Dan Lecuyer Owner/Manager Professional Master Guide Wildlife Educator, Whitetail, Moose, Bear, Waterfowl     Dan grew up in the hunting lodge business. Assisting other veteran guides on their hunts at a young age, learning most of his skills through his father who started the lodge in the mid 40s. Dan's knowledge of BIG GAME Animals, Waterfowl and their habitat has produced a great many super hunts for his many clients. As well, Dan's abilities have helped train more than 35 professional working guides. Dan has done many seminars on big game hunting as well as water fowling and written articles as well. Dan oversees all aspects of his clients' hunts as well as being a working guide himself. At the lodge each evening to help answer any questions at days end, as well as insuring all goes smooth for both guest as well as staff.. Gordy Belvin Professional Master Guide White Tail, Moose, Bear, Waterfowl      Gordy came to us with a vast amount of hunting skills. Raised in northern Quebec he started out guiding for caribou, moose, bear and waterfowl. Then on to Anticost guiding for deer. He is one of the best in the business at calling in big bull moose as he has guided bow hunters for moose for years. Hunting and trapping most all his life, he brings us a tremendous amount of high quality skills which has helped in producing some giant bull moose, trophy bucks, pig black bears and fast action waterfowl shooting for his clients for over the last 20 years. His love for the bush and excellent scouting abilities have paid off handsomely for our guests. Lorne Jackson Master Guide Whitetail, Moose      Lorne has over 20 years big game guiding experience. He is known by many of his hunting buddies as 'Lucky', always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Lorne is an electrical engineer by trade. Taking time away from this to pursue something he loves to do each fall. With excellent big bush sense, hunting skills and a vast knowledge of Whitetails, Moose and their habitat. This has provided many trophies for the past clients.

Rich Organ Professional Guide Whitetail, Moose, Bear, Waterfowl     Rich's attitude and bush wise skills, have placed him highly respected by both his clients as well as his fellow professionals. With over 26 years experience on Moose, Waterfowl and 12 years experience guiding for Whitetail and Bear. An avid outdoors man, with a great knowledge for the bush and the animals. One of our top deer guides the past 3 years. Jerry Lecuyer Master Guide Whitetail, Moose     Dan's brother Jerry has over 27 years in deer and moose hunting. He grew up in the business and has had excellent success in his ability to call Big Moose. Taking time off each fall to guide in Big Bush as well as Farmland Whitetail hunts. During this coming moose and deer season, let Jerry help put you on your next trophy. Wayne Spingle Professional Master Guide Whitetail, Moose, Bear, Waterfowl      Wayne has over 15 years experience in Moose and waterfowl hunts. In addition to his 10 years Whitetail deer hunting, his specialty being Big Bush and Island Whitetails. His keen sense and knowledge of Big deer habitat combines with his location and tracking skills are second to non His guests continue to harvest trophy Whitetails, Moose, Bear and fast action Water fowling experiences Everett Jackson Master Guide Whitetail, Moose     'EV' has over 35 years experience in Big Bush hunting for Whitetails and Moose. Not many know it any better. Coming from a long line of hunters in a large family. is skills in locating, tracking are some of the best in the business. Ev is a master mechanic by trade. We are very fortunate to have his services during the fall hunting season.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS With ......... Dan “ Canada Dan “ Lecuyer

The following questions are those that have been most asked by hunters inquiring and coming on one of our world class hunts. They may help in answering several questions you your self may have. However, as we treat each hunt and each hunter as important as the last, we welcome any questions you may have in regards to our facilities, and our trophy hunt.


Q: Is your deer hunting any good and what kind of deer could I expect hunting with you?

