setting up trail cameras - The Bahamas - All
Animal crossroads. The place where all the trails intersect…
Look how lucky can be one well-installed camera trap f. Amazing video! I wonder if the person who installed it was just lucky or if he is an experienced hunter and ranger.
Animal trails are the clearest and most trampled near rivers, lakes and other watering places.
And the most unpleasant thing is that the further away they are from the watering hole, the more they diverge, branch out, and almost get lost in the thicket of the forest. They are difficult to track even for very experienced hunters. They become invisible to humans. Animals find their paths unmistakably thanks to their sense of smell, but humans have a bad sense of smell. So it turns out that the path found in a person's misunderstanding "suddenly suddenly ended."
Berries and mushrooms grow well along animal trails, because animals carry their seeds and spores on their paws, hooves and in their stomachs, and bears, for example, often make trails to berry fields or along berry fields, such as raspberries.
Finding such an animal crossroads is a special piece of luck. Let's see how this can be done.
How to understand that the trail is bestial
It winds and splits into smaller paths that converge and then diverge:
🐾 The certified trail is the most trampled at the watering hole. If the trail is decreasing, it means you are moving away from the watering place.
🐾 If the path runs through clay in places, then you can distinguish animal tracks. In general, sometimes animals go out on human trails, but usually their tracks just cross our roads.
🐾 Animals leave their excrement right on the trail along the way. People leave behind a variety of human garbage. Unfortunately, in this case, the garbage will definitely tell you that this is not an animal trail.
🐾 If branches converge low over the path and you have to bend down so that they don't slap your face, then the path clearly belongs to one of the quadrupeds – wolves, wild boars, bears.
🐾 If the path is clearly uncomfortable, it means an animal path. The human path does not make sharp illogical loops, there are no large branches lying on it. A person removes all this from the road and generally lays out a more or less clear, direct route. The animals do not remove the branches from their path, but simply step over them.
Separately about the bears
Along his trails, he breaks young trees and makes marks on large trees with his claws. These are deep, well-visible scratches. He also scratches his back against the trunks of large trees, leaving hairs on the bark.
But a bear, for example, can go out on a human trail to leave its marks and thereby show that it is not happy with the presence of a human.
Hunting Seasons in SASKATCHEWAN (Canada): Official Season Periods, Permits & Vital Game Laws
Saskatchewan is a premier destination for hunters, offering diverse game species and vast wilderness. Understanding the hunting seasons, regulations, and best periods for success is crucial for a legal and rewarding experience.
Understanding Hunting Seasons in Saskatchewan
Hunting seasons in Saskatchewan are set by the Ministry of Environment and vary by species, region, and method—archery, rifle, or muzzleloader. Key factors influencing season dates include wildlife population health, breeding cycles, and climate conditions. Harsher winters can sometimes shift opening or closing dates. The province is divided into Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), each with tailored rules to ensure sustainable hunting.
Regional differences are clear across the province. In northern Saskatchewan’s boreal forest zones, moose and bear seasons tend to be longer due to lower hunting pressure. Southern prairie regions have tighter controls on deer and waterfowl hunting because of higher hunter numbers and habitat limitations.
Compared to neighboring provinces like Alberta and Manitoba, Saskatchewan maintains similar moose and deer seasons but enforces stricter elk rules. Manitoba opens its waterfowl season earlier due to different migratory bird patterns.
Recent regulatory changes aim to improve sustainability. In 2020, black bear seasons were adjusted to reduce overharvesting in some areas. In 2022, the white-tailed deer rifle season was extended in select WMUs to match growing populations.
Key Seasons and Peak Activity in Saskatchewan
Big game hunting includes moose from September 1 to November 30 depending on zone, with archery starting early. White-tailed deer season runs from early September through December, varying between bow and rifle use. Black bears can be hunted during two main periods: spring (April 15 to June 15) and fall (August 15 to November 30).
For upland birds and waterfowl, ducks and geese have different season lengths based on location—northern zones open in September until mid-December, while southern zones extend into January. Pheasant and grouse hunting runs from mid-September to the end of December.
The best hunting periods align with animal behavior and seasonal shifts. Early morning and late evening offer peak activity for deer and waterfowl. Rut season, peaking in late October and November, is ideal for white-tailed deer. Spring, particularly May, is prime time for black bear baiting.
Saskatchewan hosts several popular hunting events. The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation Expo in March brings hunters together for expert seminars, gear demos, and workshops. The Duck & Goose Calling Championships in the fall celebrate prairie waterfowl traditions with competitive calling contests.
Restrictions and Protected Species in Saskatchewan
To protect wildlife, the province enforces strict restrictions. Species such as bison, whooping crane, swift fox, and burrowing owl are fully protected. Hunting is prohibited during critical fawning (May–June) and nesting periods. Full closures apply in ecological reserves and sensitive habitats.
Getting the Right Licenses and Permits in Saskatchewan
Obtaining a license involves several steps. Residents need a Wildlife Identification Number (WIN) plus the appropriate license. Non-residents must hire an outfitter or apply through a draw system. Big game licenses for moose, elk, and antlerless deer require lottery applications submitted by June, while over-the-counter licenses for bear, waterfowl, and upland birds are available online or at vendors. First-time hunters must complete mandatory education, including firearms and hunter safety courses.
Avoiding Fines and Hunting Responsibly
Violating laws carries serious consequences. Hunting out of season may result in fines up to $100,000 CAD and possible firearm confiscation. Killing protected species leads to criminal charges and lifetime bans. Exceeding bag limits incurs penalties from $500 to $2,000 per offense. Hunting without proper tags starts at a minimum fine of $1,000.
Tips for a Successful and Ethical Hunt in Saskatchewan
For a successful hunt, timing matters. Early September suits archery deer hunting before foliage thickens; mid-October offers peak waterfowl migration; late November is best for whitetail rutting. Choosing the right gear also plays a role—lightweight clothing and scent control suit early-season hunts, while insulated gear is essential later. Waterfowl hunters benefit from species-specific decoys and high-quality calls.
Tactical approaches should match terrain and target species. Topographical maps help identify natural funnels and transition zones. Setting up near agricultural fields increases chances of encountering deer in the evening. Scouting water sources during dry periods ensures consistent movement. Trail cameras provide insight into animal patterns before the season starts.
Top hunting zones include the northern boreal forests (WMUs 50 and 55) for moose, and the prairie pothole region around Quill Lakes and Last Mountain Lake for waterfowl. Local knowledge helps—consult resident outfitters, join pre-season scouting trips, and monitor provincial wildlife reports.
Saskatchewan offers some of Canada’s best hunting opportunities, but strict adherence to seasons and regulations is essential. Always check the annual Saskatchewan Hunting & Trapping Guide for updates before your trip.
