Are you interested to know Dates for Deer Hunting Season in Quebec province in Canada? if yes, then you are at the right place.
In this article you can read more details about Dates for Deer Hunting Season in Quebec.
Also Read: When do fawns lose their spots
Dates for Deer Hunting Season in Quebec
If you are someone who loves to hunt deer and have been looking forward to the Quebec deer hunting season.
Please be informed that Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Wildlife has released the dates for Deer Hunting Season in Quebec for 2022–2023 season.
Dates for Deer Hunting Season in Quebec will begin on Sept 1 and end on Nov 30, 2023.
For anyone living in or near Quebec, this information can help you decide where to go deer hunting as well as when to start preparing in order to meet your goals.
Here’s what you need to know about Quebec’s next deer hunting season and how it may affect your plans.
WHAT TYPE OF GAME CAN YOU HUNT IN QUÉBEC?
You can hunt bear, black and white-tailed deer, wild turkey, small game such as rabbit and grouse, as well as moose.
In certain areas, you may also be able to hunt frogs.
You should check with your municipality or local hunting outfitters for additional regulations and species available.
Of course, it is always a good idea to call ahead before you go out; hunting laws are set locally so make sure to confirm any regulations with your local authorities.
Game licenses are available by internet, at Centre de Distribution des Licences or on location at Service québécois de la faune offices.
You can choose to buy one of three types of license: Basic hunting, which includes: moose, black bear and small game; adult big game (antlerless deer and rabbit); and senior hunting (65 years old or older).
The season dates vary slightly depending on where you’re hunting.
WHAT TYPE OF HUNTING IS MOST POPULAR IN QUÉBEC?
The most popular hunting activity in Québec is moose hunting, which accounts for nearly 170,000 licences issued every year.
In fact, it’s estimated that there are more than 100,000 active moose hunters and non-resident hunters in Québec each season!
That said, Québec offers five types of hunting, including archery (or bowhunting), black powder or muzzleloader hunting, crossbow hunting, firearm deer hunting and trapping.
Firearms deer season begins on October 10th and ends on December 9th.
Rules for HUNTING in QUÉBEC during the PANDEMIC
In order to allow hunters to enjoy their favorite pastime, we remind them of some basic rules: respect wildlife and private property, be very cautious with firearms, keep a safe distance from wildlife.
- Don’t forget safety first and foremost
- DO NOT HUNT without wearing a fluorescent orange vest
- Always try to use online services where possible to purchase anything such as license, quebec hunting rights, etc
- Wear disposable mask and gloves while hunting
- Maintain social distance with other hunters
- Look for hunting grounds which is not very far from your home
- Clean yourself properly after hunting your prey and yourself
Can you hunt anywhere in Québec?
Technically, no.
You can only hunt on private property or land given to you by permission of the owner on the given dates for Deer Hunting Season in Quebec
For example, friends and family are a good source of permission to hunt on their land if they allow it.
You should always get permission before hunting or even entering someone else’s property!
If you need some advice, don’t hesitate to ask from nearby hunting departments!
In fact, hunting areas are divided into wildlife management zones that are set aside for hunting.
Only a few hunting permits (for resident and non-resident) are issued per zone to ensure that there is no overpopulation of animals.
You will also find regulations on what dates, weapons and techniques you can use to hunt different species within each zone.
For example, it’s forbidden to hunt deer with a rifle or bow and arrow within 150 metres of a residence during certain months of hunting season.
How many deer are in Québec?
Since its inception, Dates for Deer Hunting Season in Quebec has been limited to a week.
But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to find a spot!
Many regions hold special permits, which can be tricky to get.
As of 2019 according to estimates, there are between 175,000 and 250,000 deer in Québec’s vast forest.
About 90,000 are harvested each year.
This is actually a much higher proportion than elsewhere in North America.
As is true elsewhere, their numbers fluctuate based on weather patterns, disease outbreaks and human impact (more on that later).
The future of one subspecies—the woodland caribou—is so precarious that it was recently added to Canada’s list of species at risk.
The woodland caribou depends on boreal forests in northern Québec and will likely disappear from there within 10 years if measures aren’t taken to protect its habitat.
How many active hunters are there in Quebec?
When you consider all of those hunters, it adds up to a lot of guns.
According to estimates, there are more than 6 million firearms in Quebec—that means one gun for every three residents.
That ratio is considerably higher than Canada’s average, but then again hunting is popular here—each year, 130,000 hunters pursue deer (only moose attract more), and 170,000 go after moose.
There are also 18,000 licensed turkey hunters each spring and fall.
Overall, 2% of Quebecers hunt every year; by comparison in other provinces like Ontario and New Brunswick it’s closer to 1%.
On top of that about 20% hunt without licenses or permits.
Is it legal to bait deer in Québec?
Hunting with bait is permitted from September 1 to November 30 only during given dates for Deer Hunting Season in Quebec
Before you start baiting, contact your local wildlife office to learn more about special permits required to hunt certain species of game or fish with bait.
Your plan will be rejected if you try to use bait outside of these dates.
