Information Package

Before your Sawtooth Outfitters Ltd. hunt, we will send you a complete package including:

Maps on our location
Information on the Kimberley area - this is a wonderful small town with world-class skiing and golf. Many guests stay an extra day or so to explore the area
License forms and a copy of the game regulations
Customs information - what you are allowed to take in and out of Canada
Firearms registration for entering Canada
Forms for indicating preferences for food, special dietary requirements, and any special requests

Please download and review the following pdfs:
Sawtooth Outfitters Ltd. Ltd. - Information Package
Firearms Declaration Form
Things to do near Sawtooth Outfitters Ltd.- Kimberley

What to bring on your hunt

Rifle or Bow
Day pack
Binoculars - 8-10 power, you will be spending a good deal of time glassing with your guide so high quality optics are a good investment
Rangefinder
Small flashlight and batteries
Sunglasses
Rain gear (very important) - as with binoculars, high quality rainwear is worth it - we suggest Gortex with a quiet finish - e.g., Cabela's MTO50.
(2) Hunting boots - stiff construction, waterproof - make sure to wear work them in before your trip
Personal Prescriptions-Insect repellant-Sunscreen-Towel
Camp shoes for after hours in cabins
Gloves-insulated and water proof- 2 pairs
Sleeping bag - lightweight down or synthetic warmth factor to 0 degrees
Daypack or fanny pack-we supply saddlebags
Camera & film
Clothing-Usually 2-3 pairs of pants, denim, wool or fleece is sufficient - should fit loosely for comfort on horseback. Thermal underwear, outer shirts, socks, underwear- 2-3 sets in case of getting wet.

Physical preparation

We are fortunate to have good hunting areas to accommodate a variety of physical capabilities of our guests. For example, some areas we can get quite close to on a 4X4 or ATV. Most of our hunting however, is done via horseback. We use the horses to get as close as possible to our hunting areas and then hike. This may mean walking for several miles while hunting. In some areas of our territory, it may mean a difficult climb up a mountain each day. Talk to your doctor, physical trainer or an athletic coach for help in making a specific plan to prepare yourself for your hunt. Most important, let us know if your or anyone in your party would like to take advantage of these hunting areas that are less strenuous to access.

Nevertheless, physical preparation will make your Sawtooth hunting trip more enjoyable for a number of reasons.

Physical fitness allows you walk better and farther. You'll be able to cover more of the hunting area with your guide and be able to access more remote sites
Physical fitness helps you avoid exhaustion and dangerous lapses of concentration. Being alert and focused helps you avoid accidents like falls, and helps you pay attention to your firearm safety and shooting skills.
Being fit, makes you a better shot, too - allowing you to be steady when you draw or sight in on your trophy.

We recommended that you try to include each of the three major components of exercise into your exercise routine: stretching, endurance and strengthening.

Stretching: Warm up and stretch before any activity. Stretches help warm the muscles by getting blood flowing to them before demanding heavier work from them. Some people also stretch after the activity to help relax the muscles. Some suggested stretches include: trunk twist, knee hugs, calf stretches, hamstring stretches, and quadricep stretches.
Endurance: Improve your endurance by regularly challenging your heart and lungs. This can be accomplished by briskly walking 15-30 minutes, 3 to 5 times each week. Jogging, swimming, or any other aerobic exercise choice will improve your physical fitness, but "walking in the woods" will be the best way to prepare you for "walking in the woods".
Strengthening: Muscle strengthening can help us to feel that any activity is easier. Whether using hand weights, barbells, or other weight training equipment, remember to start slowly and increase gradually. It is best to begin with low weights and high repetitions (i.e. 12, 15, or 20 repetitions). Select a few upper body (i.e. biceps, triceps, shoulders) and a few lower body (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves) exercises. Add a few abdominal exercises into your routine as well.

When you begin a pre-season exercise training program, you can expect some muscle soreness. That is natural. The hope is that you can prepare and show some improvement before your trip to Sawtooth Outfitters Ltd. and avoid unnecessary fatigue and potential injuries.

Source: Hunt Alaska - Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Well Aware newsletter, by Ann Mattson and Darla Baumgarten,

Articles on Getting Prepared
Robb, Bob "Get in Shape for the Season" Outdoor Life

LeMay Ivey, Eowyn, "A Fit Hunter is a Better Hunter", Frontiersman

Bow-hunting info.com