For several weeks, many of Nimrod’s disciples have settled in the forest to track down the king, the elk. According to the first rumors, he seems to be pulled by the ears to show himself.
Conversations with friends who are in the forest at the moment clearly show me that the moose are not moving. In Charlevoix, after more than ten days of hunting, no sign of life. Nothing moves and the hunters don’t hear a shot. For several years, however, they have always shot their moose in the same hunting area.
Another friend of mine who hunts in the Lac Frontière area wrote to me yesterday morning to say that the weather is very nice but unfortunately there are no mooses there. Here, too, they are successful every year. On the side of the Seigneurie de Beaupré, the reported data shows that the moose are not moving much either. The same scenario in several game reserves.
So there must be a common denominator that explains this seemingly widespread situation. Personally, I believe weather conditions are the answer.
WIND AND HEAT
First of all, you should know that the moose is not a heat-loving animal. When it’s too hot, it seeks refuge in denser forests, where it can spend days feeding without taking a long detour. As large as it is, it can shrink in dense forests. Unless you know his hunting ground very well and know exactly where he spends his time when it’s too hot, driving him out can be difficult. He’s not inclined to move. Due to climate change, the months of September and even early October are hot and very mild seasons. We’re a far cry from when we used to hunt in the snow on Thanksgiving weekend.
Another very important point is the strong winds that we experienced for several days. The moose does not have good eyesight. He has to rely on his other two very keen senses, smell and hearing. He has hearing far superior to humans, which allows him to hear the sounds emanating from his surroundings at a distance. When the wind is strong, he cannot easily see what is happening around him. He then attempts to remain motionless in a sector where he can control his surroundings.
Surely biologists will tell you during the mating season that nothing prevents his behavior from mating. Yes, but at night, outside of very hot weather.
The best chance of bagging a moose in such conditions is very early in the morning or late in the day. However, it is to be hoped that nature will cooperate with the hunters and ensure temperatures are more suitable for hunting.
I can’t wait for the temperature to change to help the hunters succeed. The moose is a ghost. It can appear before us when we least expect it. You have to stay confident.
IN SUMMARY
CHEVREUIL, AN EVENT FOR RISE
During the weekend of October 29th and 30th it will be possible to practice deer hunting for youngsters. Youth aged 12-17, permit holders and newly certified adults can take advantage of this special weekend between January 1st and December 31st, 2021. Please visit www.mffp.qc.ca for full details.
NATIONAL OUTFITTER SHOW
The 2023 edition of the Quebec National Hunting and Fishing Outfitter Show will be held September 26-29 at Terminal 30 in Quebec’s Old Port. The move will be beneficial for visitors who will have many more free parking spaces. According to promoter Gaétan Mondou, this edition promises to be very complete with the return to normal life. Exhibitor reservations are going well. To find out, visit www.pourvoirie.net
UPCOMING FISHING
The popularity of the Wildlife Foundation’s Pêche en Herbe program is undeniable. Next winter, more than 3,500 young people will be trained during a winter fishing induction day. Organized in partnership with Canadian Tire and the Department of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, the program has initiated more than 325,000 young people since its inception in 1997. Young people aged 6 to 17 take part in educational workshops on fish habitats, fishing techniques and safety tips, environmental protection and angler ethics. All youngsters receive a peche en herbe certificate, which serves as a fishing license until the age of 18. To find out all about the program and to enroll a young person, visit the Foundation’s website at www.fondationdelafaune.qc.ca, under the Pêche en herbe tab.
REDUCED ACCESS FOR SNOWMOBILES
From now through December 9, you can purchase your hiking permit online and take advantage of a $85 discount. You must create a profile by going to www.fcmq.qc.ca and following the instructions on the Buy Online tab. Just follow the instructions. The prize must be in the name of the snowmobile owner. You will then pay $405 instead of $490 after December 9th. Delivery will be made by mail.
