Reminder: Wyoming Antelope, AK Boat-Based Black & Grizzly Bears, Guatemala Fishing, Zim Leopard Special, NM Giant Elk, DIY Caribou & More

YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SPECIALISTS May 4th, 2021

QUICK LINKS

Each week here at Hunt Nation, we assign one of our hunting and fishing experts to handle your phone calls. We encourage you to call and ask ANY questions you might have about our hunting and fishing trips. We want to help! This week call Don Sangster at 307-637-5495. He has broad experience and he will happily answer your questions and offer helpful advice, all free of charge of course. Talk to our friendly experts to learn about any trips, or to just ask for advice.

NEW MEXICO #169

EXCLUSIVE PREMIUM HUNT FOR BIG BULL ELK

This is an opportunity that has not typically been available because only 4 of these hunts are conducted each year and the same group of hunters have been booking it for the last 9 years. However, last year, two of these hunters couldn’t make it due to COVID-related business reasons, allowing two lucky Hunt Nation clients to take the spots, and they both shot very nice bulls! This year, just 1 spot is available!

This long-time outfitter has an exclusive arrangement with a 30,000-acre ranch in western New Mexico’s Unit 13, adjoining the Acoma Reservation. These are the absolute most premium elk hunts that this outfitter offers, and they almost always take their best bulls of the year on these hunts. The average bull taken on these hunts is approx. 350”, but some 370+” bulls have also been taken!

The outfitter himself and the rancher personally do the guiding on these hunts. Price for this premium 5-day hunt is $14,750 per person 1x1, including meals and lodging in a ranch house on the property. License (approx. $750) and 5% New Mexico sales tax are extra.

DATE: Approx. Mid-December 2021

307.637.5495 or [email protected]

ZIMBABWE #225

CANCELLATION DISCOUNT LEOPARD

Most serious big game hunters dream of hunting the Dark Continent one day, and Zimbabwe is one of the countries that best embodies those images of wild Africa. During his over 20+ years as a Professional Hunter, this outfitter has hunted virtually all areas of Zimbabwe, giving him a wealth of knowledge and the ability to custom-craft any safari you might desire, and to do so in an area with a high game count, along with suitable lodging and excellent staff. Rather than being tied to a single concession, he can call upon a number of operations to set up your desired game package. We think this flexibility is key, as not all species like the same habitat, and one concession over time may show larger animals of certain species.

This PH has won these awards for Best Sable, Best Lion, Runner Up Best Lion, Runner Up to Best Sable, and even Best Leopard in Zimbabwe, given out by the Zimbabwe Professional Hunters Association to the PH who takes the largest of the best!

His normal rates for leopard are $850/day, however, due to a cancellation, he is offering a 14-day trophy leopard hunt for just $700/day (save $2,100!), plus $6,000 trophy fee and 2% tax. Baits are extra, along with approx. $650 in concession and CITES fees, and $50/day for Parks Dept. game scout.

AVAILABLE WINDOWS: June 4-23, July 20-August 20 or September 13 onward

A tremendous variety of plains game is also available and can be added for just the trophy fees. This PH also offers other plains and dangerous game hunts (including affordable elephant hunts) for as low as $450/day. He also offers packages that include both daily rates and trophy fees.

ALASKA #140

BOAT-BASED SPRING 2021 BLACK BEARS

Experience some of the finest hunting available for trophy coastal black bears. This is a spot & stalk hunt which takes place by boat in the bays and inlets of southeast Alaska. Hunt Nation founders Butch and Joan Manasse have hunted this area, with Joan taking a 7’2” bear. In this maritime environment with the abundance of fish, bears can grow 19+” skulls in 6-7 years, while in many areas that black bears live they would require twice that to reach those sizes.

This outfitter normally takes only 2 people at a time, to ensure maximum comfort and attention, but can accommodate a larger group (cabin accommodations). These hunts are not very physically demanding and make a great hunt for parent/child. You will hunt beaches and tidal flats in the spring (May/June), and salmon streams in the September.

