Last October (2010) I was on patrol doing a little radar on a construction site on the north-shore of the Saint Lawrence river. A Hydro project on the Romaine river. I parked the patrol car in a small clearance along side the road. Had been parked for about 10 minutes, when I noticed a young wolf 4 months old looking at me. He was about 30 to 40 feet away. He was skinny and looked not to much in good shape. He looked sick.
I watched him for a while and then noticed that the poor wolf had porcupine quilts stuck on his nose and even in his mouth. I said to myself that's why he's so skinny, he's not eating, he's starving. But I said to myself his mother is going to pull them out.
A couple of days went by and did not see the young wolf. I kept on checking every time I passed that small clearing. I decide to stop and park for a while. And as the other day he came out of the bush and towards the patrol car. Stopped looked at me and was only about 20 feet away. He looked pitiful. Those quilts were still there.
I drove the patrol car the the cafeteria and asked the cook if had any left over, things that were soft. Soup and bread was great. I went back to that parking spot. He was not there waited about 10 minutes. Then I decide to just give a short serene a call. A couple of minutes pasted and he was there. I got out of the car and set the pail of food beside the bushes. I moved away and waited. He went up to pail and started eating and he was hungry.
I did this for two complete weeks every day and a little click on the serene switch. I noticed that the wolf was getting stronger and putting on weight. Also less quilts in his mouth and nose. I stopped bring him food as he looked great. Let him be on his own now is what I said to myself.
Six months later: 21 April 2011 I was on patrol and at mileage 20 there's a wolf on the side of the road. I stopped an watched him for awhile. He stood there looking all around but not moving. I said no, it's not him. I gave the serene a short call. His ears went up, he looked and slowly moved towards the car. He walked around the patrol car with his head up and sniffing. He sat down beside the driver's door and looked at me for about and I say good two minutes. He looked like he was in great shape and healthy.
This was a great and good feeling. Did he remember me or the patrol car?
Sunday
The Young Wolf.
Thursday
Camping all Summer at Manic 5 (part 5)
So the moose calling practices started. I was even trying to get my wife Mado to practice with us. No, she was not interested at all.
We were exactly the 21st. of August and had been practicing for a good three days. The sound for me and the boys was excellent. I said we'll give it a good try to night just before dark. Which we did and the sound, echo was great. We could hear it hitting the mountains a good 2 to 3 miles away. It was about 9 pm.
The next morning on my way to work, on the bush road to the Hydro Dam. Yes there was fresh moose tracks. At work that morning Guy who camps just beside us said why were you calling moose so late last night? What time did you hear me calling. Well I went to bed after midnight. That can't be me I was in bed at 10 pm. Unless I did this in my sleep. Well it was the same call as you do. So it was a real moose that came on our call.
At dinner time back at the trailer I told the boys about this. They said Dad we should go out moose hunting on the week-end? I said moose season opens 12th. of September. That's in two weeks from this week-end. They said no, we can go and call but no rifle. They said that would be a good and real practice. Hey you guys are intelligent that we will do. The first day Saturday or Sunday that we have nice weather.
It was Saturday morning we were up at 2:00 am. It was calm, had a good breakfast. Grabbed our pack-sacs, my 12 gauge shot gun. We were dressed in warm clothes. I told the boys were gone for the day.
We had planned to go up to the seven lakes. We could cover more ground and less people around, than doing this along the road. There are a few good spots up there and maybe the cow and her calf that we saw this summer might still be around.
It was 3:30 am. and still dark as we got aboard the dore skiff, pulled the crank and on our way we were. It was pretty cool out. I told the boys before starting the motor, what do you say if we try Danny's lake, just up the creek about a mile. They said okay.
It was 4: am. when I stopped the motor in that small creek. We got out of the boat walked about 10 minutes, found a place to sit for about 15 minutes without making a sound. Listening and breathing only. We listened and nothing to be heard.
I asked the boys softly if they heard something. Both nodded their heads "no". I said I'm starting the moose show. I had my hip wader's on. Had picked up a few dry twigs. Day light had begone.
I walked towards the creek, brushing the willows and cracking the dry twigs. Stopped and listened for about a minute. Started walking into the water lifting my legs as high as I could. Moose have long legs. I was doing the exact sound the moose does when it walks in the water. Stopped and listened for a minute, looked at the boys and nothing heard. Walked back towards the shore, stopped, filled my birch bark caller with water. Lifted it to my shoulder height and started pouring it back into the water. Exactly like a cow moose urinating. Listened for about a minute. Walked up on shore, with few crick and cracks. Stopped, listened and gave two soft low
call of the cow moose in heat. Did this twice. Sat down and listened. Nothing to be heard. Looked at the boys and no.
I looked at my watch and it was 5:10 am. We looked at each other once in a while and no one heard nothing. I made a sign with my fingers in ten minutes I'll call again.
It was 5:35 am. and I gave the second call of the female in heat. This time it was loader and we did hear the echo. The boys confirmed with their hands that it was far and the good.
Nothing no answer it was 6:15 am and gave another call but a little loader this time. I did it in two directions, up and down the creek. Looked at the boys and they shook their heads, no.
6:45 am we all looked at each other and said theirs on interested. We all heard the owl call. It does not do it like the owl, three times. It does it just once. Both do it, the bull and the cow. The sound came from up the creek. I knew that about half a mile from where we were that there was a small lake. So probably it was there. We waited without calling. I told the boys listen for cracking sound.
6:55 yes a grunt and another grunt. It was a bull and he was coming down the creek we could hear him walking in the water. I said into the boat. Not trying to make to much noise. It stopped I think he heard us. I waited a couple of minutes. Then gave a small cow call. No answer. I said to the boys I think he heard us. We waited. Nothing, he was dead still. I said, who wants to give the bull cow? Gary said I will. Okay give it a shot. He gave two bulls calls and the bull moose answered immediately and was on his way towards us and not to far.
Yes we still remember this today like it was just yesterday.
Friday
Camping all Summer at Manic 5 (Part 4)
It was the first week-end of August and the boys and I had been checking the map. We were looking for a lake that the only way in was to walk and also something on the top of a mountain. We wanted a lake that know float plane could land on. So, fairly small but not to small. We found one on the map. We could drive about 10 miles from here. Then, which looked like from the road maybe a hour, hour and half walk if there's no trail, we hoped that there was none. We wanted savage territory. Tomorrow that is where were going and wake will be early.
It was 6 am and it looks like a nice day, not much sun, but no rain. Each had our pack sac, lunch, fishing rods and our tackle lures worms and dry flies in the pack sac, fly dope. We had light clothes and running shoes on. We knew that it would a long walk and hard climb.
One hour later we were on our way through the bush, not to thick, a lot of fallen trees here and there. Big trees, the boys asked if a cyclone went through here? I said maybe a tornado. It was like something about 400 feet wide just past by and pushed all the trees down to the ground. I said lets move over to the side and maybe it will be easier to walk. Which we did. Had a 5 minute rest and then continued.
We had been walking for about an hour when we saw a big black bear. He was about 300 feet away and standing on his back legs. He was looking at us. We stopped and watch him, it was trying to smell us. We waited and watched and after a few minutes it went on to doing what it was doing, eating.
There's the lake just ahead, it's smaller than we thought. We were a bit disappointed, but you'll never know what's in there until you try. The lake was an oval shape, yes like an egg. About 800 maybe a 1000 feet in length and 400 to 500 feet wide. A lot of trees had fallen on the side of the lake and some in the water. It looked pretty deep and the water was a violet or light purple maybe darkish blue. This was the highest lake around and a small discharge at the other end.
Oh yes, we also did see fresh moose tracks near the lake.
The boys had their rods ready and had found a place that they could take a good cast. Casted a few times and not a touch. We moved along the side towards the discharge. Nothing not a bite. It was close to 10 am. We tried different lures and tried lure and fly on the same line and not a bite. Are you guys hungry? Yes.
We sat and had a couple of sandwiches and grape juice. We were beside the discharge a very small creek. Did you see that, where the rings are on the lake over there. What I saw was a big fish I saw it's tail. What ever kind it is it's a nice size. It was after those bugs that's on the water.
