Deer Hunt

Manitoulin Island

Typical Deer Hunt Season at Black's Bay Lodge

Archery Season:                                        Sat. Oct. 7 - Fri. Nov. 17
Archery, Rifle, Shotgun, Muzzle Loader:    Mon. Nov. 20- Nov. 26
Archery, Muzzle Loader:                           Mon. Dec. 4 - Wed. Dec. 6

* Deer season is only a part week.  Other hunting or fishing activities can be scheduled to supplement the deer hunt.  Hunt camp goes from 2:00 PM Saturday to 11:00 AM the following Saturday.

Overview

This is a premium, all-inclusive deer hunting experience in the wilds of Northern Ontario Canada.

With the growing deer population on this island hunting paradise, the local residents are very concerned.  We need dedicated hunters to help cull the local deer population to sustainable levels.

Manitoulin Island is recognized as one of the best deer hunting regions in North America, with the highest hunter success rates.


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South Shore Forest

Black's Bay Lodge (BBL) is a 113 acre hunting resort located on the south shore of Lake Huron, just west of Providence Bay, Manitoulin Island, Ontario Canada (North end of Lake Huron). Black's Bay Lodge (BBL) is located 2 km. west of Providence Bay. BBL enjoys the wilderness while being close to the supplies and benefits of the town. Providence Bay, a town of 300, has a new marina and government dock, fishing charters, 3 restaurants, hardware store, auto mechanic, and motel.

The BBL hunt camp is in the middle of a 2000 acre wilderness tract of cedar, birch, and poplar forest. Little development has occurred in this area since a forest fire occurred 100 years ago. The forest has regenerated and is entering a mature phase. Large areas of dense bush are dotted by numerous open meadows with lush green grass.  Generally flat, there are some swampy areas during the wet seasons.

The unopened road allowance along the North of the property is only used by local landowners, especially during hunting season.  At other times, the deer travel parallel to this clearcut, crossing at specific trails from one side of the road to the other.

BBL's Land

Below the picture is a map of the area.

The thick red lines show the property lines.  The red line running horizontally (West & East) near the top of the map is the unopened road allowance called Firehall Rd.

The two vertical red lines (running North and South) are BBay's property lines

The thin black lines show the roads.  BBay's access road starts from Firehall Rd., about the mid point (with respect to East West) of the property, and goes South towards the water.

The thick green lines show the primary deer trails in this region of the forest.

The blue lines show the intermittent streams and swampy areas around BBay.  The streams are running in the spring.  If there has been very wet weather during other parts of the year, then the streams will be running also.

The big red "X" in the thick red rectangle at the bottom of the map is where the main lodge is located, right by the beach on Lake Huron.

Hunting Strategy

During the spring, summer, & fall, the deer find plentiful food around the edges of the meadows, the adjacent swamp areas, the nearby farmer's fields of clover & hay, and the buds on the new annual growth.  There are few wolves on the Island.  Without the annual hunt, many of the deer would starve & die as the winter food supply runs out; the rest of the herd being severely weakened as well.  Hunting in the fall helps strengthen the herd by reducing the pressure on the limited food supply that's available in the winter.

There is thick cedar bush for the most of the property.  The land is very flat and low slope.  There is an intermittent stream on the South-east side of the property.

When it rains, the runoff collects in low areas and slowly drains off to the lake.  These low areas form shallow, swampy areas with small "islands"  formed by a clump of cedar trees and dogwood.  This is where the deer like to bed down during the day.  Anything that approaches makes a splash & alerts the deer.  That's why they like to come here during their quiet time.

There are numerous open meadows (1/4 acres to 3 acres in size) with grasses.  This is another place where the deer like to lay on the edge of the clearing.  They can see downwind, and smell upwind, thereby feeling fully protected.

There are numerous deer trails through the area (see map on website).  There is a bush road on the North, East and West side of the property, water to the South.  Deer stands are positioned on all 3 sides.  As the deer cross, we have an opportunity.

Our access road is a winding bush road leads off the concession road, traveling 1.2 km. towards the waterfront. The deer now use this bush road as one of their main trails through the woods.

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Along the length of this bush road are a number of feeding stations for the general wildlife. Salt blocks, apples, corn, and other vegetables have been regularly put out throughout the year. The feeding frequency is increased as deer season approaches.

