Several moose hunters in Quebec are wondering what actions need to be taken to counteract the impact of climate change on their operations and forest traffic during their hunting season.
Last fall, several hunters across Quebec lost the meat on their game due to excessive heat during the hunting season.
“We experienced a few cold days, but even if a few nights were cold, during the last two weeks of hunting in mid-October we were accompanied by mosquitoes that I had never experienced before,” wrote Pierre Renaud to me, who hunted on the Zec des Pass area in the Lac Saint-Jean sector.
“I took pictures where you can see moose without hair because of the tick. I spoke to several other hunters and they agreed that the hunt dates really should be pushed back a week. Climate change affects the nature and habits of animals. This is not a whim of the hunters, but a reality they currently have to live with. »
His testimony clearly illustrates the situation experienced by many.
“If someone had told me before that Saguenay had deer, I would have thought it was a mistake. Today the hunt is open in zone 28 and we see deer on the Zec of the pass, near the 49th parallel. There is an absolute need to review moose hunting management that has not adapted to the reality of climate change. »
This situation of excessive heat means moose are active at night when the temperature is milder.
traffic and noise
Another important point that he emphasized to us in his speech was the problem of excessive traffic in the forest during the hunting season and work with machines.
“According to the law, no one may voluntarily harm a person who is hunting legally and who has lawfully entered the territory in which he is located. These are fine words, but everything has yet to be applied to the district during the hunting season,” he explains.
“Several forest companies agree to suspend their activities during the season, but other stakeholders continue with their important work. During our stay we were accompanied by the sound of excavators and other machines working on the roads. A ceasefire should be demanded for all. »
“How do you practice ambush hunting and deception techniques when you spend the day listening to the sounds of machinery? It is unsettling for the moose and very tiring for us who want to have an interesting hunting experience and a chance to take an animal. »
Information not readily available
He also mentioned that the intense traffic that occurs during the hunting season, both by car and by quad, should be better controlled.
It is very difficult to get information from the government specialists who manage these files. Reaching them is no cakewalk. Far be it from me to say that the government is not transparent on this file.
Hunters need answers. At the time of writing, after several weeks if not months, the results of the last big game hunting season are not yet available.
In summary
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