The boys were casting and nothing biting. I said let's try it with just a small hook and one inch of worm. I'm putting a small sinker so that I can cast a little farther. Exactly what we needed as my first cast I had one and what a fight. I'll take my time because we did not bring the net. It took about five minutes and I had it on shore, well in the bush. I beautiful speckle trout, a nice red belly and lots of colors. A quick look like that, I say about 3 pounds and 18 inches. The fishing went on and great it was. The boys had something on their lines and they were having fun. I can still hear them saying, why big ones like this on such a small lake. We had one with each cast. Small ones and big ones. They were biting like crazy.
We fished for a good three hours, we did not really count how many we caught. But did keep three nice ones each. This would be pretty heavy in our pack sacs going back. I did keep two more close by and this was for the bear if he was still close by and I know that he would be pretty hungry and they can smell fish from a great distance.
We arrived at the camping at 5 pm. sharp without seeing the bear. A few of our friends came over to see if we did catch something. When they saw what we had, they want to know where we went. Which lake, I said the name of the lake is the lake with "no name" and that's the name we still use today.
Sunday
Camping all Summer at Manic 5 (Part 3)
We were in the last week of July, it was the phase of the full moon, a Friday night. I said to the boys we should go fishing around 11 to-night, with a full moon like this it should be great. They asked were? The lake next to us, Louise Lake. Okay.
We hopped into the 16 foot Prince craft skiff and headed for the other side. I said we will give a try here, close to shore, they come and feed close to shore at night. We all had something bright in color as lures, like white or yellow even silver. The moon was full and we could see the trees the shore line even the moon reflecting on our lures.
The boys gave their cast towards shore. I had told them to reel fast, this would keep the lure up on the surface of the water. I heard the splash when the trout hit the lure. What a fight he's giving me Dad. Bob had a nice speckle. Take your time. Once aboard it was a nice one, a 2 1/2 pounds 16 inches long. We caught 6 beauties each and said that's okay for tomorrows lunch. They were all in the 14 to 16 inches.
We got back to camp it was 1 o'clock in the morning and Mom was not to happy. Were sorry.
I said hey do you guys want to go and try pike fishing, it's fun also. The boys never ever were out pike fishing. There's a place on the Manic 2 reservoir a big creek or small river that runs in the Manic 2 reservoir. I saw this when I was out Moose hunting. Pretty sure that there's some big pike there. The said okay and I replied, not before Sunday.
It was Sunday and another beautiful day. I asked do you guys still want to go for those big pike? We have to bring the big fishing rods with the stronger line and the big tackle box.
It was 1 in the afternoon and down we went on the Manic 2 reservoir. We had a good 2o minute ride with the 20 horse power. As we traveled I pointed out to the boys were we had been Moose hunting a few times and the place that we killed a big bull moose.
Here's the place, that big creek, we'll go up as far as we can and then let ourselves drift down. Okay lets cast. Gary said I got one a big one, take your time and give him some lose, if not he'll snap your line. It snapped the line. I gave a cast at about where it broke the line. I said I got one, what a fight, it was huge and it didn't want to come close to the boat. I worked it very slowly and finally brought it in. It started to jump and bounce in the boat. The boys were having a close look but not one of them decided to take the lure out of the fish's mouth. I said don't put your finger into their mouth. They have a lot of teeth and few rows of them. As I was taking the lure out, my daredevil I said look, another lure in it's mouth. Gary said that's mine the yellow lure with the black diamonds. The boys said these things are as bad as sharks. Well we call them fresh water sharks and when they decide to bite, they bite on anything. It was a nice size around 20 pounds.
We fished for a good 3 hours, caught real nice ones and kept them. Did put the smaller ones, less than fifteen pounds back into the water. We kept 10 big ones in the 20 pounds and no less.
I said okay time to back home. Boys said, oh no not now, we like this, it's more fun than fishing speckles. Home we went.
Tuesday
Camping all Summer at Manic 5 ( Part 2)
Friday night was a gathering around the camp fire and singing a few songs while having a good beer. Oh yes for supper was the speckle trout that the boys caught on Doreen Lake.
Around the fire that evening I asked the boys and my daughter what do we do for the week-end? The response was quick from the boys. We want to go fishing at the 7 Lakes. Asked my wife and she yes that would be nice. So I said okay, we’ll take two boats and we have to leave here nine. If we want to try all the lakes. The seven Lakes are small lakes about 1 mile in length. These lake all communicated from on to the other without portaging. The lake all had nice speckle trout, averaging from 7 to 14 inches.
Next morning which was Saturday, a nice sunny day. The boys had the fire going and I said , bacon and eggs on the fire this morning. So it was and everyone looked happy, I said I guess everyone like the outdoor living and the pure fresh air and good sleeping we get. That was it, no television , no radio, no telephone, it was quiet. Oh if someone had to reach us that wasn’t a problem, the constables at the gate knew where to find me. I always let them know were we are and were we are going.
All that talking this morning were late and all the big ones are going to be hard to catch. It was close to 10 AM and on our way to the seven lakes. At the Hydro dock there was 10 Dores ( flat bottom boat made out of plywood ) they were 16 feet long and a good 5 feet wide. Each had a 15 horse power and let me tell not to fast but solid you could walk around in the boat and no danger to tip over. We took two boats the boys with one and Mado , Mel and I with the other. The boys had been driving our operating a motor boat since the age of 6.
We fished on the second lake and caught a few nice ones; well we kept the bigger ones.Tried the next two lakes and a few nice ones. They were not biting much because it was hot and the sun was over us and it’s noon. The boys it’s said no good at noon, it will be better around 5 o’clock. I said there on the bottom, the big one’s are on the bottom at this time of the day.
The boys pulled over to see what we had. I said two nice ones, Moms and Mel, 13 and 14 inches. The biggest one we have is 10 inches. We had a nice dozen speckles.
I said anyone for a sandwich yes were hungry, okay just let the boats drift side by side and we’ll have lunch. It was a beautiful and up to now a good fishing trip. After lunch let’s go too the 7th. Lake, I know a place were there’s 14 inch speckles, even 15 if they decide to bite.
We were at the 7th. Lake and it was close to 3 PM. I said right now the fish are on the bottom and not to interested in what we have. We gave it a try, casting and reeling fast or slow and nothing at all. I told the boys to pull over and I’ll show you what one of my old constables showed me when they don’t bite. I pulled out a very small hook from the tackle box. Took my leader, hook and everything off my line. All I had was the bare line. Tied that little hook on, got a worm out of the worm box and took only one (1) inch of worm, not any longer and put the worm on hiding completely the hook. Everyone was watching and listening.( I told myself I hope I catch at least one.) There was no sinker, Just the line, hook and worm. I casted as far as I could, I let the line sink right to the bottom, I kept pull more and more line out. Everyone was watching. I said I’m on the bottom and started to reel slowly, something is biting, I gave a yank and I got one and a good fight at that. It was a nice 14inch speckle. We fished, catch and release, we did not
Count how many we caught and put back. I say 100 would not be lye. We did keep 20 beauties. We fished up to 6 PM and said it’s time to head back if we don’t want to have supper to late.
Everyone appreciated this great day.
I will be back with another story next week.
Saturday
Camping all Summer at Manic 5
The summer 1981 we decided to purchase a 21-foot mobile trailer and camp all summer up near Manic 5. No I was not on holidays for the whole summer, I worked at Manic 5 from Monday to Friday and finished at 5 pm. So it was great to do both, work and pleasure.
My wife Mado, daughter Mel 5 years old, my two sons Gary 12 and Bob 13 were all tickled about the idea and I was also excited about this also. It will give me the opportunity to spend more time with my love ones. Also to show them what the outdoors and wild life is all about. Although they knew quite a lot already.
School had just finished it was a Friday and that same day around 5 pm we were on our way up to Doreen Lake. With the trailer behind our 1975 GM vista cruiser station wagon. We had a good 3 to 4 hour drive up that steep and winding road to Manic 5. It was 238 km. drive.
