Hunting In Quebec – Know The Rules

Hunting has increased in popularity over the past few years, there has been a 60% rise in people taking up the sport. Whether you are a rookie or a seasoned hunter, you should be aware that there have been some changes to hunting rules in Quebec that came into effect on 1st April 2018. Before you head out for your trip, you should check the regulations on the MFFP website – this is important for everyone’s safety. In particular, caribou hunting is closed completely for the 2018/19 season. 

Use the correct equipment

Making sure that you use the correct equipment is essential if you are hunting different types of game. This is important to make sure that the animals are hunted as humanely as possible. The rules are also in place to ensure your own safety too. Never underestimate the fact that majority of the big game in Quebec are dangerous animals. For instance, if you are hunting black bear, you need a rifle of at least 6mm calibre with centre-fire cartridges, and make sure that you have a good rifle scope for assessing your prey. Shotguns should be at least 10-gauge, and bows need a torque of at least 18 kg. It is against regulations, however, to use a rifle when hunting wild turkey, or any kind of small game, including wolves, coyote, and marmots.

Abide by the territory rules

Quebec is divided into 29 zones. Zone 25 is exclusively for fishing. You have a right to hunt in all other zones. Each zone has its own rules regarding hunting, so make sure that you check these. If you are hunting on public territory, this must be done so that it is not to the detriment of anybody else outside. You should also never hinder anyone else that is hunting on this land either. This means that you shouldn’t damage another hunter’s lookout, or disturb their bait. Neither should you deliberately frighten an animal using odor or noise. Share the territory ethically and harmoniously.

Abide by bag limits

The bag limits are there to preserve the natural population of Quebec’s wildlife. Hunting is a sport that helps maintain the land, it is not a license to annihilate an entire species. There are separate bag limits for each species.  Current rules allow for 2 black bears to be hunted each year, but the second must be in the fall, in Zone 10. One moose a year between 2 hunters is allowed a year in most zones. Even for small game, there are bag limits that need to be observed, for instance, no more than 5 grouse a day.

It is important for your own safety and that of others to be sure of the hunting rules. Follow the regulations, and hunting can be preserved as a way of life in Quebec.