ATV Hunting in the Ashuapmushuan Wildlife Reserve

The Ashuapmushuan Wildlife Reserve begins near the village of La Doré, north of Lac Saint-Jean, and stretches 177 km along Route 167. It contains 1,200 lakes and numerous waterways across its vast area of 4,487 square kilometers, including Lake Ashuapmushuan, which means “Where We Watch for Moose” in the Montagnais language. 

The southern visitor center is located 500 km from Montreal and 320 km from Quebec City. From there, it’s another 70 km to reach the first group of cabins, the Chibouchiche sector, and another 90 km to reach the Nicabau sector, where I stayed last fall. 

The cabins in this sector have been completely renovated and are very luxurious. Electric lighting, electric refrigerator, propane stove, shower, hot water, propane and wood heating, BBQ, and more. 

Small-game hunting by ATV in the Ashuapmushuan Reserve is unique because it’s permitted throughout the entire reserve. This means there’s a vast area to cover, and it would take several days to explore all the numerous roads and trails. However, you can’t set out directly from the cabin because riding ATVs on Highway 167 is prohibited. You’ll need to travel a few kilometers by trailer, but this allows you to quickly reach your chosen hunting spot.

The reserve is nicknamed “the network’s hidden treasure,” perhaps because it boasts the best small-game hunting success rate in the SEPAQ. It’s not uncommon to have reached your quota for grouse and ptarmigan before mid-morning.

The rest of the day then turns into a photo safari. In addition to my quota of grouse and capercaillie, I was lucky enough to bag a hare and catch a beautiful glimpse of a lynx during my last trip.

Equipment Needed for Small Wildlife Hunting on an ATV

Aside from your rifle, your ATV, and whatever you carry on your hunting trip, you’ll need a few other items to stay safe and avoid getting lost.

1. The AVENZA MAP app on your phone. This free app lets you download detailed maps of SEPAQ and several ZECs. The app then pinpoints your location on the map, even without a cellular signal. It shows roads, trails, lakes, rivers, and forest cover. With this information, you can even analyze the areas to target spots where the game you’re hunting is likely to be found. Personally, I use Avenza along with my GPS.
2. Emergency kit. Tools, tire repair kit, axe, tarp, rope, flashlight, a few energy bars, fire starter, whistle, etc. Since ATVs don’t travel in a single file while hunting, it’s possible to break down or get stuck—and end up very far from your trailer. You should always let your hunting partners know which area you’ll be in and stay there; that way, if necessary, the search area is limited. You might even have to spend a night under the stars, so you might as well be prepared for that.
3. Field-processing kit. Nitrile gloves, a good knife, wipes, Ziploc bags, and a cooler to keep the game fresh. Personally, I keep my catch in a cooler and process it near a stream once my hunt is over.
4. A rifle mount on the ATV. (You can carry your rifle over your shoulder, but that’s much less comfortable.) 
5. Pocket binoculars. Very useful for identifying prey that’s a bit far away. 
6. Gas. Make sure you have enough gas for the duration of your trip.

Regulations for Hunting on an ATV

There are no specific regulations for hunting on an ATV; the general rules for motor vehicles apply. Here are the main ones:

1. Helmet. Even while hunting, a helmet is mandatory, as is the rest of the required equipment for riding an ATV. 
2. High-visibility vest. Hunters using firearms and their companions must wear an orange high-visibility vest.
3. The firearm must be unloaded when it is on or inside the ATV.
4. Firing a firearm from an ATV is prohibited. (Whether sitting on it, inside it, or simply leaning against it)
5. 30 minutes after sunset, the firearm must be unloaded and placed in a closed case.

Hunting

Game generally seeks three things: water, food, and shelter. To be successful, you must hunt in an environment that combines these three elements. 

A trail in a mixed forest of conifers and deciduous trees near a water source is therefore an ideal environment for small game. The conifers provide the hazel grouse with shelter from predators and the elements, while the deciduous trees offer it food. The hazel grouse likes to venture out onto trails to warm up in the sun or to swallow small pebbles that help it grind food in its gizzard. As soon as dawn breaks, the birds set out in search of food. 

To find grouse, simply drive your ATV at a slow speed. The ideal speed allows you to scan the edges of the trail at a distance of 50 meters, look into the underbrush at a distance of 0 to 10 meters, and glance up into the trees to spot any perched birds. The birds are very well camouflaged and hard to spot; often, it’s their movement that gives them away. Once the game is located, you must get out of the vehicle to load your firearm and approach to a reasonable distance to take a shot. Sometimes, a hazel grouse will let you get within 10 meters before fleeing, often dashing into the underbrush. The grouse, on the other hand, prefers to fly off and land on a branch a short distance away, believing itself to be well hidden. As for the hare, all the ones I shouted “wow” at clearly had no intention of stopping to make my job any easier. 

ATV hunting is an activity accessible to everyone, and can be enjoyed alone or with the family. The AshuapmushuanWildlife Reserve is a magnificent area teeming with game that will delight both hunters and ATV enthusiasts.