RE: Quebec Winter Caribou Hunting
 

New maps are in!
They're going the wrong direction!!!!!!!!!
Hopefully the weather forecast for the next 2 weeks is right - they're anticipating a cold snap to below normal temps for Quebec.
http://www.accuweather.com/news-blogs.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&b log=anderson
That may turn them around and head back South.

RE: Quebec Winter Caribou Hunting
 

If you notice though the ones that were headed way north last week have come back south and it appears that they are all headed to a similar location south of Ungava Bay. I am no expert but from the everyday guys point of view they appear to be bored (Gathering waiting to hit the road). From the looks of it I am guessing that Aupaluk had some cooler temps and that the Southern bou from the map ending the 22nd headed North as temps were higher. It looks like they are all staging and waiting for the cold snap.

Does this logic make sense to anyone else?

RE: Quebec Winter Caribou Hunting
 

They have 3 1/2 weeks to get there from my perspective!! That's plenty of time! We finally had our first frost in PA. I'll do some turkey hunting over the next two weeks and then it's off to NY to hunt whitetail. After that, it's bou time!!

If you compare last year's map to this years map (same time frame) you'll find the following...
Last year at this time, they were between 55 & 57 degrees north. This year, they are between 56 & 58 degrees north. So they are not that much off from last year. Don't forget, last year they came through early and fast!

More importantly is that last year they were lining up to make their run through the resident only section. This year they are lining up more to the east which is a good sign in my opinion.

But, anything can happen!!

RE: Quebec Winter Caribou Hunting
 

As soon as the water begins to freeze they start to head - this is like a sigh they need to move. Snow will only push them if they are havig a tough time to browse and they dig down to moss thru feet of snow. When they come down and the water is open they figure it is too early and they either hang around just above or move back up. It is hard to carry these animals for long in one area due to the numbers and food is what they want. Remember last year they hit Bourassaand held since it was wide open. When the area could not feed them they crossed to get below - it was getting colder also. A cree told me (on my extended vacation last year up top) that more than 100K animals died as they fell through the ice on LG3. Neat to see them all herded in a big bunch like that, but since the ice was not good, in they went - it was at night when the huddle for protection - image the weight.

Hopefully they have a good memory and will stay up until Nov 15 and take their time comming down east of LA1 and 2 - hunting spots are good east of Laforge with alot of open ponds and long views to see the groups.This is my bet and I would agree that they are thinking to start back down and testLagrande.

RE: Quebec Winter Caribou Hunting
 

It will be fine fellas. I will be at Nouchimi Nov 22nd-26th. As a biologist, I would almost bank my degree they will be there. It is still early. Give them time....need more cold weather. 3 days ago it was 50 degrees there, now it's snowing. I would wager it is going to get cold fast.

RE: Quebec Winter Caribou Hunting
 

Will be back to the Mirage for the 4th time Nov 27-Dec 1. Will be staying in cabin with party of six; four veterans and two rookies. Tracking maps look like the timing should be good. My contact there says it is sub-freezing there now.

RE: Quebec Winter Caribou Hunting
 

Sniper: our gang will be there the same week, staying in the cabins. we are coming from Dearborn Mi.
Getting ready for Michigans deer seasons (gun)opens on Nov 15th .... after that, totally focused on the caribou hunt.
Enjoy reading everyones posts especially Nord,Darkside they seem to be in the know.

RE: Quebec Winter Caribou Hunting
 

Whip,
I will be showing up on the 25th. We will be in a blue F-250 with truck camper and a trailer. I booked through a friend of mine and I have never been on this hunt. Have you ever been to nouchimi and if so what is your opinion?

RE: Quebec Winter Caribou Hunting
 

I myself have not been to Nouchimi prior to this year. I have friends who have been on the hunt during this time for 8 straight years and only once out of eight times has the group (6-8 guys) not been able to limit out....and that was because of being picky, not because the animals were not there. The people I know say to come prepared to hunt, as you will not be getting a ton of guidance or anyone to hold your hand. It is a do-it-yourself hunt, but other than that they told me good things about the camp and experience. I am working on the NA 29, so I don't need a book animal, just a representative. I guess if I wanted a huge caribou I would fly to shefferville in August and pay 4 grand for an outfitter. That being said, I am going in very optimistic about the hunt. Realize that those 70satellite collars are representativeof aherd of caribou around one million strong. The contacts I have in the north tell me not to worry.

RE: Quebec Winter Caribou Hunting
 

Well I hope your contacts up here are right. At the present time it doesn't look good. And another thing at Nouchimi, you have a 50 mile drive one direction before you can hunt. Remember that. You can't walk out the door at Nouchimi and start hunting.

Good luck to everybody who's going up in November!