In the spring of 2022, following a couple of challenging and stagnant years, the world began to slowly relax its mandates and restrictions. This presented me with the opportunity to pursue a dream, starting a new career as a fishing and, eventually, hunting guide. In the first week of June, I had my first taste of the guiding scene with a quiet and cozy outfitter, specializing in trophy Brook Trout, located on the upper Eagle River watershed, approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Goose Bay, Labrador. I spent two months there, encompassing the entire length of their season. After that, I headed north to spend 18 days learning and guiding on the Flowers River for Atlantic Salmon. My first season as a guide concluded in late August. It was a relatively short but fulfilling term that left me excited and eager for the next year and my future in the industry. My first summer as a professional guide was educational, and it importantly brought me into contact with many remarkable individuals and allowed me to establish valuable connections within the industry. Among these connections was my manager at Flowers River, Chris Duffet, a veteran guide in Newfoundland and Labrador. Chris quickly recognized my passion for this career. Leveraging his connections and credibility in the industry, he recommended me to one of the largest and most esteemed big game outfitters on the island of Newfoundland, Effords Hunting Adventures. I promptly seized my first opportunity as a big game guide.

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Heading Into Camp

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In early September, following my second summer guiding for Brook Trout and Atlantic Salmon in Labrador, I traveled from the Deer Lake airport to Peter Strides Pond to await a helicopter ride into Newfoundland’s rugged and windswept southwest interior. Grounded by fog on the first day at the main base, we managed to reach the camp late the next morning. Arriving at the camp, having only been accustomed to fishing outfitters and being new to big game guiding, I set my expectations based on the stories I had heard from other guides who worked for different outfitters. My first week, along with the rest of my six-week season with Effords, surpassed my expectations and fulfilled all that I had hoped for. The experience included isolation in scenic, remote landscapes, an abundance of wildlife and trophy animals, a positive work atmosphere alongside ambitious, like-minded guides, and the backpacking, backcountry style of spot-and-stalk hunting that I prefer. It was an adventure in its purest form, offering everything a young, eager guide could desire. Although the consistent early mornings and late nights took a toll on the body, the thrill of getting into the hills every morning and pursuing that elusive giant bull seemed to override any feelings of tiredness or discomfort.

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Gearing Up To Go Guiding

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When preparing for any kind of hunt, one of the most crucial aspects is creating a gear list. While each hunter tends to have their own preferences, and comfort and efficacy can vary greatly, if I had to make one recommendation, it would be regarding footwear. For my first time at Efford’s, I brought both my Schnees mountain boots and my Lacrosse rubber boots, and each proved invaluable, depending on the camp's location. The Lacrosse boots were particularly useful in boggy, wet areas but were less comfortable for covering significant distances daily. The mountain boots, conversely, were better suited for more extended treks, especially in steep and rugged terrain, but couldn't withstand water as effectively as the rubber boots in wetter landscapes. Having the option to switch between the two types of footwear, depending on the area, was immensely beneficial for both comfort and efficiency.

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My Final Thoughts Looking Back

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During my six-week tenure, I guided hunts at four different camps, including three weeks at two trophy moose camps. Each week brought new challenges and had its enjoyable moments. However, one hunt during my final week stands out as particularly memorable and rewarding. Despite the rut being over, the scarcity of bulls we had seen the previous week, and the physical limitations of my hunter, I never gave up. Hunting is unpredictable, and it's essential to remain creative, focused on the finer details, and persistent, as the tide can turn in an instant. On the second day of this hunt, I spotted a bedded bull a mile away on a mountainside. With the wind in our favor, I convinced my hunter to attempt the stalk, knowing it would be challenging but potentially our best chance of the week. Two hours later, my hunter was within 100 yards of the bull, which was quartering away, unaware of our presence. A single shot brought the animal down. That moose turned out to be the largest of my season, a rugged 12-pointer with a 41” spread. This hunt reaffirmed the importance of persistence and positivity in hunting, as the odds can shift swiftly.

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My overall experience with Effords as a first-time big game guide was incredibly fulfilling, and it's a place I eagerly anticipate returning to in the years ahead, continually honing my skills and knowledge.

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