Thunderbay deer hunting any good?

Hey Everyone,

So this year we didn't draw a moose tag.. go figure with that changes. :silly: First time I believe since '91 for our group, anyways I have the opportunity to join a friend for a white-tail hunt in October in Thunder Bay.

I've been trying to find out how good the hunt is there for deer and if its worth the 21 hour trip (if the borders are still closed) to make for a deer. We lost our farm here (Sold) so I'm stuck for deer hunting, but figured I'd go up and try. But if there's anyone with experience let me know, its private land approx. 400 acres just North west of the city.

TIA

My buddy convinced me to hunt whitetail with him in Dryden this year. He's been there in the past as well as Nestor Falls and has caught some big bucks. I'm sure Thunder Bay is no different plus you'll have access to some private land. Google Northwest Ontario whitetail if you need some convincing.

I haven't been to hunt over there, BUT I have been there to go camping. When we were at the camp site I seen countless deer running through people's camp sites at night to deer strolling around the front desk in broad daylight. If I could go up there to hunt I would in a heartbeat. Its beautiful up there as well. Good luck happy hunting :)

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Wolves and harsh winters have taken their toll on the deer around Thunder Bay as there aren’t as many as 8-10 years ago. Still though, there are quite a few deer to be found, especially within the city limits where it’s legal to archery hunt. There are deer outside the city as well, particularly in/around the surrounding farmland. I used to see deer every time driving into Thunder Bay along the Trans Canada, but it’s hit or miss now.

There are deer around the farms in the Pearl area around Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. As Bowjob said, there are quite a few deer in the park especially in the campground- it’s a scene from Disney!

I wouldn’t say that there is great hunting in/around Thunder Bay as the deer population isn’t evenly distributed. But there are local pockets of pretty good numbers of deer which can provide you with some fun. Be aware that there is lots of private property, meaning that you can’t wander around and hunt where you want. Some places don’t allow gun hunting too.

Like anywhere else, your experience will depend on what you're accustomed to seeing elsewhere, what you expect to see here, where you actually end up hunting, what you actually see, and what you eventually tag.

Thanks for the info guys! I’m def making the trip, it’s private land surrounded by crown too. So I don’t think I’ll run into anyone else other than the owner. It’s a shot in the dark, but it will beat staying in southern Ontario for a few weeks.

If I get lucky I’ll let y’all know. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by WranglerWild17

Thanks for the info guys! I’m def making the trip, it’s private land surrounded by crown too. So I don’t think I’ll run into anyone else other than the owner. It’s a shot in the dark, but it will beat staying in southern Ontario for a few weeks.

If I get lucky I’ll let y’all know. Thanks.

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Good choice and have fun. Enjoy the journey.

It's worth it just to see that part of the province!
I've seen lots of deer around (and in) Thunder Bay. I'd be happy to hunt that area.

As Kilo said, it's a beautiful place to simply "take in" the city itself is polluted with deer and the bucks tend to get quite hefty.



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Pack that grouse gun!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WranglerWild17

Hey Everyone,

So this year we didn't draw a moose tag.. go figure with that changes. :silly: First time I believe since '91 for our group, anyways I have the opportunity to join a friend for a white-tail hunt in October in Thunder Bay.

I've been trying to find out how good the hunt is there for deer and if its worth the 21 hour trip (if the borders are still closed) to make for a deer. We lost our farm here (Sold) so I'm stuck for deer hunting, but figured I'd go up and try. But if there's anyone with experience let me know, its private land approx. 400 acres just North west of the city.

TIA

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Def. will be brining the CZ grouse stunner - we go up to 21A every year, always do our damage with the grouse. Fingers crossed it works out this year for the deer!

I'll post pics if something goes down.

Good luck and enjoy your trip

Well idk where to even begin. We hunted approx 350 acres of private land just north of TBAY (25 minutes). We covered a lot of ground … had 4 setups already set with cameras. In a 10 day stretch no ONE animal seen.

We shot some grouse which I took one @ 65 yards to the head (record for me).

As for deer … zero deer. The neighbouring properties were farm land. So after a few days not seeing any sign, we sat on the fields in the evening to see if anything came out. None.

Also we got in Thursday and it rained non stop, had two tornado warnings. I couldn’t believe the weather, it was absolutely the worst I’ve experienced hunting.

I have now booked the two weeks off for rifle in November. Not sure where I’ll go, I’ll have to look at the crown land map. Thinking Bruce Mines area,.. I’ve been home for 2 days surrounded by farms and still haven’t seen a Damn deer lol

That really sucks. Hope your luck turns around for the rifle opener.

That’s too bad. Good luck in November.