Webber`s Lodges

THE
WJEBBER
’
S
OURNAL
Hunting 2006
Volume 3
Winter 06/07
ACTION PACKED
WING SHOOTING!
DYMOND LAKE PHOTOS BY
LEE KJOS
TOUGH
TO BEAT
THE BARREN GROUNDS!
4 DAYS,
4 DOWN
INSIDE
CUSTOMER COMPLIMENTS
WEBBER’S GREAT GAME RECIPES
2007 BOOKING & SHOW CALENDAR
DYMOND LAKE LODGE:
FROM THE BLIND
Story by Christopher Geidel
Photos by Lee Kjos
When my wife’s uncle, Brian French, asked me to
join him on a goose-hunting trip at Webbers Lodge
near Churchill, Manitoba, I jumped at the chance. I
have been hearing about Brian’s goose and duck
hunts up there for years. “You’re basically getting
the first crack at them!” He would say. Knowing
what a fanatic Brian is about his fowl hunting, I was
going into the trip with high expectations.
The trip started on September 4th, 2006 and we
were scheduled until the 11th. When we arrived in
Churchill, the staff picked up our gear and us and
took us to the waiting floatplane. On our way to
the lodge, our pilot Nelson gave us some great views
of Beluga whales and I got a glimpse of my first
Polar Bear! Once settled into our cabin, Dymond
Lake Lodge Guide Chris Rowntree took care of the
paperwork for our licenses and went over hunting
regulations. As we were sitting
there we could see large flocks of
Snows circling over the
infamous Hamburger Hill, so
nicknamed for the large
numbers of geese that have met
their end over it. We finished
up the paperwork and headed
out.
The landscape was beautiful.
The moss and lichen covered
earth had a wide array of greens,
reds and yellows. This
contrasted nicely against the
gray moonscape look of the
shores of Hudson Bay. I was
amazed to learn that the
shoreline can move about 1 mile
between low and high tide. The
stage was now set for an
amazing hunt.
Even though that first the day
could be termed a “blue bird” day, it didn’t stop the
flow of birds. The lines of geese were unbelievable!
We ended up with 14 birds that afternoon and I
was able to bag my first Snow, Blue, and Ross geese.
As good as that first afternoon hunt was, the best
was yet to come.
On the third day of the hunt the wind started to
blow out of the North and the birds really started to
pour! I have always considered myself a pretty
tough guy. However, I did something that day that I
still have problems comprehending. During the hunt
while birds were still coming in I had to take some
time to recuperate. My shoulder was killing me and
my ears were pounding. Shooting 3 1/2” shells all
day had really taken their toll. Even with setting the
gun down for about two hours we wound up with
our limit of birds!
I was amazed at how the geese were coming in.
Brian kept reminding me that “you just don’t see this
in the U.S.” These birds were coming in from a long
way out and they were low. When you pull the gun
up and it covers the entire bird, you know there
close! I remember one
sequence of shots very
vividly. I had shot three
geese in a row; I reloaded
and shot three more. I was
dumbfounded I had shot six
in a row. Where I come
from that’s more than a days
bag limit in about a minute.
The best however was saved
for the last day. We only had
till noon to hunt. Arriving
at our spot just down from
the Lodge a half-hour late
we were just hoping to get a
few more birds before we
left. We ended up shooting
40 birds in an hour and a
half. Amazing is the only
way I know how to describe
it.
I had an awesome time from
start to finish at Dymond Lake Lodge. From the
thrill of great bird hunts in the company of polar
bears to the outstanding service from all the staff.
This was one hunt I can honestly describe as “once
in a lifetime.”
WEBBER’S CARIBOU CAMPS 2006:
Tough to Beat the Barren Grounds
By Ryan Suffron
What a beautiful time of year, fall season in the tundra.
Astonishingly colored landscapes, mesmerizing northern lights,
breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, vast views of esker valleys,
mixed scrub forests and a cool crisp breeze. It’s a mind boggling
experience and a true therapeutic sight for sore eyes.
It’s a time of year that shifts one’s mindset, the mindset of a
hunter that is, to searching for yet another memorable
wilderness adventure. The thrill of the hunt, the harvest and
another personal challenge seems to be an addicting
combination sought after by even the most seasoned
sportsman.