A blind has been setup near each station with a clear view in both directions along the bush road, and of the station itself.

There are also deer stands overlooking the feed plots inside the property.

At the deer stands, one to two sighting alleys (approx. 6 yards wide) have been cut into the woods at a 90 angle to each other.  The hunter in the stand can look down both alleys to a distance of about 100 yards.  If they see a deer crossing the first alley and don't have sufficient time to shoot, they are well prepared to find their target when the deer crosses the second alley.

Your Hunting Guide

Your hunting guide has owned & hunted this land for the past 24 years and knows it well.  I have sat in the bush, watching the deer, bear, and other animals for hours on end.  I know their habits and trails.  By listening to more experienced hunters, and learning from the animals themselves, I have used the last 24 years to teach myself to be a better and more successful hunter.

I enjoy sharing and discussing animal behavior and hunting methods with both veterans and novices.

There are no growth hormones nor drugs in this food supply.  That's why I prefer venison vs. beef.

Hunting Opportunities

The 113 acre hunting area is located off an unopened Concession road about 2 km. from Providence Bay. This road is only used by the local landowners and wildlife.

For those seeking a more adventuresome hunt, we usually "dog" the bush and the swampy areas, starting the afternoon of the third day. The survey lines and trails throughout the property provide excellent opportunities for getting a good shot.

Hunting Lodge

The hunt camp consists of a 1,800 sq. foot, 2½ story main lodge with a wrap-around cedar deck and 2nd. floor balcony.  The lodge has a fully equipped kitchen, plus a living room, dining room, mud room, 4 pc. bathroom (tub, shower, sink, & flush toilet), and a work room.

On site, there is also a 14' trailer, generator shed, pump house, outdoor shower & solar heater, utility & storage shed, outdoor fireplace, and outhouse.

The electrical 4.0 kilowatt generator supplies 110V AC to the main lodge and the 14' trailer. The system is started up "as needed".  There is battery backup for lights, with a wind generator to recharge the batteries.

The new, drilled well supplies cold, clear water to the cottage year-round.  The water is triple filtered, and stored in a tank in the attic.  Finally, treatment with sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) and testing ensures safe drinking water.

When there is a long lineup for the indoor bathroom on shower nights, the outhouse is always available.  It's a basic one seater, well ventilated to minimize odors, and within 100 feet of the lodge.

The outdoor shower has a solar heating panel with electrical heat backup for cloudy days; but it still takes a "polar bear" attitude to take an outdoor shower in the late fall.  This is a guaranteed way to feel alive immediately after.  Most choose the indoor shower, with the piping hot water heater  in full use.

The outdoor fireplace is designed for cooking as well as a bonfire pit. Sitting around the fire on a cold autumn day takes off the chill, as well as getting the hunting clothes nice and smoky (good odor camouflage against the deer's sensitive nose).

Meals

Once you arrive at camp, all your meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the cost of your trip.

There will be a piping hot breakfast served before you go out to your stand, hot coffee or tea to fill your thermos, hearty lunches, and a feast at the end of each day.  All meals are designed around a balanced diet and the Canada Food Guide.

Everything will be cooked and served to your pleasure by either your host, your fellow hunters, or you. Your hunting guide/host/cook will assist in preparation of most meals, but each camp member will be expected to prepare their personal favorites for one breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Be sure to let us know any special ingredients, food allergies, restrictions, etc. that you'll be needing so we can be sure to adjust our shopping list.

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Kitchen

The 12' x 12' kitchen includes full cupboards and countertops, a fridge, stove, and sink with running water. The 20' x 16' common area serves as the dining and meeting area with a large wood stove. Many a good hunting story has been shared by the light & heat of this stove.

The lodge is kept toasty warm by the propane lights and the big wood stove during the day. The interior walls & paneling are in the process of being finished.

A cell phone and high-gain roof antenna is available for emergencies & "pay-as-you-go" use.

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Sleeping Quarters

Whether you like to grab a quick nap, or a large comfortable bed, we have the facilities to ensure your comfort.

Stocked full of hardwood, the airtight stove burns through the night, keeping the main lodge warm; even in -20°C weather.

The second floor of the lodge is used as the sleeping quarters. There are 4 separate rooms with lots of space for each person's clothes, hunting gear, and quiet spot.

