The 7 best locations for hunting this fall

Anticosti Island

Anticosti (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) Island is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. It’s one of the Belle Province’s rare natural gems. Known for its abundance of white-tailed deer and the beauty of the countryside, it’s got everything you need for a successful hunt.

The Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) recommends inns and cottages at the heart of what it calls the "pearl of the St. Lawrence”. Paradise on earth with over 1,500 km² for deer hunters.

Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve

The Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) is a magnificent location that includes 80 hunting sectors. Split between the regions of Outaouais and the Laurentians, it’s home to huge populations of white-tailed deer, moose and beavers.

Moose hunting is limited and subject to a draw.

As for small game, you’ll find ruffed grouse, spruce grouse and snowshoe hare.

Rouge-Matawin Wildlife Reserve

It's said that you’re guaranteed success when you hunt white-tailed deer on the Rouge-Matawin Wildlife Reserve (This hyperlink will open in a new tab).

If you prefer small game, you’ll find ruffed grouse, spruce grouse and snowshoe hare.

Looking for an unforgettable experience? Try the reserve in the spring to hunt black bear.

Chic-Chocs Wildlife Reserve

Visiting the Chic-Chocs Wildlife Reserve (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) will transport you to a scenic landscape worthy of a postcard. Strolling among the peaks of Blanche-Lamontagne, Vallières-de-Saint-Réal, Hog’s Back and Brown is the magnificent moose.

The population is estimated at 11.1 moose/10 km². No wonder it’s considered one of the best places for hunting success in Quebec.

During your stay, you can take advantage of expert advice to help with meat storage or registering the animals.

ZEC Buteux-Bas-Saguenay

If hunting and a scenic fall countryside is what you’re after, then the ZEC Buteux-Bas-Saguenay (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) (French only) gives it to you in spades. The area’s vast forests are teeming with hare, grouse, woodcock and even pheasant.

In this haven located between Charlevoix and Saguenay, there’s no need to cross your fingers and hope you win the moose hunting draw. It’s available to all hunters here, so long as you book your stay in advance.

Migratory game bird hunters will also find plenty of opportunity here.

Portneuf Wildlife Preserve

At the Portneuf Wildlife Preserve (This hyperlink will open in a new tab), the partridge rules! Its food is abundant in the trees here, as are the bird’s watering grounds. Plus, the area’s coniferous trees protect the partridge from its predators and bad weather.

You can bring home a nice haul by entrenching yourself in the woods (and why not go hiking while you’re at it). Partridges can be found near streams and rivers.

When on the reserve grounds, you’ll have access to all the forest trails maintained by the SÉPAQ. You may also get around on your ATV.

Ashuapmushuan Wildlife Reserve

You can’t really count on this reserve to live up to its name Ashuapmushuan, which means “where we see the moose” in the Innu language! The Ashuapmushuan Wildlife Reserve (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) is where, above all, you’ll find the ruffed grouse and spruce grouse.

You could even hunt hares in anticipation of the holiday feasts.

For the ultimate small game hunting experience, get a migratory game bird hunting permit. You’ll then be able to add duck, snow geese, Canada geese and woodcock to the list.

Insure your toys

Before heading into the woods, make sure you insure your ATV or snowmobile if snow is in the forecast.

Happy hunting!