Many of our hunters have told me that its this exact
combination that has driven them to travel to this far away
place in Northern Manitoba. The Barren Grounds or Tundra;
a place of real rugged wilderness, sheer beauty and the stage for
thousands of migrating Central Canadian Barren Ground
Caribou. “I’ve never seen so many animals in my life, they are
absolutely everywhere,” said one hunter, “It’s like the hills are
moving!” It couldn’t have been said any better. For those
experiencing a caribou hunt for the first time, arriving during a
main migration is simply unforgettable.
Walking up an esker to high ground, peeking over the edge and
seeing hundreds of animals moving effortlessly through the
tundra advancing towards your position is a sight that will get
anyone’s adrenaline pumping. The anticipation is paralyzing,
with the endless rows of antlers and the distinct sound of
clicking hooves. “Which one do I take?” you ask your guide.
“They’re only average bulls and it’s only the first day.” he replies.
So you lower your rifle, stare at the herds in awe and say the
only thing you can say in a situation like this, “wow!”
This “wow” factor was seen at both Commonwealth and
Schmok Lake Camps this year, a great number of animals were
steady going for most of the season and a large number of
trophy animals were harvested. Boone and Crocket scores of
389 and Pope and Young scores of 330 to 340 set the
precedence for 2006. Numerous animals fell into that
borderline category and only inches away from making the
book. The majority of big bulls had impressive mass, long main
beams and excellent point growth which satisfied a lot of our
veteran Caribou hunters.
The 2006 season brought a lot of excitement to both camps in
terms of added wildlife with swarms of Snow and Blue geese
frequenting the tundra flats for days on end, sometimes
unleashing a deafening ballot of high pitched honks and filling
the sky like flies. The weather was obviously welcomed by our
feathered friends as they motored southbound in search of
more tasty treats. Ptarmigan were also in healthy numbers
again, rummaging through the willow bluffs and scaring a few
hunters half to death as they stalked their trophy Caribou. A
few colorful birds offered a couple die hard wing shooters an
afternoon of excitement and a successful tundra upland shoot.
Those big, bad bruins seemed to stay away from our hunting
camps this year which we all greatly appreciated. Two Black
Bears were spotted west of our Commonwealth Lake camp and
paraded themselves around the tundra for a few days without
the slightest motivation to visit us or sample some of the
gourmet meals I was serving back at camp. They did, however,
spark the interest of two of our hunters who each purchased a
tag and made a consistent effort to meet these brutes in person.
Well, as luck would have it, the bears disappeared into the next
blueberry patch deciding to fatten up for winter.
Those who took to fishing during their Caribou hunt also
enjoyed steady action for Northern Pike and Lake Trout and a
few made the Master Angler requirements as well. Pike up to
42 and Lake Trout up to 36 inches decided to bite a few of our
hunters 5 of Diamonds. Not only did they enjoy catching these
fish but the smaller ones brought back to camp were prepared
in shore lunch style with all the fixings and ended up being
enjoyed by all.
All in all, the 2006 season was full of successes and it made
many a memory for those who joined us. It’s a special place for
most of us; it’s one of kind in sights, sounds, smells and the all
round experience that it offers . When you sit down and think
about it, write about it and talk about it you come to realize
how much you really miss it. It’s tough to beat the Barren
Grounds!
I would like to thank all who joined us this year at Caribou
camp and hope that you enjoyed your time with us. Thank you
for the memories, we look forward to seeing you in 2007!
4 DAYS, 4 DOWN
After loading everything but the kitchen sink into
two boats, master guide Leonard Beardy left for the
south end river with guests Al and Virgil while
Mike headed up north with Ed & Bob. Now it did
not take long for the guides to realize that these are
a really great bunch of guests and that Ed likes to
visit - a lot.
