Memories Of Deep River

Hunting, Trapping, Fishing and Fur Farming
in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada

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PLEASE NOTE:
Deep River Fur Farm ceased operations some 30 years ago.
This web site is a collection of memories and stories of a time long since passed.
Please do not submit requests for employment, purchase of fur animals, or advice on fur farming.

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      Halvor Ausland emigrated to Canada from Evje, Norway in 1920. After working at odd jobs in the Watrous and Shellbrook area, he travelled to northern Saskatchewan. He began his trapping career at Grand Rapids on the Beaver River and then moved further north, trapping at such places as Skeleton Bay on Frobisher Lake and the Mudjatik River, (also known as Deer River) south of Cree Lake.
      In 1925, Halvor Ausland moved to Deep River (MacBeth Channel on the map) and founded Deep River Fur Farm. It was located 24 miles west of the village of Ile-A-La-Crosse on the Churchill River system. Along with mink and fox ranching, he continued to trap and carry on commercial fishing operations. From humble beginnings, Deep River Fur Farm was to become one of the largest and most successful fur farms in northern Saskatchewan.
     Halvor Ausland was not one to keep success to himself. Over the years, he helped many northerners establish fur farms of their own. By 1956, there were 30-40, and possibly as many as 55 mink ranches in the Buffalo Narrows, Ile-A-La-Crosse area, the vast majority started with his help. From a poor Norwegian immigrant, who came to Canada at 17 years of age, unable to speak English, he became a very successful, well known and respected businessman. He accomplished this by sheer will and determination to succeed under the most difficult of circumstances.

A number of books have been add to this website. They deal with the life and times of many Saskatchewan residents, homesteaders, trappers, fur traders, bush pilots, as well as other groups, such as the Roman Catholic Church, government officials and law enforcement agencies.

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