 For me, those big-game opportunities happen most often by looking
"Up North" in Ontario, Canada. I believe Ontario is the finest
destination for giant animals. It's a sanctuary blessed with
gigantic whitetail deer, moose, black bear and wolves -- not to
mention incredible waterfowl and upland bird populations. It's a
land inhabited by some of the most friendly, honest folks you'll
ever meet. And it's a destination that, despite what you might
think, is remarkably easy and affordable to experience. Especially
with resources like
www.GoHuntInOntario.com.Ontario is Canada's second-largest
province and covers roughly 1 million square miles! Virtually
every inch of it is prime hunting habitat. As for growing big
animals, I always tell people that there must be something in the
water in Ontario, because they're simply huge. I've seen
black bears there that look more like grizzlies ... on steroids. My
first 60-inch moose with a bow came from (you guessed it) Ontario,
with bigger ones spotted during the same adventure but eluding a
clear shot.
And the whitetails? Wow! Do a Google search on the "Dryden Buck"
and you'll see what I mean. The 223-inch gross-score Dryden Buck was
unfortunately taken illegally (after legal hours and by a
trespassing "hunter") but was nearly big enough to overtake Milo
Hansen's 12-pointer as the B&C world record. It was taken just north
of Dryden, Ontario, in 2003. His genetics are still out there, along
with the DNA of other monster bucks that prowl the province.
It's not only big antlers that grow well in Ontario. It's body
size too. I don't know how many times I've seen a massive whitetail
approaching through thick cover, convincing me that I was about to
vault myself into the B&C record books ... only to realize that the
deer wasn't a buck at all, but a colossal doe. Yes, even the females
grow to epic proportions. Bucks of 300-plus pounds are routine.
Their antlers, usually hued in a rich brown color, have exceptional
mass and character. Like I said, there must be something in the
water.
While all these brute bucks are rubbing cedars as big as
telephone poles north of the U.S. border, most American deer hunters
don't have a clue about them. They're busy applying for tags in
Iowa, Kansas and other "big buck" states -- and usually coming up
empty-handed with hopes for a tag the following year. Instead, smart
hunters can buy their deer tags over the counter in Ontario.
That's right: A guaranteed hunt in trophy deer country every year is
just a short drive or flight away. The same goes for moose and bear.
Plus, if you've always wanted an elusive wolf for your trophy room,
Ontario has those predators in great numbers too.
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 If you're apprehensive about leaving the country or think it's
probably a big hassle getting to Ontario, think again. I've always
enjoyed smooth sailing on customs and border crossings -- whether
I've gone by plane or automobile. Having a U.S. passport is
necessary for air travel. Currently, if you're traveling by ground,
a state driver’s license and birth certificate will get you across
the border and back lickety-split.
Detailed hunting travel information is available at
www.GoHuntInOntario.com
along with a nifty way to plan your trip. You select the species you
want to hunt ... choose the type of lodge package you desire ...
click "find trip" and presto ... the website presents a listing of
adventures available and what they include and cost. Then you can
link to the lodge's website and book your trip. It's slick!
Every outfitter I've ever dealt with in Ontario has been
first-rate. They work their tails off to take care of you and make
sure your adventure is one you'll remember for a lifetime. They're
also incredibly knowledgeable about the terrain and game animals
you're after. So if you are fairly new to bear hunting over bait,
calling lovesick moose, pursuing forest whitetails or other
scenarios -- don't sweat it. The guides in Ontario know their stuff.
As a guy who just can't get enough of seeing big whitetails,
moose, bears, dozens of grouse flushes a day and scores of ducks,
I’d say Ontario is as good as it gets anyplace on earth. Are you
like I am? Then hop a plane, train or automobile and get your butt
to Ontario. I promise, it'll be the best (and hopefully biggest)
hunting trip you ever took.
Good hunting.
[By BABE WINKELMAN]
Babe Winkelman hosts "Good Fishing" and
"Outdoor Secrets," the most-watched fishing and hunting programs on
television. Tune in on NBC Sports Network, Destination America,
Velocity, Time Warner Sports Texas & New York, and many local
broadcast channels. Visit
Winkelman.com for air times and more information.
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