We arrived around 9 pm everything went well. We decide to leave everything as is and sleep in the trailer like it was. Tomorrow morning after a big breakfast will be the installation of our home for the summer. The boys made a camp fire, we all sat there until midnight, it was a beautiful place the full moon was reflecting on the calm lake and I could see on the children, face that were happy and looking towards having a great summer. This without no television and the kids said that they could do it, the complete summer without watching TV.
We were the only ones camped in the wilderness and 5 miles from Manic 5. Doreen Lake is a small lake with small speckle trouts 8 to 10 inches in size. Like we say the best eating when their pan size. The whole family are all crazy about fishing even Mel my daughter, she caught her first speckle trout she was a little over 2 years old. I can still see her today, she held it in both hands and started kissing the fish, saying I caught one Papa I caught one.
The next morning after a great sleep and a good breakfast we were ready to put the trailer and all in place. Like we said we are here for the summer. Today is the 20th. June and we are not leaving here until school starts and that is the 6th. Of September.
Well it took the weekend to get all in place. We also dug a well, I had a water pump, generator, boat and motor, chestnut canoe, nothing was missing. Our fishing gear even spare ones for the visitors. Also brought my 32spc. Winchester rifle, as in the wild bush like this, wolves, bears do come pretty close. No garbage is left lying around and a trip to dump was once a day.
It was Sunday afternoon and the boys Bob and Gary decided to get some speckles or brookys for supper. They asked us how many do we want to eat for supper. I remember saying at least 4 nice size one’s. They were back an hour later with 20 nice trout, 9 to 10 inches in size and red. Great supper that night, oh yes supper is always late when your camping. It was 8 pm. All this was cooked out side on the open fireplace that we also built during the weekend.
That evening was just sitting around the campfire with the guitar and singing and me telling my stories about the old days. I said Dad has to go to work tomorrow morning and he starts at 7 am. I think 11 pm. is a reasonable time to go to bed during the week and latter on the weekends. Everyone said okay for that and we know that everyone gets up early when you’re out camping.
This story will continue next week....
Sunday
Moose Hunting Trip Part 3
It rained all night and to really say it was pouring. It was close to 6 AM and still raining.
I told myself a good breakfast and a good coffee is what I needed. That morning was bacon and eggs and let me tell you with a smell like that my buddy was up in two minutes.
It was 7:45 AM we got aboard my chestnut canoe and had decided to paddle the lake. Giving a few soft calls once in awhile, the bull grunt. We had packed a lunch and also our fishing rods were in the canoe.
First call about half an hour later, we listened for about 15 minutes and no sound. One thing the echo was great. We continued paddling at a very slow pace. Looking at everything that looked like a moose. Gave another call, the grunt 3 times in a row. Listened for about 10 minutes and the continued. Looked at Reno and he shook his head no nothing.
It was noon and we stopped on a little point. A sandy beach, there were tracks and looked pretty fresh. I said that’s this morning and it’s a bull and a heavy one at that. I said we will hunt from here there’s no wind and raining a little.
We pulled the canoe out of the water. Got our lunch and thermos. Had our lunch and I’ll wait for a while before giving the cow call. We sat there and listened. Not a sound to be heard.
Reno moved up to hide in the small bushes. I was in the water about 5 feet from shore. Just waiting and listening. At around 1:30 PM I started breaking those dry twigs. I listened for a couple of minutes and started to do the Moose walk and looked at my buddy at the same time, he was waving at me and pointing on the other side of the lake.
I looked and saw or heard nothing. I walked out of the water towards Reno. I said what? He said there’s a bull that answered on the other side. The bull grunt he said. I waited and waited. I said are you sure, yes it did it at least 3 times when you were walking the moose walk in the water. Across the lake was about ½ a mile.
An hour went by and nothing to be heard. I decided it was time for the cow in heat call. That’s loud, long and pulled out call. I did it once, twice, third ….and about the sixth time
We saw the big bull come straight out of the bush’ straight into the lake and was swimming straight for the call. This was a none stop, he was coming straight for us and grunting.
Reno didn’t move nor did I. It was about 200 feet from shore and about 500 from us. I looked at Reno and made a sign to him to get his rifle ready. It was coming out of the water and stopped with its head up in the air. Trying to smell us. I looked at Reno and said yes. Bank, the moose buckled up walked a few feet and fell.
This was all to fast, our hunt was done. The work started and let me tell this is fun. As we both take a great pride in the preparation of the meat. No hair and has to be clean. Plus the longer we leave it at the same place without moving it to tender the meat. We gutted it and rolled it over on to its knees
I said to Reno, what now? As always, we will go and move the camp over here. That’s
What we did.
For supper that night yes it was liver, bacon and onions and mashed potatoes. Our usual red wine, with of course our shot of cognac. This was great and always the second best part of a big game hunting trip. The first is getting the moose.
We spent 3 more days there, did not see the cow, we did some fishing, catch and release.
We did an excellent job on the moose meat. We relaxed and talked a lot of our other moose hunts. This was another great hunting trip. Oh yes the antlers measured 58 inches. A big and healthy moose.
Wednesday
Moose Hunting Trip Part 2
I pulled the chestnut canoe to the shoreline with the less noice possible. It still was pretty dark.
I decided to wait until I could see a little better accross the lake. The lake was about 1 and half miles long and half a mile wide. A small lake with a two creeks flowing in. I wanted to get over to the creek on the otherside. I listened for a good half hour. Nothing to be heard. Got into the canoe and slowly paddle accross. All was silent not even a bird chirpping. Once on the other side, I paddled up to the little point about 500 feet away from the creek. I said to myself this is a nice place. I pulled the canoe up a little farther and completly out of the water. Oh I forgot to tell you my buddy is still sleeping.
It was 6:30 am and quiet. I cracked a few dry twiggs. Listened a couple of minutes, walked into the water, lifting my feet very high. Walked like a moose would walk in the water. Listened a couple of minutes. No answer waited a few seconds and gave a soft low call of the cow. Did it again a few seconds later. Listened and gave the same call twice. Listened for a couple of minutes
then gave the bull call the grunt sound twice in a row. I knew there was a cow around, this is why I gave the grunt sound.
Half an hour later I gave the same bull grunt twice. I stood still and listened. Did not hear a thing. It was close to 10am. I said to myself it was to close to me yesterday and it`s probably far away today. I'll wait another hour. I noticed that my buddy was up and sitting in front of the tent. A little wind from the east was picking up and that could mean bad weather.
At noon I decided to head back to camp, the wind had picked up a little more and there was waves on the lake. As I paddled back I decided to stop at the hump where we thought there was a moose standing yesterday. Checked it out and no moose tracks at all, it was what we all call
a stump moose.
At camp asked Reno if he heard anything. No, nothing at all but I saw some nice splashes and I think thier speckles. We'll give it a try this afternoon. Right now I'm starved. Reno said are we going to do some cooking and I said yes, you are. My pleasure, he said and Reno is a great cook.
After having a a t-bone steak, mushrooms and mashed patatoes and french bread, a good bottle of red wine. Yes we hit the sack for a one hour nap. When I woke up I could hear the wind. On the lake the waves were at least a foot high.
I asked Reno where were those fish jumping this morning? Just on the otherside of our stump moose. Lets get the fish tackle and rods ready. Did you bring any worms. Yes there in the cooler.
We paddle to the spot and Reno said right here. I had a small hook, one inch of worm, no lure or sinker just the hook and the line. I casted with the wind, my cast was about 30 feet total. Pulled out more line and I left it to sink to the bottom. As it was sinking and not quite to the bottom. I
saw my line pulling out straight, I gave a little more lose and then yanked it. I got it and if it's a
speckle trout it's a beauty. Something big and what a fight. Yes what fight and Reno we did not bring a net to pull them out. I forgot he said and I got one also. His rod was bent a good 90* and
a fight also. We'll take our time and no moose calling if the wind stay's like this. Back to those speckles, mine was in the canoe and what a speckle it was Reno was still working to get his abord. It was a good 10 minute fight. Finally abord and both close to the same size. They were red and the belly was red the bottom jaw was starting to curve up,(they had started to spond) this is why I was fishing deep on the bottom.
