Frequently Asked Questions

Taxidermy - Our recommended taxidermist is Gate's Taxidermy of Winnipeg.

They have a well-deserved reputation for fine quality work and have many years of experience. We will expedite your trophy to them and the next time you see it, UPS will be delivering it finished to your door. They can be reached at 204-989-0188, 866-288-7498, email Trevor@gatestaxidermy.com or visit their website at www.gatestaxidermy.com.

Some of our guests prefer to take their trophies home with them and we understand that. For guests driving, racks and capes can be taken home with you but due to restrictions with US Fish and Game all flesh must be cleaned out, especially the skull cavity.

Your license and tags will act as your export permit. For guests flying, please note major airlines will not accept racks any longer for travel as cargo or baggage. Hunters may make arrangements with Gates to prepare and ship racks and capes to your taxidermist.

Meat - Your meat will be de-boned and cleaned by your guide. We can freeze it at the main lodge or hang it outside or in our cooler at the lodge. Caribou camp has a cutting table, saws and wrapping paper for your use. Many processors prefer to receive the meat cooled but not frozen. Some years we have a processor in camp, those services are an extra fee. It is always appreciated when hunters donate a portion of their meat to our local communities.

Calibers - We recommend at least 7 MM or larger for bears or moose - .270 or larger for caribou and wolf.

Bring the heaviest grain cartridge available, limit two boxes. A good durable gun case is a necessity, also a padded cloth one for boat travel.

Travel Documents - A passport is now required for entry in Canada and return to the US. Hunters bringing a rifle or shotgun will need a "Canadian Firearms Declaration" which costs $25 Canadian funds and must be presented at the border. Cash or credit card accepted. Bring proof of auto insurance when driving. Manitoba hunting requires a blaze orange hat and vest. Handguns are NOT allowed in Canada and doing so is a serious offense. For hunters traveling with a felony or misdemeanor on their record, please check with us or Canadian Customs to see if this may present a problem crossing the border. Misdemeanors such as a DUI are considered a felony in Canada and will be treated as such. The age of the act is crucial to determining whether a waiver will be granted. Offenses 10 years and older usually receive a waiver and offenses 5-10 years old may be issued a special permit at the discretion of the border officer. We also work an agency which can help navigate this process.

Dry Ice - Available in Thompson and Winnipeg.

Hotel & Air - For special rates on hotel and air, call our travel agent TRAVEL-EX @ 1-800-882-0499 or 1-847-882-0400.

We recommend the Airport Fourpoints Sheraton, 204-775-5222, in Winnipeg. In Thompson, the Mystery Lake Motel , 204-778-8331, and the Country Inn, 204- 778-8879 . These hotels book up quickly, please tell them you are with Ganglers.Fishing Restrictions - All fishing is catch and release except for shore lunch. You can obtain a replica trophy through Gates.

Guides - Our guides are licensed by the province of Manitoba. They are required to take courses in Firearms Safety and First Aid and must pass a written exam.

Most are residents from local communities, speak good English, and all are experienced outdoorsmen.

Weight Restrictions -Your total weight allowance is 80 lbs. per person. Additional baggage will incur extra charges, which can be very expensive, and may not make the flight.

Canadian Sub-Arctic is not responsible for any extra costs incurred by guests.

Checklist - Bug Repellant, binoculars, boots, camera, canteen, chapstick, compass, duct tape, extra camera battery, fishing tackle, flashlight, formaldehyde (Velvet), game bags, light jacket, packing tape, polarized glasses, rain gear, sleeping bag, spotting scope (Caribou), stocking cap, targets, thermal underwear, toiletries, towel & wash cloth, warm gloves, warm socks.

Clothing - We suggest layered clothing that is quiet and an outer covering that is water-repellant. You should not be walking in much water, 8' or less when crossing a stream, and waders are not necessary. A good gore-tex boot works but many guests prefer a good mid-calf waterproof boot for getting in and out of the boat.

Weather - Highly variable, ranging from 40- 80 degrees in the spring, 35-70 degrees in mid September, 25-60 degrees in late September.

Rack, Hide & Skull - Your animal will be caped, skinned, cooled, and if possible, frozen for the trip home. If you care to use salt, please bring this with.

Guests are responsible for all extra freight charges from Thompson south.

If you are traveling with your moose and caribou, the only thing that is required to cross the border are the tags, which come with your license. Bring pipe insulation to help protect your racks if keeping the velvet. Bear and wolves requires Cities permits, which can be obtained in Winnipeg or Thompson. If you want a caribou rack in velvet (very few do) bring a syringe and formaldehyde to inject into the velvet to keep it fresh.

- Winnipeg has a small Cabelas and Wholesale Sports. Thermacels and bear spray are available there. Ammunition can only be obtained if you have a Canadian FAC or PAL card. Thompson has a Walmart and Canadian Tire.

Thermacel devices - Thermacel devices work great, especially for spring bear. They are not usually needed for fall hunting. The butane is not allowed on the planes so please make prior arrangements with us to have the fuel onsite beforehand.