A special kind of hunting experience - information and tips about hunting in Canada
There are few countries in the world that can compete with Canada's inimitable and breathtaking nature.
The second largest country in the world makes an outstanding impression, and not just when you look at the map. Around 15 percent of the entire untouched wilderness can be found in Canada alone. This statistic impressively underlines why Canada enjoys a special status for hunting enthusiasts from all over the world.
Where humans have not yet left their sometimes brutal footprint, nature still looks exactly as it did several hundred years ago. Hunting in Canada is deeply linked to the population, as the Canadian aborigines hunted bison and moose. This tradition has continued to this day and also attracts numerous hunting enthusiasts from all over the world.
Hunting in Canada - legal regulations
The largest American country not only values the old hunting traditions, but is also in close harmony with nature. People want to protect what they have learned to love at all costs, so it is hardly surprising that there are over 40 national parks, some of which are governed by strict regulations. The laws can vary considerably from province to province, so it is definitely advisable to find out about them before you travel. In most cases, tour operators can provide the most important information , but if you want to take matters into your own hands, you can find the latest information on the homepage of the respective province.
In most provinces it is mandatory to have hunting training. Only this allows you to hunt in the surrounding areas. Anyone who is hunting in Canada should definitely take this information to heart. High fines or even the withdrawal of your hunting license can be threatened if you do not comply with the law. The German hunting license is accepted in Canada and should therefore always be carried with you.
It is also important that a hunting trip is arranged through an authorized hunting organization. In Canada, these organizations are often called outfitters. There are also many clothing requirements. In Ontario, for example, you must wear a plain-colored orange vest while hunting. Your headgear must also be in this color.
In a previous article, we have already compiled a detailed list of the equipment items that are important in the field . Much of this can also be used excellently in hunting.
Licenses must also be purchased for the desired species of game. This can easily cost between $150 and $500 per species. Hunting rifles can usually be taken from Germany without any problems. They must be registered with Canadian customs upon arrival. It is also important that you have the appropriate forms ready for this customs inspection.
Animal Encounters
Canada's pristine and picturesque nature goes hand in hand with a top-class animal population. Due to this fact, many animals have reached such high populations that hunting measures are being taken to counteract this. The following animal species are of particular interest to many when hunting in Canada:
The Black Bear
The black bear can be seen throughout North America, but Canada has by far the largest population. It is estimated that there are around 500,000 black bears in the entire country. Another superlative number in a phenomenal country. In Canadian hunting areas, black bears are often one of the most important animals and encounters during a hunt are very common in terms of the overall population.
Bear hunting is an attractive affair, especially when stalking. There is certainly no lack of excitement and thrills. Compared to hunting from a high hide, you experience situations here that make your heart beat faster.
The white-tailed deer
In the past, the rapid increase in the white-tailed deer population was accompanied by a simultaneous increase in the wolf population, as they were able to find more prey. This wolf population was then responsible for the population regressing. The cold and brutal winters also played a part in this. White-tailed deer can be seen primarily in the southern regions of the country.
Having migrated from the USA, it seems as if the animals will also stay close to the border. In the northern parts of Canada, these wild animals are hardly or not at all visible. The size of the white-tailed deer is about the same as that of the fallow deer native to Germany.
The Elk
In Canada, you have to distinguish between four species of moose. Each of them is associated with a specific region, so when planning your trip you should definitely consider which species might be interesting as a trophy.
The strongest of its kind can be found in the Yukon and Alaska. Some animals there can weigh up to 1000 kg and also have the strongest antlers of all species. This type of moose can also occasionally be found in parts of the Northwest Territories.
Other species of moose can be seen in western and eastern Canada. In southern British Columbia, you can also hunt a subspecies of moose, although this produces less game.
The wolf
There are around 60,000 wolves in Canada alone. They usually appear in packs of between 2 and 10 animals, but packs of up to 20 animals are not uncommon. The animals are more shy than you would think and are also extremely clever. The populations of other animal species sometimes suffer greatly from the large wolf population, so that the wolf is only officially a protected species in 3% of the Canadian land mass. The chance of killing a wolf is very high and the animals can also be easily lured with carrion and bait.