There's a reason Manitoba is legendary among moose hunters. The province produces some of the largest moose in North America, and the combination of vast wilderness, limited hunting pressure, and peak-rut timing makes a guided Manitoba moose hunt one of the most sought-after experiences in big game hunting.
At Dogskin Lake Lodge, we're the only outfitter with non-resident moose tags in Atikaki Provincial Park — nearly one million acres of protected boreal wilderness with no road access. Here's what the hunt looks like and what you need to know.
The Experience: Calling In a Bull
This isn't spot-and-stalk hunting from a truck. Moose hunting at Dogskin is all about calling. Your guide — with 40-plus years of experience hunting this specific area — will use calls to attract bulls from up to a mile away during peak rut.
Talk to anyone who's done it, and they'll tell you there's nothing quite like it. You hear the cracking of trees first. Then the raking of brush. Then the foliage being pushed aside as a bull makes his way toward your position. It's an experience that's almost impossible to describe until you've been in the middle of it.
Every hunter gets one dedicated guide — that's a 1:1 ratio, which is uncommon at this level of hunting. Your guide knows this land intimately and will work with you every day to put you in the best position for success.
The Territory: GHA 26 and Atikaki Provincial Park
Dogskin Lake Lodge sits deep within Game Hunting Area 26, inside Atikaki Provincial Park. This is serious wilderness — no roads in or out, access by floatplane only. The park spans roughly one million acres of untouched boreal forest, and the lodge has access to approximately 60,000 acres of exclusive Crown Land for hunting.
The combination of protected wilderness, low hunting pressure, and abundant habitat makes GHA 26 one of the top moose hunting areas in Manitoba. The isolation is a major part of what makes this hunt special — you're in country that most people will never set foot in.
Only 6 Non-Resident Tags Per Year
Manitoba allocates a very limited number of non-resident moose tags, and Dogskin Lake Lodge receives just 6 per year for GHA 26. That's it. This isn't a hunt you can book on a whim — it requires planning well in advance.
As of right now, our moose hunts are sold out through 2028. If you're interested, we encourage you to get on the waitlist as soon as possible. Cancellations do happen, and hunters on the waitlist get first priority. Contact us to get your name on the list.
Season Timing
The moose hunt begins on the third Monday in September each year, which lines up with peak rut. This timing is deliberate — bulls are most active and most responsive to calling during the rut, which makes for the most productive and exciting hunting.
The hunt runs for 7 days. September in northern Manitoba is beautiful — the fall colors are starting, the bugs are minimal, and the cool mornings create perfect conditions for hunting.
What's Included
The moose hunt at Dogskin is a comprehensive, all-inclusive package:
- Round-trip floatplane transportation from Lac du Bonnet
- Bull moose tag and allocation fees
- Fishing license included (some of the best fall pike fishing happens during moose week)
- One professional guide per hunter (1:1 ratio)
- Private cabin with bathroom at the main lodge
- Chef-prepared meals and daily shore lunch
- Basic animal processing
- Optional wolf hunting included
The Lodge Experience During the Hunt
One thing that sets Dogskin apart from many guided moose hunts is that you're not roughing it in a wall tent. You're staying at a full-service lodge with private cabins, hot showers, and chef-prepared meals waiting for you every evening. After a long day in the bush, you come back to walleye chowder, fresh bread, and homemade pie — it's a level of comfort that's rare in a remote hunting camp.
On days when you're not actively hunting, or during downtime, the fishing is exceptional. September is prime time for trophy northern pike, and walleye fishing stays strong through the fall. Many of our moose hunters consider the fishing a major bonus of the trip.
What to Bring
Your guide and the lodge handle most logistics, but hunters should plan to bring:
- Your firearm or bow and ammunition
- Warm, quiet hunting clothing in layers (mornings are cold in September)
- Waterproof boots suitable for walking in the bush
- Binoculars
- Rain gear
- A valid passport for entering Canada
- Personal items and medications
The lodge provides all the rest — transportation, lodging, meals, guides, and the tag itself.
Getting Your Moose Home
Basic animal processing is included with the hunt. The lodge will help coordinate getting your moose out of the bush and prepared for transport. Many hunters work with a local butcher or processor on the Manitoba side before crossing the border. We can walk you through the customs and border-crossing details when you book.
Resident Moose Hunting
Manitoba residents can apply for moose tags in Game Hunting Area 26 through the provincial draw system. We offer resident hunting packages with the same lodge accommodations and experienced guides. Contact us for details on resident packages, tag application assistance, and available dates.
Get on the List
With only 6 tags per year and hunts sold out years in advance, the best time to get on our waitlist is now. Whether you're a seasoned moose hunter or planning your first bull hunt, we'd love to talk with you about the experience.
Give us a call at 715-955-4110 or visit our contact page to get started.