Ladies Bear Camp

It was time for our yearly Ladies Bear Camp weekend in Haliburton Forest and Wildlife with Reds Bear Hunting. Every year, this much-anticipated gathering ushers in a sense of excitement and camaraderie for our group. For many of us, it’s not just an escape from our daily routines, but a cherished tradition that strengthens our bonds as friends while immersing us in the beauty of nature.

This year, however, we faced a unique twist. Despite our best efforts, we were unsuccessful at harvesting a bear. Yet, as the saying goes, not all victories are measured by tangible outcomes. The true success of our weekend lay in the experiences we shared and the memories we created together in the great outdoors.

Throughout our time in the woods, we were treated to a host of incredible wildlife sightings that made our trip unforgettable. One of our friends, alone in her stand, had the extraordinary fortune of encountering a majestic owl perched in a nearby tree. For several minutes, the owl sat quietly, staring at her with its piercing eyes—a moment of stillness that felt almost magical. As if that weren’t enough, she also witnessed a stunning wolf stroll within thirty feet of her stand. Imagine watching that powerful creature roam gracefully, oblivious to its audience, before it made its way down to a lakeside. Later as she was leaving her stand, she was fortunate enough to hear it howl while it was down near the lake, the sound echoing through the trees. It was a potent reminder of the wildness of nature and the connection we all share with it.

Others in our group weren’t left out of the excitement either. Many reported seeing pine martens darting through the underbrush, while the haunting calls of loons and the quacks of ducks echoed from the nearby lake. These moments of pure wilderness connected us to something so much greater than ourselves. We gathered around the campfire in the evenings, laughing and sharing our stories of the day, enveloped by the symphony of nature around us.

Success isn’t solely defined by the bear we intended to hunt, but rather by the connections we forge and the laughter we share in the embrace of the wilderness. This year’s Ladies Bear Camp served as a powerful reminder that memories are forged in shared experience, laughter, and the simple joys of being together outdoors.

As we packed up to leave, we weren’t just carrying our gear back home; we were taking with us the stories of awe-inspiring sights, the warmth of friendship, and the whispers of the wilderness that will stay with us long after we return to our daily lives. To me, that’s what success truly is—embracing the beauty of every moment, cherishing the friendships that grow stronger, and creating lasting memories that will linger in our hearts for years to come. The countdown for next years trip now begins.

Remember get outdoors and see what nature has to offer you!

Toni Cooper

ReelCamo Girl Prostaff