Experience is Our Guide
We have been hunting this area of Saskatchewan for decades and we have experienced it all. Seems every possible weather combination is going to hit you when you are out hunting. This experience has taught us that you must have gear you can rely on. From your transportation to your clothing and firearms. The only thing that should stop your hunt is knocking down that trophy animal that you have worked hard to harvest. We hunt with rifles and bows ourselves so we are familiar with the challenges, and the exhilaration, of each weapon choice. See below, and the links offered below, for a few Whitetail hunting tips and Black Bear hunting tips.
Layers of Clothing
Mistatim Outfitting is located about halfway up (from South to North) the province of Saskatchewan. We are famous for deep snow and long cold spells but also large fluctuations in weather conditions from day to day or even within a day. We strongly recommend that you pack plenty of extra layers for your hunting trips with us, whether you are hunting in the Spring or Fall. In the late fall of Whitetail hunting season temperatures can drop below -25 and windchills beyond -40. During Spring and Fall Black Bear hunting season you can experience what seems like all 4 seasons in a single day. From frosty mornings to warm sunny afternoons and cold evenings at the end of the hunt. If you can pack it, bring it. Always have an layer of rain gear on hand which will double as wind protection.
Shooting Prep
In addition to choosing the right rifle, bow, crossbow or muzzleloader, practice loading, unloading and shooting will help you prepare for that moment of truth when your buck or bear is standing broadside at the bait pile. As we mention in our FAQs, your rifle/muzzleloader shots will be in the range of 75 to 110 yards and archery shots 30 to 35 yards. This is your practice range before your trip. Sight your weapons for this distance. We have a shooting range you can use after arrival at camp so you can confirm your weapon is still on and nothing was knocked out of alignment during travel.
Silently getting your weapon loaded and trained on the target is important. It's quiet out there. Your game has excellent hearing and any noise out of the normal is a cause for alarm. Make sure you can get in the ready to shoot position without making any noise before the squeeze of the trigger.
Make sure your weapon is in top working order. Clean it thoroughly before your trip but go easy on any oil, especially if Whitetail hunting. Our temperatures can turn some gun oils to sludge and just a bit of dust or dirt mixed in can jam the mechanisms.
Links to More Resources
The website for the Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters has some great resources for hunters travelling to Saskatchewan. See below for some additional reading we recommend.