road access - moose hunt

Ruffed Grouse

Ruffed Grouse

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I'm planning a first moose hunting trip with a couple of friends. We're in southern Ontario, but willing to make a long drive, and then paddle some, as necessary.

Our tag prospects look best in areas 16c and 18a,b. The official ontario road map shows few roads! But on google earth there are plenty of roads, by the looks of it logging roads. Presumably there are also some roads other than what the offical road map shows that the public can access? What is the best way to plan the last stages of this road trip? Where is more detailed information on roads and access in these areas?

Thanks much,

RG

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priobably the best bet is to get a friend with a GPS and the map software - or buy one (i'm familiar with Garmin Topo canda, but i'm sure other companies have comparable systems . You can then print contour maps and roads will be indicated.


the problem i've found with google is their data is generally pretty dated- several years in our hunting area (and for instance, my house data is 2 years old) . That's not necessarily a bad thing - its a good source for old grown over logging roads that haven't been used for a while and watercourses and trails will not have changed- but don't be surprised if you encounter roads that aren't on your maps, or cutover and/or overgrown areas that don't show up on google.

The best maps available are logging company maps if you can somehow get access to those- but you generally need to know an employee.

The federal govenrment had good contour maps but I haven't bought any for a while. They have now outsourced their sales try
ht tp://www.fedpubs.com/topographic.htm

get duplicate maps from different sources and you should have no issues.

I've found exploring a new territory is one of the most enjoyable parts of the hunt. And it sure isn't Southern Ontario - which is the nice part...
 
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your best bet is to spend a bit of time out there before you head out.unless you know someone who knows the area.never presume a logging road will be open
 
The reason those areas are easy to get tags for is the very limited access for you and me. Those areas support outfitters who fly in their clients and have several tent camps on different lakes.

As for 16C, I have a very detailed map of that area, and I called the Thunder Bay MNR office to check on access. The lady was very nice to talk to and she went through the roads 1 by 1 for me. Virtually all the roads on my map are off limits to vehicle traffic. No trucks, cars, ATV or such at all. Foot traffic only. And while many people pack out their meat, carrying 1000lbs of moose meat several KM's out a road doesn't sound like fun to me.

They will deny it, but they are protecting the Outfitter's operating area for them. So honestly, what you see on the Road map is what you get, the logging roads are there, but no access on most. Stick to 15B.;)

Check here for more info:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=216176
 
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