Terry Wilkinson - North American Professional Hunter Of the Year 2006

Source: Safari Magazine June 2006

The SCI Outstanding Professional Hunter Awards honor professional hunters who are acknowledged by both peers and clients to be tops in their field. Recipients live close to the earth and know areas and animals like the backs of their hands. They feel as much pleasure in seeing their clients take prized trophies as they would in taking those trophies themselves. Until 1993, only one professional hunter per year was presented the award. Starting that year, the award was split into two divisions: North American and International, with award winners selected from nominations submitted by members of the SCI Board of Directors and chapter presidents.

Terry Wilkinson, of Ceaser Lake Outfitters, was born in Preeceville, Saskatchewan, and raised on his family's farm. His father, though not a big game hunter, was an ardent pest controller so Terry grew up hunting squirrels, magpies, gophers, and rabbits, and when old enough, started trapping. At the age of 16, Terry was able to purchase his first big game license. Whitetails and moose were first on his agenda, but faraway mountains were calling

After graduating from high school, Terry turned to logging and headed for British Columbia. He soon fulfilled his lifelong dream of being a big game hunting guide. He worked for the Kyllo Brothers for five years, making a living doing something he would have done for free. In 1978, he married his soulmate, Ruth, and in 1979 moved to the Yukon where they raised their family. They started working for Gordon Toole, the outfitter at the time, and in 1983 purchased the company and have been outfitting now for over 20 years.

His proudest accomplishments are his family and satisfied clients. he has taken his son Joel, daughter Chelsea and wife Ruth on hunts in New Zealand, Spain, Hawaii and Montana.

Terry has been a supporter of SCI since 1983, an exhibitor and donor to SCI's Auction Program for over 10 years. He is a member of the Yukon Outfitters Association and helped the Association grow during his six years as President, to include all 20 outfitters in the Yukon.