Species
Moose
The Largest Canadian Moose are found in Northern British Columbia. Our harvested Moose have an average horn size of 54”, although we have taken bulls at 60” or better. The majority of our moose hunting is in the open alpine country, along the meadows of the rivers and around the network of lakes in the area. On all these lakes we have satellite camps, so we can comfortably spike out and motor down the lake early in the morning or evening when the Moose are most active. For the more adventurous hunter, we offer horseback hunts up on the Spatsizi plateau. This is a higher elevation hunt where you ride up above timberline and find Moose spread throughout this vast area of grass meadows, arctic birch and willow. This is ideal terrain for the horses to travel through and particularly good for spotting animals that might be off at far distances. We also offer riverboat Moose only hunts at our Hyland Post camp situated on the shores of the Spatsizi River. This hunt is ideal for hunters with some physical limitations who cannot ride for long periods of time.
Mountain Caribou
Although we have witnessed a decline in Caribou populations all over North America, Spatsizi Park still boasts the largest mountain caribou population in British Columbia. We have been working with governments and first nations on population recovery initiatives, and are starting to see positive reports from these efforts . Back in 1975, Spatsizi was created as a park because of the large number of caribou herds and today we have the privilege of hunting this magnificent species. There are two main herds of caribou that concentrate either on the Spatsizi or Blueberry Plateau. Bulls harvested over the years have been, and continue to be some of the largest on record. Annually, 10-20% of our bulls score 390 to better than 400+ B&C points. The average bull goes 375 and the best aspect is the superior quality of the bulls. In early hunts these prime caribou are located near numerous lakes, which we access by plane. On these early hunts, the big bulls may still be in velvet and if it can be saved, makes a very impressive mount. On most hunts, we utilize horses to venture up onto the vast plateaus where the caribou are rutting. We have cabins or tent camps right in the heart of prime caribou country.
Mountain Goat
The more adventurous hunter with the stamina to hunt the Mountain Goat is rewarded with a trophy underestimated by most. This area is home to some fine billies with its beautiful, open country, rolling hills and high plateaus. Horses help with logistical support if travel up to the plateaus is needed, saving at least 1000 ft of climbing. In addition, we can access some higher elevation lakes via floatplane where the horses cannot venture. We have between 850-900 goats in the Spatsizi territory alone and we have consistently done well, most years taking 90-100% of our allotted quota. Mountain Goat hunts require a great deal of determination and a high degree of physical endurance from the hunter. These magnificent animals live on the vertical making these the most demanding hunts that we run. Goat tags are on a limited quota and we want to ensure that they are properly utilized. We ask that all hunters pre-condition before their hunt to maximize success.
Stone Sheep
Spatsizi and the neighboring Stikine area support a healthy population of Stone Sheep, a unique strain (Stikine Niger) recognizable by their distinct black colouration. These dark rams blend into the black shale slides which make up the topography in the Spatsizi Sheep range. Stone sheep have camouflage in the summer that is equal to the Dall Sheep’s in winter. Our average age is 10 years. They can be found in different habitats– as long as there is good escape terrain close by. When the season opens August 1, the rams are generally up high taking advantage of the cool breezes. Stone sheep hunting is best in August as the days are longer and the mountain weather generally better then. Sheep hunts require physical stamina and a high degree of conditioning from the hunter. These tags are also on a limited quota. Our clients have access to an assortment of mountain ranges that these magnificent animals call home. We boast a near perfect record of harvest over the past 40 plus years.
Black Bear
British Columbia is considered “bear country” for a good reason: the province teems with bruins in a variety of shapes and sizes. BC boasts one of the largest Black Bear populations in the world and here in the north they can be impressively large. Adult black bears vary in size from 150 to 650 lbs. They are generally nocturnal, solitary animals that can be found feeding on salmon in the rivers or grazing on plants and berries before they hibernate for the winter. In the spring, black bears prey on young deer, moose and caribou. You can add a Black Bear tag to your hunt for a nominal harvest fee just in case the opportunity presents itself.
