After The Thaw: Manitoban Black Bears and Walleye

by
posted on June 9, 2016
** 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. **
olsen_bear_f.jpg

Lake Agassiz covered much of south-central Canada and parts of the north-central United States. Believed to have encompassed more than 170,000 square miles, this prehistoric glacial lake does not exist today, but its footprint does. Within this basin sits Lake Manitoba and, more specifically, The Narrows—a pinch point in the lake which provides for incredible walleye fishing. It's also the home of Narrows Outfitters. Surrounding the lake is what seems like never-ending farmland with woodlots filled with wildlife—like black bears. The spring hunting season for bear begins in late April so we teamed up with Savage, Bushnell and Primos to get a taste of what Canadian spring bear hunting is all about.

Southern Manitoba sees about 45 to 50 inches of snowfall each winter and temperatures that drop to -40°F. Because of these harsh conditions, bears go into hibernation until the weather breaks. This allows for hunting over bait and since these bears are awake and hungry, the action is quite incredible.

Latest

W H2026 07 Gear BRF25 039036226 02
W H2026 07 Gear BRF25 039036226 02

250th Anniversary Gear Roundup

Looking for some commemorative gear from America's semiquincentennial, that you'll continue to use for seasons to come? Look no further than out lineup of hunting gear celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

New for 2026: Kent Cartridge Ultimate Pheasant Load

Kent Cartridge has introduced Ultimate Pheasant, a load designed for dedicated pheasant and upland hunters. Built with Kent's proprietary Diamond Shot technology and a layered 4x6 shot payload, Ultimate Pheasant is engineered to deliver a balance of pattern density and retained energy.

#SundayGunday: Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway Rifle

On this episode of #SundayGunday we’re focusing on survival, a survival rifle, that is. It’s called the Stowaway rifle, and it’s built by a company here in the USA called Dark Mountain Arms.

First Look: Friends of NRA Reach New Record in 2026

Friends of NRA has reached a historic milestone, welcoming more than 5 million attendees to its volunteer-led fundraising events since the program's founding in 1992.

Celebrating 75 Years: The History and Enduring Importance of CCI Ammunition

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

MDT Adds Tikka T3X Short Action Left Hand to CRBN Stock Lineup

MDT is adding a Tikka T3X Short Action Left Hand inlet to the CRBN rifle stock lineup, expanding access to the platform for left-handed Tikka shooters.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.