Once you’ve received your permits, locate a good spot and set up some kind of feeder or natural attractant—this might be as simple as hanging a bag of corn or putting out peanut butter—and wait.
When deer approach, make sure they’re facing away from your stand before you shoot them!
Where can I hunt deer in Quebec?
Quebec is a big province.
There are 28 hunting zones across Quebec that range from St. Lawrence River islands to snowy mountain ranges.
Each region has different rules.
The lower St. Lawrence, Lanaudière, Estrie, Côte-Nord areas require a license which can be purchased online through JSF or at local stores.
You will need to visit a local store and purchase hunting permits if you want to hunt deer in these regions.
Certain areas are restricted with non-resident permits and may not allow non-residents to purchase certain permits.
Non-residents are allowed only as passengers if accompanied by a licensed resident/instructor who is 18 years of age or older.
Antlerless permits are $25 each from Sept 15th – Nov 30th and $40 each from Dec 1st – Apr 30th. Prices may vary!
Can you hunt on Crown land in Québec?
Yes, depending on your hunting licence.
Many areas of Crown land are off-limits to hunters, while others permit it under specific conditions.
To find out if you can hunt during given dates for Deer Hunting Season in Quebec on Crown land where you live or plan to visit, visit Service Québec.
If an area allows hunting on Crown land, you must respect certain rules and conditions that vary according to region and animal hunted.
For example, in Zone 1 (Région administrative A) of southern Québec, where moose hunting is allowed from September 24th until December 7th , a hunting licence is required as well as a permit authorizing access to specially protected lands (e.g., National Park) and extra game hunted over such lands.
How much does a deer hunting licence cost in Quebec?
The cost of a deer hunting licence varies from region to region.
For example, residents of Quebec pay $78.33 for one year, non-residents pay $423.77 for one year. The cost includes a chance to harvest deer other ungulates for subsistence purposes or sport.
To take part in wildlife management activities on provincial lands and waters, you need to have a valid hunting licence issued by Revenu Québec (RQ).
To receive a Canadian Firearms Licence you must hold an Authorization to Possess (ATP) which will be given as soon as your application is approved following verification of your information with your partners.
Is a hunting license required to hunt all game in Québec?
Yes, every person who is hunting Deer during dates for Deer Hunting Season in Quebec must have a valid hunting license, regardless of whether or not they have a weapon.
If you have been issued a disability authorization, it is not necessary to hold a hunting license.
However, you must carry on your person your disabled status card when engaging in hunting activities.
A crossbow permit is also required if using one.
People who are 14 years old and over need to purchase an annual Québec Resident Firearms Hunting License, while under 14 years old may be authorized to hunt without having such license if they are accompanied by an adult and respect certain conditions (see age limits).
In Québec, a non-resident must hold a valid non-resident game hunting licence to hunt big game (deer, moose and bear) with firearms.
In order to obtain a game hunting licence, a non-resident is required to take an online course on safe handling of firearms and basic firearm knowledge (with certificates provided upon completion), as well as pass an exam on its contents (in English or French).
Licences can be purchased online.
A stamp enabling you to purchase ammunition is also required.
When can you hunt in Quebec?
The annual Dates for Deer Hunting Season in Quebec is a fall favorite.
But when can you hunt in Quebec?
Residents of La Belle Province are only allowed to hunt between September 1 and November 30 each year.
Dates for Deer Hunting Season in Quebec for Non-residents will be from September 1 to November 15 each year.
The exact dates vary annually and are determined by wildlife management officials, who take into account a variety of factors such as food supply, weather, population size and other animals that might compete with deer.
The Department of Forests, Wildlife and Parks (MFFP) offers more information about when you’re allowed to hunt during each season on its website.
How old do you have to be to hunt in Quebec?
In order to hunt during Dates for Deer Hunting Season in Quebec, you must be at least 12 years old. If you want to use a bow and arrow instead, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old.
The best time of year to bag a deer is typically during their mating season, which usually occurs during early sept and ends in late November.
This is also when it’s easiest to spot them (and easier on your eyes).
Always remember that if an animal has antlers (which can begin growing as early as April), then it’s considered part of its mating ritual and shouldn’t be hunted.
Also Read : When Do Deer Lose Their Spots
Conclusion about Dates for Deer Hunting Season In Quebec
Rules and regulations regarding hunting differ from state to state and province to province.
Make sure you understand all necessary steps that need to be taken prior to deer hunting season.
Consult your state’s wildlife agency or hunter safety association for details on hunting dates, licenses, size limits, etc.
Before heading out on a hunt, ensure you are prepared by packing items such as tents, weapons, first aid kits and anything else you might need while in camp.
Also ensure you bring enough food as well as extra batteries (for your flashlights) and matches (in case one set fails).
Leave nothing behind at camp that could attract unwanted attention or harm local animals or humans during your absence.
Taking care of these important details before leaving will help ensure an enjoyable trip filled with great memories!
Hope you enjoyed reading about Dates for Deer Hunting Season in Quebec and all other relevant details.
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