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

Herman Shooting Lupo LPR
Herman Shooting Lupo LPR

#SundayGunday: Benelli Lupo HPR

This week on #SundayGunday, we test-fire the Lupo HPR, a bolt-action rifle from Benelli with a host of proprietary, high-performance features that drop it in the gap between long-range competition rig and custom hunting rig. We like this gun, not least because it shoots well. The fact is its lines, its ergonomics … everything about this rifle begs a hunter looking for something special to pick it up and carry it afield. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Member's Hunt: 54 Years and 52 Hours

Follow along with Richard Manly's Saskatchewan deer hunt, on this installment of our Member's Hunt series.

Ducks Over Deer: A Welcome Reprieve to Cold Mornings

Winchester’s latest waterfowl loads give hunters reason to believe in their shooting.

First Look: Daniel Defense Mute & Null Suppressors

Daniel Defense changed the suppressor landscape with the 3D-printed DD Wave, and now the company applies that innovation to the next generation of sound suppression.

New For 2026: Avian-X Pop-Up Blind

The Pop-Up Waterfowl Blind from Avian-X promises to deliver instant, full-coverage concealment without sacrificing space.

Wildest Hunting Finds of SHOT 2026

This year's SHOT Show was a reminder that creativity and innovation within the hunting world are alive and well. Here are ten items that caused us to take a double-take whilst walking the show floor.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.