Manitoba Blast n' Cast: The Arrival

by
posted on May 23, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
blast_cast_1.jpg

We cover our fair share of adventure hunts here at American Hunter, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a North American adventure that rates quite like an fly-in bear hunt. That's what I'll be up to over the holiday weekend and into the early stages of next week, as I journey to a small island Eagle Nest Lake in Manitoba, Canada.

Our prey? Black bears, hopefully big ones. I'm told that the shorelines surrounding the lake are home to some big ol' bruins, and with luck I'll put a hurting on one before I re-board the float plane and start trekking south again next Thursday. I've never harvested—or, for that matter, hunted—a bear before, so suffice to say I'm stoked.

That's not the entirety of my itinerary, though. On top of the fly-in bear angle, the trip is an old school blast and cast. We'll be fishing the lake during the day, before regrouping and getting after the bears in the afternoon/evening. Walleye, northern pike and smallmouth bass are expected to be plentiful, and should serve as a lively start to the day. Should I just go ahead and stuff a catch or two into my pockets for the bear hunt?

Federal Premium and Savage Arms are playing host to the bear side of things, while Ugly Stik is showing off some of its latest wares during the fishing hours. Today's highlight was boarding the float plane, pictured above, and finishing our journey to Eagle Nest Resort. The group rallied in Winnipeg, before driving a couple hours to our pick up spot. Another first, for me.

Stay tuned throughout the coming week for regular updates!

Latest

Beauty Shot 2
Beauty Shot 2

Bolt-Action Build: Model 2020 Muley

With the right tools and a bit of know-how, anyone can build a quality backcountry rifle in their own shop, and for a far sight less than a comparable rifle from a custom gun-builder. Follow along for exactly how to build a backcountry-capable rifle all your own, with your only trip to an FFL being the one necessary to get your receiver.

Range Review: Savage Arms' Revel DLX Takedown

This sharp-shooting rimfire lever action from Savage Arms splits neatly in half for easier transport and storage.

MDT Expands CRBN Line with 700 LA Compatibility

MDT has introduced its ultra-lightweight CRBN Rifle Stock lineup with a new inlet for the Remington 700 Long Action Right-Handed CIP configuration. The CRBN Rifle Stock is also available for the Remington 700 Short Action, giving shooters a lightweight carbon-fiber option across multiple action lengths.

Gear Review: Sitka Fanatic Hoodie and Bib

Need to stay warm in the cold or extreme cold and want something to last for many seasons? Enter the Fanatic lineup at Sitka.

Hardware Review: Colt Kodiak

Check out Bryce Towsley's review of the hard-charging Colt Kodiak .44 Magnum revolver.

New for 2026: ScentLok Ridge Series for Women

ScentLok has taken the features hunters love about its men's Ridge line and combined them with a fit designed to help women feel comfortable and agile in the field. It combines form-fitting designs with technologies like Carbon Alloy, Silver Allow and Precip-X to produce an excellent midseason option.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.