Canadian Whitetails
 

I was just wondering why we do'nt hear and see more from you folks up north? There must be a lot to share about those BIG Canada bucks! How about some nice trail camera pics.?

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

early in, I think it is our nature, we stay somewhat reserved or tight lipped. Particularily in the west good deer are everywhere, many really don't get to excited until it hits the dirt and even then it is an "over there" type deal.

Whitetails are whitetails they are no different then anywhere. Skidish, weary and extremely willy in movements/habits/etc just some places they have the ability and resources to reach maturity...like here. Getting them on the meat pole is by far the toughest angle soI don't break out the champagne(AKA Beer)until I have notched my tag, till then it is nothing more than a good fish story (or as the wife calls them "Snuffabuckless");)!!

Just stay tuned,I am sure some canadian whitetails will be posted in the coming months[8D].

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Thanks for the response skeeter. I'm huntingthe first week of Nov. here in Pa. and the second week I'm hunting the Edmonton Bow Zonewhere I'm hoping to get a shot at a Monster!

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

I have to agree. I’m not one to show off what I’ve brought home, just to family and close friends;)

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

For Trailer: Wasn't that you that shot the booner whitetail up in the Interlake area last november?? The one you still got in your freezer.

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Last time I tell you anything :)

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Early in......there are no deer in Canada, .....;)

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Early in.....there are no deer in South Texas either that's why I am headed to Saskatchewan in mid Nov. to find out for myself:)
Seems like us Texican's are not thed only ones to s t r e t c h the truth!:D:D:D

did I just say that EH?

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Look out it’s pretty catchy EH !
Make sure you’re dressed for the weather. It can get cold up here in Canada especially in November EH.. Good luck in your hunt.;)

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

The last few nov. haven't been up to snuff. Mind you someone from Texas probably wouldn't agree...so make sure you pack the wooly's, LJ's, Heat packs and some of them bootie blankets just in case. Oh yeah and don't forget to bring a toque EH!

Best of luck to you both on your hunts, I am sure you'll have a blast and love our part of the world.

DoubleA, where abouts you headed forhere in Sask?

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Skeeter, I am hunting in the Peirceland/Paradise Lake area in the middle of November. I have been told by a few on these boards that it's a good time due to being in the rut and also been told that the colder and more snow on the ground the better.

I have been conversing with my outfitter and he has made clothing suggestions. I have been buying some clothing for the cold ie under armour, polartech thermals,wool shirts/pants, 4in1 parka,bib overalls,teflon liner and wool socks, pack boots with extra liners, heat packs for hands, feet, body. Good warm headgear, gloves etc. I am taking this cold weather thing seriously as I know it's going to be very cold for us Texas boys. Down here we are lucky to see the tempsdip into the low 30'sF high 20'sF a couple of time a year. So I am sure that sitting in a stand for hours at a time is going to be no fun if you're cold.The outfitter has told me to expect tempetures from 30+ to -30 degrees and also mentioned that last year was unusally warm and the hunting was sub par.

I am truly looking forward to this escapde, I have hunted and fished in BC and Sask but only in the spring/summer months, this will be my 1st trip where I could freeze my rump off.;)

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

DoubleA, you picked an excellent area, lots of great whitetails come out of the NW each fall. Yes your best to prepare for the worst but hope for something a little less than bitter (daytime highs -10 C rangeare good for both deer and hunter). Snow in the forest for outfitting is a real good thing but in other areas it sure helps as well. It makes them move andwill make the bucks have to travel to find love. Lastyear pretty much was all twisted, dry spring, cold summer, wet and cold start to fall and then got warm mid oct...all makes for tough hunting. We always go up to my cabin which is east and south of the area you are headed. This is known as the forest fringe area where agriculture is mixed with dense bush and butts upto the forest...great deer habitat! Any way we usually see tons of activity, last fall not one spec of snow and very little activity buck or does. They just didn't need to move far and when they did it was real late or real early...basically 1/2hr a day. It was the first year in a longtime we never came home with a good buck. In fact only one guy pulled the pin - 4x5 that scored in the upper 140's. I will say this year is looking very good for deer, wet, lushwith lots of deer and good racks roaming around. The weather is a wait n see but hopefully...even so they are around and I wish you the best.

