Your outfitter of choice will play a major role in how your moose hunt unfolds. It affects where you’ll be hunting, how you’ll get there, how well-prepared you are, and how much time you can spend focusing on the hunt instead of worrying about logistics. In a place as remote as Northwestern Ontario, these are the details that matter.
With so many outfitters out there—offering everything from drive-in cabins to remote fly-in access—Mattice Lake Outfitters wants to take the time to help you sort through your options and find the right fit for the kind of hunt you want to have.
Why the Right Outfitter Matters
When you book a moose hunt in Ontario, you’re not just paying for a cabin or a ride. You’re investing in access to productive territory, the chance to legally hunt moose as a non-resident, and the support that makes the trip possible. A good outfitter doesn’t just drop you off and disappear—they help you understand the area, prepare your gear, and make the most of the time you have in the field.
When you fly into a remote lake, your outfitter is also your pilot. That means their aircraft, experience, and reliability directly impact your safety and your schedule. When you’re miles from the nearest road, you want someone who knows the terrain has been running trips like yours for years.
What to Look for in an Outfitter
The first thing you should look for is experience. An outfitter who’s been operating for decades likely has more than just knowledge. They have a proven system in place for getting hunters in and out safely and efficiently. They’ll also have established access to quality hunting areas, often with exclusive use rights or permits that reduce competition.
Ask how many moose tags they’re allocated each year and how they assign them to clients. Some outfitters spread tags thin, while others focus on smaller groups to give each hunter a better shot. If they’ve got a track record of satisfied hunters and repeat guests, that’s usually a good sign.
Meanwhile, you should take a close look at the camps or cabins they offer. Are they fly-in or road accessible? Do they provide the level of comfort you want? Make sure you’re clear on what’s provided and what you’ll need to bring yourself.
Communication matters as much as anything. A reliable outfitter should be responsive, organized, and able to walk you through everything from licensing to travel prep. If it’s hard to get straight answers early in the booking process, that probably won’t improve later on.
Here at Mattice Lake Outfitters, we prioritize communication regarding everything from our moose tags to the accommodations we offer.
What to Ask Before Booking
Before you make a deposit, it’s worth asking a few key questions to get a better sense of what to expect:
- How many moose tags do you have, and what kind (bull, cow, calf)?
- Is the hunt guided, semi-guided, or fully unguided?
- What kind of terrain will I be hunting?
- What do your cabins include? Are there boats, motors, propane appliances?
- What’s the process for field dressing and transporting meat?
- How are emergencies handled in camp?
An outfitter should know their operation inside and out, allowing them to easily answer these questions. If they’re vague or seem to avoid specifics, it’s wise to keep looking.
Why Hunters Return to Mattice Lake Outfitters
Here at Mattice Lake Outfitters, we’ve been flying moose hunters into remote parts of Northwestern Ontario for decades. We focus on small-group, self-guided hunts from outpost camps located on exclusive lakes. That means you won’t be sharing the area with other hunting parties, and you’ll have the space and solitude to hunt the way you want to.
We own and operate our own floatplanes and maintain all of our cabins ourselves. Each one is fully equipped with propane lights, stoves, refrigerators, boats, motors, and everything else you’ll need for a comfortable stay. When it comes time to plan, we’ll walk you through every step of the process—from paperwork to packing.
We’ve built our business on repeat hunters who come back year after year because they trust the quality of the hunt, the condition of the camps, and the reliability of our team. If you’re looking for an experienced, organized outfitter that’s deeply familiar with moose country, we’d be glad to talk.
Making Your Decision
There’s no one-size-fits-all outfitter. Some hunters want a full-guided trip, while others prefer the freedom of a DIY hunt with support behind the scenes. The key is to know what you’re looking for and make sure the outfitter you choose can deliver it. Take your time, ask good questions, and don’t rush the decision. A moose hunt in Ontario is an investment in time, money, and energy. Working with the right outfitter is one of the best ways to ensure it pays off.
Here at Mattice Lake Outfitters, we’ve spent decades providing perfect trips in remote Northwestern Ontario for hunters like you. Call us toll free at 1-800-411-0334 or email us at mattice@walleye.ca to begin planning your trip today!