Heading out from Illinois regions like Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, or Naperville? Get ready for thrilling adventures: black bear tracking and guided moose hunts (out-of-state with Illinois-based outfitters). In rugged northern forests or Canadian wilds, your trips promise challenge, excitement, and memories for a lifetime.
Best Moose and Bear Hunting Adventures for Illinois Hunters
Are you an Illinois hunter seeking new territory and big‑game challenges? Our outfitters offer guided black bear hunts and Atlantic salmon expeditions in remote regions, such as Newfoundland, led by seasoned experts who prioritize safety, success, and unforgettable wilderness experiences.
Illinois divides black bear protections under zones, and bears are legally protected statewide; they may not be hunted, killed, or harassed outside of imminent threat situations. With sightings from Missouri or Wisconsin occasionally entering southern Illinois, many hunters turn northward for reliable black bear and moose trophies.
Moose Hunting Opportunities for Illinois
Moose hunting isn’t legal in Illinois, and the species isn’t native to the state. That’s why passionate Illinois sportsmen often head north to Canada, where guided moose hunts offer a true wilderness experience.
Newfoundland is one of the most sought-after destinations for this kind of adventure, home to a moose population of over 120,000 and success rates approaching 80%. Hunters regularly hunt massive moose with antler spreads ranging from 40 to 60 inches or more. For those used to hunting whitetails in the flatlands of Illinois, stalking a moose in boggy tundra is both a challenge and a thrill. With a bit of endurance and a thirst for adventure, this is the opportunity of a lifetime.
Includes: License, food guides, local transportation, accommodations (8 guests per week max), Argo & ATV transportation, Internet Service at camp, Limited Cellular Service at camp
Out-of-State Black Bear Hunting for Illinois Hunters
Although black bears are slowly making a comeback in Illinois, they are still considered a protected species and cannot be hunted. Since 2015, it has been illegal to hunt black bears in Illinois unless under very specific conditions involving an immediate threat and only with a special permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
That’s why many Illinois hunters travel north to Newfoundland, where black bears are plentiful and hunting seasons are well-regulated. Newfoundland offers consistent opportunities to hunt large, mature black bears often weighing between 300 and 600 pounds, and sometimes even more. Our outfitted hunts give you access to remote bear country with experienced guides, guaranteeing not only success but a safe, ethical, and memorable hunting experience.
Includes: License, Food, Accommodations, Local Transportation, and Space for 4 people per hunt.
Guided Atlantic Salmon Trips for Illinois Anglers
While Illinois waters are great for bass, bluegill, catfish, and the occasional stocked trout, they simply don’t support Atlantic salmon. These cold-water fish need clean, oxygen-rich rivers that are typically found much farther north.
That’s why anglers from Illinois are booking guided Atlantic salmon trips to Newfoundland, where the rivers remain some of the last strongholds of wild Atlantic salmon hunts. These fish can weigh 10 to 25 pounds, fight hard, and offer a fishing experience unlike anything in Illinois. These salmon trips combine skill, beauty, and conservation-minded angling.
Includes: License, food guides, local transportation, accommodations (8 guests per week max), Cargo and ATV, Internet Service at camp, Limited Cellular Service at camp
Getting from Illinois to Your Hunting Destination
We make traveling from Illinois to Newfoundland easy and efficient. With regular flight routes available from major Illinois airports like O’Hare International in Chicago, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, and General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, you can be in Eastern Canada in less time than you think. Once you book with us, we’ll assist with every step of planning your trip.
This includes helping you acquire the proper Canadian hunting or fishing licenses, submitting the required firearm documentation, and organizing your meals, lodging, and gear once you arrive. No detail is overlooked. We take the pressure off so you can focus on what matters: getting the most out of your moose, bear, or salmon adventure.
Illinois Hunters Pick Us
Illinois is home to a strong hunting and fishing tradition, and our outfitting services have become a favourite for those looking to expand beyond their usual season.
But moose and bear hunting in Newfoundland is a different game. It’s about tracking, spotting, and patience in remote, untouched landscapes. It’s challenging, rewarding, and completely immersive. Our guides understand what Illinois hunters are used to and help them transition into this new environment smoothly. Reserve a hunting trip and find out why so many Illinois hunters return to us year after year.
