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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

​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.​

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.

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!

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.

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.

y very first mountain rescue was over 30 years ago when I was a University student. I was taking a Mountain Orienteering / Wilderness Survival course with the University of Alberta. How cool was this that I get to go camping in the mountains for University credits? The activities we were learning and experiencing were beyond amazing. Everything from Swift Water Canoeing and Kayak Rescue, to Wilderness Survival is something that I will always treasure.

The Calgary Boat & Outdoors Show, presented by BUSCH, is set to transform the BMO Centre at Stampede Park into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts from February 21 to 23, 2025. This annual event brings together a diverse array of exhibitors, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore the latest in boating, fishing, hunting, and outdoor adventure products and services.​

I transparently admit that I have had three ungulates unrecoverable where the predators beat me to the recovery. I am not proud of this, and normally I am very private about mishaps. I am embarrassed, and I know that I could have done better.

The food that we share is valued and appreciated beyond all comprehension. It is a belief, a value, and most definitely a way of life. We are truly grateful for our harvests with Basso Safaris.

The question, “When is it 100% safe to travel on the ice?” often arises. The truth is, it’s never completely safe. Ice conditions, weather, and routes can change not just daily, but hourly. Proper planning is essential for your safety.

The absolute most important wilderness survival skill that you can have is the ability to light a fire, and stay warm, under any conditions. The area that you are in, weather conditions, plus the time of year combined, will have a huge factor in how easily this can be done. Are you prepared for the worst for your area and conditions ? Have you planned your own rescue and recovery ?

Has the game you harvested ever fallen in a difficult-to-retrieve location? Or have you ever limited your adventure because there was no easy way to get yourself or your harvest out?

For the 2024 hunting season, I adopted a "hurry up and wait" approach, often calling in a prime location and staying put. My goal was to harvest a bull moose or a whitetail buck near my home. However, due to health restrictions, I intentionally avoided hard-to-reach areas.