In early 2025, I had made plans to invite my good friend Bill Brod up to my home province of Ontario to experience some of the incredible bear hunt opportunities and excellent fishing we have to offer. I did my homework and searched for a highly recommended outfitter in the Sudbury District with great reviews from past clients and an impressive success rate. After an intense search, I was fortunate to find one that I hoped would give us a real shot at having a great bear hunt. White Moose Wilderness Outpost on Horwood Lake near Foleyet, fit the bill perfectly! Past clients consistently rave about the exceptional fishing and bear hunting opportunities, the spotless and well-maintained camps, and the top-notch service provided by the staff. It was clear this outfitter had earned its reputation and I was confident it would deliver the kind of experience Bill and I were hoping for.
I was thrilled to share the news with Bill about my search and to start making plans for our adventure. When he asked if he could bring along his soon-to-be son-in-law, James. I didn’t hesitate. James, in his own right, is a highly accomplished deer hunter but he had yet to experience the thrill of a Canadian bear hunt. This trip promised to be a memorable first for him, and I was excited to have him join us.
White Moose Wilderness Outpost is accessible only by float plane or boat, there are no roads leading to the property. I find this incredibly unique, and it adds a true sense of remoteness and adventure to the experience.
A Stunning Trip to Start our Bear Hunt
Upon our arrival at the pick-up point on stunning Horwood Lake, we were greeted by Scott Millions the head guide and part owner of White Moose Wilderness Outpost. Friendly and knowledgeable, Scott welcomed us with a firm handshake and a warm smile. We loaded our gear, along with the supplies needed to sustain the camp for the week ahead, onto the barge. As we set off across the glassy water, the ride to the outpost was nothing short of picturesque, a perfect introduction to the remote wilderness that awaited us.
With excitement and anticipation that words could hardly capture, we arrived at our home for the week, the remote and inviting White Moose Wilderness Outpost. After unpacking and double-checking our gear, we settled in for a hearty dinner, the kind that tastes even better in the fresh northern air.
With the sun beginning its slow descent over Horwood Lake, we decided to spend a few hours casting lines into its pristine waters, hoping to hook into one of the many fish species the lake is known for. It was the perfect way to ease into the rhythm of the serine Ontario wilderness.
Day 1 – Start with some Great Fishing
Our first full day in camp began with the rich aroma of strong coffee and a hearty breakfast sizzling on the propane stove, a simple luxury that added to the charm of our remote setting. It was a far cry from the conveniences of city life, where electric appliances hum at the push of a button. Here, every task felt more intentional, more connected to the wilderness around us, and we embraced it fully! After breakfast, we turned our attention to the crossbows. The long journey in could have easily knocked them out of alignment, and we wanted to be absolutely certain they were dialed in before heading into the bush. Fortunately, Scott keeps a well-maintained target range at the outpost for just this purpose, a thoughtful touch that speaks to his experience and dedication to his clients.
Bill was shooting his trusted TenPoint Flatline 460, a crossbow he’s used on several successful hunts. James, eager for his first bear encounter in Ontario, had brought along a sleek Ravin R29X, a serious piece of equipment that matched his enthusiasm. As the bolts thudded into the targets with satisfying precision, confidence began to build. The gear was ready. Now it was time to see if the bears were too!
Into the Bear Woods
By late afternoon, after scent-free showers and a final gear check, we were ready to embark on our first hunt of the trip. James and I would be sitting together at a bait site known as “The Beach”, a spot renowned for its bear activity. He carried his Ravin crossbow with quiet confidence, while I had my video camera in hand, eager to document whatever the evening might bring.
Scott our guide, would be dropping us off at the site, freshening the bait, and returning after dark to pick us up. Meanwhile, Bill would be hunting under the guidance of Ray, another seasoned member of the White Moose team. The outfitter boasts a roster of excellent guides, each dedicated to ensuring their hunters are well looked after and set up for success. With anticipation building and the wilderness settling into its evening rhythm, we were officially on the hunt.
James and I were settled securely into our stands, eager and alert for our first encounter of the hunt. Time seemed to stretch as we watched a parade of red squirrels busily ferrying pieces of bait to their hidden caches, nature’s own little drama unfolding before us. Despite the activity, hours passed without a sign of a bear. As the bush began to darken and the shadows deepened, the quiet anticipation gave way to reflection. The distant sound of Scott’s boat grew louder, signaling the end of our evening sit. Though the bears had remained elusive, we held onto hope that tomorrow would bring a visitor to the bait, and perhaps, the moment we’d been waiting for.
