Saskatchewan Elk Hunts — The Dunhams High Caliber Ranch Experience
Dunhams have been hunting Elk at High Caliber Ranch for over 30 years. HCR is one of Canadas oldest and largest private hunting ranches. HCR operates in Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada. At HCR we hunt the rolling parkland of Alberta and the beautiful Saskatchewan River valley.
We customize each and every hunt. We have different classes of bulls from 300’ to 500’+. If you’re in great shape our guides will walk and stalk all day, and if you cannot hunt as hard as you used to, we know all the feeding areas, watering holes, and have truck and ATV access to most of the ranch. HCR will guarantee your success with the no kill no pay policy. Hunting anywhere else is point-less.
At the heart of it all is the Dunham family. Rob Dunham, internationally recognized professional hunter, guide, and television host, has spent his career delivering world-class hunting experiences on camera and off. He understands the value of preparation, timing, and professionalism. Alongside him is his son, Josh Dunham, a hunter and guide raised in the tradition and now carrying the family operation into its next generation. Together, Rob and Josh represent something rare in modern outfitting: continuity, tradition, and a shared commitment to doing things the right way.
When you book an elk hunt with Dunhams, you are not stepping into a random program with rotating staff. You are stepping into a system that has been refined over decades and supported by the same people, season after season. Guides who have hunted this land with the Dunhams for over 20 years know every ridge, every cutline, and every prevailing wind. They know how bulls behave when a cold front hits, when they shift bedding areas, or when cows start to cycle during the rut. Cooks and lodge staff who have been with the family for 15+ years ensure that the hospitality side of your experience is as consistent as the hunting. When you walk through the door after a long day in the field, you are met with familiar faces, reliable service, and the comfort of tradition.
And the animals themselves? These are not average elk. These are big-bodied northern bulls, often weighing 700 to 900 pounds, carrying antlers that reflect both genetics and management. It is not unusual for hunters to pause when they first see a mature bull here—not because they are new to elk, but because the scale of these animals exceeds expectations. The size of the ranch, the quality of the habitat, and the careful stewardship all combine to let elk reach their true potential.
The Most Exclusive Elk Hunt in Canada
Dunhams HCR is one of Canada’s oldest private hunting ranches. After 30 years they have it figured out. No games, beautiful 300” 6×6’s all the way up to non typical giants at 500”+, HCR has it all.
The reason we can talk about 100% guarantee on our Elk hunts is our no kill no pay policy. We have a limited number of hunts available each year, we manage our property. Our guides have worked the same land for 20+ years, we are confident enough to guarantee these hunts.
This clarity matters. When you are sitting in the dark timber and a bull bugles 200 yards away, you don’t wonder if you are in the right place. You know you are. You know the setup was chosen for a reason. You know the plan is built on two decades of experience. And that knowledge gives you confidence when it counts.
Exclusivity is what makes it possible. The Dunhams do not stack their calendar with unlimited hunters. They limit their elk hunts each year to protect quality. Once the spots are filled, the book is closed. No last-minute add-ons. No exceptions. That discipline is why bulls continue bugling through daylight hours, why travel corridors stay productive, and why hunters return year after year.
Evenings reinforce the professionalism. When you come back from the hunt, you are greeted by the same staff who have been here for years. Meals prepared by cooks with 15+ years at the lodge are hearty, consistent, and tailored to hunters who need energy and recovery. Drinks are offered in moderation. Around the table, hunters share stories, guides add perspective, and Rob and Josh lead a candid discussion of what worked, what needs to adjust, and how tomorrow’s plan will unfold.
The effect is subtle but powerful. Instead of “we’ll see what happens,” you go to bed with clarity. You know where you’re headed at dawn, why you’re headed there, and how you’ll approach it. That structure changes everything. It makes you calmer, more prepared, and ready to perform when the moment arrives.
And when that moment arrives—when a 850-lb Saskatchewan bull steps out of the timber and bugles with steam rolling from his nostrils—you’ll understand why this isn’t just another outfitter. This is the most exclusive elk hunt in Canada.
Over 5,000 Acres of Prime Elk Habitat — Canada’s Largest Private Hunting Ranch
The demand for elk hunts has gone crazy, HCR has expansed our land base through lease and ownership. We have entered into breeding partnerships, and are expanding our own herd. We are determined to meet the demand for Elk hunts.
HCR consists of 3 hunting properties and are in the process of expanding to a fourth property which will be ready for hunting in the fall of 2026.
We have access to properties on both sides of the Saskatchewan river valley
The valley consists of pine and poplar forest. Open grass meadows pop up though out the river hills and the top of the plateau. These properties and the elk on them have been hunted and managed by Dunham’s for over 30 years
Another HCR property is a classic prairie ranch, thick bush mixed with open meadows covered in grass and buck brush. This place is classic elk habitat in the same condition it was 150 years ago.