The first day began with checking for sign, grunting
and moaning near likely “love nests” and generally
just having a good time! A good time turned great
when Leonard and company spotted a love sick bull
sidling up to his prospective mate near shore and
they stopped to see if they could get a piece of the
action. Len did his best impression of a challenger to
the courtship and managed to turn the big bull back
from his pursuit. However, the designated first
shooter Virgil was having trouble sorting out the
beast in all the thick timber so rather than let the
first one get away, especially one of this size, the
shooting responsibility fell to Al who “tipped” the old
bull over with a couple of well placed shots to the
boiler room. Wow, what a start, four hours into the
hunt and already a trophy on the ground and as Len
said later - only 100 yards from shore. He actually
said 50 yds but with Lenny you’re pretty safe
doubling the distance estimation! Well, it did not
take long for all 6 of us to get the first animal back to
camp and up on the meat racks. That evening there
were lots of lies and stories (thanks Ed) around an
awesome dinner of moose tenderloin, potatoes, fresh
veggies & salad complemented by a spectacular
display of aurora borealis flashing across the starlit
sky. But it gets better!
Day 2: A gorgeous, clear, blustery, windy, rainy,
foggy, crappy day greeted us as we headed out for day
2. By now everyone appreciated having boat loads of
spare gear along as the weather seemed to change
every 32 seconds and usually for the worse! But hey
if you can’t see the moose they can’t see you, right?
This time it was Mike, Bob, and Ed (talking) who
pulled into a bay and got out to check for sign. Well
there was sign alright and the moose were still
making it!! Not more than 500 yds away (which was
about the visibility limit) a monster bull was making
good his escape through the burn with his love mate
leading the way. A challenging grunt
from the guide stops Bullwinkle in his
tracks and now he’s got a real
problem. Does he go back down to
the shore and violently pulverize the
intruder or does he stick with curvy
Nellie who is disappearing over the
ridge? Decisions, decisions - but that
is his undoing as the hunt team has
quickly cut the distance in half. Bob is
bravely hoping to launch a few pointy
sticks at the behemoth but no amount
of wooing and/or challenges will pull
BW away from his “girl” into bow
range. So the job of stopping the
courtship is given to Ed and his trusty 30.06. One
bark of the rifle and the moose drops like a sack of
bricks leaving the shooter and guide equally
incredulous! One shot? No twitch? Nothing? No
charging over the next ridge in a hail of lead to die
miles from the lake in some miserable swamp? Are
these guys blessed, charmed, lucky or all of the
above!!! Another monster, well over 50” and fantastic
paddles, unbelievable! That
evening’s festivities and aurora
light show rival the previous,
does it really get any better than
this?
Day 3: Apparently it does! Now
it’s the A Team’s turn again. Len,
Al and Virgil have done several
hikes through the old burn near
the south river and the loads of
fresh sign they have spotted has
guide Lenny feeling rather
romantic. After breakfast they
head back into the “hot zone”
where “loose Lenny” unleashes
his best imitation of “Love Me Tender” and yup, you
guessed it, bull #3 wanders in from over hill & dale
seeking this new potential mate. Virgil is more than
ready this time and takes his first bull moose ever
with a couple of well placed shots from ‘ol Betsy.
Another monster bull and only 200 Lenny yds from
shore! Al and the guys are getting more than a little
spoiled here and are now talking about finishing with
#4 in the evening so they can head home the next
day. I mean where are all the nightmare treks
through tangled burns and endless fruitless days of
hoping to even see a moose let alone get a shot at
one? Coming right up - at least the trek part.
Day 4: The Final Chapter. The previous day’s
adventures had both teams down in the south burn
packing out Virgil’s moose from a very successful
morning sortie after which Mike, Bob and Ed head
up north to Moose Creek to see if anyone’s home.
Guide Mike spends much time stopping and calling
at various potential sites much to the amusement of
Ed (talking) who finally falls asleep not yet convinced
the guide speaks “moose”. He will later claim that it
was his snoring that attracted the bull. Whatever
the case, Bob and Ed both agreed it was the most
exciting hunting experience in a long and illustrious
career for just as the sun was fading out of site we
heard the first deep grunt and the satisfying crack of
antler smacking trees. Big Daddy #4 was on his way
and he was about to kick some butt!! What a sight it
was to watch that monarch of the north come
charging through the forest along the far side of the
bay, grunting, kicking up dirt and destroying any
trees that dared stand in his way. In what seemed to
take only seconds he was 200 yds away glaring at his
new rival who unfortunately packed a pretty serious
punch! Calming his racing heart, Bob took the shot
and we heard the satisfying whack of a good hit.
