A massive flock of snow geese circled our blind to form a tornado of excitement and noise. Birds winged so close you could see their tongues extend when they cackled. When the command to shoot was yelled, shotguns recoiled to send wings whirling towards the ground. There was barely enough time to reload and get back down before the next flight of birds was working the decoys. This was clearly going to be an epic waterfowl hunting trip!
There is something truly magical about the skies of Saskatchewan when the first hint of dawn breaks and the air fills with the sound of thousands of wings cutting through the cool northern breeze. The honks, quacks, and cackles can often be deafening. Located in the central parkland, Aurora Skies Outfitting delivers what they call The Saskatchewan Experience. After several unforgettable days afield, it is clear why hunters from across North America return year after year.
A Contest and a Dream Hunt Come True
Outdoor Specialty Media partnered with Aurora Skies Outfitting to host an exclusive waterfowl hunting adventure in Saskatchewan, offering two lucky hunters the chance to join the excitement. Contest winners Bill Adams and Joe Stewart were chosen to experience what many consider the best waterfowl hunting on the continent. They soon discovered that Saskatchewan offers far more than just world-class duck and goose hunting. It is an immersion in prairie culture, camaraderie, and memories that last a lifetime, with a polite Canadian flair.
The rest of the hunting party included Bill Brod, a publisher and lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Ralph Luedtke, a close friend of mine and an experienced wingshooter, as well as Erin Deane, Mike Rennich, and his wife Carrie, who joined as an observer, to capture the thrill and beauty of the hunt. Together, we set out under the guidance of Stefan and Domenic, the passionate duo behind Aurora Skies Outfitting.
The Saskatchewan Waterfowl Hunting Experience
Stefan and Domenic are the brains and brawn behind Aurora Skies Outfitting, and they have created more than just a guided hunt. They have designed a complete immersion, experience, and adventure into the heart of the Canadian prairies. As they like to say, “Waterfowl hunting in Saskatchewan is about more than just the birds—it is about making memories and experiencing all that our province has to offer.”
Each morning began in the agricultural fields, set against a backdrop of colorful leaves and the scents of fall, while flocks of mallards, pintails, and geese filled the sky with sound and motion. The first morning setup was in a sprawling barley field with an A-frame blind perfectly positioned between the stubble and treeline, backed by a spread of decoys and an E-caller echoing the inviting calls of snow geese from their morning roost.
The action was immediate. Ducks, specks, and snows poured in as the sun rose, with birds finishing tight to the decoys. We had the occasional flock approach from behind, where birds appeared from behind the trees, offering seconds to find a target. Ducks motored across the decoy spread, offering fast passing shots that were challenging.
There was plenty of shooting for everyone, and we had a nice mix of fowl to take back to camp for processing. Erin cradled a beautiful adult specklebelly she wanted to mount and relived the moment it was harvested. A hot breakfast was the perfect feast for hungry hunters, and the chatter amongst guides let us know we only had a few hours before heading back into the field.
By afternoon, we moved to a pea field with round bales scattered throughout. It offered a classic prairie setup that delivered nonstop excitement. Pintails banked gracefully into the wind, mallards dropped like green-headed missiles, and snow geese arrived in massive waves. At one point, a flock of more than a thousand snows circled three times before committing, finishing right in front of us in a blur of wings and honks. The giggles and excited voices left little doubt that everyone was having a wonderful time.
The setup was perfect for hiding from the birds, which looked right past the blinds as they tried to land in the decoys. The guides were running steadily to retrieve birds scattered across the large decoy spread. Mature specks were admired with unique colorations, and the mallard drakes were finally filling in with new green feathers to grace their heads. It was an evening when we were requesting more ammunition to be passed down the line in preparation for the next incoming flight.
A highlight was seeing a large flight of Ross’ geese tease us at about 80 yards, with a blue-phase bird in their ranks. A blue Ross’ is a rare and coveted bird, and although we never fired a shot, seeing the bird created excitement and chatter.
Ducks, Geese, and Grins
The second morning brought a change of pace with a hunt for big honkers in another barley field. The mallards again stole the show, but the giant Canada geese made everyone test their shotguns and reflexes. The first flock of honkers appeared over the trees on the edge of the field and immediately set up on the decoys. With wings cupped, they soared towards us, playing the slight breeze to center up on the landing zone. With a line of anxious guns, none of the birds left the field.
