Hunting Black Bear "Baribal" in British Columbia

 

Experience an unforgettable hunt for the black bear, known as "Baribal," in the wilds of British Columbia, Canada. Our hunting area spans a vast region with a rich population of black bears, ready for your adventure. Join us on a fascinating expedition where an experienced guide will help you track down your dream trophy. The hunting grounds feature a stunning and diverse landscape: majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, expansive wetlands, and lush meadows. After landing in Williams Lake, a local guide will take you to the Big Creek hunting area, a two-hour drive through pristine wilderness.

The area offers forest clearings with fresh vegetation, attracting numerous animals. Besides black bears, you may encounter wolves, cougars, mountain goats, and moose. Our region is known for trophy-sized Baribal bears with potential record-book entries. These bears have beautiful colorations, ranging from deep black to cinnamon and even blonde. Although grizzly bears are present in the area, they cannot be hunted but are fascinating to observe. The number of grizzlies may exceed that of the black bears, but this only means that only the strongest survive, leading to larger and stronger Baribal bears. We expect every hunter to have the opportunity to see 2-3 black bears and 1-2 grizzlies daily. Remember, we cannot hunt black bears with cubs. While wolves are abundant in the area, they are very cautious and intelligent, making them a more elusive target. Therefore, a wolf hunting license is included in the package, just in case.

 

Date
May 1 - 10, 2025

 

Destination
Canada / British Columbia / Big Creek

 

Event Duration
9 days / 7 nights / 6 hunting days

 

Game
Black bear "Baribal," wolf, and fishing

 

Transportation
By air from VIE/BUD with two layovers to Williams Lake, BC

 

Accommodation
Private room in a 4-star hunting lodge in the wilderness with full amenities / hot tub, billiards, ping-pong

 

Group Size
Max. 6 hunters / suitable for a family vacation - a wilderness stay with a partner or child

 

Price
5 800 EUR

 

Price Includes

• 6 hunting days
• 7 nights full-board accommodation with non-alcoholic beverages
• 1x Black Bear Baribal license and 1x Wolf license
• Guided fishing trip on the lake (boat rental and complete gear, fishing license)
• Transportation from/to Prince George airport and during the hunt
• Professional guide 2:1
• Basic trophy care and processing on-site
• Insolvency insurance
• Canadian hunting license processing, firearm import permit, local taxes, and fees
• Participation of a HEMING team member during the trip - assistance and interpretation services

 

Price Excludes

• Firearm transport fee by the airline
• Non-hunting companion in the same room: 1,500 EUR
• Return flight / approx. 1,100 EUR
• Necessary accommodation before or after the hunt / due to flight connections
• Extra hunting day: 700 EUR/day
• Rental of a hunting rifle: 350 EUR/stay, including ammunition
• Wolf harvest: 1,500 EUR
• Harvesting a second black bear: 2,000 EUR
• Bleaching, salting, and preparation for export, trophy importation to the residence, and necessary permits: approx. 900 EUR/baribal
• Transportation to Vienna / Budapest airport
• Gratuity for staff / customary and almost obligatory in this part of the world / approx. 400 USD/person
• Comprehensive travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance

 

Hunting Information
Hunting any predator is conducted during daylight hours according to local regulations, without the use of night vision equipment, by stalking spring pastures. Spring bear hunting offers a fantastic opportunity to hunt in a beautiful natural setting, where after a long winter, nature comes alive with a spectrum of colors. Grass, flowers, and fresh leaves create a magical atmosphere.

Each day starts early in the morning as we set out to track bears. We'll divide into groups of two hunters with one guide and travel by off-road vehicle, ATV, or buggy, depending on the group's chosen route. Around 10-11 AM, we return to the lodge for coffee and lunch. After lunch, you can relax by fishing on the clear lakes or enjoy an exhilarating horseback ride through the beautiful landscape. Before the evening hunt, we'll enjoy freshly baked treats and coffee at the lodge. After the evening hunt, you'll return to the lodge for dinner, drinks, and relaxation. This is the perfect time to share hunting stories by the open fireplace or unwind in the hot tub.

During the afternoon activities, whether fishing or horseback riding, we will carry firearms in case we spot a bear or wolf. Some fishing lakes are located outside the hunting area. Horses will mainly be used for afternoon rides, but upon agreement, two hunters can hunt on horseback each morning. The success rate of black bear hunting in this area has been very high in recent years, reaching 100%.

 

Weather
Early May weather in the Big Creek area of British Columbia can be quite variable, so it's important to be prepared for different conditions. Generally, daytime temperatures can range from 10 to 20°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing, often around -5 to 5°C. The temperature difference between day and night can be significant. May is a period when showers or rain are more common in the area. Snow showers are also possible, especially at higher elevations. While snow is possible, the winter snow cover should mostly be melted, especially at lower elevations. When planning your hunt in this area, it is recommended to have warm and waterproof clothing, layers to adapt to the current conditions, and good hiking or hunting boots. It is also advisable to monitor the weather forecast before your departure to be as prepared as possible.

 

Gear and Equipment
Due to the changeable weather, it is important to have appropriate cold-weather clothing that is also breathable for walking while tracking. Essential gear includes quality layered functional clothing and suitable high boots. Don't forget to pack binoculars for observation and mosquito repellent in a small backpack. For easier travel, you can rent a quality hunting rifle on-site for a fee. If you bring your own rifle, medium calibers above 6mm, such as .308Win or .243Win, and stronger, are ideal. Soft-point or semi-jacketed bullets are recommended, while full-metal jackets and plastic tips are strictly prohibited.