26 Amazing Whitetail Hunting Lodges in Sunset Country

Big game hunters look forward all year to whitetail deer season in Northwestern Ontario.

By Alyssa Lloyd Outdoors photojournalist based out of Ontario, Canada.

December 16, 2024

Few big game species have the same hold over hunters as whitetail deer. Some may say they're an all-consuming obsession that typically stays on hunters' minds year-round.

What is it about those crisp calm mornings where breath lingers in your line of vision and the sound of your footsteps can startle even yourself? As I write this, whitetail season has just ended in my Ontario WMU, and all I can think about is October 1st of next year.

big-north-lodge-whitetail-hunting-ontario

For non-residents, the Ontario season (specifically in northwestern Ontario) begins in some WMUs as early as September 16th (bow only). Open season with all firearms for non-residents can start as early as October 7th. Some WMUs are not open to non-residents of Ontario at all. All of this information can be found in the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary.

The fastest way to interpret the regulations is to call an outfitter of your choice and get the ball rolling on your whitetail plans next season. Outfitters will have all of the necessary information you need, specific to their WMU.

Hunting outfitters offer a great opportunity to get into quieter hunting grounds whether you’re a resident or non-resident. Here are some incredible outfitters in Ontario’s Sunset Country to try your chance at a trophy whitetail. From fully outfitted hunts to choose-your-own-adventures, a lot of lodges cater your meals as well, so all you have to worry about is bringing your clothing, firearm of choice, and aiming true.

Vermilion Bay

Minaki

Big North Lodge and Outposts

Emo

Atikokan

Branch’s Seine River Lodge

Sioux Narrows

Dryden

Morson

Nestor Falls

Fort Frances

Kenora

Smith Camps

Deer Hunts in Ontario

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About Alyssa Lloyd

Alyssa Lloyd is a photojournalist based out of Kenora working with Ontario's Sunset Country. The outdoors has been the center of her work and personal life for as long as she can remember. As an angler, Alyssa spends most of her time chasing multiple species on both conventional and fly gear.