Over 3,000 square miles of remote Northern BC hunting terrain awaits you and your sense of adventure. Circle M Outfitters offers professional guiding and outfitting for Mountain Goat, Moose, Caribou, Black Bear and Wolf; plus winter Trapline Adventures, backcountry Horse Trips and excellent Fishing. Our territory is a dramatic mix of rugged glacier capped peaks, rolling alpine hills, willow covered meadows, meandering river valleys and numerous crystal clear lakes. Whether it is a relaxing spring Black Bear hunt, physically demanding hunt for a trophy Mountain Goat, classic backcountry horseback hunt for a big Canadian Bull Moose, or you are just looking to fill the freezer with some wild meat we have an adventure for everyone regardless of age or physical ability. Please take a minute to explore our site and all that we have to offer.
Our vast guiding territory is over 3,000 square miles of Northern BC wilderness, all of which we have exclusive guiding rights for. The area is unique not only for the variety and quality of game found within it, but for the diversity of hunting terrain it offers. The area contains 3 separate mountain ranges and we could not possibly hunt it all in a lifetime. The western portion is home to rugged glacier capped mountains, while in the east there are rolling alpine hills. Our base camp is at 3,000 feet elevation and many of the high country camps are at 4,000 feet. The treeline is found at 5,500 feet and most of our mountains do not exceed 7,000 feet in elevation. Throughout the territory there are willow covered river valleys and old burns which produce trophy animals year after year.
We offer quality hunts for Canadian Moose with very good success rates. The average antler spread of our moose is 45-55 inches with the occasional one reaching 60 inches. If you hunt moose for a living you better have a wolf management strategy and trapping wolves in our guiding area during the winter has paid off for us in a big way. Each year we are seeing more and more mature trophy bulls being taken by our hunters.
The vastness of our guide territory allows us to offer several different types of moose hunts without sacrificing the quality of the hunt or the quality of the moose. Out of basecamp we can offer hunts for moose from 4×4, riverboat, treestand or on foot that can be tailored to anyone regardless of age or physical ability.
In the backcountry we can hunt for moose as a classic mountain horseback hunt or fly in by floatplane and hunt moose from a remote drop camp.
Trophy moose hunts are 10 days long and guided 1 on 1. Hunting methods include Horseback, 4×4 from basecamp, floatplane, riverboat or fly-in. Black bear can be hunted on any fall hunt on a harvest fee basis.
10 day – 1 on 1 – Horseback or Basecamp – $11,950
10 day – 1 on 1 – Fly in – $15,500
Looking to fill your freezer full of the best meat you can possibly imagine? Then this is the hunt for you. This hunt is guided 2 on 1 and starts with a coin toss to see who the first shooter is. The hunter has to harvest the first legal bull (it may be a spike bull or a big trophy bull) that presents a harvest opportunity and then it is the other hunters turn. This is a highly successful fun hunt for all ages and physical ability. You must have a partner for a meat moose hunt as we will not pair you with another hunter that you do not already know.
Meat moose hunts are 10 days long and guided either 2 on 1. Hunting methods include 4×4 and boat. Black bear can be hunted on any fall hunt on a trophy fee basis.
In BC baiting bears is illegal, but we aren’t one to complain. Our black bear hunts are all spot and stalk and have been 100% opportunity for years. We know it’s not uncommon for baited bear hunts to be 100%, but why not do a spot and stalk hunt that is 100 times the excitement with the same success on 6 foot or better bears?
If a big black bear is what you are looking for then spring (late May-mid June) is the time to come up to Northern BC. In the springtime the bears have just emerged from the den and are hungry for green grass. The roadsides and south facing cutblocks is where they will be found making this a hunt that anyone regardless of age or physical ability will enjoy.
In addition to the concentration of good high quality feed, the bears are also in the rut in the spring and we see big boars at this time of year that we rarely see at any other time of the year. We are on a 2 bear limit and most hunters will kill a 6 foot or better bear, with several going 7 foot plus.
Having just emerged from the den the bears still have their full winter coats at this time of year. Our bears are generally all black with many of them having the classic white “V” on their chest. Color phase bears range from cinnamon to a dark chocolate brown. Color phase harvest rates vary year to year, but overall our black bear harvest average is 10% color phase.
Black bear hunts are 5 days long and can be guided either 2 on 1, or 1 on 1. Spring hunting methods include 4×4 from basecamp or on foot. Black bear can be hunted on any fall hunt on a trophy fee basis.
90% of the World’s entire population of Mountain Goats are found in the mountains of British Columbia and our guiding territory is home to some of the most productive goat habitat in the province. We have developed an extensive network of backcountry cabins and trails that allow us to utilise horses to access remote valleys which, still in this modern age, see trophy billies dying of old age without ever laying their keen eyes on a human.
