Sask Hunt
 

A buddy of mine and I just booked a hunt in Saskatchewan for Nov 16-22. The outfitter is http://www.jdoutfitting.ca.

Has anyone ever been to this outfitter or hunted in Saskatchewan before? I'm totally pumped about this trip. I've been doing my homework and checked many references and everyone tells me the same thing. It's cold... Deer are massive and 130-140s are everywhere... be patient. I'm looking for some good info that will help me make the most of it.

Thanks
Charlie

RE: Sask Hunt
 

Well luck you;)congrats...I sure wish I get to do something like that one day

RE: Sask Hunt
 

What part of Saskatchewan are you hunting? You might try pm'ing some of the guys fron Sask. that are members here. I am sure they would be more than happy to fill you in.

RE: Sask Hunt
 

We will be in Preeceville, hunting the Porcupine forest.

RE: Sask Hunt
 

I live in Saskatchewan. We have an elk camp located to the east near Swan Plain, SK, so iknow the area pretty well. Most of my time spent in theforest has been from Endeavour (north of preeceville) to Swan Plain chasing moose, elk and bear.I have seen lots of deer and harvested a few over the years in zone 56 (whereI assume you'll be). It's a game rich area, no doubt about it. I have not heard of jdoutfitting and the link doesn't work so unsure of what territory you'll be hunting exactly. BTW the Porcupine portion of the forest covers several miles and more then just one outfitter has specific area's in it!!

It can be cold and snowy here anytime in nov. However it can also be unseasonably warm and no snow.Can also be both in only a week.Long and short bring lots of layers so you can dress up or down.

Yes big bodied for sure - bucks topping 250lbs is normal and approaching or breaking 300lbs aren't uncommon either.Yes we have our share of big antlered bucks but they ain't tied up behind every tree either.130-150 is a realistic expectation, with bigger always a possibility. However it's hunting and after over 25 years of hunting here sometimes finding even a respectable buck can be a heck of a task! Be patient you have 6 days to hunt, at an ave of 8 per day in nov.you got 48hr of huntingto try and find HIM.

I suggest doing some research by videos, etc that will help allow you guys to judge the bigger bodied deer we have. Having guided myselfI can't tell you how manytimes I heard "he looked huge"...and he was in body but his rack didn't match. Also if your not use to field judging, now is the time to start brushing up on the skill. Do not be affraid to ask for guidance in this regard.

As you know you'll most likely be hunting over bait, the common practice here whenoutfitting forwhitetails in the forest.This should allow you some extra seconds to look over animals, however the big guys like to stand in the shadows a lot and may not come out in the wide open. These baits become scrapes, scent lines vs food during the rutting phases. So be attentive and don't be fooled by what you may see on tv withthe big ole buck cruising right in and offering you a nice/easy shot opp.

Something I think you should know is the past few winters (this one included) Saskatchewan has had heavy snowfalls and this has impacted our deer herd in many areas. The fact the past 2 years snow has come hard, fast and in bunchs during nov,it has impacted mature bucks who are physically drained due to the rut. The reality is the forest and fringe areas have been hit the worst by mother nature and the deer herd is down from its extremely high population in the past decade as a result. Stillgood deer and great deer hunting to be had in these areas just maybe not likeit was afew years ago. I suggest you contacting some 07' hunters from your outfitter, as they'd be better at giving you info about your area exactly. Especially those who have hunted previously in the area as well. Not trying to be a bummer, just being honest and sharing info as a sask resident.

Best of luck and enjoy

RE: Sask Hunt
 

Thanks for the info. I have contacted a few of the references on the outfitter's website and feedback has been positive. You're not a bummer at all. I want as much honest feedback as possible. As a resident of Pennsylvania, seeing a handful of deer per day in the areas that I hunt is a good day... so I'm sure seeing any amount of quality bucks will be an incredibly different experience for me.

Do you have any good resources on field scoring/estimating size of a good buck in Sask? I've been looking around on the web but I'll admit, I just booked this trip a few day ago and haven't had a chance to really apply myself as much as I will in the coming months. If I come away from this trip with good 130-150 class buck, I will be more than happy.

Thanks again.
Charlie

RE: Sask Hunt
 

Mags such as Big Buck (produced in saskatchewan), pictures on websites/forums/blogs, videos are possible sources.

#1 tip forget about the body and neck sizewhile your judging the rack!!
Use visual aides such as:

Spread same as everywhere relaxed tip to tip runs 15-16" so compare inside spread.

Beams look for beams that sweep to the nose on a typical rack, will give you 22-25" beams(depending on the wrap). Look at the spacing between the G's(tines) if really tighton a 4 or 5x it means shorter beams. Ithen use the tine measurement aid below for such and as well on layed out beams or ones that you can't get a good feel for.

