Caribou Hunting in Newfoundland
Due to the declining
numbers in Woodland Caribou populations on the island portion of
Newfoundland, the Dept. of Environment and Conservation have
dramatically reduced the number of permits issued for these animals to
both resident and non-resident hunters for the 2008 season. Significant
reductions are further expected for the 2009 and 2010 seasons. If you
wish to harvest one of these animals you would be well advised to do so
in the near future while numbers are still within sustainable levels, a
complete ban on hunting these animals could be possible in the near
future.
Newfoundland has an estimated 30,000+ Woodland Caribou. Our
populations are such that the island is the only place to hunt this
species in North America. We hunt the Middle Ridge herd whose
population is estimated at around 10,000+ animals. This is the largest
herd in Newfoundland.
Often times these animals use the road systems to travel
throughout their area. They are as comfortable in the forest as they
are in the open country. However, once October comes and the "rut"
begins mature stags are more apt to be found on the open county or
"bogs" where they roam in search of females. They often stay within a
general area for a period of time until they have rounded up all
available females. They then move to another area with the herd in
search of more. The rut itself is later than moose and begins around
the middle of October.
Caribou hunting is done in the same areas as moose thus
there is no need to move from one location to another. Any hunting on
road systems can be done on ATV or by walking. Walking is used
primarily on the open country for hunting purposes.
The overall hunting area is forested with both young and old
growth, while being interspersed with abandoned logging roads, bogs and
shrub land. Shooting distances can be greater than moose hunting as
these animals are not readily approached on the open country.
Good Caribou Range
We do use successfully several different techniques to lure
these animals within shooting distances. Hunters should be prepared to
shoot 2-300 yards if the occasion to do so arises.
Taken from our lodge porch.
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