Last Season in Review

''In 2008 our bear hunters enjoyed yet another successful hunt, 20 hunters bringing in a total of 31 bears & four wolves. The sizes were quite impressive, getting up to 7' 2" in length, with some tremendous weights and an impressive number of coloured bears - all with full healthy coats. The weather was also very cooperative last season, with temperatures ranging from -4C to +26C, making for some very enjoyable hunting.''

                                                  
Typical Hunting Day

You will start your day at a leisurely pace - with an easy early morning wakeup call followed by a hearty and nutritious breakfast. You are taken to the bait sites where you will hunt from approximately 8:00 am till noon, then you'll return back to camp to enjoy a full hot lunch.  The afternoon hunt itself will be done from late afternoon until around 11:00 pm, after which you will return to camp for the evening with a few stories to tell and a late meal.

Habitat

For the spring bear hunt, the countryside is very picturesque, with a mixed forest of poplar, spruce, and pine trees in a rolling topography.  The bear hunting area itself is located in WMU 520, which consists of about 10000 sq km of land. Within this area, we have created 68 different bait locations stretched over a 95 km route.  The hunting camp is located in the centre of this route, allowing for minimal travelling time to and from the hunting areas. The baits are located in key locations away from the road. You will be dropped off via truck at your bait location and you just need to walk in, creating easy access to your hunting area.

Hunting Forecasts

The following information is provided by the Alberta Provincial bear biologists:

The current range for the black bear encompasses approximately 488,999 sq km (188,417 sq miles) or about 74% of the province. Recently several sightings were reported near the city of Edmonton and other locations in central Alberta, suggesting that this species is extending it's range somewhat into former habitats.  The bear density in the northern regions of Alberta was calculated to be around 370 bears per 1000 sq km, equating to roughly one bear per square mile. Further information can be obtained through the Alberta Environmental Protection agency in Edmonton, Alberta.

Hunting Dates

Now Booking Bear Hunts for 2009 – 2010*

*Hunting dates may be subject to change without notice for the 2009 & 2010 seasons.

The Bear hunting dates for our 2009 season are as follows:

Guide Profiles

Willi Kratzmann and Eddy Zambo have been in the professional outfitting services industry for 25 years. Their guiding experience coupled with their enjoyment of the outdoors have helped to ensure that their clients have fulfilling and bountiful hunts year after year.  Both Eddy and Willi speak German and English, and Eddy also speaks French. As well, both Eddy and Willi are members of the Alberta Professional Outfitters Association (APOS).

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Food & Accommodation

The camp consists of roomy 12' X 14' wall tents, each with three hunters. Each tent is equipped with separate beds made from comfortable 4" foam mattresses on top of plywood floors.  As well, each tent contains a wood burning stove and electric lights for guaranteed warmth and comfort.  Hot showers will also be made available.                                    

We will also be providing excellent and nutritious home style meals in our large cooking/dining tent.  The menu contains a variety of different food items, all cooked fresh daily.  If you have any special dietary needs, we would be pleased to accommodate you if you let us know in advance of your arrival.

What is Included?

Spring Bear hunts include:7 days of hunting plus 2 days of travel for a total of 9 days. Included in your hunt are all your meals and accommodation and 4x4 trucks and quads for transportation.

We offer COMBINATION HUNTS, as follows:

(Licenses and Taxes Included)

''If necessary we offer rifle rentals for an extra cost.''

Licenses & Equipment

We use well maintained trucks and Quads for transportation from the camps to the various hunting areas for the spring hunts.

Taxidermy

Happy Hunters will skin out and prepare all bears as requested for shipping to your  desired taxidermist. All required shipping permits needed for moving the bear skins out of the country are handled by Happy Hunters.

                                                    

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What is the camp layout?

Our camp is located in roughly the centre of our 10000 sq km hunting area.  We will set-up comfortable and secure wall tents, fully equipped with propane lights, wood burning stoves, and 4" foam mattresses. Getting to and from the camp areas will be done using trucks and quads.

2. How are hunters transported to the bear baits?

The bear baits are all located fairly close to the remote roads throughout the hunting area.  Each hunter will be taken to their bait site via truck and then dropped off where they will walk in to their tree stands.

3.  Can Happy Hunters provide fair chase bear hunts?

YES!  We provide both baited hunts and fair chase hunting opportunities.