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- What sets Select Wilderness Adventures apart from the competition?
- What is the weather like during the hunting season?
- How important is physical conditioning when going on a Caribou hunt?
- Can I fish or hunt other game while at camp?
- What are the opening and closing dates for Quebec-Labrador Caribou, Black Bear and Willow Ptarmigan hunting during the fall hunting season?
- What are the bag limits for Quebec – Labrador Caribou, Black Bear and Willow Ptarmigan during the fall hunt?
- What does it cost to hunt Black Bear, Willow Ptarmigan or go Trout fishing?
- What other costs should I expect to pay for if I go on a hunt with Select Wilderness Adventures?
- If there are no Caribou at camp where we are hunting, will Select Wilderness Adventures move us to a more productive area?
- Is the published hunt rate guaranteed?
- Do you have any tips for Archery Hunters?
- What clothing is recommended for a Caribou hunt?
- What rifles and cartridges do you suggest for Caribou hunting?
- What firearms, ammunition and archery equipment is authorized to hunt Caribou in Quebec?
- If I have a criminal record can I enter Canada to go on a hunt?
- What documents do I need to enter Canada?
- When I enter Canada with my firearm to go on a hunt, what Customs formalities will I be required to fulfill to import my firearm?
- When is the best time to hunt Caribou?
- What is your success rate?
- How do we judge Caribou?
- Can you tell me what types of fish I should expect to catch on my northern fishing trip?
- Can you suggest flies for both Arctic Char and Brook Trout specific to your fishing camps?
What sets Select Wilderness Adventures apart from the competition?
Select Wilderness Adventures strength comes from its experienced, knowledgeable staff that is committed to providing our guests with quality trips and personalized professional service. Our staff knows what they have to do and when to do it. Our commitment to “guest’s satisfaction” is what sets us apart. We deliver what we promise and more. Please be assured that Select Wilderness Adventures always has its client’s best interest at heart. We only do business with outfitters who have excellent reputations and who have established a history of top quality guest’s relations.
What is the weather like during the hunting season?
The weather during the hunting season can be changeable and we suggest hunters come prepared for sunshine, rain and snow. During late August and early September conditions are generally more stable than at the end of September but it is always a good idea to be prepared for all eventualities. Average temperatures during the Fall Caribou hunting season are:
| Fahrenheit | Celsius | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| August | Low | 41 | 5.7 |
| High | 59 | 15.1 | |
| September | Low | 34 | 1.6 |
| High | 49 | 9.1 |
How important is physical conditioning when going on a Caribou hunt?
The success of any Caribou hunt is directly dependant on the hunter’s physical condition. Although I have successfully guided hunters in their mid-80s, the best bulls usually follow the ridges, so it is important that the hunter be able to do some hiking across the open tundra. Undertaking a physical conditioning program several weeks prior to the hunt will make the hunt more enjoyable.
Can I fish or hunt other game while at camp?
You can fish for Lake Trout, Brook Trout and Land-locked Arctic Char during your Caribou hunt. The official Trout fishing season closes on September 7th. After this date, hunters are permitted to fish for Lake Trout, on a catch and release basis, using a single barbless hook. Lake Trout and Brook Trout abound in the waters around each hunting camp. You can also hunt Black Bear and Willow Ptarmigan when the season opens on August 25th. It is important to know that there are a very few Black Bear on the tundra where we hunt. Chances of shooting a Black Bear are minimal. Willow Ptarmigan populations vary each year depending on spring nesting conditions and their seasonal southbound migration. In spite of these two factors, guests who decide to hunt Ptarmigan normally experience good wing shooting.
What are the opening and closing dates for Quebec-Labrador Caribou, Black Bear and Willow Ptarmigan hunting during the fall hunting season?
- Quebec-Labrador Caribou: season is open from August 1st to October 31st.
- Black Bear: season is open from August 25th to October 31st.
- Willow Ptarmigan: season is open from August 25th to April 30th.
What are the bag limits for Quebec – Labrador Caribou, Black Bear and Willow Ptarmigan during the fall hunt?
The following bag limits are authorized in Quebec’s Wildlife Zone 23 North during the fall hunts.
- Quebec-Labrador Caribou - 2 of either sex per hunter.
- Black Bear - 1 of either sex per hunter.
- Willow Ptarmigan - 10 per hunter per day with a maximum possession limit of 30 Willow Ptarmigan per hunter.
What does it cost to hunt Black Bear, Willow Ptarmigan or go Trout fishing?
There are no extra camp charges to go Black Bear or Willow Ptarmigan hunting.
Guests are also welcome to enjoy trout fishing during their Caribou hunt at no extra charge. A hunter who decides to hunt Black Bear or Willow Ptarmigan must purchase the appropriate hunting permit. A guest who would like to go Trout fishing must purchase a fishing permit.
All necessary permits are available for sale at each hunting camp.
Non-resident permit costs are as follows:
(Prices may vary from year to year)
Black Bear: $147.51 CDN
Small Game: $ 84.50 CDN
Fishing: $ 62.00 CDN
What other costs should I expect to pay for if I go on a hunt with Select Wilderness Adventures?
