Outfitters

Outfitters offer outdoor enthusiasts a range of adventures, whether it's hunting, fishing, and nature interpretation or eco tourism. Outfitters may provide complete packages including guide services, accommodations, boat rentals, outcamps, tent camps and meals. Outfitters are licensed through Manitoba Conservation as Resource Tourism Operators. Non-resident hunters for black bear and deer must book through a licensed outfitter and be accompanied by a licensed Manitoba guide.

Outfitters guiding hunters are required to be licensed guides of Manitoba. To become a licensed guide you must hold a valid First Aid Training Certificate, Hunters Safety Course, Firearms Safety Course (to carry a firearm) you must be eighteen years old with no convictions and a resident of the province for one year. You must pass a written test through Manitoba Conservation to receive a license.

Outfitters supply numerous jobs to local guides and increase economic values to our communities. There are millions of tourism dollars brought into the province through outfitters. Many outfitters are listed with the local municipalities to assist with Emergency Measures Plans. Their knowledge of the area topography could prove invaluable in a search and rescue situation. Outfitters donate large amounts of protein to local Food Banks and individual families.

Outfitters guide hunters in the harvesting of game animals and waterfowl using suitable methodology. Controlled hunting regulations are a wildlife management tool for Manitoba Conservation assisting in animal populations and lowering property damages. Spring black bear hunts are the most significant economic contributor to our area with fall white tail deer as runner up. Outfitters legally bait bears allowing the hunters to ensure no sow with cubs will be harvested. Samples from female black bears must be submitted to Manitoba Conservation to ensure a healthy population remains in Manitoba. Outfitters may offer combination-hunting packages with bear/fishing, deer or bear and goose/duck/grouse hunts. Some outfitters have developed an eco tourism market to compliment their existing operation offering an eco adventure as part of the hunting package.

There are 24 licensed outfitters in the area of Valley in the Mountains. Most are members of the local groupMid West Manitoba Lodge & Outfitters Association that meet in Pine River regularly. More info contact their secretary Debbie Soloway @ 1-204-263-2643 or for the complete listing of Manitoba outfitters contact Manitoba Lodges & Outfitters Association at http://www.mloa.com/.