Wolf
Our hunting areas have a number of timber wolf packs, fluctuating in numbers with the abundance of prey. The wolves are a top predator in the region putting severe strain on the health of Caribou, Moose, Stone Sheep and Mountain Goat populations. As part of our predator management program, we include a wolf tag in all our hunt rates. Wolves in the area continually evade our hunters. We see them on regular bases and misses are more common than hits. In most cases the wolves see you well before you get the chance to take a shot. Only the very lucky hunter takes this elusive predator.
“It was the hunt of a lifetime. I have dreamed about doing this hunt since I was a young boy and it was better than I could have asked for. I was able to see mountains and country that was so beautiful it made me cry. I was able to harvest a big, beautiful trophy Stone Ram and a great, wonderful Caribou bull. Honestly the best hunting adventure I have ever been on in my life. Mike and Sean are simply great outfitters and put me in the best place with the best people to be successful. I appreciate the level of detail that went into this whole adventure. I will have great memories and friends for the rest of my life.”
— Dale Madsen
Hunting Areas
Welcome to one of the best hunting and fishing areas in British Columbia. The area sits in the heart of traditional Tahltan territory with its head waters emptying into the mighty Stikine, Spatsizi and Turnagain rivers. The area encompasses three major vegetation zones: alpine tundra, subalpine spruce-willow-birch and boreal white and black spruce forest. The area is bordered by the Eaglenest Range on the west, and is home to some fine mountain goat and Stone sheep.
Moving east, the terrain changes into the rolling upland of expansive plateaus and the Stikine basin bordered to the North by the Turnagain River. These headwaters contain gentle Stone sheep ranges and sit in the heart of Spatsizi and Tsenaglode caribou herd homelands. The Eagle River flows north of here into the Dease River and drains into prime moose habitat where the bulls can reach impressive sizes. With our three areas - Spatsizi, Stikine and Turnagain all bordering one another, we can now offer over 10,000 sq. miles of remote, true wilderness hunting.
The Hunt
A hunt with Spatsizi River Outfitters is a true wilderness hunting adventure! We are nomadic hunters never hunting the same area twice, the same season for the same species. The multiple river systems provide boat travel and the wide range of lakes scattered throughout the area are accessed via floatplane. Each camp also has a string of calm, sure-footed horses. They are well-disciplined mountain animals providing an excellent means of transportation to access the nearby plateaus and mountain ranges. We strive to provide the best quality hunt for our clients, which includes attention to detail before, during, and after your trip.
“With our hunt now complete it was great to relax at base camp and rest our sore knees from the horseback riding and reflect on a great hunt on the Spatsizi Plateau with the best outfitter in British Columbia. They are first class service start to finish!”
— Brian Smith
Rates
Hunting Rates *USD all-inclusive per person
10 Day Single Species Hunt - $28,500
12 Day Stone Sheep Hunt - $99,500
Nonhunter observer rate - $10,500
~ Additional Species Harvest Fee - $14,000 ~ Black Bear Harvest Fee - $3,500 ~ Wolverine Harvest Fee - $1,250
Additional Species Tags: Moose - $310, Caribou - $285, Goat - $430, Black Bear - $225, Wolverine - $50
Packages Include:
Return road and/or air charter transportation from Smithers, BC to hunting camp
1:1 professional guide/w
rangler services
Accommodations & meals
Hunting license, and species tag
Wolf tag (predator management program)
Wildlife Conservation Fund
Provincial sales tax
Packages do not Include:
Transportation to/from BC
Accommodation before/after the hunt
Gratuities
Taxidermy
Additional species tags
Harvest fees incurred on additional species
Payment Schedule:
A deposit is required to confirm you reservation - 50% for a current year hunt and 25% for a future year. 50% of the balance is due January of the trip year, and the balance is due 90 days before your hunt.
Refunds & Trip Cancellation:
Due to the nature of remote guide-outfitting, we do not give refunds or credits. Deposits and trip payments are non-refundable for any circumstance including, but not limited to, unforeseen illness, loss of income, business or family emergencies, flight delays or early departures. If you find a replacement for your hunt, all payments, less a $1000 administration fee are transferable to the new hunter.
“I had the time of my life - the best hunt I’ve ever been on. You guys are a first class operation and I would recommend you to anyone.”
— Kevin Moore
Gallery
