Let me introduce you to Itcha Mountain Outfitters!

Kirstie Pike
CEO, Prois Hunting Apparel

I am constantly on the watch for gear and services that are considered female-friendly.  When recently asked what, exactly, makes something “female-friendly” I had to laugh at myself. Well, the explanation isn’t as simple as it would seem. I believe the term “female-friendly” may conjure up all sorts of images like 10,000-thread- count Egyptian cotton sheets, or Cristal Champagne. Nope. It’s neither of those. When one ratchets down what exactly makes a female-friendly outfitter, it comes down to three simple things:  comfort, safety and experienced guides. That’s it. No fluff, no puff.

I recently had the great experience of hunting black bears with Itcha Mountain Outfitters in the remote reaches of British Columbia with fellow pro-staffer Linda Powell.  As soon as we hit camp, I was certain this operation would meet my female-friendly expectations.

Itcha Mountain Outfitters, owned and operated by Stuart and Sabrina Fraser, is located in a remote part of British Columbia, 100 miles west of Quesnel. The Itcha Mountains rise up from the interior plateau. Throughout this vast alpine area roam huge Canadian moose, trophy-class mountain caribou, mule deer, grizzly bears, lynxes, wolves and British Columbia’s largest black bears. Rainbow trout abound in many lakes and streams, and nearby is the Blackwater River, one of the world’s top trout streams, offering excellent fly fishing.

The camp offered comfortable quarters, yet still retained the feel of “camp.” OK, I have to say it: The availability of a shower is a huge plus for me . . . and those around me. The cook cabin offered a warm and comfortable place for everyone in camp to come together. There was never a shortage of fresh coffee (and anyone who knows me can attest that this is a priority!) and homemade food. I am impressed with how the Frasers can create an atmosphere that feels both rugged and comfortable. The camp stretches past the cook cabin to a pristine lake bordered by cabins. The scene is beautiful.

Safety first.  We have heard this since kindergarten.  I heartily applaud all outfitters who take the time to discuss gun safety prior to any shooting.  On day one, we sighted in our rifles, had gun safety discussions and talked about our hunting strategies for the upcoming days. I felt immediately comfortable in the situation.

I believe, as any female hunter who travels alone without a husband or male companion can attest, that jumping into an unknown and extremely remote region with total strangers for several days just goes against the grain of all we are taught. For most women, it is hard not to play scenes from the horror movie Wrong Turn through your head as you are driving deep into the BC bush into the hands of people you have yet to meet in person.  (I am happy to announce that neither Linda nor I found ourselves chopped up into tiny bits by chainsaw-wielding crazies.)  The Frasers understand this concept and go to great lengths to explain all necessary details, encourage questions and test the comfort levels of the clientele. They helped me feel at ease, which I believe is the greatest compliment one can give to an outfit that caters to women.

Hunting bears is what we came for, and the Frasers definitely deliver the goods. Stuart and Sabrina alternated as our guides. I was amazed at the depth of their knowledge of the area. Their understanding of the geography, wildlife, game animals’ habits and hunting techniques made the hunt interesting and exciting. There was no shortage of bears, and the Frasers knew where to find them. We spotted 64 bears in the five days we spent in the field . . . yes, we actually counted! I had not yet had the experience of hunting with a female guide, and I was thrilled to hunt with Sabrina. I have to admit, there was more than once that Linda, Sabrina and I cackled like hens . . . and it was typically at Tom Opre’s  (Tahoe Films) expense. That said, Linda and I were both able to take great BC black bears.  Oh . . . and the stories we can’t tell.

I highly recommend that any woman hunter consider Itcha Mountain Outfitters for her British Columbia expeditions. Ample game, great guides and comfortable quarters make it perfect choice for women who want the remote experience. Do me a favor: log onto the Itcha Mountain Outfitters website and see all this outfit has to offer. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call the Frasers, as they are more than happy to help with anything you need to know.

Kirstie

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