Large flights of ducks worked steadily and finished right in the decoys. There was steady gunning, and the action was impressive. We did have one duck fly the gauntlet across the front, turning to try to escape behind us, and after more than 20 shots were fired, it continued to fly unscathed. Laughter and humility are integral to waterfowl hunting, serving as a poignant reminder that the social aspect of our sport is one of the primary reasons we continue to participate.
That afternoon, we set up for snows once more. Under bluebird skies and with no wind, the birds proved cautious, but watching thousands of geese swirl across the horizon was an experience all its own. We shot some snows, Ross’, and a couple of beautiful specks to finish the day. Layout blinds were used in the large field, and we blended in well, enjoying the downtime during which some snoring could be heard from parts of the lineup.
The Grand Finale
The final morning was a crescendo to the adventure. Hidden in a grassy bottom, our blinds and decoys were perfectly set. Specklebellies are often the early birds, and they didn’t disappoint. A flock of eight winged over the decoys and circled to come around for a landing, but hunters with several days of experience ensured that none got away.
The smaller Canada geese were loud and anxious to join the decoys, which had a realistic appearance. In the pale morning light, the flocks finished close, and shotgun barrels stayed warm. Bill and Joe ribbed each other at the far end of the blind after a couple of birds escaped on their end. Big flocks of ducks started to fly, and the sound of their soaring wings created excitement as they descended like kamikaze pilots on a mission.
The highlight of the morning was the enormous flocks of snow geese that worked in close, including one dramatic moment when the thousands of birds cupped their wings and lined up like airplanes at a busy runway. Stefan let several small groups land, and a few others winged overhead so close that we could have jumped up and grabbed their feet. With geese circling all around us, the noise was deafening.
With a big flock lined up at eye level, we were given a warning before the command to shoot, and we had guns blazing. In a matter of seconds, eleven birds fell from a single volley. Minutes later, another large flock of snows provided a déjà vu moment. Besides the white birds with black wing tips, a couple of blue-phase birds were added to the bag.
Ducks, specks, and smaller Canadas provided steady shooting, and by midmorning, we had ninety-three ducks and geese on the ground. Among them was one stunning Quill goose with white-feathered patches glistening in the autumn sun. Thought to originate in the Quill Lakes region of Saskatchewan, the unique lack of pigmentation in feathers and skin creates unique birds that are considered trophies by most waterfowlers.
There were laughs, high-fives, and moments of pure awe. For Bill and Joe, the contest winners, it was truly the hunt of a lifetime, one they are already planning to repeat. Erin was on her 21st day of waterfowl hunting for the year, and Mike said just watching the action made the entire trip rewarding. Bill Brod stayed busy shooting video and photos, but shared in plenty of the shooting to bag his share of the birds. Ralph and I discussed returning to enjoy the diversity and action in a relaxed atmosphere, without having to do all the spotting and legwork.
Relaxation at the Lodge
After the hunts, we returned to the comfort of Aurora Skies Outfitting’s private cabins nestled in a quiet setting near Shell Lake. Each cabin offered rustic charm with modern amenities, including comfortable beds, full kitchens, WIFI, TV, and plenty of space to relax. Whether sharing stories or watching footage from the day’s hunt, it was clear that the camaraderie was as much a part of the trip as the hunting itself.
A Complete Saskatchewan Waterfowl Hunting Package
Aurora Skies Outfitting offers exclusive hunting locations that are carefully scouted fields and wetlands holding thousands of ducks and geese. Hunters enjoy private lodging and expert guides who make each outing efficient and enjoyable. The hunts are consistently successful for ducks, snows, Ross’, specks, Canadas, and even sandhill cranes. All-inclusive packages are available for every type of hunter, from beginners to seasoned waterfowlers. There are several options for hunters to consider, each with varying levels of support. Each day brings a mixed bag and a different landscape, creating a sense of excitement and variety that keeps even the most experienced hunters eager for more.
If you are looking for premium duck and goose hunting, experienced guides, and first-class accommodations, Aurora Skies Outfitting is your destination. Experience the thrill of mallards cupped into decoys, massive flocks of snows filling the sky, and the camaraderie that defines every great hunt.
Aurora Skies Outfitting – Contact Information:
Email: hunt@auroraskiesoutfitting.com
Phone: 306-393-0975
Tourism Saskatchewan: Plan Your Prairie Adventure
Saskatchewan’s mix of wetlands, potholes, and agricultural land creates one of the most productive waterfowl ecosystems in the world. Hunters from across the globe come for the incredible migration spectacle and the warm hospitality that defines the province. They can help you plan a hunt.
