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PREPARING FOR YOUR HUNT

Big game hunting in Newfoundland

TRAVELLING TO NEWFOUNDLAND

Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada’s most easterly province. It consists of two geographical areas, the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador. The island portion of the province is separated from mainland Canada by the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Hunters, wishing to use air transportation to Newfoundland for their hunt should fly Air Canada to Deer Lake. Those wishing to drive can take the Marine Atlantic ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. Reservations are advisable and approximate crossing time is six hours.

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BRINGING FIREARMS INTO CANADA

Firearms for the purpose of hunting are permitted into Canada as long as they are declared to Canada Customs at point of entry. Appropriate declaration forms and regulations regarding the transportation of firearms and the type of firearms permitted will be forwarded prior to one’s hunt.

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HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL SERVICES

Visitors to Canada are strongly urged to obtain health insurance before leaving their home country. Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent, but an extended hospital stay can be costly. If you are taking medication prescribed by your doctor, it’s a good idea to bring along a copy of your prescription in case you need to have it renewed by a doctor in Canada.

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NEWFOUNDLAND WEATHER CONDITIONS

The Island of Newfoundland has a temperate marine climate. Winters are usually cool with a normal temperature of -6 degrees Celsius (20 degrees Fahrenheit). Summer days range from cool to hot with a normal temperature of 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). The normal annual rainfall is 1037 mm (41 inches) and the normal snowfall is 396 cm (13 feet). Sou’wester Outfitting’s hunts are run through September and October. The average daytime temperature at the lodge for September is 16 degrees Celsius (62 degrees Fahrenheit) while the average daytime temperatures for the month of October is 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). Newfoundland weather conditions during this period are very changeable and more often than not there is rainfall sometime during a week long period.

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WHAT YOU SHOULD PACK FOR A NEWFOUNDLAND HUNT

A common mistake of first time hunters of Sou’wester Outfitting is that they pack unnecessary gear for their hunt. The wilderness lodges at Caribou lake, Little Lake, and Indian Pond are fully equipped facilities. All hunters really need are personal items and hunting gear. Other obvious items not listed include a rifle, bow or muzzleloader, binoculars or spotting scope, knife and ammunition. One should also have a small first aid kit to include in a daypack. A rule of thumb is that the entire pack, excluding rifle, bow or muzzleloader, should not exceed 50 lbs.

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PACKING LIST

SUGGESTED CLOTHING:

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  • knee high rubber boots along with spare insoles (uninsulated)

  • light footwear for lodge

  • rainwear (pants and jacket, gortex or equivalent)

  • comfortable walking pants (jeans or jogging pants not recommended)

  • quick dry outer pants

  • wool or fleece top and bottom underwear

  • wool socks

  • hat

  • gloves

OTHER EQUIPMENT

  • sunglasses

  • sun block

  • insect repellent

  • toiletries ( towels, face cloth, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste etc.)

  • medications (medications that would not be part of a standard first aid kit)

  • camera

  • flashlight

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