I am sure your outfitter or guide will give you this same info, be ready at all times of the day. Often mid day is the best time to catch them cruising bucks. Forget about the body size,they are builtBIG up here!!!!!;)

PS
Sounds like you have a good handle on the gear required. Do you have any moisture wicking socks yet? Couplepolypropleneliner socksunder your wooly's and have dry feet.

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Skeeter, Thanks for help and suggestions on this matter. I appreciate you taking time to help steer me in the right direction. Like you stated, I would rather go over prepared than under. The "cold" gear I have had is about(aboot;)) 13 years old and believe it or not most doesnt fit my rounder shape anymore so I am restocking my closet. I have dealt with Cabela's for a long time and get most hunting related things from them as I have always had excellent service. It was mail order up until recently when they decided to build a store not to far away from me. With clothing it worked out great because I like to try it on first.....anyways I will quit rambling on and answer your question.

The boots I chose are Cabela's Saskatchewan Pac boot. They are rated for -135 degrees( what ever that is worth) and have removable liners with heat pack pocket. I chose their best socks, a teflon thermax liner for the wicking of moisture and their wool ultimax sock. In your opinion should this be adequate or should I still try a boot blanket? These boots are huge, dont know if an X-large blanket will fit[8D]them.[8D]

Again, thanks for your time....

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Double A...those boots should be fine depending on the weather and how much you will be walking or on stand. One tip though, the foot warmers aren't nearly as good as the hand ones. They need room for air and it just can't find it in your boot, and it's real uncomfortable to walk with. If you are with a guide he just might get you in a heated blind. Good luck & send pics.
Skeeter...how's life? Hope all is well. I've only been out once and got soaked for the bow season opener. My wife is due any day so I can't get out till she has the little one. I can't agree more with you about last season, same thing happened to us. I did get a little one for meat though. Get those pics up when you get something and good luck!!

JDinAB

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

no trail camera pics only because I dont have one, nor do I know anybody that has one...heck i dont even want one.I think it's more of an "american thing" eh? ;)

but I can show you pics of dead deer... just imagine likeit died in front ofa trailcam?

this one is last year's deer for me
Pretty nice, biggest rack I've gotten by not much, the one 3 years ago was very close to this one..
190 pounds cleaned. fair size.

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

DoubleA, are your pac boots the ones that look like they are made for walking on the moon(often referred to as"Mickey Boots")???? If so they will be JFL. Skip the boot blankets bc if they are like them you'll never find a size and shouldn't need them. You can alwaystake a blanket or sleeping bag to wrap up in if you end up in tree stand and it is real cold. My bet is you'll be in a ground blind (they are usually pretty good for sheltering the hunter) and good possibilty they may even be heated like JD points out. I am sorry don't know much about cabela's sign stuff..since we don't have them in canuck land. As long as the socksare not made up of cotton, should be fine. You'd be suprised how many "Thermal socks"use cotton, so check the label for materials used just to be sure.

Hey no problems at all, if I can help please fire away.

What are you bringing for rifle/bullet? Has your outfitter supplied you with the forms for entering into canada with your rifle? It makes for a faster trip through customs and can be done in advance.

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

JD...nice to see you. Sounds like momma was cold last winter, married life is agreeing with yeah then...LOL! Any way big congrats to you both, hope all goes well and safe arrival

All is well here. Only hunting I have done is elk and I got a raghorn. Our party went 4 for 6 this year.Whatpics???Had an oops on the elk trip, partner did a gainer off our builtbridge on the quad, he just happen to be the camera carrier/man and it didn't enjoy the water. Too bad bc it would have made one heck of a great picture...he was up to the curly's in loon sheet.Should Itake a picture of the steaks on the grill...lol? Never got drawn for Mulie bucks, so that will have to wait at least another year.Leave sunday morning for moose hopefully that will be eventful like last year! Once that is done it will beall deer. At this pointlooks to be a good year..so hoping I'll be able to drop the pin on a good whitetail this fall.

Best of luck to you on your hunts and lets us know when jr or the little darling arrives.

