PREPARING FOR YOUR HUNT
Big Game Hunting in Newfoundland
TRAVELLING TO NEWFOUNDLAND
Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada’s most easterly province. It consists of two geographical areas, the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador. The island portion of the province is separated from mainland Canada by the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Hunters, wishing to use air transportation to Newfoundland for their hunt should fly Air Canada to Deer Lake. Those wishing to drive can take the Marine Atlantic ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. Reservations are advisable and approximate crossing time is six hours.
BRINGING FIREARMS INTO CANADA
Firearms for the purpose of hunting are permitted into Canada as long as they are declared to Canada Customs at point of entry. Appropriate declaration forms and regulations regarding the transportation of firearms and the type of firearms permitted will be forwarded prior to one’s hunt.
HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL SERVICES
Visitors to Canada are strongly urged to obtain health insurance before leaving their home country. Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent, but an extended hospital stay can be costly. If you are taking medication prescribed by your doctor, it’s a good idea to bring along a copy of your prescription in case you need to have it renewed by a doctor in Canada.
RIFLE RENTALS
For hunters traveling without their own firearm, rifle rentals are available on site. The rental includes a well-maintained Tikka .30-06 bolt-action rifle and one box of ammunition, properly prepared for local hunting conditions. If you have questions about rifle availability or would like to reserve one in advance, please let us know when booking. Rental fee: $400.
NEWFOUNDLAND WEATHER CONDITIONS
The Island of Newfoundland has a temperate marine climate. Winters are usually cool with a normal temperature of -6 degrees Celsius (20 degrees Fahrenheit). Summer days range from cool to hot with a normal temperature of 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). The normal annual rainfall is 1037 mm (41 inches) and the normal snowfall is 396 cm (13 feet). Sou’wester Outfitting’s hunts are run through September and October. The average daytime temperature at the lodge for September is 16 degrees Celsius (62 degrees Fahrenheit) while the average daytime temperatures for the month of October is 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). Newfoundland weather conditions during this period are very changeable and more often than not there is rainfall sometime during a week long period.
WHAT YOU SHOULD PACK FOR A NEWFOUNDLAND HUNT
A common mistake of first time hunters of Sou’wester Outfitting is that they pack unnecessary gear for their hunt. The wilderness lodges at Caribou lake, Little Lake, and Indian Pond are fully equipped facilities. All hunters really need are personal items and hunting gear. Other obvious items not listed include a rifle, bow or muzzleloader, binoculars, knife and ammunition. One should also have a small first aid kit to include in a daypack. A rule of thumb is that the entire pack, excluding rifle, bow or muzzleloader, should not exceed 50 lbs.
PACKING LIST
CLOTHING:
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Insulating layers (wool and synthetics are best)
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Hunting Pants (2)
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Hunting Shirts (2)
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Fleece Pullover (1)
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Camo Rain Gear (Gore Tex recommended) (pant and coat – 1)
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Camo Beanie & Gloves (1)
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Camo Ball Cap (1)
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Underwear (6 pairs)
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Socks (6 pair)
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Rubber Hunting Boots (1Pair) - My personal recommendation is the Lacrose - Alphaburly Pro (non insulated) or similar (lightweight and nonbulky). Waterproof and great ankle support are very important
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Camp Shoes (1 Pair)
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Some recommended hunting gear brand for Newfoundland would be Kuiu or Stika
EQUIPMENT
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Rifle (1) Hard case for airports and a soft case for transport to camp
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Knife (1)
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Sharpener (1)
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Ammo (1 Box- 20 rounds)
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Back Pack (day pack – 1) If you plan to participate in transporting the meat after kill we recommend an external frame hunting backpack.
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Lighter (1)
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Binoculars (1)
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Range Finder (1)
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Shooting Stick - one that can be used as a walking stick would be beneficial,
PERSONAL ITEMS
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Insect Repellent (1 Bottle)
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen (1 Bottle)
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Small First aid kit
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Sleeping bag - Compact light weight (in a compression sack recommended) - this is a space saver.
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Towel
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Medications
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Ear Plugs
NOTES
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We will provide a pillow, pillowcase and bed sheet, you must bring a sleeping bag, towel and facecloth. We recommend a light weight small packable sleeping bag and the use of a compression sack for sizing (compacts to 8” wide by 12” high on average. Note camps are wood heated
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It’s necessary to bring a soft shell rifle carrying case because it is easier to transport for flight into the camp. Hard gun cases cannot be flown to camp.
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Your gear cannot exceed 50 pounds (plus rifle). Please avoid bigger duffel bag style eg. (hockey bag type) 72 - 90 Liter max
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Food is included in your hunting package, so it is not necessary to bring anything unless there is something specific you want. We will have a number of grab and go items for the field and the cook will pack you a lunch.
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Non alcoholic beverages including water and soda are included. Alcohol is not included and cannot be purchased at camp. If you have alcohol you wish to take in, bring it with you (keep in mind limited space on charter).
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Firearm: A strong case can be made for dozens of different calibers. Moose are huge animals, therefore whatever moose hunting rifle caliber you use must have at minimum enough energy to penetrate the vitals on a broadside shot (that would include breaking a rib or two). Over the years most guests have preferred a firearm that accommodates a heavier grain bullet (180 and 157 min). Whatever you choose, it is important to have a rifle you are familiar with and that you can place a shot accurately with.
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Hunters must have their firearms sighted in and ready in advance of the hunt and it is ok to target practice at camp.
Average Temperatures in September/October in Corner Brook, Newfoundland
September
Min: 9°C / 48°F
Max: 17°C / 63°F
Mean: 13°C / 55.3°F
October
Min: 4°C / 39°F
Max: 11°C / 51°F
Mean: 7.4°C / 45.3°F