Planning a waterfowl hunting excursion is simple, with outfitters like Aurora Skies handling licenses, lodging, and meals, allowing hunters to focus on the experience. When visiting, bring layered clothing for changing weather, quality ammunition, and a camera to capture the sheer abundance of wildlife. Beyond hunting, take time to enjoy Saskatchewan’s small-town charm, local diners, and unforgettable prairie sunsets.
Tourism Saskatchewan offers an excellent online resource for planning a trip, finding an outfitter, and understanding the rules and regulations, and providing travel maps. Go to their website to get started.
Gear Sponsors
Meindl Boots – Wearing the Meindl Comfort Fit Hunter Uninsulated boots on this Saskatchewan waterfowl adventure was exactly what you want in a do-everything field boot. The 9″ full-grain nubuck leather uppers and Gore-Tex lining kept my feet dry while we waded through dew-soaked barley stubble, muddy pea fields, and wet field edges, without ever feeling heavy or clunky.
I was worried about wearing new boots on a hunt without time to break them in, but The Comfort Fit design, with its wider toe box and snug heel cup, meant I could wear a midweight sock and still have room for my toes to move, which was a big deal on long walks to the blinds and during hours of standing in the spread. The cork footbeds molded to my feet over the course of the first few days of the hunt, so by day two, they felt almost custom, and the Vibram Multigrip 6.0 outsoles bit into everything from slick mud to chopped stubble, giving me confidence when we were hustling to pick up birds or reset decoys.
For an active, all-day hunt in cool fall weather—where you’re constantly moving, kneeling, and climbing in and out of blinds—the uninsulated Comfort Fit Hunters hit a sweet spot: enough support and waterproof protection for serious work, without the bulk or overheating you get from heavy winter boots.
AVES Waterfowl Camo – The AVES Drifter jacket and pants paired with the Midway 203 Pullover made an ideal layering system for this Saskatchewan waterfowl hunt—comfortable in the blind, tough in the fields, and easy to adapt as conditions changed.
The Drifter Jacket is a soft-shell outer layer built for active waterfowl hunting, with a quiet, stretch-woven face and a bonded fleece backer that blocks wind while still breathing when you’re hiking to the setup, tossing decoys, or picking up birds. It’s cut for shooting, so mounting a shotgun from layout or A-frame blinds never felt restricted, and the pockets are placed where you can actually reach shells and calls while sitting or kneeling.
The Drifter Pant mirrors that design philosophy from the waist down: a soft-shell field pant that doesn’t bind or ride up when you’re climbing into blinds, kneeling in pea stubble, or hustling across muddy fields. The bonded micro-fleece backer and strategically placed zip vents kept legs warm on chilly mornings, but it was easy to dump heat when the sun came up or during long walks. For this hunt, they worked perfectly as a stand-alone field pant in dry conditions and could easily be layered under waders on wetter days.
Underneath, the Midway 203 Pullover served as the go-to mid-layer—trim enough to disappear under the Drifter jacket without adding bulk, but warm and comfortable enough to wear as an outer piece during milder portions of the day. Designed specifically as a layering piece (no hood to bunch up) with a practical pocket layout, it bridged that gap between early-morning chill and midday activity. As temps dropped or the wind picked up, throwing the Drifter jacket over the Midway 203 Pullover created a versatile, hunt-all-day system that never felt heavy or restrictive.
Layered together, the Drifter jacket, Drifter pants, and Midway pullover delivered exactly what a serious waterfowl trip demands: quiet, weather-resistant, athletic gear that keeps you comfortable from the first flock of snows at dawn to the last honker of a warm evening. An AVES hat “capped off” the outfit perfectly.
A Waterfowl Hunting Trip to Remember
By the time our boots were packed and the guns were cased, every hunter agreed this was a trip that would live on in stories for years to come. The combination of incredible waterfowl action, great people, and breathtaking scenery made it an adventure that exceeded expectations.
Special thanks to Tourism Saskatchewan, AVES Waterfowl Clothing, Meindl Boots, NSSF, Carbon TV for sponsoring and Aurora Skies Outfitting for hosting a world-class waterfowl hunting experience that truly defines The Saskatchewan Experience.
Watch for more contests on these pages to potentially win a dream hunt in the future. Check out these online magazines and follow them for new editorial, contests, and information to keep all outdoor enthusiasts updated on hunting and fishing.
