Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS are broken into three main sections;
1. Fishing
2. Hunting
3. Trip Planning
Dawn Santee with 40 lb lake troutHow do I fish for lake trout? Our primary method is trolling however you can fly-fish, cast or jig the crystal clear waters of Point Lake to reel in the catch of a lifetime.
What is the best time to come fishing? Although Point Lake is typically ice-free during the first week in July, we wait almost ten days to start our trips because of seasonal changes in the spring melt and because the trout appear to be more active when the temperature of the water warms up. You might wonder what week is the best week to come but any time is ideal for fishing monster lake trout during our month-long season. One opportunity provided by booking later in the season is the chance to see barren-ground caribou beginning their migration south toward the treeline.
What is the average weight of a catch? The majority of lake trout caught weigh between 8 and 20 pounds. However, each season many of our anglers are rewarded with 30+ to 40+ pound fish.
What is our record? 58 lbs caught by Ray Lipkin, Minneapolis, MN
Are lake trout hard fighting fish? Lake trout are probably the hardest fighting of all fresh water fish. Please check out the lake trout facts for more information.
Can I keep my catch? To ensure the quality of fishing remains high for years to come we have implemented a “barbless hook” and “catch and release” program. Of course, we make exceptions for those unforgettable shore lunches and northern dinners.
Is my fishing license included in the package? Yes
Why do we only offer five hunts? We have picked these specific dates because they provide you the best opportunities for a successful hunt.
Can I bring both my bow and rifle? No, because of weight restrictions on floatplanes, hunters must make a choice before their hunt whether they are going to hunt with bow, rifle or black powder.
What is our success rate? We have a very high success rate, 98%, however we make no guarantees . There are a number of preparations that hunters can do to ensure that their trip is positive and successful. Physical conditioning, shooting/archery skills and hunting knowledge will be major factors in your success as well as comfortable clothing and the appropriate equipment.
We reinforce that guests should make every effort to get in shape. Guests should be prepared to walk 2-8 miles each day over varied terrain. Although hiking on the barrens is not difficult, there are large rolling hills throughout the area that make hiking challenging. As well, the caribou migration varies from year to year and longer hikes may be necessary to bag your trophy bull. The better shape you are in the greater chance of having a successful hunt.
Practice your archery and shooting skills at a local range and if possible on moving targets. Do some of your own research but be sure to listen to the expertise of your guide.
How much caribou meat do I get to keep? Weight restrictions and high costs are making it extremely difficult to take all of your caribou meat home if travelling by plane. In light of this, we recommend that you only take a portion of your caribou meat home (approximately 60-70 lbs - two hind quarters and back strap, which are the finest cuts). The remainder of the meat will be donated to the lodge; we will see that it is given to people who would be grateful for it. You may wish to check the airline baggage policy with whom you are travelling.
What does caribou meat taste like? Caribou meat is delicious and healthy; it contains three times the amount of protein than beef and has trace amount of fat. For the discerning hunter you can rest assured that, your wild game is 100% natural! Enjoy the bounty of hunting!
How do I get my caribou meat home? Your quartered caribou will be hung in the meat shed until the final day of your hunt; it then will be placed in a Rubbermaid container for the flight back to Yellowknife and your journey home.
Will my caribou meat be deboned? No; the meat is not deboned because this dramatically increases risk of spoilage. We recommend that you butcher your meat as soon as you arrive home. Caribou meat is very healthy and delicious.
Are there any extra charges for shipping my meat and antlers from the lodge? No; there are no charges for shipping your meat or antlers from the lodge to Yellowknife. Commercial airlines will have extra charges for antlers we do not.
Are the antlers split? No, antlers are left intact unless you request that they be split.
Are cape and antler preparations included in the cost of the package? Yes, cape and antler preparation services are included as part of your hunt package. For those of you who would like to use the service of your own taxidermist we will prepare the antlers and capes as well as provide packaging materials so you will be able to transport your antlers & capes on commercial airlines.
Can I go fishing? After your hunt is completed, you may have the opportunity to fish the pristine waters of Point Lake at no extra charge (you will however need to purchase a fishing license - non-resident license is available for sale at the lodge). Please refer to our fishing page for further information.