At a glance they weighted close to six pounds. Two like that is good for a couple of meals. We'll do a little catch and release. We did that for a couple of hours. Four or five each and it was time to head back to camp. They were all between 4 to 6 pounders.
Well for supper was speckle trout, french bread and white wine. Exactly what we had bud just to add our shot or glass of cognac before all that.
It will be back to moose hunting tomorrow morning and early at that. It was starting to rain.
I'll get back to you next week with part 3. We still have 5 days to go.
Thursday
Moose Hunting Trip
At Lake Louise that morning Reno the pilot yes another Reno were waiting for us. We tied the 16 foot chestnut canoe on to the float of the PA18 Supercub. All the baggage on board, Reno and I and up we were for a place called Cross Lake.
As we approched the lake I could see fresh tracks on the sandy beach. Landed and pulled up to that beach. I was the first one off and first thing was to look at those tracks. Yes fresh , this morning I said. It's a cow, nice big cow. It was 11am and a lot of time ahead of us to do some hunting today.
Reno the pilot was up and away, just had time to wave good bye. All the baggage was on the nice sandy beach and Reno was checking the place to put up camp. He said right here and I replied, good.
Once the tent up and everything inside, I said Reno, we will be quiet for a good half hour, no noice at all. He said okay. About half an hour later, not a sound was to be heard. I pulled out very slowly, from my packsack my two dried hardwood sticks. These are 2 feet long and 2 inches in diameter. I gave them to Reno and whispered, kock them together two to three times every 15 minutes, hit them hard together. I left for the bushes behind the tent. I also told him don't stop until I either shoot or I'm back here. It was 3:30pm, just the right time to get her interested.
I walked 100 yards and stopped and listen for a few minutes. I heard nothing. I walked about another 100 yards and heard my buddy hitting the sticks together. I stopped and listened. I continued for another 100 yards. Listened and nothing. I was about 500 yards from camp. I could see on my right side and in front of me for about 1o0 yards. But on the left, the bush was thick. I could see about 15 feet, without moving. I'll stay here and listen.
It was close to 4pm and very quiet, I could hear my friend hitting the sticks together about every 15 minutes. I listened and listened. Then I heard somthing like a rubbing sound on the spruce branches, it was close and on my left. I said to myself it has to be the cow. No cracking sounds. Then again, the rubbing on the branches and it was very close. I could hear it breathing and another brushing sound. It was very very close, and it was starting to get dark, I had to go to the toilet and fast. I could hear it breathing, it was close, I could not hold on any longer, my gut was going to bust, down went my pants, in that sitting position, I saw it, the big dark just about black colored cow, beautiful cow take off. She was only 20 feet away from me. That is really close.
I said to myself oh no, what did I do and what am I going to tell my buddy. I guess things like this do happen at least once in a life time.
I got back to camp, Reno was laying on the beach and making signs to me to be quiet. He pointed accross the Lake and said right there. We had no telescope. I said it looks like a moose standing on a hump. Reno said that's what I see also. It was to dark to shoot and you don`t shoot if your not sure at what your shooting at..
There was a moose around and if we want it we had to put all our luck together. No cooking to-night. We had a lite lunch sandwhiches and a couple of drinks. Time for bed, it was 7pm and see if that cow is still interested, with all that humain odeur and plus, she may be far gone tomorrow...
Saturday
Ice Fishing in Northern Quebec & Labrador
I looked at the thermometer and it was +2 C. No wind. I was 7AM and said Mado it's a great day to go ice fishing. A quick reply okay you want to go fishing.
The lunch was packed, a hot thermos of coffee and one with tea. Started up the snowmobiles, hooked up one sleigh and our way at 8:15 AM.
We headed for Ashtray Lake to one of my special places. It was a one hour drive and the trip was wonderful. Did not see any caribou on our way down. Ashtray Lake is 30KM from the town of Schefferville.
Got the shovel out of the sled and shovelled six spots clear to the ice. A distance of 30 feet from each. I checked the distance from the shore and said we should be in the good spot. Four to six feet of water under the ice would be excellent. Got my ice cutter out and running. the depth were perfect, I had what I wanted 4 to 8 feet was good.
Got my roll of green line 60 pound test, big chromed hooks and bait. My bait were suckers (carp) the best bait that the natives use for winter fishing around here. Also went and got a few big birch branches,at least 1 1/2 inch in diameter. They have to be strong enough, because there are big lakers here and that's what we wanted, the BIG one's.
We had all the lines in and it was 10:45 AM. At exactly 10:50 AM yes five minutes later Mado had a bite on her line (she said her line because it was the first line to move) It was biting on the bait and giving pretty hard jerks. She ran for the line, said don't pull it up yet, wait until it's really hooked on. I tie my line with a loop in it with a half bow. That means that when the fish bites and feels no tension on the line, it swallows the bait while moving with it. Once the loop is pulled to it's complete extension about 5 to 6 feet. The line stops and the hook is in it,s throat. No way your going to lose him unless the line breaks. Mado saw the branch move, she grabbed the line and started pulling, she yelled it's a big one. Beautiful laker at the first look it 's about 15 to 18 pounds I said. She was happy.
I said you watch the lines, I'm hungry and want to have lunch, because this is also part of the fishing tip. I picked up a few pieces of dry branches and wood. Lit the fire, got the sandwiches out and toasted them. Mado yelled again I have another one, it was another nice laker. I said to myself if we want to eat, we should pull the lines out and besides that we had enough fish for a few weeks to come. 6 lakers and a speckle trout was more than we expected. Mado said one more I want to catch a speckle trout also. We ate our toasted ham sandwiches. Great coffee for me and tea for Mado. We fished another hour and Mado got another one, but not a speckle it was another big lake trout.
It was 1:30 PM. Pulled the lines out, packed the sled and headed for home. Did not see any caribou on our way back.
I weighed the lakers and the smallest one was 12 pounds, the biggest 22 pounds and that speckle weighed exactly 6 and 3/4 pounds. The biggest speckle trout caught last winter in the region was 14 pounds and the record last summer Manahec was 17 pounds 4ounces. That was a beauty.
Another great fishing trip and I said it in my others stories this place is paradise for fishing.
Not to forget we burnt (tanned) by the sun and wind while driving our snowmobiles. It's a beautiful country.
Monday
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Sunday
Moose Hunt on the Pagachwa River
Moose Hunting on the Pagachaw River
It was late October 1970 my father Arthur, brother-in-law Bill and I decided to go hunting on the Pagachwa River up in northern Ontario. I had a great uncle who lived in Pagwa and maybe he’s still up there. Anyways we took a chance and up we went.
We had a good days ride from Kapuskasing to Pagwa. Up early that morning, we tide the Radisson canoe on top of our Volkswagan station. Baggage aboard and our way we were. At Hearst we stopped and had a good lunch. Did about 50 miles passed Hearst, just crossed the Pagachwa River on highway 11. On to a rough, muddy road. It had been raining for the last couple of days and this was not going to stop us from going moose hunting. The road was in a hell of condition. This was our first time
ever on this trail. I knew that it was 25 miles from highway 11 to the small village of Pagwaw
We had been travelling for two hours and 9 miles done and yes stuck in the muck. We worked for another two hours to get that Volks out. To make this short we arrived at Pagwa at 5PM and getting stuck only another time. We asked the first native we saw, does George I. still live here? Yes it’s the house over there. Yes my uncle was there and all surprised to see us. He asked us what we were doing up here? I said we want to go moose hunting. The answer was quick, he said I was looking for someone to go moose hunting with. I said well were here and ready. We’ll leave early tomorrow morning and it’s a good time and a good 3 to 4 hours up the rapids. About 15 miles from here. We had a good supper, smoked geese and a good bottle of red wine. We hit the sack around 10pm and this after listening to about 50 stories that my uncle
George told us about the old days, he's in his late 70’sand still in great shape.
