Hunting in Bear Country

A black bear hunting trip at Red Pine Lodge

When I was growing up close to Canada's most southern point, bear hunting wasn't really on my radar, but this year, I finally made the long drive north to bear country, and, boy, was it ever worth it!

I began planning my trip a year in advance and sought out Garry Litt at Red Pine Lodge near Foleyet. Garry has been operating Red Pine Lodge since 1988 and has enjoyed a high success rate. With over 800,000 acres of land to access, not only did I have an excellent chance to harvest an Ontario black bear, but there was also a real possibility of taking a monster.

The hunt began on Sunday evening and was scheduled to last the week. On Tuesday evening, the temperatures dipped, and hopes were raised. At about 6:30, my senses kicked into gear. Something pulled my attention to my left. I sat motionless in the tree stand, waiting for something to appear. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I watched as a black bear walked right in front of my stand. Initially, I kept my cool, as it appeared that the bear was headed for the bait and an opportunity would present itself. Well, it didn't, and as I watched the bear creep back into the forest, my heart began to thump uncontrollably -- to the point that I was concerned the bear would hear the rhythmic pounding.

After a few minutes of uncertainty, I heard movement in front of me again. Having collected myself, I stealthily drew my compound bow as an opportunity seemed imminent. The bear approached the bait, and as it raised a front leg to reach into the barrel, it presented a perfect shot. There was no doubt. I knew I'd harvested my first bear before the arrow left my bow.

Gary Litt and his elkhound with black bear
Gary Litt and his elkhound helped Scott McGuigan locate his first black bear, harvested out of North Eastern Ontario’s Red Pine Lodge. (Photo credit: Scott McGuigan)

With the help of Garry and his Norwegian elkhound, the bear was easily recovered. Back at camp, the bruin was skinned and quartered while I enjoyed breakfast the following morning. The hospitality at Red Pine Lodge couldn't have been better, and I was even able to enjoy some excellent fishing in the mornings prior to the hunt. I stayed in a private cottage, and although it was equipped with a full kitchen, I opted for the American plan, which provided all meals.

By Thursday, all the hunters in camp had filled their tags, and so it was with great satisfaction that we sat by a campfire under a starlit sky, enjoying the bounty we had driven hours to pursue.

Learn more and book your trip at: www.red-pine-lodge.com

About Scott McGuigan

Scott is an accomplished outdoorsman and outdoors writer, and a regular contributer to Ontario OUT OF DOORS Magazine on his topic of passion: Waterfowling.

Recommended Articles

Crossing the Border into Canada

How to legally bring your hunting rifle into Canada.

Double Bears at Whitefish Lodge & Outpost Camps

Bears, Bugs and Doctors

Keith Warren discovers his “go to” spot for hunting black bear in Ontario.

Chasing Gobblers

Spring Turkey Hunting in Brant County, Ontario

A Beginner's Guide to Hunting in Ontario

Everything a first timer needs to know.

Rondeau Bay

Where Waterfowlers Play

Turkey for Lillian

A Father Daughter Turkey Hunt on St. Joseph Island in Algoma Country.

Deer Hunting with Border Country Outfitters

Experience this trophy whitetail deer paradise between Lake of the Woods and Rainy River.

Top Pheasant Destinations

6 amazing places in Ontario that offer quality pheasant hunts.

Fly-in Moose Hunting

A Very Productive Way to Hunt in Ontario

Turkey Hunting Tips

Learn some tips to make your next turkey hunt a successful one.

An Unforgettable Northern Hunt

Kevin Beasley visits Pine Portage Lodge for a memorable fall hunt

A Dryden Buck

Hunting Trophy Bucks in Dryden, Ontario

Ontario's Big Black Bears

The Beasley Brothers head North for a bear hunt to remember.

whitetails in the rut

Hunting in the Thunder Bay Area of Ontario

Close Encounters with Ontario Bruins

Tom Armstrong and his wife participate in the Ontario Spring Black Bear Hunt

First Class Duck Hunt

Avid Duck Hunters Should Hunt Walpole Island at Least Once

Big Bucks Behavior

Ghost-like Big Bucks Become Mere Mortals

Fly-In Moose

The Allure of Remote Hunting in Ontario

Setting up for Bear

Stacking the Odds in Your Favour