What will the weather be like? In August, the weather is generally warm 50ºF to 60ºF for the early hunts. During September, the weather is 40º-50ºF with the possibility of rain, occasional snow flurries and freezing temperatures. Overall, the weather is very good for hunting. The weather can change suddenly in the barrens and it is necessary to have warm, waterproof clothes & footwear. Please refer to our suggested list of clothing in our trip planning section for more details.
Which hunts do the caribou have hard horn? Typically the caribou begin to shed their velvet during the first week of September, thus our third, fourth and fifth hunts. Typically caribou will have hard horns.
When is the best time to hunt with a bow? During the earlier hunts when the caribou spend more time grazing.
Do we book single hunters? Yes depending upon availability as well as the physical fitness and mobility. Both hunters must be in good physical condition and have no walking disabilities. We also try to match hunters that are using the same type of weapon (bow hunters vs. rifle hunters).
What are the chances of taking a wolf or wolverine? Each year we have one or two of each species taken. Some hunting partners split the price of the tags, whereby one hunter purchases a wolverine tag and the other a wolf.
How much does the license for a wolf, wolverine and small game cost? $60.00 US each for the 2007 season
What is the terrain like? There is a common misconception that the barrens are flat; this is quite the contrary, especially at Point Lake where we are surrounded by large rolling hills. The ground is uneven and there are occasionally wet/boggy patches. Interspersed pockets of spruce forests, large boulders, rock piles and creek beds are common features of the area which offer excellent advantage points to locate and stalk caribou.
What is the average shot? 200 yards rifle and 15 –35 yards with a bow.
How many caribou can I expect to see in a day? The caribou migration fluctuates throughout our 5-week season depending on weather and insects.
What percentage of bulls make the Boone & Crocket and/or Pope & Younge Record Book every year? Since we hunt from a migratory herd the bulls you see one day to the next will change. We have had guests get their racks scored and entered into the B & C as well as P&Y however the majority of our guests do not get their antlers scored. Guy Eastman of Eastman's Hunting Journals, had his two bulls scored; one is the new number 7 in the world, Pope & Young, his caribou grossed scored 399 0/8 and netted out at 382 3/8 P & Y (It might have been the new world record in the velvet category). Guy will also have number 57 with Boone and Crockett. Bob Everson of BGS Rifles has a couple of B&C records from his hunts with us.
How do we hunt? We hunt by traveling by boat to various locations on Point Lake and then hike inland and glass from a high feature. Spot and Stalk.
Do I need to wear hunter orange? No
How much weight am I allowed? 70 lbs of gear + rifle (soft case only)
What caliber of rifle do I require? We recommend that you use one of the following calibers: .270; .300; .30-06; .308; 7 mm Mag.
What can I do after I fill my caribou tag? If you harvest your caribou early we have a number of great options for you. As you know, we offer hunting for wolf & wolverine while on your caribou hunt or after you harvest your caribou as part of your package ($70.00 US each for tags). Beginning September 1st 2007 we can offer you the opportunity to hunt for small game after your hunt. We are also looking into the possibility of obtaining migratory game bird hunting permits for you this season as well. And of course you have the option of fishing for trophy lake trout.
When do I need to arrive in Yellowknife? The day before your scheduled trip.
When can I book my return trip home? You can book your flight leaving Yellowknife on the evening of the last day of your scheduled trip. If you are flying further then Edmonton, AB you can overnight there and take a morning flight home. You also can stay in Yellowknife after you return from the lodge and then departing the following morning. Please refer to either our fishing or hunting trip itineraries for further details.
Will you pick me up at the Yellowknife airport? Yes, we offer personalized ground transportation from the Yellowknife airport, hotel and float base.
Can I charge my camera and/or video battery while at the lodge? Yes, we have a generator available for charging camcorder batteries.
Is the water safe to drink? Yes, we are fortunate to live in an area where the water is pure, clean and clear. This is some of the freshest water in the world. You can dip your cup in the lake and take a drink.
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