In the vast wilderness of Saskatchewan, hunting isn’t just a pastime – it’s a way of life, deeply rooted in tradition and passed down from generation to generation. As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves begin to change, families across the province eagerly anticipate the start of another hunting season. In this article, we’ll delve into the rich hunting heritage of Saskatchewan, celebrating the cultural significance of this time-honoured tradition and the bonds forged through the generations.
A Legacy of Trophy Hunting
For many Saskatchewan families, trophy hunting is more than just bagging a prized black bear or encountering a rare colour-phase variation—it’s about carrying on a legacy steeped in history and reverence for the land. From the Cypress Hills’ rolling hills to the northern wilderness’s rugged beauty, each hunt is a testament to the deep connection between hunters and their surroundings.
Passing Down the Tradition
At the heart of Saskatchewan’s hunting heritage lies the crucial tradition of passing down hunting skills from one generation to the next. For families who have lived off the land for centuries, hunting isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of survival, ingrained in their very being. Grandfathers teach their grandsons the art of tracking, mothers instill a respect for nature in their daughters, and siblings share the thrill of the hunt as they venture into the great outdoors together, ensuring the survival of our hunting heritage.
Personal Tales and Interviews
This tradition has been seen many times at Bear Country Outfitters. Often fathers will come with their young or grown children or grandchildren or a husband and wife together. On one occasion it was a grandfather, his two grown sons and 2 fourteen-year-old grandsons. Another time a gentleman shared the experience with his grandson, granddaughter and nephew (ages 19, 21 and 29), where none of the children had hunted bear before. He sat in the ground blind with his granddaughter for two evenings. The second evening the nephew shot a bear and so the next night he sat with her while the grandfather went to his own stand. That third night the two siblings each shot a bear. It was a family event when everyone joined in to track a bear. The grandfather waited until all the kids got a bear before he shot his own trophy that night, with his grandson sitting in the stand with him. We celebrated their trophies while they regaled us with stories of their own family and friends’ elk hunts back home in Colorado in a remote camp out in the mountains. This is where the grandchildren learned to skin animals and so they enjoyed helping to skin their own bears. They believe in not just hunting for trophies but also for the meat, as they do for their elk hunts and as they did with their bears.
And then there is the family of 5. Grandfather, grandmother, daughter, son-in-law and 3-year-old grandson. The grandmother didn’t hunt but took care of the young one. They went for short walks in the forest, tagged along when the bear had to be tracked and as a family the group also went fishing.
In this family owned and operated outfitter we are excited when family members come hunt as a group as it brings back poignant memories of hunting with our own sons since before, they could hunt on their own. Many years later these same boys are now our most experienced guides.
Embracing the Future
As we reflect on Saskatchewan’s hunting heritage, it’s clear that this tradition is far more than just a recreational activity—it’s a way of life that binds families together and fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world. As we look to the future, we must continue passing down these values to the next generation, ensuring that Saskatchewan’s hunting heritage remains alive and thriving for years.
Saskatchewan’s hunting heritage is a tapestry woven from the threads of tradition, family, and respect for the land. From the thrill of the chase to the quiet moments shared around the campfire, each hunt is a cherished memory passed down through the ages. So, let us celebrate the legacy of Saskatchewan’s hunters and continue to honour the traditions that have shaped our province for generations.
Contact us today to book your next family hunting adventure and keep the tradition alive across generations!