Yellowknife (Oct 27/03) - Leading excursions into the wilderness of the Northwest Territories creates bonds of friendship lasting a lifetime, says Barry Taylor.

A life-long hunter, Taylor, who lives in Yellowknife, decided 23 years ago to build a hunting camp on Lake Providence, about 187 miles due north of Yellowknife.

Today, with 11 large renovated grain bins as guest accommodations, Taylor welcomes hunters and fishers wanting a taste of the wild.

"I enjoy introducing them to the north and the unique atmosphere of the barrenlands," he says.

Taylor told of a couple who travelled to the camp seeking adventure and time for hunting and fishing.

"All their goals were accomplished in two days," he said of their plans to catch both caribou and several species of fish.

"It was like a little honeymoon for them. They had the time of their lives."

And it is this delight gained from such an experience that creates lasting friendships throughout the years, he said.

"It's almost like a fraternity," he says of the strong affinity he sees.

"They keep in touch with other hunters and myself and friendships continue over the years."

Comparing it to the camaraderie of a family reunion, he says he has had numerous repeat visitors over the years.

Taylor said at the time he began his business, there was really no such industry.

But because of territorial laws that say non-resident hunters must be accompanied by a guide, business grew and continues to do so.

Today, big game outfitting provides more than $6.8 million in economic benefits to the Northwest Territories.

Taylor noted about 80 per cent of his clientele are American.

Today, the majority of hunters are 45 years and older, he notes. "There's not a new generation (of hunters) coming up."

The primary hunting target is the caribou, he notes, although wolves and wolverines are secondarily hunted.

He has found this year to be a difficult hunting year due to the late spring which led to a late fall migration.

This could mean the difference between seeing about 20 caribou in a day instead of thousands, he said.

But when a hunter catches a trophy animal, it becomes an engrained memory to be recounted over and over again.

"What is more symbolic of the barrenlands than a caribou."

Seated in a room shared with antelope, deer, caribou and mule deer trophy heads, Taylor said while the meat often gets donated to the local food bank to avoid the $150 government trophy fee, a visit to the taxidermist is a frequent occurrence.

"You can travel all over the world and buy knick-knacks made in Japan.

"For a hunter, they tour the wilderness and this is their memento of the time spent."