Meet Your Hosts!
Celebrating 30+ Years of Outfitting Excellence
Brief History of Agassiz Outfitters
Agassiz Outfitters was established in June 1992 in Molson, Manitoba located in the Agassiz Provincial Forest, by Rick and Colleen Liske. Originally named Agassiz Taxidermy and Outfitting, the business arose from Rick's lifelong passion for the outdoors, shaped by years of hunting and fishing, alongside Colleen's enthusiasm for the tourism industry. Rick attended the Canadian College of Taxidermy, honing his skills in taxidermy, and he has also participated in various taxidermy competitions. A notable highlight in Rick’s career includes the skinning of the world record black bear, showcasing Rick’s expertise in handling and processing high-quality game. Rick has been a member and official scorer of the Manitoba Big Game Trophy Association for over 30 years and is the current Vice President. Rick has also earned his Boone and Crockett and Pope and Young credentials. Along with Rick being the founding president of the Brokenhead River Game and Fish Association in 1997 and their longtime membership of the Manitoba Lodge and Outfitters Association for 30 years, has significantly bolstered their credibility in the outdoor community.
With building a taxidermy studio and showroom and starting with a small allocation of whitetail deer in the Bird River and Pine Falls/Great Falls areas, Agassiz Outfitters quickly earned a reputation for providing high-quality taxidermy services and outfitting experiences, fueled by their dedication to quality and personalized service. As demand for their services grew, Agassiz Outfitters expanded significantly. They developed into seven whitetail camps strategically located across various regions of Manitoba and added bear hunts which began with two fly-out black bear camps located on the western side of the Manitoba/Ontario border, north of Bissett, Manitoba. This expansion marked the start of their bear hunting services and attracted hunters eager for unique hunting experiences. They added Waterfowl Hunts to their operation as well.
In 2001, they purchased the Waterhen River Lodge located in the community of Waterhen, Manitoba; which was then renamed Agassiz-Waterhen River Lodge & Outfitters. This acquisition allowed them to expand their services to offer fishing trips, cabin rentals, seasonal restaurant, boat rentals and a full service campground which enhanced their services to clients along with their growing outfitting business.
In 2013, Rick and Colleen decided to sell the Agassiz Waterhen River Lodge, allowing them to concentrate more on their big game outfitting, with the purchase of a Moose Hunting Business to include fly-in moose hunts in Northern Manitoba along with a major expansion to their bear hunting operation, which attracted a new segment of hunters.
In a significant addition to their whitetail outfitting, Rick and Colleen expanded their operations to the pristine Duck Mountains, known for their spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife. This new location allowed them to offer unique hunting experiences in a different environment, further diversifying their outfitting services.
Colleen's culinary skills have played a significant role in distinguishing Agassiz Outfitters. Known for her delicious meals, she created memorable dining experiences for guests. Additionally, Colleen has showcased her culinary passion through cooking segments on various TV shows, including her famous bear recipes. Among her accomplishments, she served a term on the board of directors for the Manitoba Lodge and Outfitters Association as a director and vice president, further demonstrating her commitment to the outdoor industry.
Their sons, Brendan and Jordan Liske, grew up in the industry from a young age, learning the values of hard work, dedication, and love for the outdoors. Their involvement has helped continue the family legacy within Agassiz Outfitters.
To expand their reach and build their customer base, Rick and Colleen began attending sport shows all over the USA since the 1990s. These events provided invaluable opportunities to showcase their services, connect with potential clients, and market their unique offerings to a broader audience.
Agassiz Outfitters has had the privilege of hosting numerous prominent media personalities, including Larry Weishuhn, Allan Warren from Allan Warren Outdoors TV, Bob Kaleta from Zeiss Optics, Mike Schoby from Petersen's Hunting, Luke Hartle from North American Hunter, Keith Beasley of Canada in the Rough, and Mark Heck and Laden Force of Given Right TV, to name a few. These collaborations have further promoted their outfitting services and highlighted the exceptional hunting experiences available at their camps. The media exposure has significantly contributed to their reputation within the industry, attracting more outdoor enthusiasts to Agassiz Outfitters.
Rick and Colleen Liske are firm believers in giving back to their community. Agassiz Outfitters actively participates in local events, have sponsored and hosted hunts for Hunt of a Lifetime for terminally ill youth, supports conservation initiatives with making donations to various organizations such as SCI, RMEF, and the Manitoba Wildlife Federation. Their focus on sustainable practices and responsible outdoor adventures has fostered a strong connection with both the local community and the natural environment.
Today, Agassiz Outfitters continues to thrive, offering a diverse range of services tailored to hunters of all levels. By embracing modern technology and innovative practices, Rick and Colleen ensure that their business remains at the forefront of the outdoor industry, continuously enhancing the customer experience and adapting to clients’ evolving needs.
At the heart of Agassiz Outfitters' mission is a deep commitment to customer satisfaction. Numerous testimonials from loyal clients reflect the personalized service and expert guidance provided by Rick and Colleen. Many clients return year after year, drawn to the exceptional experiences available across their various camps and hunts, coupled with Colleen's renowned culinary offerings.
From its start in 1992 to its current stature as a reputable outfitter, Agassiz Outfitters' journey is a testament to Rick and Colleen Liske’s shared passions for the outdoors, conservation, and tourism. Their dedication to quality, community engagement, and love for nature, alongside their media collaborations , Ricks dedication and love for the outdoors and Colleen’s impressive culinary achievements, ensure that Agassiz Outfitters will continue to inspire and facilitate memorable hunting experiences for years to come.
A big thank you to all of our valued hunters/guests who visited us at Agassiz Outfitters this past season for one of our World Class Hunting Packages for Black Bear, Moose, Whitetail and Wolf. We look forward to seeing you all again this Upcoming Season. We truly enjoyed the company of all past guests returning and new guests hunting with us and were able to create a whole lot of new everlasting memories and have many more memories and stories to create for years to come…
While at “Agassiz Outfitters” you will experience home cooking at its finest with our own specialty dishes being prepared. For all who treasure the outdoors, few things are as memorable as a hunting/fishing trip in Canada’s North. At Agassiz Outfitters we will work our hardest to assure you a memorable and everlasting experience. Many guests have expressed that the real pleasure has come from the treasured memories of past hunts and anticipation of the next one. The magnificence of the early morning sunrise, the abundance of birds/wildlife and the comrade of fellow hunters/fisherman leave a lasting impression that keeps them coming back for more.
We will see you soon!!!!
Rick & Colleen Liske
Agassiz Outfitters