It is customary to give your guide and the camp staff a tip as a token of appreciation for services provided during your stay in camp. It is entirely up to each guest to decide who they will tip and how much. Tipping guidelines are included in our trip preparation information.
If there are no Caribou at camp where we are hunting, will Select Wilderness Adventures move us to a more productive area?
Our selected outfitters have their own single engine Otter float planes which enables them to move hunters if Caribou migrations shift. Your outfitter will, weather and the presence of Caribou permitting, move you to a more productive area at no extra cost.
Is the published hunt rate guaranteed?
Yes. The published hunt rate is guaranteed in writing once your deposit has been received and the booking is confirmed. Round trip air transportation, hotel cost, taxes and hunting permit costs are effective at time of printing. Any increase will be added to the cost of the trip when final payment is due.
Do you have any tips for Archery Hunters?
The far north is a very exciting place to be and is home to some great Caribou hunting. To insure the best time possible, you should plan and be prepared for anything as it can also be unforgiving! One thing you can almost always count on in this country is that the wind will be blowing. This adds a great degree of difficulty for the bow hunter, especially if you never get a chance to practice in the wind. If you do have the chance to practice in windy conditions prior to your hunt, do so, it will be the best practice you'll ever have in preparing for a Caribou hunt.
What clothing is recommended for a Caribou hunt?
Hunters who have appropriate clothing to hunt Elk, Deer or Moose normally have all the clothing needed for a Caribou hunt. The layered clothing concept works well and enables hunters to add or remove a layer as needed. Truly waterproof rain gear and boots are a must. During the spring, Select Wilderness Adventures will send each hunter a trip preparation information package which includes a check list of clothing and equipment recommended for the hunt.
What rifles and cartridges do you suggest for Caribou hunting?
Most shots are taken across open tundra at ranges of between 50 and 200 yards, often with a steady crosswind. We recommend flat shooting, medium caliber rifles such as the .270 Winchester, the .30-06 Springfield or the 7mm Remington Magnum loaded with 130 to 150 grain bullets. We also recommend you have a gun sling to make carrying the gun easier during the hunt.
What firearms, ammunition and archery equipment is authorized to hunt Caribou in Quebec?
Caribou hunters are authorized to use the following firearms, ammunition and archery equipment:
- Rifles: .243 caliber or greater, center fire cartridges.
- Muzzle loading rifles: .50 caliber or greater.
- Bows: Bows must have 40 lb or more of pull within an extension of 28 inches.
- Arrows: Arrows with a cutting diameter of 7/8 of inch or more.
- Please note: It is illegal to hunt Caribou with a crossbow or a shotgun in Quebec.
If I have a criminal record can I enter Canada to go on a hunt?
If you have a criminal record or have been convicted of a felony in your State, you should check with Citizenship and Immigration Canada before booking your trip as wavers are available under certain circumstances. You may reach Immigration at the following site. www.cic.gc.ca
What documents do I need to enter Canada?
A valid passport is required when crossing the USA-Canada border.
When I enter Canada with my firearm to go on a hunt, what Customs formalities will I be required to fulfill to import my firearm?
In order to import your firearm into Canada you will be required to complete a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. When you arrive at the border, declare the firearm(s) you want to import to the Customs Officer, present the completed Non-resident Firearm Declaration form and answer all questions truthfully. The Customs Officer has to be satisfied that you have a valid reason for importing the firearm, and may check to ensure that you have transported your firearm properly. The Customs Officer will also review your documents and ensure that the firearm you have with you matches the one described on the documents.
When is the best time to hunt Caribou?
Normally Caribou will be present from mid August to early October within our network of hunting camps. The selection of dates is much more a matter of personnel preference and to some extent is dictated by the type of weapon the hunter is planning to use. Select Wilderness Adventures will often times recommend that a bow hunter select early dates when weather conditions are more favourable and the Caribou are moving slow and steady. A hunter looking to take a hard horn bull may wish to hunt the late season with a rifle. On the other hand a mid season hunt is a good compromise with Caribou just coming out of velvet and still very good hunting weather. Give us a call, we would be glad to review your interests and offer recommendations as to possible dates.
What Is Your Success Rate?
The short answer is close to a 100% shooting opportunity but outfitting like hunting itself is an art and not a science. Take away the spirit of fair chase and you eliminate the very nature of the sport. Outfitters are like most professionals - the very best have proven track records and only the foolish would gamble with an inexperienced or part time practitioner. Select Wilderness Adventures has over 25 years of experience and a solid reputation. We have earned the respect of our peers and the thousands of our satisfied guests.
How Do We Judge Caribou?
Caribou racks are the most complex trophies to score. Furthermore, like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike. Look first for a rack with as many points as each point scores. Check for especially long top points and good palmation. Next look for main beams that should run approximately 50 inches or more around the outer curve of the rack. Good racks curve up and outwards when viewed from the front rather than going up in a V shape. Double shovels are beautiful and do add some points to your final score but they are not nearly as important as good tops and good length. You may see many bulls with excellent tops and many others with excellent bottoms. However, you want the bull with both top and bottom scoring well. On the average, a top-heavy bull will out score most others.