The next morning at 5am after a healthy breakfast, few cups of coffee, fat bacon and eggs. We were ready for that canoe trip up the rapids. Because of the extra baggage we had no choice to haul the Radisson canoe with some of the baggage in it. Uncle George had a 20ft. Rupertshouse canoe with a 10hp outboard.
At 6pm. we were on our way and all seemed okay with the canoe tide to the rear. It was a beautiful river, not to large 200ft wide and a shallow. It looked like a great place for moose hunting. After travelling for two hours we arrived at his first camp. He said were not going to hunt here. We’ll be going to my second camp instead. I asked him how many camps do you have like this? Four he said, but the best place now is the second camp. How far from here, another 2 hours.
It was 10:15am when we arrived at the second camp. We did not see any moose on our way up, but did see a few ducks, Canada Geese and 2 otters.The camp was a
Prospector’s tent with a wooden floor and 4 foot walls. Inside was a couple of bunk beds, a table, chairs and a little wood stove. Just what we needed. I asked him where do we hunt. He said anywhere along the river. The moose cross on both sides.
After having a good lunch and a short nap. My brother in law Bill and I decided to paddle up the river with the Radisson canoe, this was about 3pm. I was looking for fresh moose tracks. We had paddled for about 30 minutes when I saw tracks on the sandy beach. Yes they were fresh ones and maybe a couple of hours old. I told Bill no noise and I’ll call from here. I didn’t have the experience that I have today, but was sure going to give it a heck try.
We waited about 30 minutes and I was ready to give the moose call. I remembered that is was a long call, drawn out call like a cow. Or the sound of a mosquito. So I tied it. I did this three times, a few seconds in between each, I listened. After my third one, I asked Bill how was it? He said it sure sounded like a cow (not a moose cow a real cow) that was constipated. Anyways thanks. I did this two more times and not an answer to be heard. We waited until I could not see the other side of the river. Also it was getting pretty chilly. Back to the camp we went.
At the camp Dad and uncle George had supper cooked and it sure smelt good. It was moose stew, a moose that uncle George had killed two weeks ago. They also seemed pretty cheered up as they had a few drinks of Crown Royal whiskey. So that supper with another bottle of red wine was excellent. George asked if we heard or saw anything. Yes fresh moose tracks, Dad said well that’s not to good in the pot with potatoes. I replied maybe tomorrow. It was close to 10pm and time to hit the sack.
The next morning I was up at 5pm. Everyone was still sleeping. I pushed Bill and said are you coming? Replied no, you can go. I didn’t push him the second time because I always liked hunting alone.
Instead of taking the canoe I walked up the river. As I was walking very slowly and always anxious to see what was around the next point. Yes they were about 600 yards from me. Both of them, the bull and the cow. All I could see was their heads and they were feeding on the willows just beside shore. They didnot notice me as they kept on feeding. All that I had was a .32 special Winchester and no scope. They were a good 300 yards to far. On my belly I went and crawled every time they looked the opposite way or eating. I could still see both of them. I crawled about 200 yards and I still had to crawl 50 to 100 yards more. I did about another 25 yards and the bull turned and headed into the bush slowly. The cow was there but all that I could see was half of her head. She was getting nervous, I had no choice I had to shoot now. My heart was beating at 150 miles an hour. I could see her whole head. I got up aimed and pulled the trigger. She took off for the bush. I decided to try and cut them off by running straight into the bush and towards them. I stopped after couple of 100 yards and listened. They were heading back towards the river. I ran for the river as fast as I could(if it would have been the 100 yard dash, I would have made a new record that day) and yes they had crossed and I saw their rear butts going into the bush. I waited on the side, called a few times and nothing. I was disappointed, I missed my chance. I stayed there for three hours and nothing to be seen or heard. I walked back into the bush and found their tracks, followed them to the river, not a spot of blood to be seen.I said to myself thanks I didn't touch them. Then headed back to the camp. They were waiting for me and mainly to hear my story. I replied that they will be bigger next year.
We spent another night at the camp and nothing. That afternoon we headed back to Pagwa. The next day back to Kapuskasing.
It was a great trip and more an excellent experience. The error I made and just that one time only. You have to be patient, keep quiet, don’t move, don’t breath and wait.
It was another great trip.
Friday
Moose Hunting Trip Lac Allard Quebec
It was the first week-end of September 1977 my brother- in-law Jean Marie said we should go out hunting at Lac Allard. It’s the last week-end for fishing and the opening of the moose hunt. Lake Allard was a 30 minute flight in. I said I’ll ask Madeleine if it’s okay to go. Oh boy she said, are you crazy, no and you can’t go out fishing our hunting. I said I’ll be very careful and Jean Marie said that he will do everything. He’ll prepare the camp and all I have to do is lay on my lawn chair, listen and watch. Yes I had broken my ankle a month ago. I had a big cast up to my knee and was on crutches. We had a couple of days to get ready. I told Jean I’ll give you a positive answer to-morrow morning. I knew that I would get a yes and my chances were pretty good.
The next morning I called Jean Marie and told him that was a big yes. He replied and said great. I booked or flight last night. We have to be at the plane no later Than 6:30 AM.
It was exactly 6:30 AM we were at the lake and the Beaver float plane was ready. J.M. and the pilot tied the 16 ft. cedar canoe onto one of the floats and then load our baggage aboard. Oh yes not to forget my lawn chair. J.M. asked me how did you convince Madeleine. I replied, remember one of those first books we bought on “ how to hunt and call moose” The one that Paul Emile Goyer wrote. Well in that book just about at the very end. There’s a part that’s addressed to all the ladies saying that “ never try to stop your loved one from going on a moose hunting trip” That is one of the worst things a women can do their loved ones. J.M. laughed and said yes I don’t think I would have thought about giving that as an answer.
Up and away we were like I said about a 30 minute flight and it should be a little less as we had a tail wind. Twenty minutes later we are over Lac Allard. It’s about 5 miles long and about a half a mile wide A few good points and sandy beaches and a nice looking lake for moose hunting. J M said to me that; point there at the middle looks good. I said yes, okay with me, I won’t have to walk too far. That’s where our pilot dropped us off and up and away he went. I said to JM if I ever get rich one of these days, that’s what I want to buy a Beaver with floats Look at him climb. There’s a lot of power in that engine.
I noticed a couple of old moose tracks on the sandy beach, maybe a week or two ago. I said to JM it looks like a cow and a bull. Which it was. I tried to help JM a bit, but he said no I can do it myself and if you fall you may break the other ankle. I said okay; give me a hand with the lawn chair. I was set about 100 feet from JM and this for a reason. A moose or any wild animal is always curious to new and unfamiliar sounds. So they try to sneak up to see what’s going on. My job as JM said was, he wanted me to watch and listen.
Around noon everything was in place and JM was making us a snack with a good cup of coffee that he had in his big thermos. The weather was beautiful and pretty calms a few wrinkles on the water. I said to JM we are the only ones on the lake. Did you see anyone? No, and not even a campsite or cottage on this lake. I guess it’s to close to the mine Q. I. T. and the railway track. JM said that we will start our little moose show around 3PM with nice little calls, nothing to loud. If we have to, we will do that in a couple of days. I asked how long are we here for? I asked the pilot to come and pick us up next Thursday or before if they we were to get bad weather.
It was 3 PM and JM with his hip waders on and was doing the cow moose walk and as usual and then the cow in heat urinating in the water. Yes he had brought me my dry twigs that I cracked just before he started his walk into the water. As he came out I cracked a few more twigs. We listened for about 10 minutes and not a sound. He bent down in front of the lake at one foot distance and gave the soft calling sound that sounds like a mosquito, waited a few seconds and repeated the same call. We waited and listened and let me tell you I was comfortable on my lawn chair. I even had a pillow and blanket. A half hour later he did the same call and no louder. He asked me; did you hear any echo. No not at all. It was close to 5PM when he gave another couple of calls but a little louder, no echo.
JM whispered to me and said I’m going to walk over to the other point and sit there for a while. I’ll be back around dark and you; no walking around. Don’t worry about me your just like your sister.
