Ontario is famous for its Black Bear Hunting and the Rainy River Region, which is where our bear management area is located, produces not only a great number of Black Bear but big ones too. It is estimated that there are over 100,000 adult Black Bears in Ontario. Ontario is said to have one of the highest population of Black Bears in North America and that is why hunters come from all over to enjoy our fabulous bear hunt. We offer extremely high success rates and do everything possible to make your stay with us memorable and comfortable.
While speaking to a biologist from the Ministry of Natural Resources we learned why our BMA is producing such an influx of big Black Bears. They told us the dominant male bears always seek out areas with the most food. Being farther south from most other outfitters the abundance of food is evident. Our bear management area (BMA) is over 500 square miles and exhibits a diversity of landscapes, which produces vast amounts of wild Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, as well as wild fruit trees. Low lying wet areas are inundated with beaver, which is one of the Black Bear's favorite foods. We are also far enough south to have deciduous species of trees. One species that attracts the bears is the many Oaks in the area. The bears love to eat the Oak's acorns in the fall. You combine all these factors and you get the best Black Bear hunting hotspot in Ontario.
Adult female Black Bears typically weigh between 130 and 230 pounds, while male Black Bears are typically between 200 and 400 pounds in Ontario. We have harvested many Sows between 200-300 lbs, and many Boars 350 - 550 lbs. The largest Black Bear harvested so far in our BMA was a big old male, which had a dressed weight of 650 pounds.
Black Bears also come in different color phases such as dark brown, blonde, chocolate and cinnamon making our bear hunt even more exciting. In the last few years our area has produced quite a few Color Phase Bear, with a few Dark Brown & a Cinnamon in 2017; while a Blonde Bear was also seen in 2017, but not harvested.
Over the years we have scouted our exclusive BMA and have placed our baited stands at strategic places along game trails where the biggest bear and most plentiful Bear are located. We presently have 13 baited sites with ladder stands with a shot of approx 20 yards for Bow & 40 yards for rifle. There is also one field shot of approx 80-100 yards where we set up a ground blind. The sites are located between 1 and 16 miles from the Resort. We have stands set up for both rifle and archery. Hunters are also welcome to use muzzleloaders.
Although our Bear Hunts are normally in the Fall, we sometimes offer a Spring Hunt for a few Bear Hunters. At times it may happen that we can provide "natural bear hunts" if there are Bear seen roaming within our BMA that are not near our Stands. This is a free roaming hunt with no bait sites, only natural baits such as Oak Groves, Corn Fields or Blueberry patches. In this case the hunter may be accompanied by a professional bear hunting guide.
Below are a couple of photos showing the 650 LB Bear and some color phase Bear. Click on the thumb to enlarge in new window.
Below are examples of color phases featuring a 650 pound bear, 550 pound bear and a 410 pound bear
Accommodations:
We want to offer you more than just hunting; we want your hunting trip to be an enjoyable and memorable vacation that you will never forget. Your bear hunting package comes with a warm, modern fully-equipped housekeeping cottage with HD satellite TV, refrigerator with freezer, oven range, microwave, BBQ, crock pot, pots, pans, dishes, towels, bedding and more; one Cabin per group. You may cook on your own or have meals in the Lodge. The lodge & surrounding area has WIFI and there is cell phone coverage depending on your carrier.
Your Black Bear Hunt is also a Fishing Trip, so bring your fishing equipment. You have the use of one of our Deluxe 18' Boats with 50hp 4-stroke motors, and you only pay for the Gas used plus Bait & Fishing Licenses. You can fish for 6 species of fish here on Lake of the Woods.
Prepare yourself for an exciting and rewarding Black Bear hunt of a lifetime. We offer Black Bear hunting for both non-residents and residents of Ontario. On those pages in the menu above you will find more details about our hunting packages.
Non-resident Black Bear Hunts
Resident Black Bear Hunts
Hunting Dates & License Fees
Firearms & Ammunition
• You may bring hunting rifles or shotguns into Ontario for hunting or competition purposes if you are 18 years of age or older.
• You are allowed 200 rounds of ammunition for hunting or 1,500 rounds for use at a recognized shooting competition.
• Archery equipment may be brought across the border at no charge. You do not have to register them, however, you do have to mention that you are bringing them across.
• All fully automatic weapons and handguns are prohibited.
Please click here to download .pdf reader
Canadian Firearms Declaration Form:
You will be required to fill out a temporary gun permit (Firearm Declaration Form & Continuation Sheet) to bring firearms into Canada. The fee is $25 payable at the border crossing.
Please Note: Do not sign your declaration form until the customs agent asks you to. All forms need to filled out in triplicate and complete.
Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Forms & Continuation Sheet are available by emailing cfp-pcaf@rcmp-grc.gc.ca, or by calling 1-800-731-4000 (Canada and U.S.) or 1-506-624-5380 (other countries) and from all Customs offices across Canada. Visit the RCMP web site for more information
Download Non-Resident Canadian Firearm Declaration Form (Adobe .pdf)
Download Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Continuation Sheet (Adobe .pdf)
Buy a Fishing License and Outdoor Card on-line here
Buy a Hunting License and Outdoor Card on-line here
Ontario Fishing Regulations Page
Ontario Hunting Regulations Page
Should you have any general questions pertaining to the hunting regulations summary please contact the Natural Resource Information Centre at 1-800-667-1940 or by emailing mnr.nric.mnr@ontario.ca
Helpful Border Crossing Information Sites
US State Department
US / Canada Border Crossing
Criminal Record ???
We suggest you communicate with a Canadian Immigration office prior to your planned trip if you have a criminal record.