Annual mentored waterfowl hunt: Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area

An annual mentored hunt held at Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area (NWA).

Description

The Annual Mentored Waterfowl Hunt is designed for adults who are interested in learning to hunt for the connection to nature and the food that hunting provides. Most are beginners who have no hunters in their circle of family and friends who could otherwise get them started.

The mentored hunt is a two-day experience. The focus is on ethical, on-foot, up-close-to-nature experiences, and enjoying locally-sourced food.

Classroom sessions may include:

• the history of waterfowl hunting in Canada and at Last Mountain Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary and National Wildlife Area in particular
• where to hunt
• how to identify landowners
• how to secure permission for hunting
• ecology of the NWA
• ethics of hunting
• cooking waterfowl

Outdoor sessions may include:

• preparing waterfowl for legal transport and “gifting”
• patterning shotguns (with Canadian Firearm Safety instructor and range officer)
• shooting clay pigeons and improving accuracy (with instructor)
• using retriever dogs as a conservation tool
• cleaning and breaking down waterfowl for cooking
• waterfowl identification
• how to set up decoys
• how to use duck calls

Recent mentored hunts

Mentored hunt 2022

After a two-year break, the Fourth Annual Mentored Hunt on October 1 to 2, 2022 commenced, and it could not have gone more beautifully. The weather was warm, our bellies were full, and we had a few new faces (human and canine) that joined our team of mentors. Our new mentor this year was fabulously helpful and knowledgeable, and was a great addition to our group. We also had a rare opportunity to have a conservation officer stop in for a while to let our hunters know what to expect when encountering them in the field, and to answer any questions. The cherry on top was that our wonderful retriever has a new little brother this year who is in training, so there was a great opportunity for some puppy fun! This year’s hunt was the most successful yet, with eight birds harvested between the group. Well done all around, another victorious weekend of enjoying nature in the heart of Saskatchewan.

Mentored hunt 2019

The Third Annual Mentored Hunt on September 21-22, 2019 had a few changes from previous years. A new mentor joined with some fresh perspective, guiding with his experience and positive energy. The lack of ducks this year changed the way the group normally hunts. Typically, they set up blinds pre-hunt and do not move locations. This year only decoys were used, and once the group realized they may not be successful in their original locations, they tried a couple of other spots with no success. Fortunately, hunters were in good spirits and love nature enough that it still turned out to be a great experience. The hunt was followed with a fun team-building exercise of setting up a blind with no instructions. This year’s hunt was full of laughs, and another success for the books.

Mentored hunt 2018

The Second Annual Mentored Hunt on September 15-16, 2018 was a great success. Despite rain and a very early morning, mentors had an excellent experience with their new-to-hunting participants. A smaller group allowed for more one-on-one mentorship, and extra time for each activity. As is the nature of hunting, they did not get as many waterfowl as the previous year. However, the experience of observing wildlife in its purest form paired with the amazing attitudes of the participants made it worth it. Another triumphant hunt with some happy hunters.

For more info on how to participate in the Annual Mentored Hunt, contact us.

Costs, schedule, and accommodations

When you contact us, we will provide you an information package that includes:

• an introduction
• the fee for the event and other costs
• an itinerary
• a list of local accommodations
• other useful information

The annual event takes place in September each year. Space is limited so contact well in advance.

There is a small fee for this event, and you are responsible for covering the costs of:

• accommodations
• requirements /certifications
• travel
• breakfast for both days (lunch and dinner will be provided)
• anything else you may need

We can provide a variety of options available to you for the overnight stay.

Requirements

When you sign up you will be asked to provide scans of certificates and licenses. Failure to do so will forfeit your spot to the next person on the list. You will also need to bring these to the event. If you do not bring them, you will be unable to participate in some activities.

• Must be 19+ to participate (driver’s license or other government issued ID)
• Hunter’s Safety Certificate
• Hunting License for waterfowl
• Migratory Bird Stamp
• Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) or Canadian Firearms Safety Course
• Firearm and ammunition
• Bring a small cooler and ice packs

You will also be required to sign a liability form upon arrival.

Hunter’s Safety is required for you to obtain the hunting license and bird stamp, so you do not need to provide a copy of this. There is a possibility of a Canadian Firearms Safety Course and a Hunter’s Safety Course being offered locally in the weeks leading up to this event.

Let us know if you do not have a firearm. We may be able to source one for you. If we do, you will have to pay an additional fee for ammunition.

The cooler and ice packs will allow you to take your dressed and prepared game birds home with you, to share with your family and friends.

Contact us

Phone: 306-914-0435
Email: RNF.LML.NWA@ec.gc.ca

Related links

• Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area
• Last Mountain Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary