SPRING BEAR AND WATERFOWL IN SASKATCHEWAN
One of the advantages of doing a podcast is the interesting and passionate people you get to talk to. When one of our regular writers was unable to supply a story on spring snow geese and bear, I decided to see if I could find someone else that might be interested giving it a shot so to speak.
A couple of phone calls later I was talking to Jordan Rowswell. Turns out that he and his family have almost 30 years in the outdoor industry guiding for both big game and waterfowl. Jordan and Kendra Rowswell took over the family waterfowl operation in 2019. Jordan’s passion for hunting was passed on from his father who owns and operates Wheeler River Lodge. Together the Rowswell family has hosted hunters for over almost 30 years to their hunting and fishing operations.
12 Gauge Outfitting (formerly Big Sky Outfitting) is based at the family farm near Cut Knife, Saskatchewan– which just happens to be located on a major flyway. It’s also situated just below Meadow Lake Provincial Park. This is means as the birds fly south it’s one of the first stops in their long journey. Jordan says most will stay until the water freezes and they must move on.
When I asked him if he guides for spring snow geese, he just laughed. For those waterfowl hunters who are reading this story you know why. Snow geese are some of the most unpredictable and hardest to hunt birds on the planet.
Jordan does offer the hunt, but he does not book anything in advance of two weeks. He says depending on the spring there could be a huge difference in timing as to when the birds arrive. His clients must be flexible and come on short notice.
This was the case two years ago when he donated a spring hunt to the Conservation Officers Association as a fundraiser. The person that bought the trip was a Conservation Officer in Saskatchewan, so Jordan was able to communicate with him on the timing. As it turned out they had a fabulous hunt and all went home happy. One of the bonus’s said Jordan was the fact that they got to share stories and issues that both outfitters and officers were facing in the province.
Jordan is also the President of the Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters. Manitoba and Alberta have made legislation changes to limit the number of non resident hunters on the landscape while Saskatchewan just announced that they were as well. They are now limiting non resident waterfowl hunting to two five day licenses in the fall and one five day license in the spring. Jordan says this is designed to stop the illegal outfitting.
Jordan says he grew up hunting and fishing and he wants his two children to have the same experience. Right now, with all the non resident waterfowl hunting pressure it is hard for residents to get an opportunity to a quality hunt.
Jordan also offers spring bear hunts and you can find his website at www.12gaugeoutfitting.com.
If you are looking for a fly in experience his dad and mom still have a lodge north of La Ronge. Wheeler River Lodge offers incredible fishing as well as hunting for black bear and moose. His parents, Kevin and Cheryl are very proud of their beautiful camp on the Wheeler River. This total wilderness experience offers the finest opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle. All the Rowswell families invites you to an incredible Saskatchewan hunting experience you will never forget!
