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

W H2026 09 F Elk Hunt PSA9122
W H2026 09 F Elk Hunt PSA9122

Elk Hunt Excitement: Hammer-Slammed

A new Savage rifle does the trick on an Idaho elk hunt.

Smith & Wesson Acquires Savage Arms for $160 Million

The deal makes Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. the largest firearms manufacturer in the U.S.

The .404 Jeffery Family

The .404 Jeffery dates back to 1905 or 1906, and was supposedly created by W.J. Jeffery & Co. to replicate the performance of the .450/400 3” Nitro Express, but in a bolt-action magazine rifle. But the offspring of that cartridge—as well as those cartridges which were “highly inspired” by the .404 Jeffery—have gotten much more of the spotlight than the .404 ever did.

Start ’Em with Squirrels—The Perfect Hunt for Junior Woodsmen

A Kentucky squirrel camp reminds the author how a hunting career and love of the woods can be launched by a single trigger press on a rimfire rifle.

Benelli Invitational Raises $115,000 to Support Veterans

The 12th Annual Benelli USA Invitational took place Sept. 26 at The Point at Pintail in Queenstown, Md. Shooters from across the country were on hand for the special day of competitive shooting, camaraderie and, ultimately, support for those who served this nation in uniform.

3 Muzzleloader Mishaps to Avoid

Your smokepole sights are hovering over the vitals of an elk or deer, and you touch off the trigger. But did you make one of these mistakes? Let’s take a look through some things that can go wrong, before they ever do.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.