Bill, too, had an eventful evening. A curious rabbit became his constant companion, nibbling away at the bait left by Ray at the site. Though no bears made an appearance, Bill remained optimistic. He knew that in the wilds of Northern Ontario, time and patience were often rewarded, and he was confident that his encounter with a bruin was only a matter of time.
Time to Bear Hunt-The Weather Changes in our Favor
The next day of our adventure began with a noticeable shift in the wind. A cold front had swept through the region overnight, bringing a sharp drop in temperature. We went from t-shirt weather to layering up just to keep the chill off our backs, a true reminder of how quickly conditions can change in the north.
Since we wouldn’t be heading out to the bait sites until early evening, we took the opportunity to explore the vast expanse of Horwood Lake. With rods in hand and spirits high, we hoped to catch a few fish for the mid-week fish fry. Every week, White Moose hosts this gathering so guests can enjoy the fruits of their labor and connect with one another over a freshly prepared meal. It’s a tradition that adds warmth and camaraderie to the wilderness experience and we were eager to contribute our catch to the feast.
The fishing was incredible; the fish sensed the change in the weather and fed actively. We landed numerous smallmouth bass and walleye, each one eager to strike our jigs tipped with my favorite plastics from Grumpy Baits. The action was steady, the scenery breathtaking, a perfect way to spend the day before the evening hunt!
James Harvests a Nice Bear
Just like the night before, we showered and met Scott at the dock, where his boat waited to carry us back to “The Beach” stand. This time, his excitement was palpable. Based on his experience, a cold front like the one that had rolled in overnight was often the catalyst for increased bear movement. With the temperature drop and shifting wind, Scott was confident we were in for a more eventful hunt than the previous evening and we couldn’t help but share in his optimism as we headed out across the lake once again.
As the boat drifted gently toward the shoreline, the sandy soil brought our forward motion to a quiet halt, we had arrived once again at “The Beach.” Scott stepped out with practiced ease, replenishing the bait and swapping out the memory card in the trail camera. James and I climbed into our stands, just twenty yards from the bait site, settling in with anticipation thick in the air. With a final nod and a quiet “good luck,” Scott pushed off and disappeared back up the lake, the sound of his boat slowly fading into the distance.
As silence reclaimed the forest, we turned our focus to the early evening shadows stretching across the underbrush. Every rustle, every whisper of wind carried the possibility of a visitor, a cautious bruin drawn by the fresh scent of bait and the promise of an easy meal. We waited, hearts steady, eyes scanning, hoping that tonight would be different.
After a little over an hour, James caught movement along the shoreline, his very first glimpse of a bear in the wild. It was a sight to behold. The bear moved with quiet confidence, gliding closer and closer without making a sound. From my vantage point, I didn’t see him until he was nearly at the bait, his dark form emerging from the shadows like a ghost.
He sampled a few cashews and popcorn, then slipped back down the trail, pausing just a few yards away. With his nose lifted high, he surveyed the area, searching for any hint of danger. Sensing no immediate threat, he crept forward again, cautiously, still not fully committed to feeding without reservation. Just like before, unease got the better of him, and he backed off once more.
But we could tell, this was a bear worth taking if the opportunity presented itself. His size, demeanor, and repeated returns to the bait made it clear. Then, as if making up his mind, he came back again. This time, there was less hesitation and more purpose in his stride. With renewed purpose, the now confident bear committed to the bait, and James was ready. He leveled his Ravin R29X, steady and focused, waiting for the perfect opportunity. The mature boar presented a textbook broadside shot, his front leg forward, the moment had arrived! Without hesitation, James released the arrow!
It passed cleanly through the bruin, with the SEVR Titanium 1.75 Broadhead striking the metal fifty-five-gallon drum behind with a sharp clang. The crimson-fletched bolt quivered in place, a silent testament to an ethical and well-placed shot. Seconds later, the forest erupted with the sound of crashing brush, followed by the haunting echo of the bear’s death moan, a chilling, primal sound that rang out across the quiet lakeside, marking the end of the monarch’s reign.
My emotions were difficult to contain. A rush of adrenaline washed over me as I sat in awe of what had just unfolded. I felt truly blessed to have witnessed that moment with James, a powerful first in his young life, one I hope stays with him forever. As for me, I know without question it’s etched into my memory for good. To share such an experience, in that wild and sacred place, was something rare and unforgettable.