The bunks are double bed size. It is expected that you will bring your own sleeping bag, extra blankets, sheets and pillows.

The third floor is for additional sleep areas (those who snore !), utility rooms, and observation deck. There is a great view across the treetops, as well as overlooking the Lake Huron shoreline.

Ground Transportation

Cost of transportation from London, Ont. to the camp and return is included in the cost.  You will be traveling in a 2000 GM Montana van with seating for 7 persons plus luggage, with a 4' x 8' heavy duty utility trailer in tow for all the supplies and your personal effects.  The trailer will easily handle everybody's deer plus all the hunting supplies on return.

We will leave London, Ont. on the Saturday before hunting season at 7:00 AM. For those flying in (or from Toronto), you will be picked up at Pearson International Airport at 9:00 AM Saturday.

From there, the car trip takes another 6 hrs.; plus stop-over time for fuel and meals.  For the return trip, we will leave camp on the Saturday at the end of the deer season at 9:00 AM. Toronto Airport drop-off will be at 6:00 PM Saturday, then arriving back in London at approximately 10:00 PM Saturday night.

Each hunter is allowed shipping space for his suitcase, bedroll, and hunting equipment; 9 cu.ft. maximum.

Call for additional information if needed. Book early, space is limited to the first 6 lucky people. Send your completed application, your current-dated and 2 post-dated cheques, made payable to "Black's Bay Lodge".

Fishing Add-on

If desired, fishing  charters  can  also  be arranged during, or after the deer hunt (if everyone gets their deer early).  The area's lakes have (in season):

Manitoulin Is. has some of the best fishing in all of Canada.  Charters are operated by other third parties, and leave from Providence Bay or from nearby inland lakes (Kagawan, Mindemoya, etc.). Charters are available in day or half days and all equipment is supplied.  The costs are extras.  If you prefer, you can conduct your own expedition.

All fishing charters are an additional cost of approximately $75 per person per half day.

Price

Your all-inclusive, packaged price for the week of deer hunting includes:
 

• All camp meals
• Accommodations for 8 days, 7 nights
• Experienced hunting guide
• Hunting Blinds, deer stands & bait for deer hunting
• Available on a first come, first served basis

 

You will be required to supply detailed information and permission so that we can do a limited background check. 

You will be required to sign BBL's Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability, and Indemnification for BBL Hunters which will be an integral part of your application and any resulting contract or activities between you and BBL, and that you will be contractually bound by these terms and conditions.

If your application is turned down for whatever reason, your full deposit will be returned to you with our letter of regrets.  If the camp is already filled, you can apply this deposit towards a spot on the "standby list" for this year, or for the next year's camp.  All other payments are non-refundable. 

If you subsequently can't go, you can nominate someone to take your place, and provided they fill out an application and are accepted by the screening process, all your deposits (less a $50 administration fee) will be applied to their fee; otherwise you'll lose your deposit(s).

If your second or third payment is more than 15 days late, your spot will be sold on "first come" basis, and all previous deposits will be forfeited.

BBL reserves the right to cancel the trip at any time with full refund of all deposits.

If you attend for this year's hunt, you will have right of 1st. refusal for the following year's hunt; provided BBL receives your deposit before 11:59 PM EST on Dec. 31.  After this date, your spot will go to standby list, or first-come applicants.

It is highly recommended that you obtain adequate travel, trip cancellation, medical, accident, disability, and life insurance.

Significant discounts are available when you book simultaneously for 2 or more hunters (as low as $826 per person, all inclusive).

Provided there are no prior reservations, you can reserve the entire hunt camp for your private hunting party.

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Applications for Guided Whitetail Deer Hunt

If all the above information appears to be what you've been looking for, you can make application to attend our annual hunt by e-mailing, phoning, faxing, or visiting us in person.  We will send you or give you an application form for you to fill out.

Return the completed form to us with your initial deposit and post-dated cheque (or other form of payment) for the final payment.  We will review your application, and notify you of our decision and send you a full documentation package.  If accepted, you can start getting ready for your adventure of a lifetime.

Mr. Glenn Black
Black's Bay Lodge
576 Firehall Rd.   P.O. Box 101
Providence Bay,  ON   P0P 1T0
CANADA

Phone:    (705)-377-4039
Fax         (705)-377-4039

Deer Hunting inquiry         http://www.blacksbay.com

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