By Hans Schougaard
I think all of us hunters and nature lovers harbour a dream of experiencing the wild nature of different countries and maybe getting the chance to bag a special piece of game. Over the years I have had many unforgettable hunting experiences - bucks, deer and wild boar in Poland, chamois in the Alps and buffalo hunting in both South Africa and Zambezi. I even got my brown bear in Russia - before the world changed in 2022.
But one dream has remained: shooting a big, beautiful bull moose.
Since 2002, I have hunted moose in northern Sweden every year. In fact, I've managed to kill moose about every second year, including two 6-point bulls. But I have yet to see the big bull - and hope is still alive.
The meeting with Hunt and Hike
A good friend of mine, Jens Pedersen from Østjysk Våbenhandel, regularly invites me to events - and of course I attend faithfully. At the travel event in March 2023, my attention was caught by two red-haired, energetic women, Trine and Rikke, who represented the travel agency Hunt and Hike. They spoke passionately about their moose hunt in Canada - in the real, raw wilderness.
It didn't take me long to make up my mind: This was the chance to fulfil my dream.
The trip to Canada was so popular that I couldn't get a spot until September 2024, but that didn't matter - it gave me something to look forward to.
Thorough preparation and shared values
Despite Trine and Rikke's busy schedule, we quickly organised a meeting at my home. They went through the entire trip with me in detail - from visas and insurance to transport, accommodation and hunting methods. I was really impressed with their approach to nature and hunting.
It was clear that we shared the same values around game management, respect for nature and the use of the killed game. Nothing was wasted. It was just "my cup of tea".
I was so inspired that I invited them to speak at my hunters' council - and they did a fantastic job. With humour, passion and a twinkle in their eye, they shared their experiences and philosophy.
Journey to the wilderness
The flight to Prince George went well - I've never minded travelling far. After an overnight stay, I was picked up the next morning by Trine, who would also be my guide throughout the hunt.
The drive to base camp took 6-7 hours, but felt anything but long. Trine proved to be an excellent storyteller - not only about the upcoming hunt, but also with personal stories and observations that made the trip come alive.
After an hour's drive, we saw the last shop and the last house. From then on, the internet, civilisation and signals were over. Now it was just us - and nature.
The grandeur and silence of nature
We drove through areas where forest fires had left deep scars two years earlier. Kilometre after kilometre of charred trunks and burnt branches. It was harrowing - but also life-affirming to see how nature was already healing itself.
After the desolate, burnt landscape, green forests and mountains suddenly came into view. We passed rivers with strong currents and flat meadows with views so magnificent that I snapped over 50 pictures just from the car.
On that trip I really realised how much Trine and I had in common - our attitudes towards nature, hunting and life in general. A real familiarity quickly developed. It was like travelling with an old friend, even though we barely knew each other yet.
Basecamp and the rhythm of the hunt
At basecamp, I was accommodated with three Americans. We were seven hunters in total - the rest came from Canada and the US. My cabin mates were hunting in the mountains and left the very next day. The other three of us stayed in the basecamp area, alternating between cabins and tents in the wilderness.
The hunt was physically demanding. We got up at 4-4.30am, ate at 5am and packed equipment and lunch. Some days we travelled by boat on the river, other days we went stalking on foot or rode horses. Only at nightfall did we return - tired but full of impressions.
But the moose didn't show up. The weather was too mild - the rut hadn't started yet.
Trine's tireless efforts
Trine fought like crazy all week. She called, listened, scouted and tried new places. We travelled along the river and walked long stretches along the banks. We saw tracks - even fresh ones - and a few animals: a young moose, flocks of ducks, a leaping trout. But no bull.
Once we heard clear footsteps nearby and the tension rose. I was ready to go. But the animal never appeared. Trine reckoned it was probably a cow.
Another day we saw a bull in the distance with a cow and calf - but they disappeared before we could reach them. Despite diligent searching, we never found them again.
Trine's eagerness was inspiring. She really wanted to give me my dream experience - and she did, even though we never saw a big bull up close.
The last hope: the island
After 7-8 days of hunting with no luck, Trine and the outfitter decided that we should try something completely different. They thought the chances might be better on an island further out in the terrain. The problem was that fires had destroyed the trails and no one had been there since.
We had to cut a new passage ourselves and take the boat motor and chainsaw on foot through the burnt chaos. Trine carried most of it - motor, saw, food and rifle. I was deeply impressed.
After hours in the degraded forest, we realised that it was impossible to get there before dark. It was the first time we fell silent. Trine was disappointed - and I realised how much it meant to her that I would succeed.
Last light, last chance
On the last evening of the trip, we sailed out on the river again. And there - in the fading light - we saw a bull moose 2-300 metres ahead. I got ready.
But the bull was too small. It wasn't to be this time.
Trine was more upset than I was. You could see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice. But for me, it had been a journey I will never forget. The surroundings cannot be described in words, and Trine's personality and tireless work made it the hunting adventure of a lifetime.
A friend for life
Once again, it was made clear to me: Hunting is not just about the harvest. It's about the experience, about nature - and about the people you share it with.
My life hunt didn't pay off, but I made a friend for life.
One thing I do know: I will try again this year with Trine by my side.
