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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