First Choice Outfitters LtdWilderness Outfitters, Guides & Tours in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan

Guided Black Bear, Whitetail & Waterfowl Hunts near Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan

"Quality over quantity" – a small outfit in the Meadow Lake forest

The Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters describes First Choice Outfitters Ltd as a family-run business that caters to quality over quantity, and says it never fills its full allotment of hunters. That fits what the outfitter reports elsewhere: a limited number of tags and a cap of about fifteen hunters per year. The mailing address is Box 2131 in Meadow Lake, in the west-central part of the province, and the hunting takes place around Loon Lake, roughly 50 kilometres to the west.

The country

The territory covers about 23,600 acres of provincial forest plus more than 1,300 acres of private land, and it is not fenced. The outfitter describes it as roughly eighty percent forest, ten percent fields and bush, and ten percent agricultural land, the kind of mix where whitetails feed on farm edges and bears work the forest. Hunters drive in to camp themselves: about three and a half hours from Saskatoon or just over four from Edmonton.

Hunts

• Spring black bear – baited stations hunted from pop-up blinds and plywood huts, with pre-scouted baits and trail cameras. Bears range from cinnamon to black, and the outfitter says a typical bear runs 200 to 300 pounds. Six-day hunts have been offered in late May and early June.
• Whitetail deer – hunts aimed at mature bucks; the outfitter tells hunters to expect to see deer in the 140 to 150 class.
• Ducks, geese and upland birds – listed with the outfitters' commission; the field hunts have targeted Canada geese and mallards, with the chance of white-fronted and snow geese, teal, pintail and sandhill cranes.
• Fishing – walleye and northern pike fishing may be available once a hunter has filled a tag.

Operating history and size

One outfitter listing says First Choice Outfitters has been operating since 1989. The business is licensed to guide in Saskatchewan and is listed in the commission's directory under the American Plan, guided and drive-in categories.

Accommodation

The commission's listing describes a modern three-bedroom home sleeping up to six guests, with hearty meals and fully guided hunts; another listing says accommodation is not provided with every package, so confirm what is included when you book. Licences are generally not included in guided packages.

Before you book

• Non-resident hunters should confirm current Saskatchewan licensing and guiding requirements
• Ask what each package includes: meals, lodging, transportation on the territory and field trophy care
• Book early for spring bear, which fills quickly

Contact First Choice Outfitters through the details in this directory profile to ask about available dates.