A: Yes, our deer hunting is great! To understand just what makes it so good. Let me first tell you a little about our location and deer populations. We are locate 70 miles north of Minnesota ( U.S.A ) and only 60 miles east of the bordering Province of Manitoba. North Dakota is just to the south west approx. 70 miles. The province of Ontario { as of latest figures 2004 ) hosts the largest white tail deer population in all of Canada. However, those deer are split into basically 3 distinct groups. The lower south eastern area in the farmland country. The deer of Manitoulin island and our deer herd here in north western Ontario. Travel 70 miles north of our lodge....no deer! Travel 70 miles east of our lodge .... deer are thinner than blueberries in December. You would have to drive almost 16 hours east of our lodge to get back into white tail deer.
So, we are located in a very high density deer zone. However it’s not that easy a place to hunt as it is also the heaviest big bush country one will ever hunt in. The combination of the larger number of animals, combined with the tough access to the animals is what makes for our having a lot of super size, older deer.
Our average deer harvested, anywhere from low 140's ( B&C ) to mid 170's typical ( B&C ) and all the way up to 250's class non typical ( B&C ).
Over the last 6 seasons we have helped our hunters maintain above 70% actual harvest on animals in this size class.


Q: I have heard by some as well as reading. That the deer in your area are very large. Is this true and just how big are they?

A: Yes, the deer here are the heaviest bodied deer in all of north America. The reason for this is quite simple. We are located directly south of Hudson Bay. International Falls, Mn. ( called the ice box of the U.S. of A. ) is just to our south. The father south, east or the farther west you will go, the warmer it gets in the winters! You can see this by watching your weather map on TV. This is why our deer have heavy bodies, to with stand the cold and make it through the very tough winter. Average body weigh, field dressed, 250 lb’s however each year we see a few that scale over the 300lb mark! We weigh each deer!!

Q: you mean they are bigger than say Saskatchewan or Alberta deer?

A: Yes, they most definitely are ! Again, the weather to the west and east is much milder and the animals do not require the body mass as they do here. You can ask anyone who’s hunted them here, they’ll tell you..... their horses!

Q: how many hunters do you take in a year?

A: We try to watch this very close. Although we can accommodate a lot of hunters. We choose to not take more than 12 hunters on either of our deer hunts at one time. This gives our guests the very best service, excellent amount of hunting areas, little or no pressure, as well as fresh areas for each group. Also, we can easily service the hunters we have so that everyone has an equal shooting opportunity. Our hunts run from around the first part of Oct. to mid Nov. each year. Our Big Bush hunt being a fully guided 6 day hunt. Farmland a 7.5 day fully guided hunt.

Q: Why is there such a difference between the Big Bush Island hunt and the Farmland hunt?

A: With the Big Bush and Island hunt. We hunt on over 1 million acres of government ground, having no lease fees. Guide to hunter ratio on the Big Bush and Island hunt is 1 x 3. The farmland, is all private and we pay for exclusive hunting rights for our clients each year. The guide to hunter ratio on the Farmland hunt is 1 x 2.

Q: you spoke of accommodations and service. What exactly do you have and what do you provide in your deer hunting package?

A: That’s a terrific question as I've heard a number of horror stories over the years. You know the typical bad hunting story like............
” we had to stay in a trashy place and bunk with people we didn’t know, then drive somewhere else to eat, then wait for a guide to show up late, his equipment wasn’t working properly, we were grouped in with other hunters, guide didn’t seem to know much about nothing and didn’t seem to really care either, stands weren’t like they said, we sat over the same bait pile that 3 groups did before us not to mention, not enough fresh areas to hunt, all the extra charges and add-ons we received after we arrived !!!! “ There are plenty of horror stories just like these few mentioned.

So what sets us apart?
First, we are a 5 star fishing lodge during the summer season. So, our hunting clients may take advantage of super accommodations, your own cabin is provided with single beds, insulated, electric heat, 4 piece baths, room service. We own our own equipment all is either new or late model. Our guides are on our staff full time. Your meals are prepared in our own 2,000 square foot main lodge. Our package is truly all inclusive and any extras are clearly stated. We furnish cabin, meals, airport pickup and return, pro staff guides, transportation to and from hunting areas, all top quality stands, tracking, trophy care and caping and lots more. We are full time outfitters and we have a major investment here, maintaining high standards at all times.


Q: How long have you been a big game outfitter? Are you licensed? insured?