Mountain Goat hunting is a very physically demanding hunt, for many hunters it is the toughest hunt they have ever done. Our goal is to get you a great billy and as long as you are in reasonable shape and have a good mental outlook our guides can get you in position on a trophy animal. In fact, it has been a common theme among hunters at Circle M Outfitters that their Mountain Goat hunt has been the most rewarding hunt of their lifetime.
We pride ourselves in maintaining high quality goat hunting year after year and only harvest mature billies. Our success rate on mountain goats is 90% and our average horn size is 9-10”.
We offer several different hunting styles for trophy mountain goats. However, our specialty is horse assisted hunting. Using the horses allows you to travel deep into the backcountry, not to mention that it really saves your body until your goat is spotted and it’s time to climb. The horses also allow you to cover a lot of ground during your hunt and eliminate long approaches to the mountain.
If you do not care for horses you can still hunt big mountain goats either from our basecamp using 4×4 for access or fly into one of our many remote high elevation mountain lakes and backpack hunt for that big billy.
Mountain Goat hunts are 10 days long and guided 1 on 1. Hunting methods include 4×4 from basecamp, horseback or fly-in backpack. Black bear and a second antlered animal can be hunted on harvest fee basis on all fall hunts.
Our caribou rival any in North America for trophy quality; however, we do not have the density in our area to offer too many exclusive caribou hunts. It is our preference to hunt caribou in combination with other species on backcountry horseback hunt. If you wish to hunt caribou as a single species you have to be prepared to spend a lot of time in the saddle traveling the high plateaus and ridges glassing for that big bull.
All caribou harvested must be 5 points or better to ensure trophy quality.
Trophy caribou hunts are 10 days long and guided 1 on 1. Hunting methods include Horseback, 4×4 from basecamp, floatplane, riverboat or fly-in. Black bear can be hunted on any fall hunt on a harvest fee basis.
Everyone wants to harvest one, but few actually do, making a wolf one of the most sought after trophies in the World. To put it bluntly, we kill wolves. Not only do we love doing it, but we see direct benefit in maintaining a healthy moose population through proper wolf control.
Most of the year wolves can be hunted and during our spring and fall hunts wolves can be hunted at no extra charge as long as you have purchased a wolf tag. On average 2-3 of our hunters a year successfully harvest a wolf this way.
Now, if you really want a wolf then winter is the time to seriously and effectively hunt wolves. In the winter time we can bait wolves and this is when the tables get turned! Each winter we establish a series of bait stations that we both hunt and set snares on.
On our winter wolf hunts most hunters will go home with a wolf, whether it is shot or caught in a snare. Included in the hunt is one of the 3 main hides (wolf, wolverine or lynx). Additional wolf, lynx and wolverine pelts can be purchased at market value.
Trapline trips are included in a wolf hunt and when you are not hunting wolves we will likely be checking traps. Also included in the trip is a selection of fur off that is caught on the trapline during your trip. You can take home one each of the main furbearer species (pine marten, weasel, red squirrel, and fox). Additional furbearer pelts can be purchased at market value.
We can accommodate hunters of various fitness levels as travel is mostly by snow machine with optional snowshoeing, accommodation is in wood heated log cabins.
Wolf Hunt and Trapline Adventures are 7 days long and guided 1 on 1. Hunting method is baited.
Our base camp is located on a remote lake and consists of rustic cabins with comfortable bunks and woodstoves. There is electricity and hot showers at base camp. We have a second basecamp that acts as a backcountry basecamp. This camp is a 2 storey log lodge which also has electricity and a hot shower.
In spike camp the accommodation is either in small backcountry cabins or wall tents. On a backpack hunt, accommodation is in lightweight high quality hiking tents. On all winter trips accommodation is in wood heated log cabins. For all trip mattresses are provided, but you will have to bring your own sleeping bag.
Good food is part of the experience at Circle M Outfitters. Meals at base camp are home cooked and are very good. Not to worry if you are out at spike camp, the food is still good as we are busy in the winter months making trail friendly food to feed our guides and hunters on the trail, not to mention the taste of fresh tenderloin after a successful day’s hunt. Please warn us in advance of any special dietary needs or allergies that you may have so that we can accommodate you.
A deposit of 50% is required to book a trip.
A final deposit of 50% plus license and tag funds are due:
March 1st for Spring Hunts
May 1st for Fall hunts.
The remaining balance is due upon arrival in camp.
Final payment must be in cash, certified cheque or wire transfer*. Personal checks will not be accepted as final payment and your hunt will not start until the hunt is paid for in full. Deposits are non-refundable and we recommend trip cancellation insurance.
*Please include a bank transfer fee of $20 with any wire transfers. All prices are in US funds and subject to yearly increase.
Licenses and Tags
License and tag fees are set annually by the BC Government and are subject to change. Circle M Outfitters will help in the acquisition of all required license and tags. If you have purchased a hunt then we will purchase the tags for you and have them ready for you upon your arrival at camp. You must have your hunting license and species tags on you at all times during your hunt.
