Kathy and Ken Dopko have always been outdoor enthusiasts and hunting has always been an important part of their lives. Both of them were born and raised here so know a lot about the land! Hunting was one of Ken's passions since about the age of 8. They started this outfitting business in the year 1990.
Ken was a great hunter who missed very few shots! He had spent many wonderful hours in the woods, field and swamps alone or with other hunting enthusiasts of all ages and could share many "secrets", stories and adventures! He loved the geese for their "majestic flight". He loved watching the dogs working in the field. He truly enjoyed the challenge of decoying the birds in (and this can truly be challenging). He especially enjoyed the early mornings of the hunts .... the rising sun, the vast varieties of birds and the freshness of everything that can only be found very early in the day before the rest of humanity arises!
During the deer hunt, Ken enjoyed watching the graceful animals and was always enthralled at seeing the different body sizes, different antler sizes and the different antler structures. He enjoyed following the genetics of specific bucks as they follow through to the offspring. There is an almost overwhelming thrill of knowing that, at any time, you could see a "trophy" B&C animal walk into sight! He felt pride in being able to accurately estimate the size and weight of a live animal and to have his estimate confirmed when the animal was harvested.
Ken loved the different personalities of the bear and especially praised the motherly instincts of the sows as they protect their young. Seeing the different color phases of the black bear is a thrill in itself ... what can compare to seeing a black sow with a cinnamon cub and a blonde cub!! The bear hunts provide a unique experience of knowing that, at any given time, you are at their mercy!! This feeling of "living on the edge in a remote & rugged land" provides a thrill like no other!! The big bear are especially cunning and careful and it is extremely challenging to have the patience to wait it out ..... but the rush you get when you take the animal of your dreams is second to none!!!
Ken was a perfectionist. He insisted that "if it's going to be done - it's going to be done right". Your comfort and your satisfaction were paramount to him! Every year, he worked diligently on improving things for you. He had perfected our treestands which he manufactured himself (see more information in the "equipment" section of this website. He had also achieved the title of 'MASTER OUTFITTER". This title, certified by the Saskatchewan Outfitters Association, is awarded only after proving your skills in all areas of the outfitting business.
Ken wasn't the only one with a hunting background. Kathy was raised strictly on venison as her father was an experienced hunter who always came home with the meat!
Ken and Kathy, sharing the dream, worked together to perfect their outfitting business. Ken, unfortunately lost his two year battle with a brain tumour called Glioblastoma Multiforme and passed away March 30, 2006. When you come to camp you will see the constant reminder of the great work that Ken did but the improvements did not stop with his passing. Kathy and the well qualified guides continue the tradition "to serve our customers well". The guides bring in their excellent ideas and we work as a team with one goal in mind and that is CUSTOMER SATISFACTION!
Kathy does the cooking. You will not be dissappointed with her homecooked meals. She makes the meals with you in mind. Let her know if you require special diet (example - diabetic and she will take care of you). Her meals (including her delicious desserts) are well known by the hunters, some of which claim that its not the hunt they come for but its for her meals!!
Kathy - Christmas 2006
Kathy worked in finance for about 20 years before she decided to settle into being a mom. At that time, she took over the clerical and cooking part of the business.
Kathy very much enjoys the friendships of the people she meets through hunting. Everybody has a story and she loves hearing every one of them. She does not go out into the field for the hunt but waits for the hunters to come home with their digital cameras so that she can share in their experiences!
Walker (age 16) loves to hunt with both rifle and bow. We proudly display his bucks on the wall of our shop. Walker also enjoys fishing (including spear fishing), paintball gun games, riding the quad, working the dogs, trapping beaver and playing hockey.
Walker with his 2006 buck
Connor (age 12) is now legally able to hunt and took his first buck on November 24th, the day after his birthday. In 2007 he also wrote his Trapper's exam and passed. Connor also loves fishing, riding the quad but playing hockey and baseball are his very favorite. He started playing hockey when he was three years old and you will hear about his hockey exploits around the supper table!
Connor with his first buck taken in 2007
This family unit, in addition to the hunting interest, runs a farm operation for forage.
When you hunt with us, you will thoroughly experience our family attitude. You will eat with us at our table. We will listen to your stories and you will listen to ours. If you have a birthday, we will celebrate with you as you will help us celebrate ours (Connor's birthday is November 23 - right in the middle of deer hunting season and we all have birthday cake and sing "Happy Birthday" to him!). We warmly welcome you like we would welcome a close friend or family member!!
This is Ken calling in Geese in a field (photo credit to Gary Temple)
This is a family picture taken Spring, 2004 while Ken was still with us.
The saying is true "Come as a client, leave as a friend!!"
For further information, read on or contact us:
Makwa River Outfitters Ltd
Kathy Dopko
Phone toll free: 1-866-236-3056
or e-mail us k.dopko@sasktel.net
or regular phone : 1-306-236-4649
Fax: 1-306-236-4716
Postal address: Makwa River Outfitters Ltd
P.O. Box 89
Makwa, Sk CANADA
S0M 1N0