All hunters of white-tailed deer, commonly called “stags”, dream of bagging the trophy of a lifetime, which will become a record in Quebec and the northeastern United States. That's exactly what happened to Quebec's Olivier Coiteux.
He defeated an impressive male with 13 points, including three unusual ones. This is the third largest trophy hunted and recorded in Quebec in the typical deer category. Yesterday he received news that his male was the largest trophy recorded and harvested in the northeastern United States this year.
“I started hunting big game three years ago. I hunt deer in Zone 8 on property I own near Drummondville. The first year I had access to this land, I began setting up cameras to get an idea of the amount of deer that were on my property.
“On July 3, 2021, I saw this huge deer appear on my cameras. From then on I was able to see him regularly on several cameras. To start, I installed three cameras. This year I had a dozen to learn his habits and try to outsmart him.”
He tried to lure them using the traditional baiting method.
“Like all novice hunters, I began my first hunting season by building a large pile of apples and carrots. I realized that by the time the hunt started, I wasn't seeing him anywhere. I've seen smaller ones.
“In my second year of hunting he appeared in front of the camera again. I was able to witness the development of his enthusiasm. For the hunt I once again set off with my big pile of apples and carrots. The same situation happened again, no more sounds, no more images of him. However, I saw him again after the hunt, which encouraged me to keep trying to outsmart him. »
CHANGE OF METHOD
Last fall he decided that this big deer would be his ultimate goal.
“I decided to completely change my strategy and just fight this big deer. I had already killed smaller deer. I decided to drop the big apple and carrot bait and concentrate on tracking him down. To better understand him, I began moving my cameras to find out where he was each month of the season. I really wanted to know his habits by September. »
The week before the hunt, he decides to refine his new method to thwart it.
“I created scent lines, scraped some trees and placed micro baits in several places around the area, using cameras to monitor what was happening. On the evening of my last day of preparation he visited the place. He ate my micro baits. The next morning he was in the cornfield with two females. I'm still eating my bait. »
The day before the hunt began, he decided to repeat the same method.
“I went to the same area and did exactly the same thing because I knew he liked what I had prepared. To optimize my chances, I had set up a tent a little away from my cornfield so that the wind wouldn't give away my presence. »
THE FINAL
Finally the meeting time has come for our hunter.
“The morning of the opening I set up my tent at 5:30am. The hunt began shortly after 6 a.m..” […] As soon as it was legal hunting time, I took my binoculars to scan the horizon, but I didn't see any deer where I expected.
“Suddenly I see a doe and a buck in the right window of my blind, where I thought he would never arrive. […] This was not at all the place I wanted to take my shot. Suddenly I realize that it was there, this monster that I had been following for three years. » He had a perfect scenario in his head, which was that the deer would come and stand exactly where he wanted it.
“I saw him and was convinced he was going to do the same scenario as the week before, eating my bait in front of me. I wasn't well positioned. But suddenly doubts arose in my head. I told myself that this might be the only moment I could shoot this animal I had been waiting for so long.
“I finally made myself comfortable at my window, took my time and my shot hit the target. There I experienced a whole range of emotions, heart palpitations and incomprehension of what had just happened, because it was the first time for me to capture such a game. The closer I got to the animal, the more I thought about its awesomeness. It took me five minutes to touch it. I just couldn't believe it. »
This unique adventure experienced by this hunter proves without a doubt that perseverance and good preparation can lead to success. Today he is invited to numerous gatherings in Quebec and the United States to present his trophy.
A return to basics for Sépaq's new big boss
The new CEO of Sépaq, Martin Soucy, wants to continue in this spirit and offer outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and anglers the best opportunities to carry out their activities on the network. Photo provided by Sepaq
For the new President and CEO of the Société des Establishments de Plein Air du Québec (Sépaq), Martin Soucy, this highly anticipated appointment represents a return to his roots.
Until recently, he was President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Alliance.
“I come from Sepaq. My main task, if you can put it that way, was to explain the new CEO. It is an organization that is close to my heart. This return is a great honor for me and at the same time I am realizing a professional dream. For me it will be an opportunity to live fully in an environment that I particularly like. »
Of course, he was unable to comment on specific files during the interview, as he will officially take up office shortly.
He climbed the ladder one by one before achieving his dream of sitting on the highest chair.
“I started on the field at Oka Park. I did everything from cleaning the bathrooms to being a receptionist. When Sépaq became manager of the Parks network, I worked in the headquarters before moving on to another challenge.
“I then returned to Sépaq as director of the Mont-Tremblant National Park and the Rouge-Matawin Game Reserve. This gave me the chance to immerse myself in the world of parks and reserves. I then became vice president of operations before moving to Tourism Alliance. I waited for the opportunity and it presented itself. That's why I'm very happy to return to the organization. »
A NATURE LOVER
In everyday life he enjoys nature.
“I am an outdoor enthusiast, I enjoy hiking, paddling and when it comes to fishing, I learned a lot from managing the Rouge-Matawin Wildlife Refuge. My kids often ask to go fishing because they love the activity.
“In winter we can think about snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. It's all really part of my life. Very often we spend our holidays in nature, in national parks or elsewhere. I started at the grassroots and I am very happy to have become the captain of the largest outdoor network that we have in Quebec and owned by Quebecers. »
When asked about his relationship with the world of hunting, he openly admitted that he “never had the opportunity to do this activity.”
“I'm used to preparing and tasting the meat my friends give me. I hope that by joining the organization some people can introduce me to hunting. I have nothing against hunting, quite the opposite. When the opportunity arises, I say “gift.” I still managed the activities of the Rouge-Matawin Game Reserve, where deer and elk are hunted. So I have a good idea of the challenges that livestock protection can bring.”
For him, the world of wildlife sanctuaries was often underestimated.
“They are true gems that have often been underestimated. I can't wait to see where the various files related to the reserves are located. In addition to parks and reserves, we have real gems with the Aquarium du Québec or the Chute Montmorency Park. I really want to continue Sépaq's mission of meeting customers' needs while respecting our mission. An important asset for me in the organization are all the people who make up the staff at all levels. They are professionals that I can really rely on. »
Time will tell whether he can achieve the goals he has set.