The nice thing with this operation is their ability to follow the bear activity. For instance, if the shorelines of Prince of Wales Island are a bit slow, or if the bears are spooky there due to pressure, they can move over to Ketchikan Island, or else go deep into the untouched Misty Fjords area, where the scenery is mind boggling!

You will stay aboard a custom-built 31’ aluminum boat with twin 225 HP outboards and all the latest navigational instruments. It has comfortable bunks for two people, as well as a nice galley, an enclosed cabin, private head, and the finest fishing gear. Meals can vary from fresh caught shrimp, to fresh Dungeness crab, to steaks and more. You will eat well. They also have skiffs for when bears are spotted. You may also hunt from skiffs as you probe the coves and inlets. Opportunity is normally 100% and success very close to that.

Prices is just $5,800 per person 2x1 for a 5-day hunt (1x1 also available for extra charge), plus applicable taxes. Licenses/tags are guaranteed (no draw!), but the cost is not included (approx. $600 per person). Clients are responsible for their own transportation to/from Ketchican.

This is a top-quality hunt! Bears are plentiful and the scenery has to be seen to be believed!

DATES: May 22-29 or June 5-12, 2021

307.637.5495 or [email protected]

NEW MEXICO #90

HIGH SUCCESS COW ELK HUNTS

Are you looking to put some delicious and nutritious elk meat in the freezer for your family to enjoy this winter, and have some fun at the same time? How about a high-success cow elk hunt in beautiful New Mexico?

This Chama-area outfitter has been featured on numerous television shows with many of the well-known TV celebrities, and we have worked with him for many years (we have sent him over 100 clients!). He has been operating for over 20 years, with a sterling record for honesty, hard work and producing elk. All of this outfitter’s elk hunts INCLUDE THE LANDOWNER TAG, so you do not have to enter any draw! Just book the hunt and the landowner tag allows you to buy your State elk license online. And if you are worried that you might not be able to handle such a hunt, consider that the average age of his clients is 63, and he takes hunters more than 20 years older than that each year and still gets most of them an elk (including bulls).

In November and December, the elk are down low in the sage and agriculture at about 7,000 feet. These areas contain meadows and conifers, making for fairly easy terrain for those of us who can’t quite climb the way we once could. If you can shoot straight, you will have a very good chance of getting your cow elk. Hunts are 3 days, but are usually done in 1-2 days. 90+% success over many years. But just a few spots remain, so book now before it’s too late!

MOTEL HUNTS – $2,150 per person 2x1 or $2,450 per person 1x1. Includes guiding and elk pack-out. Lodging and meals are paid for by the hunter. License/tag (approx. $400) and 6.875% New Mexico Sales Tax are extra.

DATES: December 20-22, 2021

CAMP HUNTS – $2,650 per person 2x1 or $2,950 per person 1x1. Includes guiding, elk pack-out, meals and lodging (4 nights). License/tag (approx. $400) and 6.875% New Mexico Sales Tax are extra.

DATES: December 20-22, 2021

WYOMING #142

SELF-GUIDED PRONGHORN ANTELOPE - HIGH SUCCESS

Hunt Nation has been managing this hunt for these ranchers for many years, and this is also where we personally like to chase antelopes. It’s where we take our friends, our family and our grandkids, AND we have sent about 250 clients here over the past 16 years. Hunters from all walks of life have been nearly 100% successful on this unguided hunt. Everyone – young, old, accurate, inaccurate – take their goats. There is simply no better place to hunt antelope than the state of Wyoming.

The property is a mix of several commonly-owned ranches (and some land-locked public ground that is not generally legally-accessible by the public) in central Wyoming, with an exceptional population of “speed goats.” It’s common to take your animal on the first day. Goats typically score in the 13- to 15-inch range, with a few reaching over 16 inches. With over 55,000 acres to hunt, which is close to 90 square miles, you can expect to see lots of animals every day you hunt.

