The Rut Is On

Nature As It Is
End of August to Mid-October

This package centers around the natural urge of our Saskatchewan ungulates to propagate their species. It is a time when the big bulls "throw a bit of caution to the wind". There is a nip in the air and the smells are pungent: your legs automatically set in motion to explore the wilderness!

With our lodge in the midst of the activity this package is physically possible for most people. For those who want to get deeper into the boreal forest an overnight camp-out is in order. The reverberation of the elk's whistle and the thick grunt of the bull moose will get your blood going.

We strive to bring you in close to the rut activity, however we try to do this with the least interaction with the animals. We do not want to interrupt their breeding activity and over-stress the animals.

This particular package is the host's favourite and you will have to excuse his excitement--it is uncontainable.

Generally, the package operates as follows:

DAY 1

Arrival at Sawyer Lake Adventures by noon in time for a hardy lunch. After lunch your guide will give some background information on moose and elk behavior generally and in particularly during the rut. The guests are also presented with possibilities for the week ahead.

A walk around camp before supper is encouraged to loosen those auto-weary muscles. A traditional home-made meal is enjoyed by all. The evening winds down soon after so we can get an early start in the morning.

DAYS 2 - 6

Early mornings are the most important part of this package. The animals have been active all night and into the early part of the morning, and we will want to be there.

Often we grab a quick snack in the morning and are off before sunrise. This is the most wonderful time of day. Even though it is hard to get up some mornings, no-one ever regrets it later. We often come back for breakfast and then catch up on some sleep.

Before lunch a decision is usually made whether the guest wants to camp overnight in the boreal forest. We have two outcamps or if the weather is good the tent works great.

Through the rest of the week we continue to monitor the movement of the large ungulates to try and best understand what our own strategy should be.

Although the main focus of this package revolves around the rut activity of the moose and elk, many other animals, birds and plants are observed in our travels. There is a lot of action in the forest at this time of year. Most of the animals and birds are preparing for winter so are feeding feverishly. It is also interesting to see the change in the plants as they prepare in their own way for the change in season.

This package brings your senses alive to a level you may not have realized is possible! Don't miss this one--it is a dandy!