
HUNTING | FISHING | CONSERVATION | TAXIDERMY | GEAR | COOKING
ARTICLES
South Africa Meat Utilization
Curious about where the meat goes after a South African hunting safari? Discover how hunters like those with Basso Safaris and Non-Typical Nation contribute to local communities, support conservation, and ensure nothing goes to waste. Learn the real story behind meat utilization in ethical African hunts.
South Africa 2025: A Life-Changing Adventure in Conservation and Friendship
Join Keith on his second journey to South Africa with Basso Safaris—an unforgettable experience filled with conservation, culture, wildlife, and lifelong friendships. Discover why this personalized African adventure should be on your bucket list.
“Hunting” the Backbone of Conservation: A Canadian Look at South Africa’s $3.5B Hunting Economy
As I sat in an airport waiting for my flight home to Canada, fresh off a South African hunting adventure, I came across an article that perfectly summed up everything I had just experienced. From camo shops in the airport to endless game-filled landscapes fenced off along the highways, it’s clear: South Africa is built on hunting. A new peer-reviewed study shows that this country’s hunting industry contributes over $3.5 billion CAD annually to the economy, supporting conservation, job creation, and habitat restoration. This isn’t just about trophies — it’s about sustaining wildlife, protecting land, and empowering rural communities. As a Canadian hunter, I was proud to see a nation embracing hunting not just as heritage, but as a cornerstone of conservation.
The Essence of Successful Planning
When it comes to outdoor work and wildfire prevention, successful outcomes start long before the job begins. In this article, Keith Denoncourt reflects on how proper planning, emergency services training, and using the right tools—like the Portable Electric Winch—helped him protect his acreage, preserve riparian zones, and regenerate healthy forest habitat around his home in the boreal north.
An amazing Season
Well, the 2025 Bear Season has officially come to a close for Non-Typical Nation. Wow! I cannot tell you how amazing it was to once again play the role of a hunter. Every aspect of my return to bear hunting has been fulfilled in a way I thought I had lost.
First and foremost, both bears were very respectfully harvested—mine with a .270, 150-grain, straight to the chest at 15 feet, and Brody placed an arrow from his new APA bow perfectly into the lungs of a larger bear.
Traditional Lands: My Home
Keith Denoncourt shares a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming Non-Typical Nation filming adventures—from Arctic lake trout to South African safaris—and highlights the beauty, wildlife, and outdoor opportunities of his hometown, Lesser Slave Lake. A passionate call to explore nature, support conservation, and celebrate both local and global adventures.
Making The Connection
Join me as I reflect on the unforgettable wild game meals I've experienced across Canada and South Africa—from freshly smoked lake trout in the Northwest Territories to handcrafted sausages over an African campfire. With inspiration from friends and professionals, I’m now diving into the world of wild game processing at home. Follow along as I share the journey, the flavors, and the deep connection to conservation and the harvest.
Getting Involved
In this heartfelt article, Keith Denoncourt shares why he joined Non-Typical Nation and reflects on the importance of preserving outdoor traditions, respecting wildlife, and reconnecting younger generations with nature. Drawing from personal stories and decades of experience in conservation education, Keith encourages others to get involved in meaningful outdoor adventures that support conservation and a healthy way of life.
Thirty Years Later: A Black Bear, A Promise, and a Purpose
I cannot tell you how relieved I am to harvest another Black Bear for myself. It has been well over thirty years since I last took one for myself. Out of respect for a family, I only used my skills as a Bear Guide to gather video data for my Outdoor Education students. This was before the days of Google and YouTube. Although I absolutely love filming bears up close and personal, I never had the intent to kill one for myself.
This time, Brody and I made an agreement before we started. It had to be done in the most respectful manner possible. It had to be substantially more than just a kill. So far, it has been a wonderful experience, and such a substantial relief to just be able to once again be going through the process.
Ole Reliable
It has been roughly 30 years since I have actively baited, and hunted, Black Bears for myself. Out of respect for a family that I know quite closely, and through a horrible tragedy that we shared, for many years I put down my rifle for actively hunting bears, and only used my skills as a Bear Guide just filming Black Bears up close and personal.
U.S. Confirms Sport-Hunted Trophies Are Exempt from New Import Tariffs
Safari Club International (SCI) has confirmed that personal sport-hunted trophies imported into the United States are officially exempt from the latest tariffs placed on foreign goods. This clarification comes straight from the updated 2025 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (Revision 6), released by the U.S. International Trade Commission.
Roles, Responsibilities & Getting Involved
In this reflective and inspiring piece, Keith Denoncourt shares his journey into the world of professional outdoor communication, from relaunching his video production work with Coachman’s Diaries to joining Non-Typical Nation as a content creator. Highlighting his recent induction into the Professional Outdoor Media Association of Canada (POMAC), Keith recounts his experiences at the 2025 Edmonton Sportsman Show and celebrates the collaboration, education, and conservation efforts of Canada’s top outdoor professionals. With heartfelt gratitude and a passion for storytelling, Keith emphasizes the importance of integrity, mentorship, and promoting ethical adventures through meaningful partnerships.
Adventure Preparation
If you have read any of my prior articles, you will notice a common feature. That is the message of safety. The fun and enjoyment of any adventure comes to an abrupt halt the moment any safety condition arises that can not be addressed. This is why all preventative steps must be taken to mitigate any potential emergency, or at least be able to handle it to the best of your ability. It does however need to be recognized that some injuries, by their very nature, are life threatening. Staying within your limitations, and staying within assigned boundaries, is a must. However, getting yourself physically ready, and getting a team established prior if necessary, will allow you a greater versatility in your adventure.
Expect it at the Edmonton Boat and Sportsmen’s Show!
The Edmonton Boat and Sportsmen’s Show, Alberta’s premier event for hunting, fishing, boating, and everything outdoors, is set to return to the Edmonton Expo Centre from March 20-23, 2025! Whether you're a die-hard outdoorsman, an angler chasing the next big catch, or a family looking for a weekend of fun and adventure, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
The place to be! BC Sportsmen’s Show
Get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate outdoor adventure experience at the BC Sportsmen's Show, taking place from March 7 to 9, 2025, at the TRADEX Centre in Abbotsford, British Columbia. This premier event brings together enthusiasts of fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and more, offering a comprehensive marketplace and a variety of engaging activities for all ages.
Kill versus Harvest
Growing up, I was blessed with many independent outdoor adventures. While my dad and I spent a lot of time hunting migratory and upland game birds, as well as managing pests together, there were occasions when his friends needed specialized help on their farms. My dad introduced me to local farmers, and with initial guidance, I was put to work managing predators and pests with my own .22 firearm.
FREE Admission to Canada’s Biggest Outdoor Shows
At Non-Typical Nation, we live and breathe the outdoors. From chasing trophy bucks to reeling in monster fish, we’re all about celebrating the hunting and fishing lifestyle with the most passionate outdoorsmen and women across Canada. And now, we’re giving back to YOU—our loyal followers!
Team Work makes a difference
I am incredibly blessed to know many individuals with specialized outdoor skills. The diversity of their strengths is remarkable, and I often find myself learning from those with more experience in specific areas. Together, as a team, we share knowledge and offer the expertise needed to experience life-changing outdoor adventures.
The use of Dogs
I do not think that there will ever be a time in my life when I will not have dogs. Not just one, but at least two dogs at any given time will be part of my family. I am Blessed with owning a larger acreage and I have a incredibly large yard fenced in area for their protection. It is not uncommon that we have coyotes, and even the occasional bear pass through our yard. My current dogs are not meant for Livestock Guardian Principles.