Don’s Gear:
- LaCrosse Alpha Pack Boots
- Medalist 3 in 1 jacket
- Medalist Anchorage bibs
- Medalist Base Layers
- Canon HiDef Camera
The whole crew, myself, Jason Say, Carl Say and our guide Ryley Hunter
Being from South Central Pennsylvania, Alberta Canada was a dream hunt not a reality. But, this past week it became a reality and one hunting memory that will be instilled in my memoirs for the rest of my life! I went on a hunting trip as a videographer with Jason and Carl Say. This trip was a father and son hunt with the intentions to capture Carl Say put the smack down on a monster Canadian whitetail while the camera was rolling. If you can recall when you were old enough to remember your first Christmas or the time you harvested your first buck times TEN wouldn’t compare to what was in store for the three Pennsylvania boys that had never hunted for trophy whitetail in Alberta Canada.
When arriving in Edmonton we were met by Dale McKinnon, Owner and Operator of Percival-McKinnon Trophy Outfitting. We had a short meet and greet and then an introduction to our personal guide, Ryley Hunter. With a name like that, how could we go wrong? We loaded up our truck and headed to the Lodge which was a 2 hour journey into the untamed wilderness. Where the wildlife have an undisturbed calming that allows the animals to have behavioral traits inductive to the wild animals they were created to be. With the hour glass ticking away with every minute being one closer to the end of our journey the anticipation mounted. One can relate to it as how we Pennsylvanians yearn for the opening day of hunting season as it was our first time hunting.
We arrive at the Lodge and are met by Dale McKinnon’s wife Deborah with a smile and a warm welcome. We were then shown to our room to unpack and dream about the next day’s hunt. One can’t say enough about the lodge itself and the hospitality shown to us. The lodge had pine inlaid walls, log support beams, log stair case, plush carpeted floors. It was a dim lit setting with a glowing fireplace in the center of a large diarama of mounts. All trophies taken by Dale McKinnon a wilderness icon. A dining eatery that you would expect from a most elaborate restaurant. The McKinnon’s are a very close family with every member playing a role in making sure that your stay and hunt is more than you could ever imagine.
Our cook and host, Deborah McKinnon - We were always greeted with a warm smile!
Some of the mounts included, European mounts, fox and coyote pelts, shed antlers, multiple trophy deer mounts with track lighting and a stone inlaid bar with log planks. The stone inlaid fireplace was always emitting an iridescent glow and casting warmth that one would feel from the McKinnon’s and your guide that made you feel right at home.
The next day the hunting began with and hour and a half drive to the “bush” consisting of matted pine, tall stands of popular and willow thickets surrounded by muskeg sleuths. Hunting was from a tripod stand suspending the hunter 15 feet in the air overlooking cut blocks, cut lines and power lines in hopes that one of the magnificent elusive creatures would appear.
Typical terrain
The next six days we would have sightings of bald eagles, mag pies, ravens, coyotes, moose and multiple whitetails. All accompanied by the vocalization of wolves and coyotes at different intervals of the day. The sun would rise and fall leaving a brilliant pinkish red glow amongst a vibrant blue back drop.
Typical blue and pink sunset
Moving Stands on the back of Quads
The hunt would consist of a quad ride sometimes up to 3 miles deep in the bush or as little as 1000 yards. It all depended on what the Guide encountered as they bounced their way in and out of cut blocks seeking sign and visual encounters to move the hunter for the best opportunity to fulfill their quest to harvest a big monster Alberta Whitetail. I developed a renowned respect for the term “Guide” this past week. Ryley woke up at 4:30 AM stayed out in the Bush all day seeking sign and sightings, placing stands only to return to the Lodge well after dark to partake in the meal and call it a day. Then start all over the next morning until his hunters are successful. The only thing expected of the hunter was to climb into the stand and pull the trigger on your firearm if you desire then descend out of the stand. Everything else was provided by the Guide and your Outfitter.
Our Guide was a 23 year old British Columbia man with an Elementary Education Degree. Ryley had an uncanny ability to adapt and overcome diversity assuring more time for the hunter to be on stand. I must say there was nothing “elementary” about Ryley. He has an unprecedented knowledge of the bush.
Our guide - Ryley Hunter
Even though we didn’t bring home a monster whitetail we were given multiple opportunities but unable to seal the deal. However, we were successful in capturing the whole experience on film. I had my camera rolling from the time of our departure until the time we returned home. I can honestly say it was the best hunting trip I was ever on. And I didn’t even pick up a firearm or harvest an animal! If you are looking for a hunt of a lifetime…contact Dale McKinnon! You can look him up at the eastern outdoors show in Harrisburg and book your dream hunt.
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