Hunt Big Game in Northern Ontario

Unique locations, variety of species and ample opportunity, all found in Superior Country

I can’t help but appreciate the seasons we’ve had thus far and what's to come next for Northern Ontario's Superior Country. My favourite hunting season is black bear, however, Northern Ontario offers other big game oppourtunities aside from bear. Those being moose, deer and wolf.

Gray Wood Outfitters - Fly-in hunting and fishing adventure North of Nakina, Ontario.

Big game hunting is a huge attraction for Northern Ontario. From multiple species to hunt, unique locations and being able to have the choice of bow or gun. There is such a variety of opportunities to suit any hunter's preference. Which is why you should consider starting to plan your next big game hunt in Northern Ontario! 

Moose

Gray Wood Outfitters - Fly-in hunting and fishing adventure North of Nakina, Ontario.

Moose hunting in Northern Ontario is highly desired due to the sheer mass, beauty and power these creatures embody. Year after year we see new and returning clients flock to Northern Ontario for their annual harvest. With good reason too, Superior Country provides endless natural habitat for moose, they’re secluded with lots of vegetation. The forestry industry plays a positive role in the moose population on a long term scale, which is commonly overlooked. Moose inhabit wooded areas that are adjacent to young forests, near water. They spend their time in the densely wooded areas when evading harsh weather, while scouring to feed and mate in rejuvenating forests. 

Fly-in camps to remote areas have been a highly sought after option, they offer hunters the option to go to more secluded areas. There are many fly-in moose hunt options available in Superior Country. Moose hunting also gives optional challenges for a winter hunt; the season runs from mid October to mid December for Canadian residents and mid October to mid November for non-residents. 

Black Bear

Gray Wood Outfitters - Fly-in hunting and fishing adventure North of Nakina, Ontario.

Black bear hunting in Northern Ontario's Superior Country is undoubtedly something every avid big game hunter should experience. As previously mentioned, it is my favourite hunting season and for good reason. Northern Ontario boasts a very healthy black bear population, you can expect to find plentiful opportunities to score a trophy black bear. Regions of Northern Ontario allow both resident and non-resident Canadians to endeavour on a fall and spring bear hunt. With a wide variety of outfitters to choose from Superior Country is a prime location for black bear hunts. 

Nipigon River Bear Hunts - Nipigon, Ontario

I’ve seen a couple trophy sized bears over the years, having close relations to local outfitters and guides has its perks. One of the most memorable ones happened back in the fall of 2019. An experienced hunter had come up from Utah to score his first Canadian black bear. It was just before dark when they got the “bear down, death moan heard” call. Not an hour later they were back unloading a massive 515lb bear, she had a 23” skull and paws with a circumference my two hands could barely compare to. Not only trophy sized bears, but every one that comes in holds its own story. These creatures interest me so much. Their teeth depicting their age, their scares telling us their battle stories, their worn paw pads showing us their great travels.

Whitetail Deer

Photo Credit - Somre Stenlund of Nipigon Ontario

In the late 90’s Northern Ontario was experiencing incredible whitetail deer populations. You’d be guaranteed day in and out to see ample numbers and trophy sized bucks. The genetics of the whitetails since then have clearly been carried out. You can score a mount worthy whitetail deer in Ontario, especially in Northern Ontario.

Natural selection plays the largest factor in terms of Superior Country having large, more desired deer. A larger body improves the chance of survival come the harsh winters. Therefore, deer inhabiting colder climates such as Northern Ontario are naturally larger, in comparison to the southern inhibitors. Come mating season when large males are breeding with large females there is a wave of bigger and stronger deer being produced for their generations to come.

Wolf

Ontario encompasses a sustainable wolf population and being one of the longest open seasons in Ontario (mid September to the end of March), hunters have ample opportunity to hunt one of Ontario's top predators. Due to un-steady deer populations it’s easy to assume that the wolf numbers would be reflective of that. However, it hasn’t become a large obstacle for outfitters, wolves are undoubtedly active. Regions of Superior Country are enduring high activity merely year-round, a common trend being: the more secluded, the more populated. 

Gray Wood Outfitters - Fly-in hunting and fishing adventure North of Nakina, Ontario.

Hunting in Northern Ontario's Superior Country doesn’t get any better anywhere else. In previous years, Northern Ontario’s hunting seasons prepare for travelers in the fall seasons, reaching into December. However, with the reopening of the Spring Bear Hunt you can now begin your journey in Northern Ontario come May. With a variety of species ranging from moose and deer to bear and wolf, you will be sure to experience a hunt of a lifetime. The time to start planning your trip to Superior Country is in the pre-seasons - now!

About Brooke Russell

Born and raised in Nipigon Ontario, Brooke spends her time fishing, hunting and trapping with her guiding mentor Bobby Bearman. She is an avid lover of Northern Ontario and ready to take on any adventure year-round—whether it be hiking, canoeing, and camping in the summer or braving the cold snowshoeing and skiing in the winter. She has a passion for sharing memories to inspire others to fall in love with the north.

Recommended Articles

The CP Holiday Train is Comin' to Town

Don't miss the festive fun and find a stop near you!

9 Facts About Lake Nipigon

Did you know it's the largest lake fully within Ontario's borders?

The Anishinaabe Legends

Learn about the The Crying Woman of Manitou Falls and the Little People of Doghead Mountain

Anishinaabe Stories

Learn about the Wendigo and Nanaboozhoo the Trickster.

10 Reasons to *NOT* Travel the Lake Superior Circle Tour

Travel this scenic Northern Ontario tour at your own risk: no other destination will ever compare to this journey of a lifetime!

The Red Rock Inn: The Quirky, Fascinating History of this Lake Superior Hotel

From WWII POW camp to bustling local bar and library this Northern Ontario institution is full of stories waiting to be discovered.

Is this the hockey capital of Canada?

Discover why this town is known for churning out amazing players.

10 Amazing Facts about the Northern Lights

Can you hear the Northern Lights? Can you smell them? Find out!

Ouimet Canyon, One of Ontario's Natural Wonders

A place you have to visit to truly appreciate

5 Reasons You Should Book a Vacation to Ontario’s North This Year

From remote all-inclusive lodges to family friendly wilderness adventures, Superior Country has it all!

Fishing Beteau Lake & the magical Attawapiskat River

A successful week of Pike and Walleye fishing at Gray Wood Outfitters

8 Reasons to visit Rossport, Ontario

Waterfalls, pottery, stargazing, and kayaking in a scenic north shore town

Natural Wonders of Superior Country

Natural attractions that you should cross off your bucket list

Get-it-for-the-GRAM!

Insta-worthy spots in Superior Country

6 Amazing Facts About Red Rock, Ontario

Located just off Highway 17 along the shores of Lake Superior, this tiny town is packed full of interesting history!

A Romantic Winter Weekend in Thunder Bay: Sleigh Rides, Cozy Cabins, and Wine Bars

Where to stay, wine, & dine with your loved one this winter.

Why Ice Fishing is Good for the Soul

The people, adventure, memories, and of course the fish!

5 Interesting Facts about Loons

From their calming presence on the lake to their haunting songs, everybody loves loons.

Highway 17 Treasures through Superior Country

A locals' guide to a righteous road trip in Northern Ontario

9 Amazing Day Trips from Thunder Bay

Day trip adventures and local evening dine ins.