In that connection, two outfitters you may want to contact next spring are Glenn and Dan Wettlaufer of Andrew Lake Lodge in Alberta. They have a hunt that will let you chase black bears over baits and fish to your heart's content. This spring, 54 of their hunters took 70 bears. Six of those bruins scored over 21 inches on the skulls, and fully 25 percent were color-phase animals, including cinnamon, blonde, chocolate and red. The Wettlaufers charge $2,950 (US) for one bear. The cost to take a second bear is an additional $600 (US).
I hunted with Wettlaufer and can vouch for the experience he provides, especially the fishing. I did not see a dream bear, which for me means one with special colors or monster size, so I went home empty-handed. On the fishing side, however, I netted some monster pike and lake trout.
Another outfitter to consider is Gordon Wilson of Tazin Lake Lodge. Wilson operates just across the Alberta border in Saskatchewan. He charges $2,750 (US) for his bear/fish combo, and collects a $400 (US) trophy fee on the bear hitting the ground. Fishing gear and guide is included, and the lodge accommodation is first class. Wilson takes good bears every year, and his fishing is outstanding. The best pike so far this season weighed 40 pounds. The best lake trout weighed in at 52 pounds.
Another outfit that puts together a good combo package is Chaparral Hunting Adventures, owned by Bob Morrison. "Big Bob," as he is called, has long been known for his deer and bear hunts in both Saskatchewan and Alberta. He has just constructed a new bear lodge........(continued)