Take Care

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Thanks JD and Skeeter for the info. Yes, the outfitter has told me that the blinds are heated with propane if needed. The boots that I have mentioned are these http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0020834830532a&type=product&cm Cat=search&returnString=hasJS=true&_D%3Aha sJS=+&QueryText=saskatchewan+pac+boot&_DAR GS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.22&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mod e+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=saskatchewan+pac+boot &noImage=0&returnPage=search-results1.jsp

Skeeter, I have decided to use a Kimber 8400/Swarovski in 300WSM as my primary weapon. The load will be a 180 Accubond @2950.
Although I shouldnt need it I am taking a Sako 75/Zeiss in 375 H&H as a back up. Yes I know that it's power is not needed but I have downloaded it for deer sized game and shoot it well.

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Yeap that's the same boot as I was thinking...9 out of 10 guys who come up here in Nov wear such an animal, so you should be good to go!

No such thing as too dead. You'll probably be looking at 200 or under for shots any way so your theory sounds ace to me! Let us know how those AB's perform! I used them last fall to takea bull moose and bull elk out of my 7mm RM, they worked dandy for me but have heard a few different stories. Should be a great whitetail stopper though and IME accuracy just isn't an issue.

Best of luck

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

I got a pair of Northern Outfitters expidition boots and they are the warmist boots I've ever worn! You can actually wear them without socks! They are rather pricey but you only live once.

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

DoubleA I have been using theCabela's Saskatchewan Pac boot now for 2 years in Saskatchewanand have had great luck with them. If you use theheat packs for your feet with the them you will be fine, just pull out your liners in them at night and letany moisture dry out. You will allways have people tell you not to shoot the first buck you see in Saskatchewan be patient and a big one will come. Last year a client of mine passed up the best buck seen all year 20 minutes into his hunt my estimate after seeing it on video was about mid 170's. He told me that he really didn't know how good it was until he seen a couple of130's later that morning he said the deers body was so big that it made the rack look good but not super. The point is that allways be ready because it cancould be the first buck that walks out Monday morning or the last deer you see Saturday afternoon. Good luck on your hunt and hope that you kill a B&C. Let us know how you do this year as I will be up there the whole month of November.

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Boulder Ridge...

Good to hear some firsthand information on those boots, I know that living here in South Texas, I'll never need em.:)I have been trying to view the big bodied deer of Canada on dvd's whenever I can. I have always heard and know personally that it's going to be a big change of what I am used to. All I'm asking is just the chance of being within a few hundred yards of one:D

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

I'll tell you what, Early In. Send me a trail cam and I'll get you some photos. Us poor Canadians can't afford those fancy devices.:D (Can you make it digital :)) Nice deer all over the praries though. Just remember if you come up to use a REPUTABLE outfitter. There are some outfitters up here that have no respect for anyone or anything.

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Hey lifeguard,I will be hunting in Edmonton, Alberta the second week of Nov. and I have a very good outfitter. Primitive! Thanks.

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Wait 'til you see some of our BIG bodied deer man....the buck I shot last year scaled out at 160 lbs at the butchers shop..!! Thats just the meat and bones...no head,hide,hooves or insides.The choice of whether or not topass on a deer of course is yours to make,but remember that in most places in Canada,the deerdensity issparse compared to what you may be used to and sometimes your first chance is your only one.The buck I referred to from last year was taken on the last day of a week long hunt after I passed on a beautiful 8 pointer at 9:00 am of opening day.I was almost regretting that decision for another year...:eek:

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Yes, from viewing the Canadian deer I realize they are big bodied. A big bodied deer here in Texas will go 200-225 lbs live weight. A deer with antlers that go 170 here looks very good while one of your brutes might not look that big, there lies the problem for us southern boys.

We have alot of non typical genes here and that's good if you like that. Have been taught that a whitetail deer is genetically supposed to have 4 points on each side.......and that's my "deer". I could quit hunting tomorrow if I could take a nice 160 typical straight up eight. That's my goal as a deer hunter, but I know that they are indeed scarce as hens teeth or an honest lawyer:D

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Well I got a new hunting partner!!! Had a 9 lb boy on Monday (Roman James)...now to put some meat on the table:)JDinAB

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

CONGRATULATIONS JD, you'r a lucky man, and God bless your beautiful baby!:)

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

JD : Congrats on a very handsome son !!!! Hope he and Mom are doing well !!!

Are you taking him with you to bag the dinner fare ??? lol


Gary

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Congratulations JD ! Fine looking pup there !

