Hunting seasons vary from year to year, so it's vital to be informed before planning an outing, whether it's for one or several days. These changes depend on the type of prey, the weapon and the region. So it's sometimes hard to understand for those who don't hunt.
Finding out about the periods in advance is therefore a crucial step in planning your outdoor outing. Indeed, parks and trail managers sometimes decide to partially or totally restrict access to certain sectors to ensure everyone's safety. The Government of Quebec and the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs websites provide information on hunting seasons, types and zones. We also recommend that you contact the regional organizations responsible for managing the trails or parks you wish to visit. Regional tourist information centers are also excellent resources to consider. Answers to your questions are just a phone call away. Their websites are also good resources. Just make sure they're up to date.
Once you've done your homework, the planning can begin. Closed areas are obviously out of reach, but those that have remained open can be visited. However, be sure to remain vigilant and look out for the " hunters on the prowl" signs. These clearly indicate that you are entering a hunting zone. Risk management is an important consideration in all activities. Opt for a location where hunting information is clear to reduce the risk of incidents. If necessary, be sure to adapt your practice to reduce potential conflicts between users and ensure your safety.
As with all outdoor activities, make sure you have all the necessary equipment with you, and tell someone close to you about the itinerary. For tips on planning a hiking route, see our article Planning a hiking route: 5 aspects to consider.
To make sure you're seen when you're out and about in the forest, we recommend wearing brightly colored clothing. So now's a good time to get out all those colorful outdoor clothes! The orange bib is also a highly visible accessory through the trees. It should be worn by your canine companion. Dogs should also be on a leash. As mentioned earlier, Hunters on the prowl signs are put up for a reason. Make yourself heard by adopting a higher tone of voice when chatting with your adventure partners. Going solo? Now's the time to sing your hit of the moment out loud!
Wearing brightly colored clothing is of little use if the outdoor activity takes place in the dark. It is therefore recommended that outdoor activities take place between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. It's best to avoid early-morning or late-afternoon outings, which are more active times for hunters. The days get shorter in autumn, so it's important to be aware of sunrise and sunset times. What's more, it's best to opt for marked trails. Indeed, this is not a good time to explore the territory off the marked trails. Hunters generally know which areas are frequented by outdoor enthusiasts and avoid them. By venturing off the trails, you increase the risk of a dangerous encounter with them.
Hunting is also an outdoor activity, and it's important to respect users as much as they respect other outdoor enthusiasts. All the actions taken upstream and in the field ensure harmonious cohabitation between hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Every informed individual helps to reduce risks in the great outdoors, so that you can enjoy your activity in complete safety.