Our newest property is our backyard you can view it from the deck of the lodge. It has easy ATV access to both sides of the Blackfoot creek valley it sits on. We are excited to introduce hunting to this property for the first time in 2026.
- Timbered ridges and valleys create natural bedding cover and bugling grounds. Bulls use these areas to rest, check cows, and vocalize during dawn and dusk.
- North Saskatchewan River corridors serve as lifelines. Elk move along them throughout the day, especially during the rut. When a bull bugles across a valley here, the sound doesn’t just carry—it resonates in your chest.
- Meadows and cutlines become high-odds ambush sites. These edges, where timber meets open feed, see steady traffic during the rut and heavy usage when cold snaps push elk to feed early.
Premium Lodge Experience
HCR takes pride in our land and leases, Trophy caliber Elk, and our lodging and facilities. And the lodge is the heart of HCR. This is where we greet our hunters, the Lodge is our first impression.This is where hunters are served great meals and refreshments. The lodge is where everyone at HCR gathers from staff to hunters. this is the place where we recap the days adventures.
HCR can accommodate 10 guests. We have 4 private single rooms between the lodge and the Bunkhouse, 2 of the single rooms have private bathrooms. These are often requested or reserved for guests with spouses. The other rooms have two queen beds and easy access to washrooms.
- Private and shared rooms ensure rest and privacy. You wake refreshed, not cramped.
- The dining hall is spacious, comfortable, and serves as the hub for meals and nightly strategy sessions.
What makes this lodge special isn’t just the amenities—it’s the people who run it. The cooks and staff have been with the Dunhams for 15+ years. That kind of continuity is rare in outfitting, and it shows. Meals arrive on time, hot and hearty. Rooms are prepared with the same care every season. Details aren’t missed because they’re second nature.
Dining & Hospitality
HCR prides itself on it service and meals, our camp chef has been with us for over 10 years. Clients often talk about the great meals and service from our staff at the end of the trip. We believe this is an important part of the High Caliber experience.
- Early mornings begin with straightforward breakfasts: steaming coffee, fresh bread, fruit, and hot bites to carry you into the first hunt of the day.
- Midday meals are served in the field tent. They’re hot, filling, and exactly what you need.
- Evening dinners are the highlight. Back at the lodge, you’ll sit down to multi-course meals that often include game harvested during the season. Plates are full, flavors are bold, and glasses are filled with wine or beer.
Why Hunters Choose Dunhams
Our elk are Rocky Mountain Elk they are bruisers older bulls are up to 1200lbs. We have management bulls available scoring around 300” all the way up to our biggest elk ever 628”, anything you can dream up.
- Canada’s Largest Private Ranch: Over 5,000 acres of exclusive elk habitat. This isn’t leased ground or a patchwork of permissions—it’s one continuous property managed for decades. The scale itself changes the game.
- Veteran Guides: Guides who have worked with the Dunhams for 20+ years know every corner of this ranch. Their continuity means proven strategies, not guesswork.
- Hospitality Staff with 15+ Years of Service: Meals, housekeeping, and lodge culture are consistent because the people behind them have been here for over a decade and a half. Hunters return to familiar faces and consistent quality.
- Exclusivity by Design: Hunts are limited. Once filled, the season closes. This protects the herd and guarantees that hunters encounter elk behaving naturally.
For serious hunters who want structure, clarity, and results, Dunhams is the clear choice.
Preparing for Your Elk Hunt
Once you have committed with a hunt with Dunhams, we will help you every step of the way: Helping you book the best flights, giving you the proper gear list, trophy care, meat processing, and help you get your trophies home.
Once booked, Dunhams provides a pre-trip packet with travel details, firearm import forms (for U.S. hunters), and packing lists. Everything is designed to reduce uncertainty so you can focus on the hunt
Travel & Arrival Logistics
Travel here is straightforward, but structured.
- Fly to: Edmonton, AB or Saskatoon, SK (both ~2.5 hours from lodge).
- Drive: Rent a vehicle.
- Arrival Day: Check in at 11:00 a.m. You’ll eat lunch, confirm zero at the range, and head out for a half-day hunt that afternoon.
- Hunt Days: Breakfast → morning hunt → hot lunch in field tent → afternoon hunt until legal light → return for dinner and briefing.
- Final Day: Morning hunt if needed; checkout at 11:00 a.m.
- Alcohol: Beer/wine in moderation are included
From touchdown to departure, the Dunhams’ system is clear and predictable
Trophy Care, Export & Meat Handling
From touchdown to departure, the Dunhams’ system is clear and predictable
- Caping & Freezing: Included with every hunt to preserve hides for taxidermy.
- Export Coordination: Trusted partners handle antlers and capes. Exporters cannot ship meat, but the Dunhams guide you through the process.
