How to Prepare for your Hunt
Your Adventure Awaits
The time leading up to your hunting adventure with Tahltan Outfitters should be stress free and exciting.
We have tried to answer most of your questions below.
Should you have any remaining questions please feel free to contact us.
Flying into Camp
You will be responsible for getting to Dease Lake, B.C. where you will catch your float-plane charter into the hunting area. Our charters will leave the day before your first scheduled hunting day and return one day after you last scheduled hunting day.
The nearest airport to your hunting area is Smithers, BC Airport. From there it is a 6-7 hr drive to Dease Lake, BC, click here for driving directions. Smithers is the last stop for any groceries or provisions that you need for your trip. We suggest you rent a vehicle and grab a hotel in Smithers, spend the night and head out first thing to catch your charter in Dease Lake.
If you would prefer heading straight up to Dease Lake, there are 2 motels there: Northway Motor Inn, and Arctic Divide Lodge you will want to book early as these are the only two motels in the area, there is not much for stores or provisions beyond Smithers, so we would still suggest stocking up in town before you head out!
Once you are in Dease Lake, your flight with BC Yukon Air Services will leave from the float plane dock. Your charter flight time will be weather dependent, so you may not leave exactly at your scheduled time, however you will arrive safely at your destination at the closest possible convenience.
At the other end you will be greeted by your guide, wrangler and possibly returning hunters where you will load up and head to camp for a nice warm meal and discussion about plans for your first day hunting!
Driving into Dease Lake, BC
If you would like to take your Meat and Trophies home with you, we suggest that you drive your own vehicle up to Dease Lake, BC. A lot of our hunters will choose this option for ease of transport. It is one of the most beautiful drives that can take across our Beautiful BC landscape.
Smithers, BC is the last stop for any groceries or provisions that you need for your trip. Most of our guests will Spend the night in Smithers, BC and head out first thing to drive the last 6-7hr stretch of the journey to Dease Lake.
If you would prefer heading straight to Dease Lake, the night before your charter. There are 2 motels there: Northway Motor Inn, and Arctic Divide Lodge you will want to book early as these are the only two motels in the area, there is not much for stores or provisions beyond Smithers, so we would still suggest stocking up in town before you head out!
Once you are in Dease Lake, your flight with BC Yukon Air Services will leave from the float plane dock. Your charter flight time will be weather dependent, so you may not leave exactly at your scheduled time, however you will arrive safely at your destination at the closest possible convenience.
At the other end you will be greeted by your guide, wrangler and possibly returning hunters where you will load up and head to camp for a nice warm meal and discussion about plans for your first day hunting!
What to Pack
This is a general guideline, personal gear will vary but the key is weight. For the float plane on your way over to camp try to keep your weight to 50lbs without your gun. No wheeled luggage please.
Bring a soft gun case and when you reach Smithers switch your rifle to the soft case and leave the hard case in Smithers.
Rifle w/scope sighted for 200 yards, 40 shells
Good binoculars
Lightweight warm sleeping bag
Pillow / inflatable sleeping mat if desired
Good quality raingear
Broken in hunting boots
Camp shoes and extra socks
Soft daypack
Long underwear
Loose fitting hunting pants, 2 pair
Wool or cotton shirts, 3
2 pair gloves, one waterproof, one leather
Fleece sweater, down jacket, cap and toque
Flashlight, water bottle, hunting knife
Bug spray for earlier season hunts (mosquitos/knats)
Personal medications
Personal refreshments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the firearms procedure into Canada?
You will need to declare your rifle at customs and pay a fee of $25. It is recommended to fill out the form prior to arrival to save time, DO NOT sign the form though as your signature must be witnessed by a Canada Border Services Customs Officer. The firearm and ammunition must be packed in separate containers. It is highly recommended to double check the specific requirements of all carriers that you will be using during your trip.
Non Resident Firearm Decloration: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/form-formulaire/pdfs/5589-eng.pdf
Border Crossing Requirements: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htm this is an informative link for firearms user coming into Canada.
Can we leave if we tag out early?
Yes, absolutely you can leave early if you tag out! Keep in mind that all flights outside of the regularly scheduled charter flights are your responsibility.
What tags can we add to our hunts?
All horseback hunts include a complimentary wolf tag (Skinning fees are additional and paid directly to your guide).
You can add a Caribou to your Horseback Moose Hunt or a Moose to your Caribou Hunt for a Trophy Fee. A Goat can be added to your Sheep Hunt or a Sheep to your Goat Hunt for a Trophy Fee. There are no additional animal tags available for our Moose Lake Hunts.
Can we drive our meat and trophies home?
Yes you can, unless the animal requires a CITES permit, then it will have to be shipped to you through our taxidermist. We recommend that if you are driving your meat home, you bring at least two very large, well insulated coolers for your transport home.
Please find further information about driving wild game across the US/Canada Border here
Can we bring our animals on the flight home with us?
This depends on which airline you are using, generally we recommend that the trophies are transported to a taxidermist who will ship them to you or your taxidermist. If you are planning on flying with your animals we highly recommend that you contact your airline to ensure you are following all the necessary procedures.
Who are your guides?
We have a great crew of hardworking, knowledgeable guides who will ensure the best opportunity possible for you to harvest your trophies and experience your trip of a lifetime. Guide Gratuities are greatly appreciated and are not included in the hunt price.
Do you allow alcohol in your camps?
Yes we do, if you wish to celebrate in the evenings, please be sure that is does not affect your hunting ability in the am. Drinking during the hunt or early in the day is prohibited.
When are your hunting seasons?
Stone’s Sheep: July - August
Canadian Moose/Mountain Caribou Horseback Hunts: Sept - Oct
Canadian Moose Boat Hunts: Sept - Oct
How long are your hunts?
Our sheep hunts are twelve hunting days and our Moose/Caribou hunts are ten hunting days
Do you have a weight limit for your horseback hunts?
All of our horseback hunts, have a weight restriction of 250lbs as they are very physically taxing for both our hunters and our horses. For anyone over 250lbs we do have the option of Moose lake hunts by boat.