A: We are fully licensed outfitters and also carry insurance.
I've owned my business here, “ Lecuyer’s Lodge “ since 1984. However, I grew up in this business and started guiding with my dad and brothers at a very young age. Came up through the ranks as they say and have learned a lot. Still learn a little something new each time I go out!
Even more important though, is the fact that our families the original founders of our lodge. From the ground up. Wild game has always played a role in our life, either providing our food or allowing us to guide and accommodate big game hunters from around the world. There are probably less than a hand full, of the original owner operators still in this business. Most all the the old good ones have slowly died off. I personally believe no matter what type of hunt your on... experience of the outfitter can make all the difference for the client!

Q: Do you use baiting or dogs on your hunts?

A: NO, we absolutely do not! We pride ourselves with being one of Canada’s TOP FAIR CHASE outfitters for White Tail deer. In fact, if you notice most hunting mag’s that you read now days. You will find some article on fair chase hunts, walk and stalk, like they are something new... go figure. We ( my grand father, father, uncles, brothers and I ) have hunted pretty much the same way for over 70 years here now. It’s not new to us! Now they say, the fair chase hunt is becoming the hottest new hunt style going, go figure!

Q: What do you mean fair chase hunt? What exactly is your style of hunting?

A: Well to start with. We do not chase deer down with dogs nor do we use baiting. We start with good old hard work. Lots of walking through the bush, and even more walking, Some places we may hunt are very traditional, in that we can pretty much count from year to year a big hoss will move in. But for the most part we are constantly searching out places. Keeping eye open every day of the year. Our PRE SCOUTING IS 90% of our clients hunt! Then of course, there is the 10% luck factor, eh!
We hunt the mornings in stands. Then a little over 2 hour after light we like to move the hunters to some trail systems for a slow walk. Perhaps on the way to another stand, or just a walk though an area we have gone through ( everything is marked ) earlier and found a nice buck. Then evening we like the stands again.

Q: Hunting deer on foot? Do your hunters ever harvest any that way?

A: Most certainly they do. In fact approx. 40% of our deer are shot on foot! This is what people seem to think is some new style of hunting technique that’s come about. The newest craze so to speak. My guides and me kind of get a kick out of this, as we have hunted like this forever so we know it works! Just has to be done right, in the right locations.


Q: What kind of hassles is there in bring my gun into Canada? Are there any costs?

A: The Government of Canada has each non resident complete a form if you are going to be bring a weapon into Canada. The cost of this form is $50.00 CND funds ( approx. $30.00 U.S. ) You may bring several per hunter at no additional cost. It is really no big deal. The form requests your name, address, phone number, type of weapon you are bring into the country, action on weapon, barrel length, purpose of bring weapon in, dates you will be in the country, border crossing you will be entering Canada.

Q: How do I get this paper work? Where do I send it to?

A: We forward to each hunter a most complete hunters booking kit. This is filled with lots of information including; brief itinerary, suggested personal items to bring along, some laws and rules for entering Canada, updated gun laws, the exact forms required to fill out for bring your weapons into Canada, separate paper work with exact fax numbers to get pre approval for entering with your weapons. This is a very important thing ( pre approval form ) as it will save valuable time entering Canada. We happen to be located near on of very few border crossings in all of Canada that allow pre approval. This saves our hunting clients tons of valuable time, as average crossing time is only about 5 min. per hunter with pre approval!

Q: Speaking on the guns, what size caliber would you suggest to bring?

A: I recommend, the newer styled rifled shot gun with slug, 30-06, 270, 7mm, 300mag. These will insure a good knock down power which is important with larger bodied animals.

Q: Do you allow non hunters, say wives, girl friends etc. to come along? What would be the costs?

A: Yes, we have a very beautiful place here, clean cabins, beautiful main lodge and we welcome non hunters to join with you. There is a daily charge of $100.00 per non hunter per day plus tax. Also, there is a two person ( hunters ) minimum per hunting party. Anyone coming by themselves will be charged a two person rate. This is because we do not group hunters up, as well we are committing complete services individually to each group so our costs are much higher.

Q: When are we taken to our stands and when do we return to the lodge? Do we return to the
lodge for lunch? What are legal shooting times? Is there hunting allowed on Sudays?

A: Your guides will have you in your stands a good hour before legal shooting time. You are out in the field hunting the entire day, bring your lunch out with you. Then you’ll return back to the lodge well after dark as we hunt till 30 minutes after dark. Legal shooting time is half hour before sun rise, to half hour after sunset. We keep sun rise, sunset charts at the lodge. In Ontario you can hunt on Sundays.

