Fawnie Mountain Outfitters traces its history back to the 1950’s when Tom Erikson established the first guiding operation in the area. Tom hand-built the hunting cabin at our Entiako Lake Camp and the sturdy, comfortable cabin is still used today. Remnants of Tom’s corrals stand in the meadow behind the Entiako cabin; reminding us of a time when the only way guides, clients, and supplies, got into the area was by spending several days on horseback.
In 1969 Johnny and Mary Lou Blackwell, along with their two young sons, homesteaded in the heart of the guiding territory at Moose Lake. They took over the guiding operation from Tom and established Fawnie Mountain Outfitters. Along with using horses, Blackwell’s introduced the use of airplanes to access the remote, roadless areas of the guide territory. After 45 plus years of operating a world class hunting and fishing operation, the Blackwell’s were looking to retire and pass along the operation to someone who shared their love of the land and the guide outfitting lifestyle.
After discussions with neighbours Dan and Michelle Eisenhut, the Blackwell’s reached a deal to sell Fawnie Mountain Outfitters. In 2015 the Eisenhut’s took over Fawnie Mountain Outfitters and moved the Outfitting Headquarters from Moose Lake to their lodge at Laidman Lake (with some of the best moose hunting and trout fishing in the territory right out their front door). The lodge at Laidman Lake has an interesting homesteading history of its own and the lodge provides outstanding accommodations, meals, amenities, and of course, hospitality.
Today, Dan and Michelle, along with their Guide Outfitter/Pilot and friend, John Vandene, operate Fawnie Mountain Outfitters. Johnny and Mary Lou “retired” but they can occasionally be found visiting or in Johnny’s case, flying our clients in and out of camp. Several of Blackwell’s long-time guides, (including John, with over 25 years with Blackwell’s) continue on with the outfit and these guides form the core group of guides at Fawnie Mountain. Other highly experienced guides join John each season to help provide an outstanding hunting experience to our clients. Our guide’s knowledge, love of the area and its animals, combined with the enjoyment of sharing it with clients, helps ensure the tradition of providing quality hunting experiences continues.
Today, the guide outfitting legacy started all those years ago, continues…
