Your Guides

Donn, my brother has been guiding since 74 and is possibly our top "trophy hunter". He is also one of the best moose callers I know with many awards to prove it.

Robbie Porter, a Kaska Native who has been taught by his father has been guiding in the area longer than I. He has probably our best repeat client average due to his great personality and hunting skills. He now specializes in moose.

Walter Gitzel is a  retired farmer who consistently brings in the moose. He is also a professional trapper as are most of our guides.

Dave O'Farrel  runs a fishing lodge in our concession and has been guiding a few hunters from it each fall. He now also owns a trapline near Watson so we should see more of him.

Joel Wilkinson:  Joel has spent his entire life in the north and has been guiding since he turned 18. A top hand.

Micheal Porter, also a Kaska native who has been brought up in the north. He started working for us in 2000 and his quiet way has many return clients.

Brian Fletcher, A professional Ducks Unlimited Biologist who can't resist the call of the north and comes every year to guide.

How to get the most from your guide

Your guide's reputation and job depends on your satisfaction so he is going to try his hardest to please you,  but history shows they work extra hard for hunters they like. The following is a list of little things a guide appreciates.

1. Be very careful with his equipment because it often takes weeks to replace anything broken or torn.

2. Axes are a very important part of a guide's equipment and a razor sharp axe is a source of pride. On a rainy day or unplanned overnight it can make the difference between a pleasant experience and a nightmare so don't borrow it.

3. When you see something that needs to be done ask if you can help. Helping with little tasks frees your guide to glass for game or do something else so that you get an earlier start. They do appreciate it.

4. Noon tea fires are a time for relaxing (the animals are) so bring a few stories to tell during this time. Good humor is always appreciated and so is the ability to sit quietly and enjoy the beauty. Napping is allowed.

5. After a stop to glass the mountains try to refrain from asking if the guide sees anything. If he has he will tell you. We hear this phrase very often and it has sparked a few strange responses.

6. HORSE SENSE!! When riding hang your day pack on the saddle horn to counter the rifle's weight. This keeps the saddle riding square,- easier on you and the horse. Horses don't like going downhill so get off and lead them. When riding uphill, grab a good hold of mane so your weight stays forward. Never leave a horse unattended with your rifle in the scabbard as it may lay down and cause the rifle to shoot around corners. A switch applied to the rump doesn't hurt the horse but tells him you want to stay closer to the guide.

7. A tip is a sign of appreciation. It does help some guides if given after each trophy is taken. Around 10-15% of the Harvest fee is average.

8. Recognize he is a professional and has been hired to make your hunt successful and enjoyable. He has the benefit of his past guiding experience in the area as well as my 25 years of guiding. Nothing sours a guide on you faster than you telling him how to hunt. He may ask your opinion. Consider this an honor.

9. RELAX!! Most of our best trophies are taken by people who have a laid back attitude who come to enjoy themselves and any animal taken is a bonus.

10. When you shoot a trophy expect to give the guide a day off so he can cape and salt your trophy. Moose and big bear can require even more time as there is a lot of work to prepare these animals.

11. Our guides are in top physical condition so it helps if you are in as good shape as possible. The better shape you are in the more you will enjoy the hunt plus it can make for a more successful hunt. The best exercise I know is climbing stairs. Hills are better as they strengthen your ankles. The more you climb each day the better off you will be.

12. Never let your rifle point at a person and never have a shell in the chamber until told. Your guide has the right to cancel your hunt over these two safety rules.