Why Did I Say I Wanted to Go? Here’s Why!
Polar bear, but double the luck? Yes, please! My husband received an email in late September regarding an open polar bear tag. After a brief discussion between the two of us, it was a no brainer! We came to the same conclusion; it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he had to take the chance! I didn’t realize he planned on doing this hunt solo. Being such an avid, well experienced hunter as well, I invited myself along as only an observer. After our second conversation planning the trip, I ended up with a polar bear tag along with my husband!
The hunt came about very last minute. Once we said yes, it was already time for the hunt, we had no waiting period, and there was very little preparation time. Our hunt was upon us at that very moment. Within days we had all our winter gear packed, and we were ready to tackle the frigid hunt for our polar bears with Shane Black of Canada North.
On October 18th, 2025, we departed Detroit, Michigan, for the 15-day polar bear hunt. We arrived in Rankin Inlet, Canada, and hunted for 10 days straight with no success. After much frustration, and some loss of hope, we were eventually moved to Arviat to continue our hunt. However, upon arriving, we had to wait another three days before having the chance to hunt again, due to the weather and terrible wind.
The very last day of our hunt arrived on October 31st. Happy Halloween! It was do or die, seeing as it was our only day to take advantage of decent enough weather and hunt in Arviat, one last time. We left on ATVs two hours before sunrise. The ride was cold, brisk, and not for the faint of heart. It seemed never-ending. As we traveled across the frozen tundra, tears froze midstream down my face from the cold. My toes were not any warmer.
Several times throughout the hunt I wondered, What am I doing? Why did I say I wanted to go? I grew more frustrated each time I thought how unlikely it was that we would accomplish our goal. Then, before I could finish the same rampaging thought running through my mind, as it had so many times before, three polar bears appeared out of nowhere! They were off in the distance, dancing and playing across the icy land in the brisk cold weather, not a care in the world.
Before I knew it, our guides had chosen a bear to be taken, and I was setting up to take my shot. I had to make it count. The polar bear had taken off towards the water, if he made it there, he’d have the chance to dive in and be gone for good. It was now or never. I squeezed the trigger and made a solid first hit. But I had to be sure, so I placed another shot, and he finally dropped. At last, the quest had been fulfilled. Two weeks of hunting for polar bears were over in just the pull of a finger. Yet that single moment is a memory and a trophy to last eternity. – Stacy Mortz
(Postscript: Stacy entered her polar bear photo in the WGH Hunting Awards Photo Challenge and SCI’s World Hunting Awards Program. Her bear counts toward the North American 12 and 29 awards, Bears of the World, Animals of North America, and higher award levels. Download a copy of the World Hunting Award Field Journal to see how many award levels you may qualify for already!
To plan your own polar bear adventure, visit Shane Black at the Canada North booth during the 2027 SCI Convention from January 20-23, 2027 in Nashville, TN. Don’t miss it!)
