Quebec Winter Caribou Hunting
#2331
Spike
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 28
Hey everyone, sorry about the delay in returning results. 3 of us went up hunted at KISK the 21st to the 25th we all got 2 animals. say a lot of nice bulls and one real crusher. The lakes were not frozen and 4 people that I know of went through. that issue should have been resolved, ice should be good. the group in front of us had a hard time filling tags, lots of work and hiking. So good luck to all.
#2333
Spike
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 76
HEY BOU HUNTERS, looks like you all had a good hunt, anyone have any extra bou meat !! i did not go this yr, will be there next yr with my two grandsons, I talked to paul 10 days ago he said bou allover with about 4in of snow and some ice on the ponds. camp kiskimaastakin, SO LETS GO BOU HUNTING !!!
Last edited by huntcaribou; 12-02-2011 at 08:51 AM. Reason: LEFT OUT INFO
#2334
Fork Horn
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 460
Back in US today - tough hunting as animals are in small pods like they are when wintering. The main herd is 100 miles north and west of LA1 - some smaller groups are also being seen to the south and west of the TTR below Mirage – one group of 1-2K are moving slowly to the north and east of Mirage and should be crossing soon maybe at and to the East of Laforge Road.
If we get some colder weather the main herd should start moving south – issue is if they are too far west 22A will get the jack pot. Some are starting to weave down towards LG4 which is a good sign. No ice and many are falling through – animals and hunters. We had a death from drowning and 2 guys fall in with machines. One air lifted and will lose all fingers from the cold. All ponds are bad and the ice varies so don’t take any chances.
Later hunters may see a good amount of animals. Spent some time with the biologists – they told me basically the 2011 rules were put in place before the inventory was completed which was a mistake since the survey showed slightly increasing numbers. They stated the rules would be back to normal for 2012 – hopefully Simard will hear this and return the hunt to normal – we at least have the natives and outfitters voting on our side. We will know by Feb 2012 on the decision and how many tags are going to be released. Right now Mirage only has 650 committed so you cannot book until they get a decision by the council.
Off to the meat cutter with our animals – 4 cows and 2 bulls.
If we get some colder weather the main herd should start moving south – issue is if they are too far west 22A will get the jack pot. Some are starting to weave down towards LG4 which is a good sign. No ice and many are falling through – animals and hunters. We had a death from drowning and 2 guys fall in with machines. One air lifted and will lose all fingers from the cold. All ponds are bad and the ice varies so don’t take any chances.
Later hunters may see a good amount of animals. Spent some time with the biologists – they told me basically the 2011 rules were put in place before the inventory was completed which was a mistake since the survey showed slightly increasing numbers. They stated the rules would be back to normal for 2012 – hopefully Simard will hear this and return the hunt to normal – we at least have the natives and outfitters voting on our side. We will know by Feb 2012 on the decision and how many tags are going to be released. Right now Mirage only has 650 committed so you cannot book until they get a decision by the council.
Off to the meat cutter with our animals – 4 cows and 2 bulls.
#2335
Spike
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Iroquois, Ont
Posts: 4
Thanks for the great update. We are leaving this Sunday morning and should be there early Monday morning to do some scouting. Sounds like you still managed to find them. I sure hope the ice conditions are better. Any other tips would be great as this is my first time hunting up there and we are also staying at Mirage.
#2336
Spike
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 9
Thanks for the great update. We are leaving this Sunday morning and should be there early Monday morning to do some scouting. Sounds like you still managed to find them. I sure hope the ice conditions are better. Any other tips would be great as this is my first time hunting up there and we are also staying at Mirage.
#2340
Spike
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 9
We ended up getting our caribou, but it wasn't a walk in the park. We spent a day driving the roads and glassing the lakes but few fresh tracks indicated the herd was elsewhere. Turned out there was only a few isolated groups close to the lodge so we ended up needing snowmobiles/guide to get to the caribou. Most of the animals were 70-80 km south of the lodge. Can't say enough about Mirage's hospitality and dedication to get hunters to the caribou. Seems caviar may be cheaper than bou steaks!