Q: Is the guide with me the whole time and if not how will he be able to know where I am and how can I contact him when I down my buck?

A: Your guides leave out with you in the morning. They are with you and your group the entire day. Not right on top of you, but keeping within an ear shot of you and able to help out at a moments notice. At the lodges expense, we have purchased the very best in long distant radios which each hunter is outfitted with for your entire hunt. The guides have these radios as well, so you have the ability to be in constant contact with your guide at all times.

Q: When I'm lucky enough to harvest a trophy buck with you, say in my first few days hunting. What else would there be for me to do to fill in my weeks stay?

A: You will have several choices! We can provide at no charge to you, a 16' lund boat with new 25hp merc motor, including gas for you to enjoy some fantastic fishing with. We have super fall walleye, bass, pike, muskie and crappie fishing here. Also, you may decide to go ruffled grouse hunting as we have a lot here with plenty of trails to walk. The only addition cost would be your licenses, approx. $22.00 for fishing and $58.00 for grouse ( U.S. )

Q: What happens after I shoot my trophy buck. To the head and rack? To the meat?

A: We will help field dress the animal, help get your trophy back to camp and hung up. We also take trophy care doing all the capping and removing the antlers for you. We can even send your trophy off to one of 2 of the best taxidermist at no additional cost to you. They will then contact you directly and you will pay them for the taxidermy work. You can have us de-bone the animal for you if you wish to take the meat back home. Cost for our de-boning is $55.00 ( U.S.) Per deer. Or, we can provide the wrapping paper for you at no charge and you can chose to do the cutting yourself. If you are not wanting any of the meat. We will gladly find someone who will appreciate the meat (at no cost to you) and we guarantee, nothing will be wasted.

Q: Do you have Timber wolves there and can I harvest one? If so, what additional costs are there?

A: Yes, because of our high density of deer we have a rather large number of Timber wolves. Each hunter may harvest a Timber wolf at no additional cost!

Q: Ok, so you have a good deer hunting package, but what are the extra costs , add on's, hidden costs and are there any trophy fees?

A: The only additional costs to our hunting package is as stated, licenses (deer approx. $130.00 ),
Tax 11.5%, Gratuities, fees for bring fire arms into Canada ( approx. $35.00 U.S. ) export permit for taking trophy deer out of province ( approx. $25.00 U.S. ) butchering of meat and taxidermy, transportation to our lodge ( free airport pickup return from International Falls MN. ) There are absolutely no hidden costs, or add on's as well we have no extra charges for trophy fees.

Q: Do you have references available and are some from hunter who did not actually make a kill?

A: Yes, I think it very important that anyone who is planning a big game hunt to indeed ask for references. Not only on names of hunters that harvested a deer because the hunter who bags a big buck is going to say great things anyway. More importantly I think you should ask for ames of guests who have hunted who did not harvest a buck. These people will help to confirm the quality of the outfitters place, equipment, meals, guides, whether the outfitter new his stuff and worked hard. Also, was everything as the outfitter said it would be when they hunted with him. Nothing is a guarantee,.... however good hunts don’t happen by chance!

   These few questions are only a few of some that our hunters ask. Check with us from time to time for updates to these questions and additions. Feel free to ask us any questions you have. With our experience we cater to both the ardent seasoned hunter, the part timer and the novice alike. Large groups, corporate groups, family hunts everyone is treated with the same positive attitude and old fashioned hard work that make for a top quality hunting experience here at Lecuyer’s. I hope to personally, speak with anyone taking their time, reading through these Q & A  helping answer any other personal questions they may have. Ultimately, helping them realize their very own Canadian trophy whitetail! Feel free to call me personally 1-800-201-2100

Respectfully; Dan Lecuyer

SOMETHING TO REMEMBER ........
.....You can expect to pay a fair dollar,
for nice clean grain ...
Or, .. you can buy grain that's already
been used .... for a cheaper price !!

Home | Island & Bush Hunt | Farmland Hunt | Photo Gallery | Accommodations
Location | Guides | Rates | Booking | Combo Hunts | Contact | Links