and equipment list tailored to your hunt type. It is very important that you follow the list provided as it will ensure you a better hunting experience. Good quality clothing is a necessity when you are big game hunting as it allows you to adapt to changing weather conditions.

What are my options for trophy care of horns/hides?

The client has two options. If they are driving, the British Columbian license and specie tag acts as an export permit for the border crossing for your trophy and your meat, however if the animal requires a C.I.T.E.S permit then this cannot be done. The second option is if you are flying to camp then your trophy must remain with our operation until we transport it to one of our Canadian taxidermists or taxidermist from the states. When we drop it off with our personal taxidermist you then have the option to mount it with our taxidermist or ship it to your personal taxidermist.

Who is responsible for meat processing?

You are responsible. At camp your guide will assist you with field dressing the animal. Once the animal is at camp the guide can help prepare the meat for personal transport if you are driving or you can accompany the guide and deliver the meat to a local meat cutter. If delivered to a local meat cutter charges will apply and we recommend you take home the best 50lbs – 100/lbs meat back with you on the airline. If you harvest your animal on the last few days of the hunt meat transport may not be available unless you stay longer or you’re driving. This must be done on your hunt dates. We recommend you bring 2 large coolers if you are driving. Meat cannot be shipped and must be in your possession at all times.

Am I guaranteed to harvest an animal?

This is truly a “fair-chase” wilderness hunting adventure and should be recognized as such and therefore we do not guarantee the harvest of any animal.