2020 GUIDED ONTARIO BLACK BEAR HUNT REPORT
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Looking Back on 13 Years
Today would have marked the start of our 13th Ontario fall black bear hunting season at Wild North Outfitters.
Unfortunately, because of the Canada–U.S. border closure in 2020, camp was much quieter than any of us could have imagined. For the first time in many years, there were no hunters arriving, no trucks pulling into camp, no stories around the dinner table, and no excitement of heading into the woods each afternoon.
As difficult as it was, it also gave me an opportunity to reflect on just how far we've come.
It's hard to believe that 13 years had already passed since a 20-year-old kid decided he wanted to buy a bear hunting business.
It all started back in 2007 when I was staying at a local lodge and heard that Ken was selling his black bear hunt. I went home and told my mom, "I want to buy the business."
Her response?
"Yeah, that seems like a good idea."
Just like that, with her support, the journey began.
Looking back now, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Like any new business, there were plenty of growing pains, long days, sleepless nights, and moments where things didn't go according to plan. But from the very beginning, I had one mindset:
Failure was never an option.
Year after year, we continued improving every part of the operation. We grew from accommodating just eight hunters each week to comfortably hosting up to eighteen guests while offering full meal plans, improved accommodations, and continually upgrading our equipment.
Every dollar we could reinvest went right back into the business—new Honda Pioneer UTVs, better trucks, improved hunting equipment, larger coolers, more bait sites, and everything else that helps provide the best possible guided Ontario black bear hunting experience.
What I never expected, though, were the friendships.
Over the years, complete strangers became returning hunters. Returning hunters became close friends. Many eventually became like family.
That's something no amount of success can replace.
We have truly been blessed with some incredible people who have trusted us with their hunting adventures, year after year.
None of this would have been possible without an amazing team standing beside me.
To my mom, Tina—thank you for the unbelievable home-cooked meals you've prepared over the years. You've probably saved my butt more times than you realize, especially when the hunting was slow or the weather refused to cooperate.
To Stephanie, thank you for being the best sous-chef anyone could ask for.
To Jim, thank you for everything you do—from rescuing me when I've broken down deep in the bush to keeping everyone laughing with stories they'll never forget.
And to Mary, Tony, Charlotte, Luch, Matthew, Lucas, Dalton, and everyone else who has helped along the way—thank you. Wild North Outfitters wouldn't be what it is today without all of you.
Although camp sat quiet that fall, it never changed what Wild North Outfitters is all about.
It reminded us how much we missed seeing familiar faces, sharing meals together, and watching hunters realize their dream of harvesting their first—or biggest—Ontario black bear.
It honestly felt like a piece of me was missing by not being there.
But the woods weren't going anywhere.
Neither were we.
The trucks, the UTVs, the bait sites, and all the equipment would patiently wait for the day camp came alive once again.
And when that day arrived, we'd be ready.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey over the years. We look forward to seeing you around the campfire again soon.