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Going to Sasketchewan dont expect that the rest f Canada is as blessed. We truly do have an abundance of wildlife up here, but unlike Sask. a lot of Canada is forested (Im in BC and ill tell you, it sure as hell is). Sask. hunting is an entirely different type of hunting than I have experienced and I regularily hunt whites, mules, black and griz bear, and mtn goat. Still, the yearly Sask hunt is the most exciting as you know there will be some action.

If I can give you any advice, donT shoot the first deer you see. I took a nice 4 point (8 point for you boys) and quickly found that it was far from the largest in the area.

Good luck.

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

JD...CONGRATS!!!!! Hope all is well with mom, babe and you. I am sure your future partner will bring you much joy!

Just returned home from a successful but extremely wet moose hunt. We we're fortunate enough to take2 bulls. Yesterdaygot a good bull forour area,we even got a few pics...so JD I'll post it when I get them!!Call wasn't nearly ashot as it should have been but none the less worked out and a great time!

DoubleA, my advice is judge the rack alone!Like I said forget the body, look at the beams & tine's...mass usually isn't a issue and the spread isn't all it's cracked up to be here. I am sure you are versed in field judging down their, so use this knowledge and apply it to our deer. They can be monsters on the hoof but not always..so focus on his antler attributes then worry about putting it through his body. I am sure you'll do fine and wish you all the best in your hunt.

Edit: Pic fromthe friday bull. As you can tell it was wet and darn cool that day..hence my gear. This bull took some work to get him back to camp by quarters. In total 7 hours of labour but as usual well worth the blood, sweat, tears and lots of cursing!!! LOL

Sorry nothing to due with whitetails but a canadian pic none the less!!!

Good hunting.

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

This is one of the best pics from my trail camera. 4am mid November last year - never saw him once - hope to see him at the end of my 30-06 this year!!!!

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Thanks for the pic. WildernessChick.

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

JD,thats a fine looking addition to your family,kudus to you and your wife.


Skeeter, Congradulations on the moose. That critter is on my list also, one of these days I'll have to travel either to Alaska or Canada for one.

I dont my mind if the content isnt all whitetails, sounds like you and the others from way up north are a wealth of information and I thank you all for sharing it.

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Boys boys boys. Congrats Jd on the yougin', be huntin with ya b4 you know it. SKeeter nice work on the donkeys, you pull through again on the willow knawing varmits. Great bull bud congrats. I only got out one day archery with no dice lookin toward rifle monday. AA good luck on your hunt all advice given here is pretty sound. Like guys have said earlier the most common mistake up here is body watching. Only time u look at the things body if when its through your scope. If he is well outside his ears he's usually a decent buck but i have seen some monster deer with only 16 inch spread with big mass and wicked tine length. All things to consider when your lookin em over good. Most likely you will be hunting over bait so you'll have a chance to lookem over good rather that running em out of a bluff and hoping he's as big as you think he is when u walk up to him laying on the ground. good luck

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Thanks guys! He's a riot so far and hopefully he'll grow up to love hunting as much as I do. Since things have got back to normal it's time to get out to the tree stand. I'm heading out Sat. for an early morning bow hunt followed by pheasants in the afternoon and an evening bow hunt. Hopefully I can get some decent pics to post. Good luck to all and let's keep this thread going with goodstories of this years hunts and pictures to boot.

p.s. Skeeter, nice bull...congrats, you never dissapoint:D!

JDinAB

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Thanks fellas for the congrats!

Hia, great to see you again. Best of lucknext week chasing donkey's!! I Seeing any of those sweeping beam bucks you always seem tohave kicking around the stead,yet? DoubleA, this guy shoots 2 finger racks every year I swear! By 2 fingers I mean thats all that will fit between the beams...he has a couple of great looking wrap around deer! Any ways bud good luck on your hunts and keep us posted.

JD, that is one fine boy you have. I am glad to hear everything is going good with all. Best of luck on your hunt this weekend and the rest of the season.

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Hi WildernessChick,and welcome! I was wondering where your from? It's nice to hear from the girls too.:)

RE: Canadian Whitetails
 

Thanks for the welcome - I am from Ontario - Barrie to be exact. I have hunted for over 20 years now - my mom used to hunt too - and this year will be my daughters 1st hunt! We are very excited - 3 more weeks!