Northern outfitter looks forward to welcoming back American clientele

On Monday, Canada was given word that fully vaccinated U.S. citizens can enter its borders on Aug. 9.

For those like Wayne Galloway, a northern outfitter who depends exclusively on American clients, the announcement came as a relief.

“My business is Americans mainly,” Galloway said. “(Last year) I had zero, absolutely nothing. I’ve been sitting dormant now for a year and a half. Trying to get some people back to help me is going to be a concern, too … I think the biggest thing is hopefully the fire situation eases off and (I can) offer what they expect.

I’ve been here for a long time. No, we can’t go through this again, and we can’t go through it for much longer in my own situation anyway.”

Dedicated to being an outfitter for 40 years, Galloway explained the career is not an easy life, but there is hope now that business is starting up again.

“I do fishing, I do spring bear and I do fall moose,” Galloway said. “Some people (from the United States) that were booked for 2019, I’ve talked to them, they want to come. They understand the rules: two shots, probably a quick test prior to coming. Maybe a quick test randomly when they get here.

“These folks are going to come again. So if we can get everything together, I guess, come! That’s what we’re here for!”

When news about the border spread, Galloway immediately was receiving calls and emails from clients. Some were repeats, and others he had never heard from before.

“They’re keen to come,” Galloway said. “I mean, they really appreciate Saskatchewan. That’s what a lot of people don’t understand is how much Americans appreciate coming here, and how much they’re willing to spend to come here and that’s great because that’s what keeps things going.”

Galloway explained a lot of work will need to be put into starting back up again.

“It’s going to be hard to mentally get yourself going again, that’s one thing,” Galloway said. “Secondly, I have to have people help me, but I’ve got to try and get these folks back again.”

Galloway said things sitting for the past year won’t making starting up again easy.

“I can’t speak for everybody, but this is my situation,” Galloway said, “I’m thankful and hopeful everything works out for the fall, and I’m sure it will.”