Common Questions About Hunting in Alberta, Canada
DEER & BLACK BEAR HUNTS
Where in Alberta are you located and what airport do I fly into?
We are located in a quiet country setting within the hunting area and the closest town to us is Nanton, Alberta. All clients when flying will need to fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC).
Is transportation from the airport included in the bear or deer hunt?
You will want to arrive the day prior to your hunt. You can get a shuttle to a hotel where we will arrange to pick you up. We recommend staying at the Best Western Port O’call (1-800-661-1161) you will get a better price when you mention you are with Willow Creek Outfitters. This hotel lets us use their freezer space for the night to accommodate meat and hide on your way home.
What are the accommodation like and what is and isn’t provided?
You will stay at our quiet, country home within the hunting area which is located approximately 1.5 hours from the airport. Our basement is fully set up to accommodated up to five clients at one given time. Home cooked meals and a variety of snack are provided as well as internet, satellite TV and bedding and towels. Liquor is not provided. We can stop on our way to the lodge if you would like to pick up any liquor or special snacks that we may not have.
Do I need a passport to travel into Canada?
Yes you will need a valid passport to enter Canada. A person can be denied access into the country if you have any prior convictions, including a DUI (driving under the influence). It is your responsibility to know that you are able to enter Canada.
What is the process to entering Canada with a firearm?
Upon arriving at Canada Customs you will need to fill out a firearm importation form with will cost you $25. Here is the link to the form, https://willowcreekoutfitters.com/uploads/files/Firearmform.pdf You can print it off and have the details filled in prior to arriving at Customs. Do not sign or date form until you are in front of a customs agent.
How do I get my deer or bear hunting licenses?
We will purchase your licenses prior to your hunt as long as you have given us a valid WIN (Wildlife Identification Number). You will have one of these if you have hunted Alberta before if not you can get on here. https://www.albertarelm.com/licensing.page
If I get an animal, how do I get it home?
If you are successful in harvesting a trophy black bear or whitetail, or mule deer we will cape and debone the meat and clean up the skull plate for you. We provide you with a plastic tote that you can transport the antlers and frozen cape and meat. You can take as much or as little of the meat as you want, we can find a home for it where someone will appreciate it. This tote can be checked in as an extra piece of luggage and your hunting license acts as your export permit when the animal parts accompany you to your final destination. This is the easiest and least expensive way to et your animal home.
Can I leave my animal with your taxidermist?
We don’t have a taxidermist close by so we ask that you take your trophy whitetail, black bear or mule deer home with you.
Do you have a wound policy?
Yes we do. If we think your animal is mortally wounded we will hunt for this animal only for the remainder of your hunt.
How much should I tip?
A standard tip about in the industry is a minimum of 10% of your hunt cost in cash, with $100-150 going to the cook and the remainder to your guide. A lesser amount will tell the cook/guide that they did a below average job. We expect if there is some part of your hunt that you are not happy with that you will let us know right away so we can attempt to fix the problem.
Do I have to were orange while hunting?
No. Whether you are hunting archery mule deer or black bears there is no requirement to wear blaze orange in Alberta.
How physically demanding is the hunt?
All our hunts are spot and stalk hunts and most of the private ground we hunt is foot access only. This is rolling, grassy foothill country with good footing. One can expect to hike 3-5 miles a day depending on the size of the property we hunt.
BIGHORN SHEEP HUNTS
Where are you located and what airport do I fly into on sheep hunts?
Our bighorn sheep hunting area is located near Grande Prairie in west, central Alberta. All clients when flying will need to fly into Grande Prairie Airport.
Do we get picked up at the airport?
We ask that you arrive two days before we are scheduled to pick you up. The reason for this is that if you have any luggage that is lost there is plenty of time for it to show up before we head into the mountains. There are a number of hotels that have an airport shuttle service. We will plan to pick you up at the hotel of your choice the morning after your second night staying there.
What are the accommodation like and what is and isn’t provided?
Our sheep hunts offer a couple camps that have wall tents set up but for the most part during the hunt you will staying in a dome tent which we will provide. You are responsible to bring your own sleeping bag and pad.
Is a passport required to enter Canada from the USA or other countries?
Yes you will need a valid passport to enter Canada. A person can be denied access into the country if you have any prior convictions, including a DUI (driving under the influence). It is your responsibility to know that you are able to enter Canada.
How do I get my firearm into Canada?
Upon arriving at Canada Customs you will need to fill out a firearm importation form with will cost you $25. Here is the link to the form, https://willowcreekoutfitters.com/uploads/files/Firearmform.pdf You can print it off and have the details filled in prior to arriving at Customs. Do not sign or date form until you are in front of a customs agent.
How do I get my hunting licenses in Alberta?
We will purchase your licenses prior to your hunt as long as you have given us a valid WIN (Wildlife Identification Number). You will have one of these if you have hunted Alberta before if not you can get on here. https://www.albertarelm.com/licensing.page
If I get an animal, how do I get it home?
If you are successful in harvesting an animal we will cape and debone the meat and clean up the skull plate for you. We provide you with a plastic tote that you can transport the antlers and frozen cape and meat. You can take as much or as little of the meat as you want, we can find a home for it where someone will appreciate it. This tote can be checked in as an extra piece of luggage and your hunting license acts as your export permit when the animal parts accompany you to your final destination. This is the easiest and least expensive way to et your animal home.
Can I leave my sheep with your taxidermist?
We don’t have a taxidermist close by so you will need to take your sheep trophy home with you.
Do you have a wound policy on your sheep hunts?
Yes we do. If we think your bighorn sheep is mortally wounded we will hunt for this animal only for the remainder of your hunt.
How much should I leave for gratuities?
We recommend a minimum of 10% of your hunt price in cash, with $100-150 going to the cook and the remainder to your guide. A lesser amount will tell the cook/guide that they did a below average job. We expect if there is some part of your hunt that you are not happy with that you will let us know right away so we can attempt to fix the problem.
Do I have to were orange while hunting sheep in Alberta?
No
How physically demanding is the hunt?
All our hunts are spot and stalk hunts and most of the private ground we hunt is foot access only. This is rolling, grassy foothill country with good footing. One can expect to hike 3-5 miles a day depending on the size of the property we hunt.