Tines: Visuals : Ave eye to nose measurement on a whitetail buck is 8-9" or the ears from base to tip ave. 6". Compare his tines (g's) or imagining them in this space will help you get an idea of tine length. In my mind unless a 4x is really high he will have a tough time taping 150" mark...so i study 4x's very closely as they can be deceiving. I have been on both sides of the coinwith 4x's.

Circum. (H's) mature deer in saskatchewan will pull 4" ave perH ( so its pretty much a given on a mature deer here has got 32-36" of mass on top). Though they can be much higher andlower. Comparing the base of the antler to the base of the deers ear can be used. the 4" base will be smaller then the ear base IME, if close to the ear base size they will be 5-6" bases indicating relaly good mass in 40" range for the deer. If bigger they are exceptional in mass and will see 45" or plus on the score sheet. This is by far the toughest attribute to judge in the field so the best way is looking at mounts and pictures to get a feel for a general rule of thumb to use.

RE: Sask Hunt
 

That's the kind of quality information that I'm looking for. Thank you for your help and please stay tuned as I'm sure I'll have other questions in the next few months. I really appreciate it. Hopefully when I get back I'll have some good pics and stories to share.

Thanks again.
Charlie

RE: Sask Hunt
 

I am the lucky one hunting with Charlie in Saskatchewan. Thanks for the info Skeeter. One more question. Do you know what type (if any) of 2 way radio would work for our hunt?

RE: Sask Hunt
 

thats a dream hunt right there.....one day.....

RE: Sask Hunt
 

First post so welcome if new or welcome back if your just coming back...LOL:D

No problems glad to help if/when I can.I hope you guys have a great hunt and time.

As far as 2 ways we use Midland 650's GMRS(5 watt), they are by far the best ones i have personally used. In the forest 2 mile range is real under most conditions. In areas that aren't as tough on frequency we have gotten 4-5 miles out the Midlands. That is double or more then any Motorola, Cobra, etc GMRS could do IME. However in all honesty I don't think you need to worry about 2 ways. I doubt very highly you'll be with in range of charlie to use one.If the outfitter/guides use 2 ways for communication they will provide them to you.Just my take, I'd refer or direct the question to your outfitter before buying or packing them.

RE: Sask Hunt
 

thanks for the info. i appreciate it.

RE: Sask Hunt
 

As promised I have a few more questions. Any advice in preparing my rifle for extreme cold weather hunt? I am using a 7mag, stainless barrel, and synthetic stock. The gun is only a year old. I plan on degreasing and using a high grade spray oil on the firing pin that I know will stand up in extreme cold. I'm not sure if any other preparation should be done. Anything I should check with the scope rings/mount? Not sure if there are any common failures I should prepare for.

Also, I normally shoot 150gr ballistic tips in Pennsylvania. For our saskatchewan hunt I plan on using 154gr hornady interbonds. Everything I have read is that the interbond will have a controlled expansion that will not separate from the core. The ballistic tips typically have a rapid expansion which work good at the 200 - 300 yrds that are typical in some of my previous hunts. My thought is that given the short range (80 - 130 yds) the more controlled expansion will be better given the velocity at that range. Any advice here?

RE: Sask Hunt
 

good luck and stay warm!

RE: Sask Hunt
 

I am from Ontario and we get the same general whether conditions that time of year as Sask.
For cold conditions while hunting I use a silicone lubricant for my gun. More of a grainy type of lube that does'nt freeze up as much as your best oils.
I have always used a 180 gr bullet, 30.06 for those 70-175 yrd shots. We too have an average 220-250 lbs deer here anda few over 300 lbs. That does the job.

RE: Sask Hunt
 

bring one of these. I wouldnt hunt sask without it.

http://www.heaterbodysuit.com/index.htm

RE: Sask Hunt
 

I don't do anything different for the cold weather when it comes to my firing pin,etc. Justroutine maint, clean, light oil where needed and put it back together till the next time. Typically I do this 1 to 2 times yearly depending on how many shots or if i get it excessively wet. I use Breakfree CLP. On the extrerior of my bores i use BC Barricade or G96. On the lugs and slides of my bolts when the temp drops in the - range I use Dri lube and re-apply it as needed (depends on hiow much you work the action, etc might be daily or every few days). Never had a problem with freezing to -40's.

As far as mounts I always check my ring screws as part of regular maint. to ensure they remained seated. If using a quality ring/bases you shouldn't have much to worry about. I use Leupold and Warne's never had a problem withmounts.I suppose you could pull the rings and check the base screws prior to working on sight in JIC.