It was calm and not a sound to be heard. I picked up my 30.06 to make sure that it was okay. So all I had to do was sit and relax. I said to myself, I had not planned to do the moose hunt this fall and here I am and more than that I’m also on a fishing trip.
It was close to 7PM and starting to get dark, I could barely see the other side of the lake, I could see JM coming and THEN. I heard splashing sounds in the water and it was regular. Not to loud but I could hear it clear and it was getting pretty dark. It was on the opposite of JM. I picked up my rifle, took the safety and aimed in that direction with my finger off the trigger, I think my whole eye was in the telescope. It was about 250 feet from me, it was big I could see the head, the moose a big bull, but and I say but, you don’t shoot when your not sure. I still thank the lord today. It was a moose head in a canoe with two guys paddling on lake.
They stopped to talk with me and they also taught that they were alone on the lake. We talked for a few minutes; I told them that they scarred the hell out of me. They left us a couple of rabbits for a pack of cigarillos. We only smoke cigarillos after the moose is down and with a nice shot of cognac.
Remember what I said “you have to no what your going to shoot at and that 100% sure before you aim and pull that trigger”.
We had a light supper and hit the sack at 8:30 PM. JM said it looks like bad weather coming in and to-morrow is Sunday and the last day for fishing. We have to go fishing and nothing is going to stop us.
The next morning I was up at 5AM. A little wind for the northeast and we could hear the little drops of rain falling on the tent. At daybreak I was outside listening and trying to see if anything was around. It was 7:30 AM all was quiet and nothing in site. JM was making breakfast and it looked like we were going out fishing for the day. The lunch box was ready.
Attached the 4HP motor to the canoe, all the baggage, rifles and our way to south end of the lake. When we flew over I saw a nice river with a few rapids. It was 10AM when JM pulled ashore; he took his fishing rod, tackles box and rifle and said I’m going to fish down rapids. I said I’m going to fish from the canoe; there are too many rocks for me to try and walk around here. I’ll try it about 100 feet above the first rapid. That’s okay, but be careful.
After getting everything in place and seated comfortably. I gave it my first cast and yes I had one and nothing small, it jumped about three out of the water and what a fight. I knew after seeing it jump like that, that it was a “Ounananish “ we call them in French it’s a “landlocked salmon”. It took me a good ten minutes too bring it close to the canoe. I heard JM yelling, I got one and it’s something big, I yelled and said me to. It was a nice size landlocked salmon a 8 ½ lbs. A beautiful fish. We fished for a couple of hours. We did a lot of catch and release. We kept 12 landlocked salmon, weighing from 51/2 to 12lbs. and we kept 20 nice speckle Trout, weighing from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 lbs. This was great and it was time to get back to our moose hunting.
It was 5PM when we got back at camp. Nothing seemed too have moved around here. No moose tracks. JM said I’m hungry and I think were in for an excellent lunch and dinner. With this rain I’m cooking a couple of speckle trout and I'll cook them outside the tent. I replied that was a what I was thinking also. We will also bury the left over. Not to leave any greassy smell around for that big bull.
That was a great supper, those trout melted in our mouth and with a bottle of white wine it was still better. JM said, no calling to night, but if it’s nice tomorrow we will give it our best shot. Tomorrow morning we will start our show very early. I said okay. It was around 10PM and the rain has stopped and the wind had died down. It was time to hit the sack.
During the night we could hear two wolves howling to each other. It seemed that they were on each side of the lake. This went on for a good hour or more as I fell asleep on their howling.
Monday morning and I was up at 4AM. Had a look outside. It was bitch black, nice and no wind. JM got up and said I fell asleep on the howling of the wolves. That a means that theirs something around and their interested in it. I guess the same thing as we want. We had a light breakfast, no toasting or frying and the left over coffee.
At 5:45 daylight had started to appear. JM with his hip waders on and me with my dry twigs. The show began. I was well installed on my lawn chair. About half an hour after his two soft calls, we got an answer, but it was soft and far. It was the call of a cow when she’s either with her calf or the bull. It sounds just like the owl call, not three times but two hoot, hoot. We waited a good hour and the repeated the two soft calls. It was noon and know answer. JM said if she’s with a bull, we have to do everything we can to convince the bull that I’m a cow in heat. We had a little snack and waited.
It was 3:30PM and JM gave two longer soft calls and we waited. I was hardly breathing; I could hear everything, even a bird landing on a branch. I heard a CRACK, a loud crack at the same place JM was the night before, out on the point. We didn’t move, we listened and watched. It was and I still remember like It was yesterday. They were coming around the point and straight for us, non stop. The cow in front and the big bull about 20 feet behind her. JM had his rifle up and ready, he was just waiting for the bull or cow, either to move from one side or the other. The bull was in the open, I say 300 yards, POW. The bull stopped, the cow looked at the bull, the bull turned to his right, walked about 15 feet and fell down on his right side. The cow headed straight for the bushes yelling the call that cows does to keep her bull with and this until she was far enough that we could not hear her anymore. It was done and yes my heart was going at 150 miles an hour. We shook hands and JM took off for the bull. Yes me behind hopping on my crutches. What a sensation and what a trip even on crutches.
I helped JM even if he did not want me around. As he opened the stomach to empty it, I held the legs. JM said that’s all were going to do for now. I will cut it up in quarters tomorrow and I’ll call the dispatch to pick us tomorrow afternoon.
We were out the next afternoon. I say it again what a trip. Both hunting and fishing on crutches. The antlers measured 52 inches. A beautiful and healthy bull. What a trip.
Thursday
Snowmobiling & Ice Fishing in Northern Quebec & Labrador.
It was a sunny and beautiful day up in Schefferville. I was up early that April morning and with a nice day like this I could not just stay around the house. I asked my wife Madeleine. Do you want to go fishing with me today? She asked, what is the temperature outside. At exactly 7:45 AM that morning on the outside thermometer it was +9* Her answer was as fast as I gave her the temperature, she said YES. We had a good breakfast, packed a lunch, thermos with tea and one with coffee.
Out to the garage I went, hooked up the sled to my 580 Artic Cat. The ice cutter, tools, lines bait were always ready. Gave a couple of cranks on the Tundra, Madeleine’s snowmobile, hopped on my snowmobile and away we when. It was beautiful; the white snow was changing to grey as the days were getting a lot warmer. At certain places there were spots of tundra also a little water on top of the ice. But there was no danger as the ice was still a good four feet thick.
We had travelled for about an hour when I thought about a place that my good buddy Serge had told me about. I stop and talked to my wife about his place. She said have you ever been there before? I said no, but the way Serge explained it to me I’m pretty sure that I’ll find the place. Anyway with a nice day like this we can fish anywhere on that lake and I bet your bottom dollar that we would catch at least one fish. This lake is huge and called Ashtray Lake. She said how far
from here? A good hour and a half. Okay let’s go.
A half hour later I was on Ashtray Lake and I remembered my buddy saying that from here it was exactly one hour, also he told me always stay on the left side until you hit a small creek, the portage is on the left side of the creek. Cross the portage and once on the other lake, head straight for the other side. Make your holes about 150 feet from shore. You will notice that there is not much water under the ice, about three to four feet max. That is where they are, in three too four feet of water, at this time of the year. It was 8th. Of April 2004.
As we travelled about another half hour, I stopped and looked and about a mile away on the middle of the lake was a herd of caribou. A few standing but most of them laying on the ice. As we continued and getting a little closer to the caribou, they all got up and started running, one behind each other and in a straight line. We counted 42 of them and the speed they were running meant that they were in good shape. They headed straight into the portage that I was taking. Yes the small creek on the right side.
The portage was not open, no one had been here this year, no old snowmobile tracks. We had no problems going through as the snow was soft and Madeleine made the trail up with the Tundra. Once on the other side I could see the place exact that my buddy told me to go and try. Also this was a pretty big lake and a lake with no name. It was Serge’s secret lake. He said that there was monsters (big fish) here.
