The elk hunting season with firearms, which opened in some areas last weekend, will be very different for many fans whose camps burned to the ground during this summer’s historic wildfires.
“It is certain that there will be emotions in the hunt this year. It will be exactly the opposite of what we had before, but we are rolling up our sleeves,” says an emotional Éric Lavoie, whose hunting camp in Desmeloizes, near La Sarre, was completely destroyed.
![[EN IMAGES] Camps reduced to rubble by wildfires: Your elk hunt will be very different this year](https://www.spamchronicles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/EN-IMAGES-Camps-reduced-to-rubble-by-wildfires-Your-elk.jpg "[EN IMAGES] Camps reduced to rubble by wildfires: Your elk hunt will be very different this year 3")
The state of Éric Lavoie’s hunting camp in Desmeloize after this summer’s historic forest fires. Photo provided by Éric Lavoie
He will therefore bring a trailer with him, which he will set up a little further away and from which he will have to ride his mountain bike back and forth to his hunting area in the morning and evening.
A similar situation occurred for Jeanne Neveu-Delage, whose hunting camp, which she ran with her partner for more than ten years in the area of Lake Bill, north of Normétal in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, was completely destroyed by the flames.
![[EN IMAGES] Camps reduced to rubble by wildfires: Your elk hunt will be very different this year](https://www.spamchronicles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1695505957_791_EN-IMAGES-Camps-reduced-to-rubble-by-wildfires-Your-elk.jpg "[EN IMAGES] Camps reduced to rubble by wildfires: Your elk hunt will be very different this year 4")
Jeanne Neveu-Delage’s new temporary installation north of Normétal for hunting this year after her hunting camp was reduced to rubble following this summer’s wildfires. Photo provided by Jeanne Neveu-Delage
However, they managed to build a temporary shelter that they can use while they wait for their little paradise to be rebuilt.
“For us, hunting is really a family affair, so it certainly won’t be the same. We won’t be able to accommodate as many people and possibly not stay as long, so it’s definitely difficult,” explains the hunter.
“My partner’s father is blind and the camp has been completely tailored to him, so it will definitely be more complicated for him,” she adds.
![[EN IMAGES] Camps reduced to rubble by wildfires: Your elk hunt will be very different this year](https://www.spamchronicles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1695505960_399_EN-IMAGES-Camps-reduced-to-rubble-by-wildfires-Your-elk.jpg "[EN IMAGES] Camps reduced to rubble by wildfires: Your elk hunt will be very different this year 5")
Jeanne Neveu-Delage, here with her father-in-law Guy Bluteau, in front of the remains of their hunting camp. | Photo provided by Jeanne Neveu-Delage. Photo provided by Jeanne Neveu-Delage
An uncertain hunt
Although they can still make catches, hunters can expect a less successful season due to the intense fires.
Ms Neveu-Delage fears that the presence of logging companies collecting burned wood and creating new paths will harm animals due to noise and the changing environment.
“Will the hunt be good?” We will find out in due course, but it is certain that it is a fear,” admits the sports enthusiast.
![[EN IMAGES] Camps reduced to rubble by wildfires: Your elk hunt will be very different this year](https://www.spamchronicles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1695505966_116_EN-IMAGES-Camps-reduced-to-rubble-by-wildfires-Your-elk.jpg "[EN IMAGES] Camps reduced to rubble by wildfires: Your elk hunt will be very different this year 6")
The moose remains the most sought-after animal by many big game hunters in Quebec. Wildlife sanctuaries are the main areas to prevent. Archive photo
“This is our meat for the year. Food is becoming more and more expensive and is not of the same quality. We run our own butcher shop and know that we eat quality meat. “It is certain that we can go to the supermarket, but it is far from the same, both economically and health-wise,” she adds.
However, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks points out that it is still too early to assess the full impact of wildfires on the hunting season.
However, certain impacts need to be taken into account in sectors heavily affected by fires.
“Relocation of animals outside of heavily affected areas is another potential impact that could reduce the hunting success of hunters in burned areas,” Daniel Labonté, a publicist for the ministry, said by email.
- Listen to the interview with Stéphanie Vadnais, interim general director of the Quebec Federation of Hunters and Fishermen, on Alexandre Dubé’s show QUB radio :
More than a warehouse
For many hunters, their camps are not only a place to hunt, but also a keepsake box.
![[EN IMAGES] Camps reduced to rubble by wildfires: Your elk hunt will be very different this year](https://www.spamchronicles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1695505968_5_EN-IMAGES-Camps-reduced-to-rubble-by-wildfires-Your-elk.jpg "[EN IMAGES] Camps reduced to rubble by wildfires: Your elk hunt will be very different this year 7")
Éric Lavoie’s little paradise, his hunting camp in Desmeloize, before it was reduced to rubble in this summer’s historic forest fires. Photo provided by Éric Lavoie
“It was incredible the memories we had there. My daughter started walking and was at camp with us. Today she is 25 years old. There are a lot of photos and memories that have disappeared,” says Éric Lavoie.
“Rebuilding the camp is one thing, but rebuilding all those memories, I don’t think I’ll live long enough for that,” he added.
Forest fires in 2023
Quebec has never had more than two million hectares of forest burned in a single year since the 1970s.
In 2023, a staggering 5.2 million hectares will go up in smoke, equivalent to an area slightly larger than Costa Rica or more than 100 times the size of the island of Montreal.
According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Public Security, more than 25,000 people have been evacuated since June 1, some more than once.
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