In 2020, it took 4 preference points to draw a Special License in this area (#72), or 5 points to draw a Regular License. However, 25% of the available tags are handed out in a random draw, so there is always a chance of drawing, even with ZERO points (almost every year a Hunt Nation client draws this tag in the random draw and shoots a nice antelope here!). Even if you don’t think you will draw in 2021 and are instead just planning to pick up a preference point, you might as well apply for a license in 2021 anyway – if you get lucky and draw, you get to go hunting in 2021; if you don’t draw, you can buy a preference point for 2022. All you have to lose by trying is a $15 license application fee payable to Wyoming Game & Fish.

3-day hunt $1,095

5-day hunt $1,495

DATES: SEPTEMBER 15-OCTOBER 31, 2021

307.637.5495 or [email protected]

ALASKA #181

AFFLORDABLE SELF-GUIDED CARIBOU

We have been working with this transporter service for over 15 years. The biggest thing that distinguishes them from most other services we know of is their incredible attention to detail. All too often on “DIY” hunts in Alaska, folks leave their homes with only a hazy idea of what to expect. They show up with improper and unsafe clothing, sleeping bags, etc. They think they know what to expect, then the surprises start! Not with this top-notch outfit. They will send you tons of info! They also supply all your food and camp gear, which is also different from some operations. You just show up with your license, and your personal and hunting gear, and hunt!

These hunts are based out of Kotzebue and you will be hunting the Western Arctic Herd, which is the largest in Alaska with about 240,000 animals. The camps are mobile and are relocated between hunts as the herd moves along its migration route, to ensure you of the highest chance for success. They make every effort to assure clients will be placed in areas that are productive. Hunter success has been traditionally very high (including trophy bulls, meat bulls and cows) over the last 30 years or so. But every so often the animals just do not show up, and that can happen, as the hunt is very weather-dependent.

They fly nearly daily and monitor the herds in the area. Most hunters will see good numbers of animals, including trophy class bulls. There is a 1-caribou limit, and you can take a wolf for no extra charge (other than license). There is good grayling and Arctic char fishing too.

2021 price is just $4,550 per person plus license. Hunts are generally 8 days (6 hunting days and 2 flying days). But only a few spots remain, so call now!

2021 DATES: August 1-8 (requires 3 or 4 hunters)

August 5-12 (requires 3 or 4 hunters)

307.637.5495 or [email protected]

GUATEMALA #46

SIMPLY PHENOMENAL FISHING FOR MARLIN, SAILFISH, MAHI & MORE

“This was my fourth trip. His new place on the island is great and the pool couldn’t be nicer at the end of the fishing day. The accommodations are fine and the food is amazing! His crews are some of the best in Guatemala. Six of us fished on two boats, raising over 120 sailfish in three days. We caught over 20 on the fly rod and a few more on spinning gear. Can’t wait to head back down in October.” – Shawn T.

Most of us dread the quiet time of winter- longing for sunshine, outdoor action, and good times with friends and family. Well guess what- you can go to sunny warm Guatemala and experience the best fishing of the year down there, all winter long! And the cost is well within reach of most folks! For example, 4 people, stay 4 nights, fish 3 days, everything included for $2100 each.!! Great chef cooked meals, wonderful lodging, a pool to relax in! And if your scheduled trip cannot take place due to COVID restrictions, it will simply be re-scheduled to a later date.

They have two 31’ Bertram’s- long considered one of the finest bill fishing boats ever built! Add to that top notch mates and a locale that has truly incredible fish numbers, and you can expect some world class fishing days. They are in the process of buying and equipping two more 31’ Bertrams- so this outfit is solid and here to stay and we are lucky to have them working through us!

WHEN? In terms of when to go, there is excellent Sailfishing from October through April, giving you many months of prime fishing. Marlin are good fishing most of the year, except for January. Yellowfin is good most of the year, as are Wahoo and King Mackerel. Rooster fishing is best in June-August, slow in Sept-Nov and April to May. You can go almost anytime and find good fishing.