It was around 11 o’clock and we had managed to get six lines into the water. Yes the ice was still 4 feet + in thickness and when I looked into the 10 inch in diameter hole, blocking the sun with my two hands, I could see that there was about 4 feet of water under the ice.
It took 15 minutes and we had our first laker (lake trout or grey trout) and a nice size about 10 pounds. I caught the first one so Madeliene was really watching the lines now. Yes, she got one and the same size as the one I caught about 10 pounds also.
The bait that the natives use and only that, as bait, to catch big speckle or lake trout is the grey sucker. They cut them into stripes about 5 inches long and one inch in width. They use a huge hook and attach the bait in a way that the fish cannot pull it off. They sometimes tie it on. They use 100 lbs test green line. When the line (still line fishing) is in the water and attached to a big enough tree branch, laid across the hole, there is a loop in the line. Reason is when the fish takes the bait, it has time to swallow the bait and hook before the line is tented. Which means that the hook is stuck in the throat of the fish. No way they will lose their fish.
It was noon and four nice fish caught. I gathered a few pieces of dry wood, lit a fire and toasted our ham sandwiches. Madeline had the tea and me the coffee. Madeleine threw her sandwich aside and ran for one of the lines that was moving. I sat and watched. Heck, I lost it she said. It was a big one. I said yes, they all say that, they always lose the big one. She said no, it was big. She laid on the ice looking into the hole, she yelled, I see it, it’s huge and it’s biting the bait, I got it, I can’t pull it out through the hole, it’s to heavy, help me, pull it out. I stood beside her and watched, I said no it’s your fish you pull it out. I can’t it to heavy. So I had to give in and pulled her fish out. It was heavy and lucky we had a 10 inch in diameter hole. Yes she caught the big one that day. It was 25 lbs. exactly. It’s the one on the picture on the front page of my blog that I’m holding.
We fished for another hour and caught two more, one was 15 lbs and the other 18 and half lbs. Then we said all good things have to have and end and packed up and headed back to Schefferville.
My buddy Serge passed away two years ago and I thank him still today for the great place he told me about. His Secret Lake.
I tell you snowmobilers, fisherwomen, fishermen and hunters this is a place that all of you should try, even in the winter time, like I said from the middle of March up to the first week of May it’s something.
Tuesday
A One Day Moose Hunt on Lac Boucher 1977
It was in late September and my brother-in-law Jean M and I were on another Moose hunting trip. This time we decided to charter a 206 Cessna and go to a different place. A place called Lac or Lake Boucher, 35 miles northeast of Havre St. Pierre. It’s a pretty big lake with a couple of islands on it.
Everything was aboard and on our way. It was a nice sunny and cool day. As we approached the lake JM asked Germain the pilote, if he could at least make one trip around the lake. That he did, I said to JM, that island there would be great. Were not to far from the mainland. JM said yes to the pilote and down we went.
We untied the canoe, unloaded and found the exact place to tent. Someone had camped here before. It was close to noon when we finished. Had a little snack and yes a small snooze at least for an hour.
It was around 2pm and all was quiet not a sound to be heard. JM said I think we’ll start the show now. The weather and all is perfect. I’m ready I said.
JM had his waders on and I had gathered a few dry twigs. I started breaking a couple and JM started his moose walk and then the cow in heat urinating, lifted his feet slowly out of the water and on to shore. I cracked a few more twigs and both listened for about 3 minutes. Not a sound. JM gave the soft and short cow call. Did this the same call about 10 minutes later. Not a sound, I whisered to JM it’s to quiet. He nodded his head in a yes manner. We listened and waited, not a sound.
The little island that we were camped on was approximately 500 feet long by 100 feet wide not more than that and all it had on it was black spruce and a very few birch trees. It was flat with sand and rock beach all around. We were calling toward the mainland about 800 feet away.
The tent from our calling ground was halfway 50 to 60 feet. The trail from us to other side was 4 feet wide. From where we were we could not see the tent.
It was close to 4:30 PM JM had just given the first long call of the cow in heat. I heard the echo hit 3 times, which was good. It still was silent, not a sound.
It was 4:40 PM and I heard something heavy walking in the water on the left side of us towards the mainland. JM also heard it as he looked at me with eyes as big as fifty cent pieces. We did not move an inch. We listened for a good half hour and not a sound, not even a little cracking sound. We didn’t move, we waited.
It was getting pretty chilly as the sun had gone down. I looked at JM and made some sort of movment letting him know that I was going to the tent to put a bit more warm clothes on.
I picked up my 30.06 and started to walk slowly looking at the ground to make sure that I did not step on some twigs. I could see the tent through the bushes and to my great surprise the big bull was about 25 feet on the other side of the tent. What a huge bull and what a rack (63”) Up game the rifle safety off, one knee on the ground and pulled the trigger. It was faceing me and looking me right in the eye when I shot. The bullet struck it on the right side of the chest and came out its back just behind the right shoulder blade. The heart was split it two. All it did was make a half left turn and fell to the ground. I think JM was beside me in a split second. My heart had no time pump fast as everything happened so fast.
JM and I shook hands and tapped each other on the back. We said it’s a trophy and our hunting is already over with. Now we had to work. It took exactly 2 hours and all hind quarters were laid on a rack that we had made.
It was time for a glass of cognac and a good supper with a bottle of red wine. For super, the menu was a few slices of moose liver cooked with bacon and onions. Not to Forget the mashed potatoes and mushrooms. Man was that delicious. We hit the sack that night close to midnight. That was a fast hunting trip. But it was a great one.
The next morning we called the dispatcher to find out if he we get us out in the afternoon. Okay there was no problem. As we got all our equipment and moose meat out on shore. We decided to take a canoe ride to the mainland and see what it looked like. It was pretty windy so we did not want to go to far. As we approached shore JM said don’t move look to your right and yes another bull moose had it’s head out of the bush with his nose up in the air. Trying to smell us. Without
moving we watched him for a good five minutes. He was also a healthy looking moose.
We headed back to the island and waited for our plane. I shall say it again, what a wonderful and short hunting trip that was and I have a lot more to tell you in my next stories.
Winter Caribou Hunt 1975
It was a cold morning, it was 8 am. We were boarding a bush plane, Otter and on our way to a caribou hunt. My buddies Andre, Julien and brother-in-law JM. It was the 23 Feb. and a minus -23 outside. We had no choice we had to go this morning; the plane was chartered for today and only bad weather could cancel this trip. We were all well dressed with good warm clothes, snowmobile suits and boots. Each our packsack, lunch and a thermos of coffee for the day. It looked like a beautiful day the sky was blue.
We had been flying for a good 2 hours, no tracks and no caribou insight. Yes I forgot to introduce our pilot Jean Charles, 10 years experience as a bush pilot. I asked him where are we heading? Lake Vital they saw a big herd there yesterday.
A couple of hours more flying and nothing in sight. The pilot looked back at us and said we will have to think on going back. One, the gas is getting low and about 5 hours of day light left. He said, 15 minutes more. I said look caribou tracks. The pilot made a 90 degree to the left and over on the second lake he landed. There was a herd of over 200 heads, they were standing there looking at the plane.
Jean Charles said, first if you guys do this fast we still have time to head back home, if not and it takes to long we will be sleeping in the bush at -30. What do you want to do? Yes that was cold and very cold to sleep outdoors without a sleeping bag. We looked at each other and said we came hunting and that’s what we are going to do. We told the pilot we will do this as fast as we can..
We had landed the Otter a good ¾ mile away. To close would have scared the caribou off. I said 200 caribou; it was more than 500 caribou. Out of the plane and got those snowshoes on so fast and away we went, but not Andre, Andre is not an outdoors sportsmen, he takes his time and is very slow. He yelled, you guys go ahead I will fallow behind with the camera. We said okay, take your time. We were heading for the point of wood about 1000 feet away; we could not see the caribou. I said that they won’t be far from that point. JM and I had to run if we wanted to keep up with Julien, he was 6’4” 200lbs and skinny and those long strides he was taking kept us running.