B & C Club requires a minimum score of 365 to be entered in the Awards category and 375 to be entered in the All Time category.
Pope & Young Club requires a minimum score of 325 points for its bow hunters.
Safari Club International requires minimum scores of 270 for bow hunters and 301 for standard entries.
Can you tell me what types of fish I should expect to catch on my northern fishing trip?
Arctic CharAverage weight:Record: 15 kg or 33 lb.
- Anadromous - 2.7 to 5.4 kg or 6 to 12 lb.
- Landlocked - 1 to 2.25 kg or 2 to 5 lb.
Almost exclusively a northern fish, Arctic Char are not well known among anglers. Once hooked they will fight like an Atlantic Salmon. Char swim out in long runs as they try to throw the hook with powerful shakes of the head and entire body.
This beautiful fish however, like other fish in Arctic Quebec’s harsh climate, grows slowly. Fry, which are 25 mm (1 in) long on hatching, double in length during their first year. Three to five years later they have reached 8 – 15 cm (4 – 6 in) in length. At this stage, they join in summer migrations down-stream to the sea where there is an abundance of small fish, including Sand Lance, capelin and Shrimp to feed on. They feed voraciously for a number of weeks before returning inland to winter. To protect against predators, Arctic char is endowed with the ability to adapt its colouring to the different environments it inhabits, generally it is a dark colour in lakes and lighter shades while at sea.
Arctic char, like its cousin the Salmon, may feed in the sea but always reproduces in freshwater. It reaches sexual maturity at age seven or eight when it measures up to 50 cm (20 in). During its spawning period from late September to early October, Arctic Char boasts a bright red underside. Most mature Arctic Char will not spawn on re-entering freshwater in the late summer. Rather, a whole year will be spent in its home lake before it moves to a spawning area the following fall. A year-round freshwater form of this species known as landlocked Arctic Char can be found in some lakes.
Brook TroutAverage weight: 1.5 to 2 kg or 3 to 4 lb.
Record: 4 kg or 9.5 lb.
Other names: Brook Char - Speckled Trout - Sea Run Trout - Bookies’ - Square Tail Brook Trout share many similarities with its cousin, the Arctic Char. In particular, some populations, known as Sea Run Trout, will move to salt water estuaries in summer. The Brook Trout will adapt its colouring to its environment. At sea, it is generally light green on the back with silver sides, while in fresh water, a darker color is displayed. Both sea run and fresh water Brook Trout are easily identifiable by their reddish spots circled with a ring of blue referred to as a halo. Brook Trout spawn in fresh water streams between August and October when water temperatures begin to drop and the amount of daylight shortens. Brook Trout will reproduce several times over the course of their seven to ten year life span. Brook trout are carnivorous and eat anything they can find and swallow, live or dead including small insects, fish and even small mammals.
Lake TroutAverage weight: 3.6 to 4.5 kg or 8 to 10 lb.
Record: Over 18 kg or 40 lb.
Lake Trout which grow to weights in excess of 40 lbs, inhabit most lakes, rivers and streams in Arctic Quebec. Lake Trout have few predators besides themselves and are voracious feeders gobbling Parr, White Fish, Ciscoes, minnows, small fish, birds, animals and insects. A highly adaptive species, the Lake Trout’s food source is limited only by the food found in each body of water. Don’t be surprised if a Laker decides to strike the Brook Trout you are reeling in.
Like Arctic Char and Brook Trout, Lake Trout are fall spawners and like other northern fish, it takes many years for Lake Trout to reach sexual maturity. They require cold, clear water and clean rock substrate for spawning.
Can you suggest flies for both Arctic Char and Brook Trout specific to your fishing camps?
When fishing Arctic Char, we suggest the following patterns and hook sizes:
| Streamers | Long shank hook size |
|---|---|
| Mickey Finn | 4 |
| Muddler Minnows - different colors | 4 |
| Double Bunny - black top and brown belly | 4 |
| Millbrook | 8 |
| Magog Smelt | 4 |
| Wolly Bugger - black and olive | 8 |
| Sand eel patterns - green and brown | 4 |
| Grey Ghost | 4 |
| Joes Smelt | 4 |
When fishing for Brook Trout, we suggest the following patterns and hook sizes:
| Dry Flies | Hook sizes |
|---|---|
| Royal Wulff | 12 |
| Ausable Wulff | 12 |
| Goddard Caddis | 12 |
| Madam X | 8 |
| Parachute Adams | 14 |
| Mouse patterns - 1 ½ inch long | 4 |
| Bombers | 4 |
| Floating Muddlers | 4 |
| Wet Flies | |
| Mickey Finn | 4 |
| Magog Smelt | 4 |
| Wolly Buggers - Black and olive | 8 |
| Joes Smelt | 4 |
| Leach patterns - black and charcoal | 4 |
| Streamers | |
| Double Bunny - black top and brown belly | 4 |
| Millbrook | 8 |
| Grey Ghost | 4 |
Select Wilderness Adventures Inc.
P.O. Box 204, Amity, PA. 15311
Tel.: (724) 225-5488
Email: Click here >