We descended from our stands and made our way toward the fallen monarch. With each step, my heart pounded louder, the weight of the moment pressing in. James moved with quiet reverence; his every motion steeped in respect for the bruin that had eluded us just the day before. Finally, he reached out and placed his hands on the bear, the ghost of the forest, now tangible and still. It was a moment of connection, of awe, and of gratitude for the wild and the memories it had gifted us. We sat alongside our fallen brother until the bush darkened around us, wrapped in silence and reflection. The distant sound of Scott’s boat slowly grew louder, gently pulling us from our respectful stillness and back into the rhythm of the living world. We loaded the boat with our gear and the bear, the weight of the moment still settling in as we made our way back to camp.
A congratulatory drink from the ice-chest and the cool night air gave us space to reflect on the evening’s success. We replayed the events again and again, talking Scott’s ear off as we crossed the dark waters of Horwood Lake, still riding the high of the hunt. Our thoughts drifted to Bill, hopeful that his evening had been just as eventful. The anticipation of shared triumph lingered, adding warmth to the chill in the air and excitement to the return to camp.
But as Scott tuned into the radio, the message from Ray came through, it wasn’t meant to be for Bill tonight. The bears had remained elusive, and his wait continued. Still, we knew the wilderness had its own rhythm, and patience was often rewarded. Tomorrow was another day, and his quest for an Ontario bear was far from over.
The Wednesday Fish Fry
After a breakfast fit for kings, we set out once again to fish for the morning. With the fish fry scheduled for that afternoon, we wanted to ensure we had enough to contribute to the gathering. We returned to a few productive spots on Horwood Lake that had already proven themselves, hopeful for another round of action. Just like before, the walleye and smallmouth bass were actively feeding, and boating a few came easy.
The fish fry is a cherished tradition at White Moose. With their many cabins hosting not only bear hunters but also families and groups of fishermen, it’s a weekly highlight that brings everyone together. Guests gathered around the fire, plates piled high with fresh-caught fish, golden french fries, and creamy coleslaw. Laughter echoed through the camp as stories from the week of close calls, big catches, and unforgettable moments were shared under the open sky. It was more than just a meal; it was a celebration of camaraderie, wilderness, and the memories forged in the heart of Northern Ontario.
The incredible meal nourished us with more than just fresh protein; it filled us with renewed hope that Bill might finally encounter his first bear in Ontario. In bear hunting, patience and perseverance often pave the way to something unforgettable, and we held onto that belief for him. It was bittersweet knowing that James and I wouldn’t be making the trek across the lake that afternoon, but our spirits were firmly with Bill as he set out. We turned our attention to the excellent fishing.
Bill’s Bear Hunt is Successful
Ray and Bill departed from the dock, the boat carving a path across the vast expanse of Horwood Lake. The quiet water seemed to echo the anticipation of the evening ahead. Somewhere out there, the forest waited and perhaps, so did Bill’s moment.
As Ray eased the boat up to the rugged shoreline, Bill stepped out into the now familiar surroundings his home for another evening in the wilds that Horwood Lake has to offer. The stand, the trail, the scent of the forest all had become part of his evening ritual. Ray quietly refreshed the bait and swapped out the memory card in the trail camera, then offered a thumbs up of encouragement before slipping away, leaving Bill alone with the stillness of the bush and the anticipation of what the evening might bring.
Like clockwork, Bill’s companion the ever-faithful rabbit arrived to feast on the freshly replenished bait, gorging himself on the high-protein nuts and grains scattered across the forest floor. The squirrels, too, were busy with their nightly ritual, darting in and out of the shadows as they transferred their winter rations to hidden caches deep within the now darkened forest. The scene was alive with quiet purpose, as Bill sat in stillness, waiting for the moment when something larger might step into view. One half hour before dark, a mature boar stepped into the picture, and gave Bill the shot he needed. His Tenpoint Flatline 460 snapped to life and dispatched the bear with a well-placed arrow, tipped with a SEVR Titanium 1.75 broadhead.
We had an amazing time on the beautiful Horwood Lake with White Moose Wilderness Outpost! A huge thank you to Scott and Ray for their professionalism, dedication, and genuine passion for ensuring their guests have a fantastic week of fishing and a great bear hunt. Their commitment to creating memorable experiences truly sets White Moose apart! We’ll carry these memories with us for a lifetime.
Read about our last Bear Hunt Sweepstakes winner.
For more information, visit these helpful websites:
Destination Ontario – www.destinationontario.com
Northeastern Ontario – www.northeasternontario.com
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