ZECs! How about an ABC's of Hunting in Quebec?
- Thread starter lonely_wolf
- Start date
I find the biggest problem is that there is no map that says "you can hunt here". It has to be done by process of elimination - get a "carte de tenure" from MRNF to identify private vs public land, overlay that onto the hunting zone map to determine what part of the public land is reserved for ZEC's and exclusive rights outfitters. I'll reiterate the last part: exclusive rights outfitters. There are outfitters who will charge you for their services, but the land they put you on is public - ie, you could meet other hunters there.
Most of the land between the US border and the St. Lawrence from Ontario to about Quebec City is private. Not too many ZEC's that I know of. Plus the deer hunting is much better than up north. It's a little late in the year to be looking for spots, but I'd start knocking on some doors.
Most of the land between the US border and the St. Lawrence from Ontario to about Quebec City is private. Not too many ZEC's that I know of. Plus the deer hunting is much better than up north. It's a little late in the year to be looking for spots, but I'd start knocking on some doors.
I've hunted two Zecs for spring black bear. Takes alot of screwing around to figure em out. I'm still ???
Each one is different and sets it's own fees and policies and you become a member. Some are crazy expensive and others not too bad. They don't all offer the same packages either. But get your $$$ out just the same. I pay $173 including taxes for ALL ACTIVITIES at Zec Restigo (5000 sq KM). I can leave my trailer there free all summer if I want. It's 2 1/2 hours away. You still have to buy your provincial licenses to fish or hunt whatever - more $$$. The best thing about ZECS is that they are there for hunters and fishermen. No BS about people complaining to authorities they "heard a shot" or "saw someone with a rifle". And they have the spring bear hunt which appeals to me.
Each one is different and sets it's own fees and policies and you become a member. Some are crazy expensive and others not too bad. They don't all offer the same packages either. But get your $$$ out just the same. I pay $173 including taxes for ALL ACTIVITIES at Zec Restigo (5000 sq KM). I can leave my trailer there free all summer if I want. It's 2 1/2 hours away. You still have to buy your provincial licenses to fish or hunt whatever - more $$$. The best thing about ZECS is that they are there for hunters and fishermen. No BS about people complaining to authorities they "heard a shot" or "saw someone with a rifle". And they have the spring bear hunt which appeals to me.
Thanks for the post Whelen. Despite the part about the money, you made a ZEC sound pretty good.
One thing that I haven't been able to get information on from the website is if you become a member at a ZEC and can be there all summer, can you target shoot? I'm pretty sure the answer is no since the other hunters in the area wouldn't be too impressed...
Some more specific questions:
Is there any way to know how 'crowded' a specific ZEC is?
Can you stalk in ZEC's? Is it even safe, or even respectful, to do so since there are more then likely other hunters around?
Are you given a certain area designated just for you?
Thanks.
One thing that I haven't been able to get information on from the website is if you become a member at a ZEC and can be there all summer, can you target shoot? I'm pretty sure the answer is no since the other hunters in the area wouldn't be too impressed...
Some more specific questions:
Is there any way to know how 'crowded' a specific ZEC is?
Can you stalk in ZEC's? Is it even safe, or even respectful, to do so since there are more then likely other hunters around?
Are you given a certain area designated just for you?
Thanks.
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About knocking on doors - yeah, it's a humbling experience. There's no trick to it, other than being extremely polite, apologetic, and being ready to jump back in your car in case the farm guard dog is the only one that comes to meet you.
I don't think there is any official policy on stalking or setting aside of areas, but my guess is that the administrator will let you know who is where and set out some guidelines to keep you and the other clients happy.
Call them up - I'm sure they will be happy to try and answer your questions.
I don't think there is any official policy on stalking or setting aside of areas, but my guess is that the administrator will let you know who is where and set out some guidelines to keep you and the other clients happy.
Call them up - I'm sure they will be happy to try and answer your questions.
Sometimes the people who answer the phone or man the gatehouse don't have a clue. Other times they know their stuff about who is hunting where and can be very helpful, pointing out an area with little hunting going on. Remember each Zec is different in how good or poorly it is staffed and operated.
But it's mostly just like crown land here in Ontario. You find yourself a spot where no one else is hunting (or logging or drilling or ???). I'm used to that here and had no trouble in the two Zecs I hunted. They gave me maps too and mile marker info along the main bush road. Pretty much camp and hunt where you like - as long as someone didn't get there first. But when the moose hunt is on I gather groups figure they pretty much own little territories cause they staked claim to it years ago. I'm told tempers can get hot quickly. But I found there is lots of elbow room in the the Zecs in the spring - essentially wilderness (no farms etc.) - a key ingredient to peaceful co-existence with other hunters. The outfitters I met were friendly enough but I steered clear of their bait set ups just like I do here. Respect goes a long way - but there are always some who don't deserve it I've found.
But it's mostly just like crown land here in Ontario. You find yourself a spot where no one else is hunting (or logging or drilling or ???). I'm used to that here and had no trouble in the two Zecs I hunted. They gave me maps too and mile marker info along the main bush road. Pretty much camp and hunt where you like - as long as someone didn't get there first. But when the moose hunt is on I gather groups figure they pretty much own little territories cause they staked claim to it years ago. I'm told tempers can get hot quickly. But I found there is lots of elbow room in the the Zecs in the spring - essentially wilderness (no farms etc.) - a key ingredient to peaceful co-existence with other hunters. The outfitters I met were friendly enough but I steered clear of their bait set ups just like I do here. Respect goes a long way - but there are always some who don't deserve it I've found.
