Hunting enthusiasts who visited the areas of Sépaq Anticosti this autumn noticed that there were deer in large numbers and also of good quality.
“We can truly say that the 2023 hunting season was exceptional, both in terms of the number and quality of animals. Trophy lovers were able to harvest magnificent males with exceptional plumage, explained the director of Sépaq Anticosti, Éric Harnois. As my first season in this position, I couldn't ask for anything better. »
Given the hunters' numerous successes, the director even faced a slight challenge.
“Two things should be noted,” Mr. Harnois said. First, in some cases more than one cart was required to transport the feathers to the aircraft. We also had to use a second plane to transport the meat and luggage because the deer were very heavy. For many it was unknown. »
Nature cooperates
“The majority of hunters had the opportunity to shoot adult males in all sectors of Sépaq Anticosti throughout the season,” adds customer service manager Daniel Lévesque.
“From one year to the next we see periods where males are less visible. There were none this fall. Good harvests followed in September and October. November was exceptional with a black moon. We can't wait to see the final stats. Since 2019, this is by far the biggest season we have experienced on the island. »
One of the main players in the increase in the island's deer population is Mother Nature.
“We had an early spring and the winter was not harsh, which helped the animals a lot,” adds the director. Back in June we observed deer whose feathers were developing much faster than usual. We hoped the season would be good. It exceeded our expectations. Even now, as we left the island, the deer still had easy access to food, which bodes well for next season. »
Victim of his own success
For Daniel Lévesque, the season that has ended is representative of the increase in the deer population.
“We were already able to see many young fawns with their mothers in the spring. Sometimes one, two or even three! The same situation occurred throughout the hunting season as people saw many deer every day. This explains the success, especially since at Sépaq Anticosti we offer group hunts, which further increases the chances of success. »
Director Éric Harnois sent his team flowers for this successful season.
“It is not the director alone who can make a hunting season such a success. I would like to thank the entire Sépaq Anticosti team who have proven themselves to be more than professional at all levels throughout the territory. Without all of these people, we would not be able to offer hunters such opportunities to stay and succeed in their hunting adventures. »
The organization is a victim of its success. The hunters have already reserved a large part for the 2024 season, so that after the operation is completed, 3,350 hunters will be insured for the fall of 2024.
If you add the 320 winners of the raffle, there are only around a hundred places left, especially in the American plan for the months of September and October. The hunt schedule was also redesigned to accommodate 180 additional hunters in guideless areas in October.
►To try your luck at experiencing the great adventure: 1 800 463-0863 or www.sepaq.com/sepaq-anticosti
It's time to enter the raffle
Until January 15th you have the opportunity To for the raffle that will determine the winners of moose hunting stays in game reserves and deer hunting stays in the Sépaq Anticosti.
In addition to access to vast hunting areas in game reserves, you are entitled to free services during your stay, including area maps downloadable with Avanza Map, bloodhound service, access to cold storage, hoists, winches and sleds. Since 2020 you also have access to Horizon chalets in several reserves, chalets that make all the difference for a hunting stay with the highest level of comfort.
For 2024, new packages for bow and crossbow hunting in double groups are now being offered in the Laurentides Game Reserve. Two groups will gain access via the raffle. You will be accommodated in two Modik chalets next to each other.
You can also benefit from advice and tips from numerous experts by watching the immersive web series that Sépaq has made available.
If you book an elk hunt in one of the reserves, you will receive a 25% discount on a fishing trip with accommodation, rental of a holiday chalet or a campsite in the 2024 season. Campsite, in the same reserve.
►To find out more: www.sepaq.com/prints