March Report from Lane K.- The three of us had an incredible time fishing. We caught 24 Sailfish and 22 big Mahi as well as 1 Blue Marlin that I caught. For me, the Marlin as well as a Sailfish were on my “ bucket list “. Everything about the fishing was handled professionally from the boat captain and mates to Eric personally driving us to the docks in the morning and picking us up in the afternoon. I have been on dozens of hunting trips all over the world including 9 trips to Africa. This fishing trip as well as the 4 day tour was arranged and worked out better than any trip I have been on.

3/2 Fishing days 4/3 Fishing days 5/4 Fishing days

Party of 2 $2225 $3150 $4075

Party of 3 $1733 $2433 $3133

Party of 4 $1487 $2075 $2662

Party of 5 $POR $POR $2300

WYOMING #130

LAST CHANCE FOR 2021 ARCHERY ANTELOPE

This is a young outfitter that is doing everything right. We have been working with him for many years, and our Sr. Consultant Brian Stecklein even does some guiding for him (Brian could even wind up being your guide on this hunt!), so we know this operation very well.

Their camp is about 45 miles West of Laramie, in the heart of antelope country. They hunt well over 250,000 acres in total, so there is usually plenty of opportunity here. Their antelope hunts have been near 100% success for many years, and you can usually draw a tag for an archery hunt without any preference points (although 1 point will offer you more options).

They offer archery antelope hunts from blinds set over watering holes and prime crossing areas. They have a high success rate, with near 100% shot opportunity at less than 35 yards, and harvest several Pope and Young animals every year.

Archery hunts are 4 days/5 nights, with lodging, meals, 2x1 guiding, hunt transportation, field care, trophy care, and transportation of your animal to a local meat processor all included. The price is just $2,550 per person. But only a few spots remain for August 20-23 and the draw deadline is May 31, 2021, so don’t wait to book this terrific Wyoming antelope hunt.

ALASKA #54

ULTIMATE ALASKA BIG GAME SAFARI - TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

This is the hunt for someone who plans to hunt Alaska just once and wants to do it right! Hunt huge bull moose, giant grizzly, majestic caribou and trophy black bear on one epic 14-day Alaskan adventure for just $35,000! And it’s not too late to book for 2021!

This long time Alaskan outfitter just does everything very well, both in terms of client satisfaction and taking critters! He averages over 60+” on moose and for many years he has averaged 85% to 95% success! His clients have also taken many of the top grizzlies in the book, and does very well on caribou too (many record book trophies taken).

As a bonus, his moose hunts are easier on average than other places, and you need only be in reasonable condition to have an excellent chance at a true giant (they have taken moose as large as 74”!).

As for the big bears, the grizzly population in his area (Unit #19) is at an all-time high (they are considered to be “grizzly bears” by Safari Club International and likely by Boone & Crockett as well, depending on the exact location in his concession). His clients have placed many grizzlies in top 20 with SCI, and many have qualified for B&C. Regardless of where they were shot, the average hides have squared well over eight feet with many over nine feet.

These 14-day hunts are conducted in September and October and enjoy a high overall success rate. Again, the 2021 price is just $35,000 per person, and includes the trophy fees for all 4 species. That is actually a great bargain when you consider that this outfitter charges $30,500 for a 10-hunt hunt for moose only! So for just an additional $4,500, you are getting 4 more hunting days, and the opportunity to take a caribou, a grizzly and a black bear as well (the trophy fees alone for those 3 additional species would normally cost nearly $10,000 extra!).

Hunts are priced based on 1x1 guiding but can be done as 2x1 guiding at a reduced cost per person. All hunts include return flights between the lodge and Anchorage on the day prior to and after your hunt.

FLORIDA #162

RELAXING GET-AWAY

On a recent scouting trip along Florida’s west coast, we were looking and searching for something fairly rare in Florida today. We wanted to find an off-the-beaten-path, tucked-away family resort, suitable for fishing and for kids and adults to relax and play hard, all at a reasonable price. We nearly gave up and then found this operation hidden away just off Tampa Bay. Since Tampa has a major airport, it provides ready access for anyone wanting to vacation at this laid back resort. Ed, the owner of Hunt-Nation, as well as Don Sangster from our Canadian office, have both spent time at the resort and give it two thumbs up.

