BE READY BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Hunting in Newfoundland is unlike anything you’ve experienced in the lower 48 or across mainland Canada. The terrain is remote, the weather is honest, and the rewards are the kind you don’t forget; a trophy bull moose, a massive black bear, a landlocked salmon on your line. At Middle Ridge Outfitters, we’ve been putting hunters into position since 1995, and we know that a prepared hunter is a successful hunter. Below is everything you need to know before you set foot on the island.
Getting to the lodge
Middle Ridge Lodge sits on the shores of Kepenkeck Lake in central Newfoundland, on the boundary of the Bay du Nord wilderness reserve. This isn’t a drive-in operation. The lodge is accessible by helicopter only during hunting season and that’s part of what makes it special.
Here’s how your trip begins:
- You’ll fly into St. John’s International Airport (YYT) on the Saturday before your hunt starts. We recommend booking a hotel close to the airport for that night; we can suggest options.
- On Sunday morning, a Middle Ridge representative will meet you and arrange transport to the heliport.
- From there, the helicopter takes you directly to the lodge. Settle in, meet your guide, and get ready.
Tip: Pack your essential items including medications, optics, licenses in your carry-on. Checked bag delays happen. Don’t let them affect your hunt.
Licensing and Legal Requirements
Newfoundland and Labrador requires non-resident hunters to hold a valid provincial hunting license and a species-specific big game license. These are included in your Middle Ridge hunt package and you don’t need to sort them out separately.
What you do need to arrange before you travel:
- Hunter education certification: You must provide proof of passing a hunter’s capability test, or proof of a previous big game license from your home jurisdiction.
- Non-resident firearm declaration: If you’re flying in with a firearm, Canadian law requires you to declare it at the point of entry. This is straightforward, but do it in advance. You can complete the form online through the RCMP.
- Ammunition: Bring what you need from home. Confirm with your airline on firearm and ammunition transport rules before you fly.
- Province of NL 2026-27 Hunting and Trapping Guide
Calibre recommendation: .270 or larger for moose. For bear, a flat-shooting rifle in the same range is ideal. Bow hunters are welcome. We accommodate both archery and rifle hunters across all species.
Questions about licensing? Call us before you book and we’ll walk you through it.
Newfoundland Weather
Newfoundland sits in the middle of the North Atlantic and the weather knows it. During fall hunting season (September–October), daytime highs can reach 20°C, but nights regularly drop below freezing. Rain is a near-certainty at some point during your stay. The wind has opinions.
The same weather that keeps the landscape wild and the animal populations healthy is what makes every successful hunt feel earned. Come prepared, and you’ll be comfortable regardless of conditions.
What to pack
clothing and layers
The key word is layers. You’ll be out before dawn and back after dark, moving between cold mornings on the water, warm midday ridge walks, and cool evenings at camp.
- Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom) – 2 sets minimum
- Mid-layer fleece or wool – this is your workhorse
- Waterproof outer shell – jacket and pants
- Warm wool or synthetic socks – bring more than you think you need
- Knee-high rubber hunting boots – essential for boggy terrain and lake access
- Camp shoes or sneakers for lodge time
- Warm hat and neck gaiter
- Waterproof gloves – at least one pair, ideally two
- Sunglasses
gear and equipment
- Rifle or bow in a soft case
- Ammunition or arrows – enough for the hunt plus spares
- Quality binoculars – 8×42 or 10×42 recommended
- Small daypack
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Insect repellent – blackflies are part of Newfoundland life
- Sunscreen
- Personal medications and a basic first aid kit
- Cash (CAD/USD) for gratuities
- Personal toiletries
What The Lodge Provides
All meals, accommodations, guiding, communication, and transportation to and from the lodge are included. You don’t need to bring sleeping bags, bedding, cooking equipment, or camp gear. Show up ready to hunt.
Physical Preparation
Moose and bear hunting in central Newfoundland is physically demanding. You’ll cover uneven terrain; rocky ridges, boggy barrens, dense alders, often in variable weather. Spike camp options take you even further into the backcountry.
You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but you’ll have a better hunt and a better time if you spend the months before your trip getting your legs under you.
Walk. Hike. Hit the stairs. Your guide works hard for you. The more you can move with them, the more ground you’ll cover and the more opportunities you’ll have.
Wounded Animal Policy
At Middle Ridge, our guides make every reasonable effort to locate any animal that is wounded and blood is drawn. In the event an animal cannot be located after a thorough search, the hunt for that species is considered complete for the trip. We take this responsibility seriously and so do our guides.
If you have questions before committing, give us a call at (709) 690-0937.