Steven Carpenter: Alberta Moose, Elk, Black Bear Combo Hunt Report

TRIP TAKEN: 8-Day Alberta Moose, Elk, Black Bear Combo Hunt
CONSULTANT: Kyle Hanson, Outdoors International

September 29, 2025

This hunt was outstanding from start to finish. The accommodations were very comfortable. Nice lodge. Comfortable beds. Gwen is an amazing cook. The food was outstanding. They let me use one of their custom Tikka 280 AI rifles topped with a Zeiss V4. It was sweet.

My hunt was an 8 day moose/elk combo. Mornings were for moose calling. I hit the rut just right. Bulls were responding to calls. On day 2, Justin called in a huge bull moose. Unfortunately we couldn’t get a clean shot before he sensed something wasn’t right and left the scene. That was one of the most intense hunting experiences I’ve ever witnessed. On day 3, my guide called in a nice bull moose that I was successful in taking at 30 yards. I couldn’t have been happier.

Evening hunts were stand hunts over canola fields. A legal bull elk was my primary interest but I also had a bear tag. I saw cow elk almost every day along with the occasional black bear. On day 4, I connected on a great massive bodied old 5×5 bull at 300 yards. This was a great trophy. Elk hunting in this area is tough, because they’re are very wary and only come out of the timber just before dark.

For the rest of the hunt, we looked for a black bear. Having connected on my two primary targets and knowing I had a truckload of great protein, I wasn’t overly motivated to shoot a bear. I saw 7 black bears but didn’t take one. This is a great hunt. The outfitter and guides are great to hunt with, work hard and have fun. They are totally invested in the hunt and get just as excited as you will. They know how to be successful and will put you on a solid bull. They take care of everything from the license and tags all the way through processing the animal. All you have to do is show up with a good attitude and be ready to work as hard as they will. I’m already booking this hunt again.

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Thank you Outdoors International!

It was an amazing steelhead fishing trip! I brought my dad along with me and we slayed the fish. If you guys aren't applying for the OI Draws, you should. They're legit!

Tyler Kirk / OI Draw Winner

I couldn't believe we won!

We won this fully guided, all-inclusive New Zealand red stag hunt in the OI Draw! I highly recommend this hunt, and Outdoors International—fantastic company, amazing meals, and hunts that are second to none.

Brandon Ball / OI Draw Winner

I'm so grateful for the opportunity!

Thank you to Outdoors International, all the PH's and their awesome staff. I made some new friends and will be back to Africa again 100%.

Brye Mangum / OI Draw Winner

My most memorable and rewarding experience.

This was my first guided hunt, and the outfitter was amazing. He was able to keep me motivated and encouraged to hold out for true trophies. I would rate him on an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10! I never thought Africa would be a reality for me. Thank you Outdoors International.

Dason Lasater / OI Draw Winner

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