Travel
The starting point for all trips is Prince George British Columbia, which is serviced by major airlines (Air Canada and WestJet).
You will be picked up at 10am at the Carmel Inn (www.carmelinn.ca) in Prince George, BC the day before your hunt begins. Please ensure that you arrive in Prince George the day before you are to be picked up to avoid any unforeseen travel delays.
If you are coming from another country into Canada you will need a valid Passport, Driver’s License and a Canadian Firearm Declaration Form (link). To avoid unnecessary hassle at the border please remember that you must sign your gun permit in front of a Canada Custom’s Officer. No handguns are allowed to be brought into Canada on your trip.
Fly-In Hunts
There is an additional charge for fly in hunts. For a fly in moose hunt, an extra trip may be required to fly meat out. Please note that it is illegal to hunt for six hours after you have been in an airplane in BC.
Caliber Selection
Upon your arrival at camp one of the first things you will do after settling in, is to test your rifle and confirm that it is shooting accurately and sighted in. For most hunts calibers of .270 Win or larger will be adequate, as we believe in being familiar with your rifle of choice and shooting accurately. However, if grizzly is one of your hunted species then we require a minimum of .300 Win Magnum or larger.
Physical Requirements
Our hunts require a varying degree of physical fitness to have a successful hunt. We have hunts that anyone regardless of age or physical ability can do such as spring black bear and fall moose hunts from basecamp. While backcountry horseback hunts and mountain goat hunts require a higher level of physical fitness. Please talk to us beforehand about your physical fitness and we will tailor your hunt to your physical ability.
It is the hunter’s responsibility to advise us of any physical issues prior to the hunt.
Expectations of Hunters
Safety is top priority. We expect you to be proficient, safe and practice with your firearm. You will not load your gun until your guide has advised you to do so. The unsafe handling of firearms will not be tolerated.
Communication is extremely important to ensure you receive a great hunt. Communicate regularly, both before the hunt and with your guide during the hunt. If there is a problem, it is the hunter’s responsibility to let us know as soon as possible and we will do our best to resolve the issue quickly.
Wounded Game Policy
Fortunately, wounded game is a rare occurrence. Our guides do their best to get you as close as possible to your animal and only ethical shots are to be taken. When an animal is wounded every effort is made to retrieve that animal. Trophy fees are due on wounded game.
After the Hunt - Trophy Care and Transport
All hides will be properly caped out in the field, salted and dried. Unless otherwise advised, trophies will be delivered to Professional Taxidermist Marius Hanczewski at PG Taxidermy (www.pgtaxidermy.com) the end of the season (late October). The taxidermist can either professionally mount your trophies or ship them on to your preferred taxidermist at your cost for permits and shipping.
Meat Care and Transport
We pride ourselves in packing out all the meat and keeping it clean. If you have driven up you can take all your meat back with you. If you have flown it is not possible to take all of your meat home with you. After your hunt you can purchase a cooler in Prince George and take the best cuts back with you in the cooler as extra baggage. Any meat left with us will be donated to the BC Guide Outfitters Meat donation Program with the Salvation Army.
Gratuities
Our staff are extremely passionate about what they do and work hard to make your trip the best experience possible. Gratuities are not necessary but are greatly appreciated. 5-10% is the industry standard.
Fraser and Krista MacDonald own and operate Circle M Outfitters together. Along with their daughter, Ava, a great crew of guides and one hell of a string of mountain horses they are proud to bring you a distinct backcountry hunting experience. Both Fraser and Krista have a background in Wildlife biology. Fraser and Krista both have studied mountain goat, mountain caribou, Stone’s sheep, moose, elk and wolves all over Northern BC. In 2011 Fraser and Krista purchased the Guide Territory from renowned Outfitter Dennis Smith of Bear Paw Guide Outfitters and are continuing the backcountry hunting tradition he started over 30 years ago.
Our base camp is located on a remote lake and consists of rustic cabins with comfortable bunks and woodstoves. There is electricity and hot showers at base camp.
We have a second basecamp that acts as a backcountry basecamp. This camp is a 2 storey log lodge which also has electricity and a hot shower. In spike camp the accommodation is either in small backcountry cabins or wall tents.
On a backpack hunt, accommodation is in lightweight high quality hiking tents. On all winter trips accommodation is in wood heated log cabins. For all trips, mattresses are provided, but you will have to bring your own sleeping bag.
Good food is part of the experience at Circle M Outfitters. Meals at base camp are home cooked and are very good. Not to worry if you are out at spike camp, the food is still good as we are busy in the winter months making trail friendly food to feed our guides and hunters on the trail, not to mention the taste of fresh tenderloin after a successful day’s hunt. Please warn us in advance of any special dietary needs or allergies that you may have so that we can accommodate you.
PO Box 21058
Prince George, BC V2M 7A5
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