From a single-shot .22 to family hunts for upland birds, Keith Denoncourt’s journey into ruffed grouse hunting is one of respect, accuracy, and lifelong values. In this story, he shares how his early lessons in firearm safety and ethical harvesting shaped his approach to hunting — and how those same principles continue to guide the next generation in the field.

As hunting season approaches, proper preparation can make all the difference between frustration and success. In this pre-season guide, Keith Denoncourt shares his proven approach to firearm maintenance, accuracy, and safety. From cleaning and sighting in your rifle to choosing consistent ammunition and practicing under real conditions, this piece is a reminder that responsible preparation leads to confident, ethical harvesting in the field.

For over 40 years, ATVs have been part of my outdoor lifestyle—from forestry training to search and rescue. Now, with a new 850 WorkCross, I’m preparing for future adventures with comfort, safety, and reliability at the forefront.

Non-Typical Nation is proud to announce the renewal of our partnership with Pure Passion Outfitting, led by Saskatchewan outfitter Nick Krill. For the past four years, our teams have brought audiences unforgettable moments chasing giant black bears, hundreds of waterfowl, and massive sturgeon on the North Saskatchewan River. With new allocations in Saskatchewan’s best whitetail country, plus black bear and waterfowl hunts and coastal fishing charters off Vancouver Island, Pure Passion Outfitting continues to raise the bar—and we can’t wait to bring you more world-class adventures together.

After more than 45 years of close-range hunting in Alberta’s Boreal Forest, I never imagined myself shooting accurately out to 700 yards. That all changed when I attended Bobby Hart’s Long Distance Shooting School in Pennsylvania. From his family’s legendary shop to a weekend of hands-on training, Bobby instilled not only technical precision but also a deep respect for safety and craftsmanship. The experience transformed my understanding of long-range shooting and left me with a mentor and friend for life.

When I first set foot in South Africa, the flood of new sights, sounds, and culture was overwhelming—and unforgettable. Preparing for a hunting adventure with Basso Safaris requires more than just booking flights; it demands physical readiness, the right gear, and focused firearm practice. From breaking in boots to simulating stalk-and-shoot scenarios, every bit of preparation made my time at the lodge more rewarding. The Basso Safaris team exemplifies dedication and professionalism, ensuring that every hunter’s dream of an African adventure comes true.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.