Hunting Information

OUR LOCATION     GETTING HERE     TROPHIES       TRIP PLANNING

HUNTS      ABOUT US

Our Location In The Rockies

The guide territory is located in the upper portion of the Elk River Valley of British Columbia, which lies just east of the continental divide south of Banff, Alberta and north of Glacier Park in Montana. It is a valley of stunning rugged mountains, alpine lakes, forests, and meadows. Fortunately, years ago there was foresight to protect much of this landscape, and because of that wisdom the Elk Lakes and Height of The Rockies Provincial Parks were formed and ensure the backcountry remains wilderness. The waters are home to genetically pure Westslope Cutthroat trout, the mountains provide the ideal habitat for mountain goats and boast one of the highest densities in the province. The valley is a breeding hub for grizzly bears, the home of bighorn sheep, and the summer range for migratory herds of elk.

Getting Here

Basecamp is accessed by vehicle, and is approximately a 2 hour drive from Fernie, BC. Most foreign hunters fly to Kalispell MT, Cranbrook BC, or Calgary AB airports and rent vehicles and drive to Fernie the day before their hunt. We meet clients in Fernie early on the morning of their hunt and travel to basecamp. Many clients living in the western states will drive up, which allows for easy meat transport. It is a 4 hour drive from Kalispell, MT to basecamp. We provide shuttle service for Kalispell and Calgary, with pricing and availability by request.

  • Cranbrook, BC / Canadian Rockies International Airport / 1 hour drive to Fernie, BC
  • Kalispell, MT / Glacier Park International Airport / 2 hour drive to Fernie, BC
  • Calgary, AB / Calgary International Airport / 3.5 hour drive to Fernie, BC

Trophies and Meat

  • Field care of meat and trophies is included in the cost of the hunt.
  • If an animal is taken early enough in the hunt we can have the meat taken to a local butcher for processing, as well it can be frozen for shipping. This is an additional expense to the client.
  • Guides are responsible for caping and salting of trophies. We work with Dakota Taxidermy (1-800-669-9217) who can expedite your trophies to the US for mounting, or to the taxidermy of your choice.

Before Your Trip

Please review our recommended gear list, and ask questions. See the links for the gear list as well as the Canadian Firearms declaration form that must be presented at customs.

Hunt Preparation

Physical preparation will increase opportunities for success, and result in a more enjoyable experience overall. The Rocky Mountains of southeastern BC are steep, and rugged, and you owe it to yourself to be in the best shape you can be in.

Shooting distances can range from close range to 500 yds, and clients should be familiar with the ballistics of their rifles, and practice shooting at various ranges. We check zero at the beginning of each hunt to make sure rifles were not compromised during travel. I recommend that you use high quality hunting bullets, with good weight retention. Bull elk are tough, and we suggest 30 cal magnums, with 180 grain bullets for optimum performance.

We have mountain rifles available for rent, see hunt rates page for pricing

Gear selection is an important component of hunt success. Please refer to the gear list, and reach out if you have more specific questions.

 

 

Affiliated Organizations

Elk Valley Bighorn Outfitters is proud to be affiliated with the following organizations:

Guide Outfitters Association of BC

The Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia is a non-profit society that was established in 1966 to represent the guide outfitting industry. As passionate advocates for wildlife, the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia (GOABC) is the recognized voice of the guide outfitting family. With integrity and professionalism, GOABC promotes the conservation, stewardship and sustainable use of wildlife.

Wild Sheep Foundation

Founded in 1977 and then known as the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS), the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) is THE conservation organization dedicated to restoring wild sheep populations that dwindled to historical lows in North America in the 1950s and ‘60s. With private funding from its members and proceeds from an annual convention known as “The Sheep Show®,” the Wild Sheep Foundation and its Chapters and Affiliates actively fund initiatives throughout North America and beyond to accomplish its purpose and mission. WSF’s overarching strategic goal is to ensure that wild sheep populations and their habitats worldwide are effectively managed, accessible, utilized and supported by interested stakeholders.

Safari Club International (SCI)

SCI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, education of the people, and the protection of hunters’ rights.