Phil has given some good info. I have a 17' aluminium Grumman. It's considered the Chevy Suburban of canoes, the kind they use at scout camps. I know there are other canoes that are more manuverable but for the lakes and and river mouths it works fine. I find it to be very stable as long as I do my part. I've had it in some pretty serious white caps when I got caught in the middle of a lake and it did well. While it's shiny silver shell doesn't lend well to hunting, it can hold a ton of gear.Some of the canoes that phil mentioned are rated up to 700-900 lbs. Take a look at the rating. Load your gear to the front and middle and paddle from the back or middle. Make sure you account for the weight of the deer you might bring back. When my son and I go out I load the gear to the front and middle to balance out the load, since I have 100 lbs on him. I've had the wife and 4 kids, plus fishing gear, food and water in the canoe without any problems. My beast is rated to around 900 - 1000 lbs.

I envy your trip. Good luck.

Spud