What is particularly appealing, at least to us fishing folks is the wonderful flats fishery that exists in Tampa Bay, as there is a great boat launch nearby, and docks at the resort for your boat. Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest open-water estuary, extending over 400 square miles. We have fished the Bay many times and the backcountry snook, reds, tarpon and sea trout are great fun, but there is much more. You can wade fish in many places, fish from a variety of piers from small to huge, take a charter that will pick you up right at the resorts dock, and so on. You can snorkel, frolic, rent kayaks or canoes, use the pool, drive to Orlando (2 hours) and truly relax – all at a very reasonable cost. Tampa has a great zoo, various aquariums and much more, including lots of pro sporting events.

The resort has 16 cottages that are extremely modern and nice. Rates vary with the unit you choose, but range per night from $119 for a Studio to $320 for a 5-bedroom with a private pool. Split that 5-bedroom among 6 people and the cost is very modest indeed – only about $50 per person per night. A cheap vacation! And there are a number of amenities right there to enjoy! Enjoy your own kitchen facilities and laundry areas. A clubhouse is available for group parties. Catering is also available. Do as much or as little as you wish.

LODGING: DAILY RATE (May 1-Oct. 31) DAILY RATE (Nov. 1-April 30)

Studio (6 units) $119 $149

Deluxe Queen Studio/Waterfront View $155 $185

Deluxe King Studio $160 $190

1 Bedroom (6 units) $139 $169

1 Bedroom – on the waterfront $195 $225

2 Bedroom $159 $189

2 Bedroom – with private pool $189 $219

3 Bedroom $189 $219

4 Bedroom $249 $279

5 Bedroom – with private pool $290 $320

Dockage $10 per day

Minimum stay of 2 nights or cleaning fee applies. Promotional offers available for full week or full month rentals.

ALASKA #156

BOAT-BASED LUXURY FALL BROWN BEAR

We have worked with this outfitter for over 15 years, and he has been outfitting for longer than that. He offers yacht-based spring and fall brown and black bear hunts in southeast Alaska. These hunts are an outstanding option for hunters who want an all-in-one luxury hunting experience. This is a true world-class hunt from start to finish, with great opportunity to harvest the trophy bear of your dreams. Not only do they have the finest accommodations and hard-hunting, experienced guides, but also probably the best area for boat-based bear hunts in Alaska. They have worked for years to buy up and take over the best-producing concessions around, and this area has consistently produced the largest trophy bears in SE Alaska for nearly 30 years. Located in the heart of SE Alaska’s coastal inside passage, this outfitter’s territory on Admiralty and Chichagof Islands claims the high density of black and brown bears per square mile anywhere in the world.

The outfitter has a 70-foot luxury yacht with 4 guest rooms, and a 102-foot super-luxury yacht with 4 staterooms, both custom-built expressly for service in Alaskan waters, with panoramic views at the galley table to the fully-covered upper viewing deck. The yacht will anchor somewhere near a multitude of productive salmon streams, and then use comfortable 16-18 foot skiffs to access the shore and hike up the streams in search of trophy bears.

Fall hunts are more physically demanding, and you will need to be ready to spend long days in hip waders fording streams with slippery rocks. You will often encounter many small boars and sows on the way to the best fishing holes where the largest bears are found. This hunt is not for the faint of heart, as close encounters with bears of all size are not uncommon. A typical shot opportunity on a fall hunt is about 40 yards! Most brown bears will be in the 8’6” to 9’6” range.

Price is $39,950 per person 1x1. Just two spots remain for 2021 for a 10-day hunt on their 70-foot luxury yacht.

DATES: September 26-October 5, 2021 (2 spots)

Observers are $500/day on any hunt. Extras include airfare to Juneau, float plane charter to yacht (approx. $400 per person), and licenses/tags/permits (no draw!).