BELL RIVER | Several observers have said in recent weeks that the white-tailed deer, popularly called roe deer, is indeed back on Anticosti Island. After going on a hunting trip there at the end of September, I agree with those who say that deer are once again dominating the ancient forest.
Accompanied by my loyal hunting companions, I went to the Bell River Lodge in the east of the island. After a little over an hour flight from Quebec to the safari airport, here we are. As we saw the hunting results of the various groups we replaced, we began to dream. Finally we would experience these diverse encounters like in the good old days.
Our guide for this adventure, Gaston Henley, who has been traveling the Bell Sector for 40 years, tells us that yes, the hunting is good. He tells us that the previous group achieved a perfect result. Thanks to his very detailed knowledge of the territory, he explains to us that we will have very beautiful, very productive hunting areas, with areas where deer like to live in September.
When I arrive at the lodge I find that there are 28 hunters in total, which equates to a harvest of 56 animals. In my head I tell myself it’s quite a contract, but given Gaston’s enthusiasm, I bow and hope.
The main cabin overlooks the Bell River and comfortably accommodates 14 hunters. All services are offered here during the stay. Photo provided by Julien Cabana
The ball begins
On our first morning of hunting, we realized that our guide hadn’t told us any stories.
You can regularly spot deer along the roads, trails and plains wherever you have access. The famous bucks are becoming a little more shy about presenting themselves outdoors. They are quite nervous when they see the truck. It has to be said that we were the third group in the area.
Females are ubiquitous alone or with one or two calves. But the famous trophy deer that all hunters seek is not easy to flush out. We will have to work differently.
Michel Simard (right) was justifiably proud of this great eight that he had collected. Guide Gaston Henley (left) also posed to immortalize the moment with his hunter. Photo provided by Julien Cabana
The very well-developed hiking trails become our way out. After I managed to kill a first deer on the first morning, my companion Michel Simard accepted the invitation of the guide, who suggested that he end the day on a path where, according to him, a beautiful deer had been spotted fairly regularly .
As we continue our journey to other destinations, my friend is walking quietly when he suddenly sees the famous male standing on the path, facing him. He managed a perfect shot to catch this magnificent figure eight that was the envy of many hunters present at the lodge.
The dance continues throughout our five days of hunting, allowing our group to harvest the eight regular deer.
To give an idea of the success rate of the entire group, 55 of a possible 56 deer were shot. What was missing was the hunter’s decision. A group of four hunters from Saint-Urbain in Charlevoix killed eight males with feathers ranging from 6 to 11 points long. My friends from Maine, Corie Skidgell and her partner Roland Singer, took three bucks from four deer, including one with a seven-pointed plume.
To be honest, I felt hunting in Anticosti was like the good old days when we saw more than 20 animals per day.
The Bell Sector
In this sector there are seven hunting areas with developed trails, the coast and the vast plains where deer like to feed.
In addition to the main building, where all catering options are offered, there are two chalets. Because it is an American plan formula, all accommodation and meals are included, as well as a guide for four hunters with a brand new truck and quad bike. You change the area every day. The entire team, under the masterful leadership of chief guide Sylvain Roberts, will ensure you an exceptional stay.
The mild winters of recent years have made this return of the deer possible. We saw several juveniles and brockets that will become very beautiful males next year. In the eastern part of the island there are also several sectors offered in the European plan such as Dauphiné, Box and Renard, to name a few.
To learn more about availability through the end of the season in the Bell Sector and all others, you can contact SEPAQ Anticosti staff at 1 800 463-0863 or directly in Port-Menier at 418 535-0231. A real adventure!