High fives, whoops of joy, premature congrats all
around the wounded but still very much alive bull
was soon hit 2 more times before swimming out
into the lake to die where upon it begins to sink out
of sight! Bob can’t believe his eyes as he watches the
trophy of a lifetime bubble down to a watery grave.
But wait! What’s this? It’s, Aqua Boy to the rescue!
Dressed only in form hugging tights, wearing 3
lifejackets and with a rope clenched in his teeth
Aqua Boy proceeds to hydroplane out to the sinking
cervid, claiming later through still clenched teeth
that the speed at which he swam kept him from
getting cold. One chattering guide and a very dead
moose were soon towed into shore where Len had a
very welcome hot fire waiting. Then the real work of
cutting and packing began and it was way past dark
before a very tired but happy band of hunters
stumbled back into camp.
2006 HUNTING
TESTIMONIALS
Webber’s provided a true Canadian wilderness
experience. The equipment, guides, and lodging
all exceeded my expectations. The remoteness of
the camp coupled with the creature comforts of
fine food and a hot shower made the experience a
“10”. I hope to return in the future.
Ed Balsavage
The Caribou hunt at Webbers was a life time hunt
to remember! The Bane Boy’s will be back!!
Hayden Bane
TO ALL CONCERNED: I have never written to
thank an outfitter to say thanks for a great hunt but
I am now. Both Derrell Fortner and I had an
awesome time and were extremely impressed with all
the precise planning, attention to details and the
feeling that we were being spoiled 100% of the time.
That plus the facilities, the meals, the attitude and
skill of the guides contributed to one great memory.
Don’t hesitate to use my name for references in the
future for your hunts.
Best Regards, Bob Elwell
After 12-14 trips Dymond Lake Lodge is still the
best place to go shoot geese....The staff, food and
shooting are the best.....
Ralph Nissen
WEBBER’S > > >
GREAT GAME RECIPES
Glazed Bacon Wrapped Goose
3 average sized goose breasts
12 pieces of bacon
12 slices jalapenos
Cream Cheese
Marmalade Jam
Toothpicks
Slice goose breasts diagonally into about ? inch slices
Cut all the bacon in half.
To Assemble;
Lay a half strip of bacon on work surface
Lay a strip of goose across the bacon about 1/3 of the
way up
Place one jalapeno on top of goose slice
Place a small amount of cream cheese on top of
jalapeno. (We use about one teaspoon, but you can
use more or less to suit your taste)
Roll the goose, jalapeno, and cream cheese in the
bacon and skewer with toothpick to hold in place.
Heat BBQ Grill on high for about 10 minutes when
ready to cook.
Grill the wraps on the hot grill for 8-10 minutes on
each side.
Brush with marmalade while grilling. (Use as much
marmalade as you like. The more you use the sweeter
your wraps will be.)
Makes about 2 dozen wraps.
DYMOND LAKE 2007
BOOKING & SHOW CALENDAR
HUNTING DATES
Spring Goose May 11-21
Caribou September 10-30
Fall Goose September 1-11
Moose September 29 - October 5
The Sport Show circuit has been an important part of our business for many years and 2007 is no
exception! Come and see Mike, Ryan, Nelson, Toni or Doug at any of the following shows:
2007 Sport Shows
Denver Fly Fishing Show – Denver, CO
January 5 to 7
Chicago All Canada Show – Chicago, IL
January 11 to 14
FNAWS – Salt Lake City, UT
January 17 to 20
SCI Show – Reno, NV
January 24 to 27
International Sportman Exposition – Denver, CO
January 25 to 28
Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show – Harrisburg, PA
February 3 to 11
Pasesdena Fly Fishing Show – Pasesdena, CA
March 2 to 4
International Sportsman Exposition – Phoenix, AZ
March 9 to 11
Toronto Sportsman Show – Toronto, ON
March 14 to 18
Minneapolis North West Show – Minneapolis, MN
March 27 to April 1
Webber’s Lodges
Toll Free 1-888- WEBBERS (932-2377)
www.webberslodges.com
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PEMBINA, ND
PERMIT NO.14
Spectacular wilderness adventures, luxury lodging, family run service.
www.webberslodges.com [email protected]