- Deboning Service ($250): Optional service to prepare prime cuts for air travel. Meat is deboned, packaged, and ready for coolers.
Paperwork and labeling are handled for you. Hunters focus on the experience while the staff ensures trophies and meat are protected and compliant with travel requirements.
Gear & Weather Notes
Saskatchewan can deliver four seasons in a single hunt. Hunters must pack for range.
- Base: Moisture-wicking long underwear.
- Mid: Wool sweaters or fleece jackets.
- Shell: Quiet, windproof jacket and pants.
- Boots: Waterproof, insulated, broken-in.
- Hands/Head: Multiple pairs of gloves, warm hat, neck gaiter.
- Optics: Binoculars for everyone, rangefinder for archers.
- Safety: Harness for elevated setups if needed.
Small details matter. A second set of gloves, extra socks, or chemical hand warmers can mean the difference between calling it early and staying long enough to meet your bull.
What’s Included
Every hunt at Dunhams includes:
- Guided elk hunting on over 6,000 acres—Canada’s largest private ranch.
- 2 nights / 3 days of lodging and meals.
- Arrival-day sight-in & immediate half-day hunt.
- Veteran guides with 20+ years on this land.
- Trophy caping & freezing.
- Export coordination for antlers/capes.
- Optional deboning service ($250).
- Evening planning with Rob & Josh Dunham.
- Beer and wine in moderation
This transparency is part of the system. No surprises—just clarity.
What a Day Feels Like
- Guides wake hunters up before sunrise
- Coffee is on early
- Breakfast is continental style but egg sandwiches and more are ready to take on the road
- Short drive to the ranch with the guides and enjoy your coffee
- Arrive at ranch with the guides and a plan
- Snacks and a hot lunch are served on site at the ranch
- When hunters are successful great photos are taken as soon as possible
- Guides come and load your bull and head back to the barn for trophy care and meat processing
- Once your back at the barn and the guides are at work you can observe the whole thing from our man cave in the barn beers are in the fridge!
- Recapping the day with the guides and each other
- Multi course meals from the camp chef are served as guides and hunters share stories from the days hunt.
Beyond Canada: Africa with Dunhams
“The lodge meals were incredible. The cooks have been with the family for over 15 years, and it shows. Consistency like that is rare in outfitting.”
After chasing bulls in Saskatchewan, hunters often continue with Dangerous Game Inc. (DGI) in Africa. From the Limpopo concessions in South Africa to the wilderness of Zimbabwe and the river valleys of Zambia, DGI offers safaris for plains and dangerous game—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard—with the same professionalism and clarity as Canada.
Packages range from $50,000 to $150,000+, depending on species and country. But the ethos is the same: ethical hunting, professional guiding, and world-class trophy care.
If Canada is your introduction to Dunhams, Africa may be your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fly into Edmonton, AB or Saskatoon, SK. Both are ~2.5 hours from the lodge by rental vehicle.
Check-in is 11:00 a.m. You’ll eat lunch, confirm zero at the range, and head out for a half-day hunt that same afternoon.
Hunts are strictly limited. Once the calendar fills, the book closes until the next season.
Prime rut weeks (September–October) are the most popular and sell out a year in advance. Late-season hunts offer different opportunities as bulls move on food.
Mature bulls commonly weigh 700–900 pounds with antlers that reflect Saskatchewan’s genetics and management.
Yes. Archery hunts are offered, especially effective during the rut when bulls respond aggressively to calling.
Guiding on 6,000+ acres, lodging, meals, trophy caping & freezing, export coordination for antlers/capes, optional deboning service ($250), beer/wine in moderation.
≈50 km daily. The drive is part of the rhythm, giving time to review wind, setups, and plans.
Beer and wine are included in moderation. Spirits can be purchased locally in Lloydminster.
Yes. Companions are welcome for an additional fee, arranged in advance, subject to lodge capacity.
Yes. Staff cape and freeze hides, exporters handle antlers/capes, and optional deboning is offered for meat.
A reliable, well-zeroed rifle you know well. Confidence in your system matters more than caliber, though many hunters use .300 class rifles.
Scale (Canada’s largest private ranch), continuity (guides 20+ years, staff 15+ years), and leadership (Rob & Josh) create consistency no other outfitter can match.
Ready to Plan Your Hunt?
This is your invitation to hunt Canada’s largest private ranch—over 6,000 acres of managed elk habitat. To pursue bulls weighing 700–900 pounds, guided by Rob & Josh Dunham, supported by guides who have worked with this land for 20+ years and cooks and staff with 15+ years of service.
It’s not just an elk hunt. It’s a tradition built on clarity, consistency, and authenticity. Only a limited number of elk hunts are available each season. Once they’re booked, they’re gone.
“Massive bulls and guides who know this land inside out. My guide had been with the Dunhams for 20+ years, and his knowledge put me right where I needed to be.”