I use the 7mm rem mag as well. I use and like both of the bullets you mention - 150 NBT & 154IB. However for your situation no real need for a polymer tipped bullet or boattail design - range will not be the issue as you have pointed out. If you reload I'd try workingup a 150 or 160gr Nosler partition. If you buy factory ammo try the federal premium 160 NP. Its a great bullet for the situation you'll face, whether a high shoulder, raking or classic behind the shoulder shot it'll get the job done. Short or long range. Excellent terminal performance - penetration when needed and expansion to create wound channel/trauma..are within it's design. I have no doubts the 154IB will also work asI have seen it but considering the investment and the higher the normal odds you'll be faced with a shorter range shot that may not be on perfect positioned animal I just like the Nosler part, etc vs a polymer bonded type. However you gun will be the real decision maker.NP isthe bullet most recommend by sask. outfitters;).

RE: Sask Hunt
 

Carry a good quality pair of bino's. Maybe try a few shots out to 250-300 yds, could possibly be hunting logging cuts.

RE: Sask Hunt
 

Nice, I hope to get up into Canada someday when I have the Money.

Here is a buck my dad took back in the 70s up near Saskatoon I believe. They used to go up every year, no guide back then, just a guy his dad knew.

RE: Sask Hunt
 

For this hunt I will be hunting with a 7mm-08 Remington BDL. I'm planning to shoot Remington Core-Lokt 140gr pointed soft points. I've shot many whitetails in Pennsylvanian without them ever taking a step. I also have a back-up 30-06 that I'm going to bring. Not totally decided on which gun I'll use. What do you guys think?

RE: Sask Hunt
 

Wow. Very impressive!! What did he score? I'd guess somewhere in the 180-200 range.

RE: Sask Hunt
 

140gr Nosler Partitionin the 7mm 08 or 165-180gr NP in the 06 would be great combo's. Not a fan of corelokts personally would rather a standard bullet such as: Hornady Interlock, Speers Grand Slam, etc. Think of the investment your making on this trip unless that is the only bullet you can get shooting then why?? You put a nick intop a buck and your hunt is over. JMO but better to be over kill then under.

That is a great buck your dad got slayer. Love them brows, he's got great character!!! I'd say 180-185 gross.

RE: Sask Hunt
 

Yeah I love the character too. He had him in our basement as I was growing up, and I asked him if he cared if I took it and hung it on our wall in my APT...since my mom didn't want him hangin it in sight.

I rough scored it a few years back and he was in the 180s. I would like to get the mount redone since you can tell it is a little old and a poor mount. think he paid 50 bucks to have it done when he shot it. I also have my grandpas that is even older that was done for 30 somethin. He is just a small nine. Also could use some rework. My grandma gave me my grandpas mount when she was moving out of her house. She opened the closet door and I think she saw my eyes light up. I didn't even know she had it. I immediately took it across the street to our house.

So I have 3 generations of deer hangin on our wall...pretty cool thing to have.

RE: Sask Hunt
 

Don't listen to this Skeeter guy...he has no idea what big deer even look like, look at his old posts and all you will see him shooting is little "dink" bucks:DJust kidding bud. Listen to his advice, the man knows what he's doing and it's nice to havve someone in that neck of the woods to get some tips you might not ever even think of. Definately get some Big buck mags to see the pigs in Sask. but remember they aren't all that big so shoot straight and don't be too picky your first time there (unless you are willing to go home empty handed). Good luck and keep us posted on your hunt!

RE: Sask Hunt
 

Thanks again for the info. I am going to stick to the interbonds unless I can't get them to shoot. If that is the case I'll switch over to accubond. both seem like a good all around bullet that I can use back here in PA when I get back. we'll keep you posted on our hunt.

RE: Sask Hunt
 

Understandable, just thought seeing a new load for this hunt and cost of the hunt if your going to kill it might as well overkill it.;)Reload or factoryMO? I am sure you'll findone of these bondeds to shoot. If factoryammo could also consider the new tipped TBBC that federal premium is loading(160gr 7mm rem mag). I suspect this will be an improvement over the TBBC in terms of BC, should make it not only robust but more aerodynamic for down range work as well.

Best of luck

BTWI have personally used both the AB and IB to harvest sask. whitetails and mulies with the 7mm rem mag. I also killed a few bigger animals as well with them;)

RE: Sask Hunt
 

I purchased 2 boxes of Federal Premium 140gr Nosler Partitions today for my 7mm-08. Haven't had a chance to shoot them yet but I'm anxious to see how they do. After talking it over w/ some other hunters that use this gun w/ core lokts. I agree these are probably the more reliable way to go for this hunt, even though I've never had any problems w/ them. I will be shooting the NPs throughout the summer as well as the 06 that I'm also bringing on this trip. Thanks skeeter for your advice, I really appreciate it. I'm sure I'll be throwing other questions out there as the hunt gets closer. Stay tuned.

Thanks Again!
Charlie