Chicago
Springfield
Peoria
Rockford
Naperville
Joliet
Aurora
Champaign
Decatur
Bloomington
Elgin
Waukegan
Cicero
Evanston
Arlington Heights
Schaumburg
Bolingbrook
Orland Park
Tinley Park
Mount Prospect
Normal
Wheaton
Berwyn
Belleville
East St. Louis
Joliet
Moline
Spring Valley
Quincy
Carbondale
FAQs From Our Illinois Hunters
At Garia Bay Outfitters, we guide Illinois hunters through some of the most rewarding big-game experiences available in Canada, primarily moose and black bear hunting in Newfoundland’s remote wilderness.
- Moose Hunting: Newfoundland has one of the densest moose populations in North America, with mature moose that can exceed 1,200 pounds and display antler spreads reaching 60 inches or more.
- Black Bear Hunting: With a local population exceeding 10,000 bears, hunters can expect to pursue animals weighing between 300 and 600 pounds in thick boreal forests.
These are fully guided, fair-chase hunts designed for both seasoned hunters and those making their first big-game trip outside the Midwest.
No, moose hunting is not legal in Illinois. There is no established population of moose in the state. While moose have occasionally been spotted in neighboring states like Wisconsin or Minnesota, they are not native to Illinois and are fully protected if they appear.
That’s why Illinois hunters turn to outfitters like Garia Bay, where Canadian provinces like Newfoundland offer legal, regulated, and highly successful moose hunts. With professional guides, license assistance, and access to moose-rich regions.
To hunt with Garia Bay Outfitters in Canada, you’ll need a Canadian non-resident hunting license, not an Illinois one. Once you book a trip with us, we’ll walk you through the entire licensing process for Newfoundland, including any moose or black bear tags, wildlife conservation stamps, and necessary travel documentation.
You do not need an Illinois license for this out-of-country trip, but maintaining your IL Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card is recommended when transporting firearms back and forth across the border. Our team will make sure all your paperwork is squared away well in advance of your trip.
Yes, you can legally bring your firearms into Canada with proper documentation, and we’ll help you every step of the way.
Illinois hunters must complete the Canadian Firearms Declaration Form (RCMP 5589) and declare their firearms at the border. We generally recommend bolt-action rifles in calibers such as .270, .30-06, or .338 for moose and black bear hunts. Shotguns are also allowed for close-range black bear hunting.
Illinois FOID holders must make sure their firearms are safely stored during travel, and we’ll assist with checking airline policies and Canadian regulations to ensure smooth transport. For the most accurate and up-to-date firearm requirements, visit Canada’s official import/export firearm guide.
If you’re heading out from Illinois for your first moose hunt, you’ll want to pack for cold, variable weather, rugged terrain, and extended time outdoors. Here’s a basic list of essentials:
- Weatherproof hunting gear: Layered, moisture-wicking clothing, waterproof boots, gloves, and rain gear.
- Firearm & ammo: A bolt-action rifle chambered for large game (.270 or higher), with quality optics.
- Hunting license and ID: All Canadian-required permits, plus your passport and FOID card (if applicable).
- Field tools: A sharp knife, game bags, and a headlamp.
- Personal essentials: Medications, toiletries, and travel documents.
- Extras: Binoculars, extra socks, and energy snacks.
Currently, you cannot legally hunt black bear in Illinois. Black bears are protected under state law and are classified as a non-game, threatened species. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) allows bear removal only under emergencies, such as if a bear poses an immediate threat to human safety, and only with a special permit.
Though sightings have become more common in southern and western Illinois, there is no official black bear hunting season in the state.
Fishing in Illinois is largely focused on warm-water species like largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and stocked trout, especially in lakes and rivers such as the Fox, Illinois, and Mississippi. While the Midwest offers excellent angling, it lacks the wild, free-running cold rivers needed to support Atlantic salmon.
In contrast, Canada, especially Newfoundland, is home to some of the best remaining wild Atlantic salmon fisheries in North America. So while Illinois fishing is reliable and enjoyable, fishing in Canada is a bucket-list experience, especially for fly anglers and those seeking adventure far from the docks.
