Why Hunt Bear at Rousseau’s Landing?

Rousseau’s Landing sits on the shores of Sandbar Lake, just four miles north of Ignace on Highway 599, inside one of the only privately held properties within a Canadian Provincial Park.

For bear hunters, that location delivers something specific: access to multiple Wildlife Management Units with pre-baited, active bear sites and a very high success rate — all from a comfortable, drive-to basecamp.

Our property provides access to Wildlife Management Units 15A, 15B, 12, and 13, giving us the flexibility to position hunters in the most productive areas based on current bear activity patterns.

The area surrounding Rousseau’s Landing has produced exceptional trophy bears, including a 650-pound black bear harvested nearby by a female hunter.

With reduced hunting pressure in recent years, the potential for large mature bears in our zones has increased significantly.

That kind of trophy potential, combined with guaranteed active stands and a comfortable basecamp, makes this one of Northwestern Ontario’s premier bear hunting destinations.

Fall Bear Hunting Season

Fall bear hunting season in our area runs from mid-August through September.

Evening hunts are standard, with hunters positioned two to three hours before sunset when bears are most active at bait sites. The late-summer timing means warm days, cooling evenings, and long twilight hours that keep bears moving.

This is prime time for black bear hunting in Ontario. Bears are actively feeding to build fat reserves before winter, which means consistent bait site activity and predictable behavior patterns.

Both rifle and archery hunters will find excellent opportunities during this window.

Semi-Guided Package (Standard): 

Our standard bear hunt package is semi-guided. On your first day, guides transport you to your assigned site, demonstrate access routes, review shot placement ethics, and answer questions. After day one, hunters access sites independently while guides maintain bait stations daily and remain available for assistance throughout your hunt.

Every hunter is guaranteed an active stand with consistent bear activity. Each hunter is assigned their own dedicated stand, positioned based on weapon type (rifle or archery) and shooting preference.

Fully Guided Hunts (Optional Upgrade): 

For first-time bear hunters or those wanting hands-on instruction throughout their hunt, fully guided service is available. A guide accompanies you to the stand each evening and provides personalized support.

Read the Bear Hunt FAQ for more.

All bait sites are established and refreshed well in advance of your arrival.

We use proven attractants and maintain sites daily to ensure consistent bear activity.

Each hunter is assigned their own active stand, and sites are positioned based on weapon type and shooting preference to maximize your opportunity.

Our guides will help you track your bear and retrieve it for harvest. Bear tracking and retrieval assistance is included in your package.

One of the most significant advantages of hunting from Rousseau’s Landing is access to multiple Wildlife Management Units from a single basecamp.

This multi-zone positioning gives us flexibility to place hunters where bear activity is strongest at any given time during the season.

See the Ontario Wildlife Management Unit Map

With reduced hunting pressure in recent years across these zones, the population of large, mature bears has been building. Hunters targeting trophy-class black bears will find strong opportunities in our territory.

Trophy Care and Meat Handling

Upon harvest, our guides will assist with tracking and retrieval, transporting your bear back to the lodge. Field dressing is the hunter’s responsibility. We provide walk-in cooler and freezer access for proper meat and hide storage until departure.

The local butcher in Ignace can handle meat cutting and wrapping for wild game. There are also a few other experienced locals in town who can help with processing.

Fishing During Your Bear Hunt

One of the unique advantages of hunting from Rousseau’s Landing is the opportunity to fish during non-hunting hours.

Bear hunts are evening-focused, which means your mornings are free. Sandbar Lake offers excellent Walleye and Northern Pike fishing, and boat caches on over 15 surrounding lakes provide access to Lake Trout, Perch, and Smallmouth Bass.

It’s an easy way to fill the freezer with both bear meat and walleye fillets on the same trip.