Unfortunately, this was the first winter in 11 years we weren't able to go back to the Midwest for Christmas. That was hard, but we were hopeful to be able to go back for Spring Break instead. This meant we would be back for spoonbill season for the first time in several years!
Fortunately, this gave us the time and opportunity to take the kids on a winter caribou hunt. We were grateful for our cabover camper, snowmachine, and fishing hut to keep us comfortable in the cold temperatures. This also supported our success in both hunting and fishing on this trip to Lake Louise.
"Let's gooooooooooo!" Kiddos are ready to check out the lake!
First we drilled some holes and set up our fishing spot for the trip.
Next we went for a ride to try and find the herd of caribou on the lake. We were given intel from other hunters and social media posts about which coves they had been hanging out in. We found lots of signs; tracks, poop, beddings galore! We were getting towards the end of daylight hours and making our last check before heading back to the camper for the night when I spotted a couple walking through the spruce trees. We had just enough time set up and shoot IF one made for a good shot SOON before dark. Typical of caribou, the rest of the herd didn't go far and presented a shot on a second caribou after Adam took the first. **We had a proxy tag for our neigbhors, which means we were able to harvest one for them too!**
Not very smart, came right out in the open and turned broadside
After two caribou down with two shots, we went to check them out and get to work on gutting. Silly caribou made a circle and came completely out into the open. Good thing for them, we were out of tags.
This was the first time they've seen the process of hunting a large animal from start to finish.
The hunter and his helpers!
This kind of shows how big the lake is, from one view. Ash and Jos were checking tip-ups for fish.
Tundra was supervising Ashton as he cleared the ice from the hole.
These large shard of ice were seen in groups in a couple areas of the lake. Shifting ice make for some gnarly surprises for a snowmachiner if they aren't being observant.
It's hard to tell, but this is a group or "field" of shards sticking up out of the snow. It was pretty, but I was glad we saw them before riding through them.
A small group of caribou in the distance. This was taken from our ice hut! We could've hunted and fished from one spot! Ha!
A small island on the lake had a nice mound for sledding down.
Our favorite, moose or caribou sausage warmed on the buddy heater. The flavor is one-of-a-kind!
Also our favorite, pulling massive burbot outta the ice hole! Mama was back on the board with big fish! This would be part of our springtime culdesac fish fry. yum yum
Breathtaking views, always, in this place we call home.
Naptime on the snowmachine! We both had a sleeping child on our lap. Good thing daddy bought us a second machine for next season, the family barely fit. Plus, Tundra was bummed he couldn't ride.
Between fishing and hunting, I made time for a quick ski on the lake with Josie (the napping princess in her chariot) and Tundra. Saw some moose tracks but didn't run into any more caribou.
Success! Big smiles for leaving Lake Louise with our limits of caribou and burbot (5).
This was an incredible trip and I hope we get the opportunity to do it again. We will definitely be back to the lake for ice fishing. Hopefully the caribou will decide to hang out at the lake late into the season again.
Big thanks to Adam/daddy for doing his research and getting us all geared up for this amazing adventure. Lots of memories and meat in our bellies from this trip.