Once at the point we were all pretty well disappointed, the caribou had advanced a good 1000 feet or more and were just about ready to enter the bush. They were a good 2000 feet from us; I said shoot up high and into the bush just ahead of them. They each had 30.06 rifles and I had my 32spl. They shot; the herd turned around and yes heading right straight for the point and us. That’s happens when you shoot like this, in the bush ahead of them, is the echo they hear in front of them and makes them instinctively turn and head in the opposite direction. The herd was heading straight for the point and for us. I was laying face first in the snow and no moving at all. They were 500 feet away and still coming for us. JM said get ready their 200 feet away. Up we got and let me tell you they were at 150 feet, they all stopped and looked straight at us or in our direction. I aimed the biggest one looking at me and bang, in the neck and down it went. I shot my second one. I yelled stop we are only allowed 8. I counted 1. 5… 7, one missing, but before I finished my phrase, bang, bang two shots and two caribou down. (the pilot had a license and took the extra one)
I heard the pilot starting up the otter engine, taking off and came and landed beside us. He got out and said it’s too late to head back home; we will never make it before dark. You have a choice sleep outside at minus 30 or it will cost you $80.00 more for the charter. There’s a hunting camp 20 miles away, we can stay there for the night. No one argued about that.
We fixed up the caribou, then dug up holes in the snow with are snowshoes, and buried our caribou. This would help keeping the meat fresh and not freezing over night. We brought back with us 3 hearts and 2 livers, this was for supper.
It was starting to get pretty dark and not much time to get to that cottage. I hope that there’s a stove and wood. I was starting to feel the minus 30 it was very cold. I could see the hunting camp as we approached and yes it looked like a big and nice cottage.
We landed and Julien was the fist out and said I’m going to light the stove. The pilot asked if we could help him take out the two batteries. I have to keep them inside the cottage, warm, if not this plane won’t start tomorrow morning. We also covered the nose of the plane with a canvas tarp. Jean Charles said it’s up to -35 and I think that it may be more in a couple of hours.
Julien had the oil stove going and the wood stove. It was so cold inside that linoleum had curved up. We had to be careful not to break it. There was a bottle of Vat 69 0n the table ¾ full and over half of that was frozen solid. You can imagine how powerful the non frozen part was. This was a very nice cottage, 4 bedrooms, living room and big kitchen and washroom. Blankets, pillows and everything, but no food, yes a box of Kellogg’s cornflakes.
JM was the cook and yes caribou heart and liver plus a shot of Vat 69, powerful stuff. The meal (meat) was great, we talked for about an hour and then to bed. Yes we could hear the wind. The pilot Jean Charles’s got up and said I’m going to check the tarp and tie it down more. I asked, do you need a hand? No thanks I’m okay. When he got back he said I don’t want to discourage you guys but were here for a couple of days for sure. There’s a big storm out there.
Let me tell you that it was a storm, you could not even go outside, the wind was so strong. I prayed that we don’t run out of fuel oil because there was no more wood and no more food. We slept 4 nights in that warm cottage and thank god we did not decide to sleep outside.
The third day was nice with that beautiful rising sun; we help the pilot place the batteries back in place. I hope this thing starts this morning, I want home I told myself. We had to cut the ice around the skies as there was slush that had accumulated after the landing. Jean Charles was hoping that we did not chip a piece off the skies. He said: they cost $10K’s a pair. Off we were and back to Havre St. Pierre, back home. Everyone seemed happy to get back home.
This was all in 1975 the way we hunted. Today you don’t hunt like that anymore, unless you have your plane. Today is the American plan in some outfitter camps. Everyone travels buy snowmobile with a guide. All you have to do is shoot it. The rest is all done by the guide. But it’s still pleasant to experience.
I can book you any time in March and April for a good winter caribou hunt. Well it’s a 5 days snowmobile adventures guided by local native, living their culture, includes also, ice fishing big lakers, rabbit snaring, ptarmigan hunting and just relaxing. Cook, snowmobile and guide all included.
Thursday
Our First Bull Moose on the Romaine River
All was fixed up, it was 5:30 p.m. and we were waiting for J.M's wife to come back with the jeep. 6.0’clock no jeep. I called my buddy, S.Q. police Julien if he could bring us up to the Romaine River. In 10 minutes he was parked in front of my mobile home. We tied the canoe on the jeep, luggage aboard and on our way we were. Half hour later canoe on the river everything aboard and up the Romaine river we went. The weather was great and about half an hour of day light left.
It was a little past 7 p.m. when we arrived to our Island “Iles des Officiers”. Set up camp, got ready for super, it was 8 p.m. The weather was great, not a breeze of wind, it was chilly and to night was the full moon, 17th September 1975.
After our nice tasty supper and as always it was cold roast pork. We decide to take a walk up along the sandy beach of the Island. This took a good hour return. We did not even see a moose track. I said to J.M. that’s good they didn’t come, but will tonight.
J.M. got his big hip waders on and the moose call show began. I cracked a few dry branches, J.M. walked into the water imitating the moose, stopped. We listened for awhile and he gave a soft low call of the cow in heat. Waited and then the imitation of the cow urinating in the water…listened walk out of the water. I cracked a few dry twigs and listened, not a sound could be heard and it was totally quiet.
We stood on the beach for a half hour and J.M. did the soft call just a little loader. We listened for a good hour and then decided to hit the sack. It was close to 10 p.m. I was rolling out my sleeping bag when I heard a grunt noise. I said to J.M. did you hear that, he said what. I said a grunt. I turned out the gas lantern and out the tent we went slowly, not a sound’ we made. We listen a good 20 minutes and then another grunt sound just across the river. My heart started pumping, I could not hear nothing, just the booming in my ears. I touched my heart and I can tell you it was beating at a least 200 per minutes. I bit on my teeth holding them together with a lot of pressure for a couple of minutes my heart beat slowed down. It grunted again, it seemed to be close about a couple of hundred feet from us, in the bush. We could hear the branches cracking and it’s heavy breathing.
It was the full moon and as I said not a breeze of wind and it was very chilly J.M. and I were in our long john’s. We took each our turn to go back to the tent and got dressed. Every move I made I could hear I was making a noise. I picked up my sleeping bag and decided that we were spending the night outside on the beach.
A good hour had passed and not a sound. Not even a crack J.M. gave the soft cow call. Not an answer. Tried it again, not a sound. It was close to midnight and we then heard a sound of outboard motor coming up the river. It passed us and head up about a mile higher when it stopped. Some hunters that probably were working the evening shift.
It was 02 am. When J.M. called again, he said I guess it’s gone. I said I’ll give it my bull call, J.M. said yes do it. I think, I only had half of the call out, when it answered load and close just across the river 100 ft. from us. Man oh man my heart beat started again an twice as load. I could see the moose, just a 100 feet away, it was the full moon, not like day light but pretty close. J.M. passed me his rifle to have a look at it in the telescope. There was a blue line all around the moose. It had its head up and was trying to smell us. We did not move an inch. It walked into the water up to its belly, always had its nose straight up. It was 75 feet away from straight us. It stood there for a good hour. Then suddenly it turned and started running out of the water and into the bush, what a noise it was making, breaking every tree in it’s path, all we could hear was the cracking sound and the grunting. It then started running up the river. This was around 03 am. J.M. gave the cow in heat call, it still was running. I said it's going to cross on to the Island. J.M. said, give the bull call. I did and it stopped, we could not hear it anymore. I gave another bull call, it answered and was coming back breaking everything on its way. It stopped in front of us, about 20 feet in the bush. We waited and waited. This is when we heard for the first time ever, the sound of a horse, the exact sound of a horse when he blow’s and his lips hit together. It stopped and not a sound, but we knew it was there.
It was close to 06 am. and daybreak had started, we could see the other side of the river 100 feet away, no more than that. JM said give it your best bull call, which I did without hesitating and out of the bush it came and into the water. It was big, it was huge, it crossed about half of the river, 50 feet from us. J.M. had it in his sight (telescope) he shot, the moose buckled up and fell. It was floating in three feet of the water. We tied it behind the canoe and crossed to other side. It was floating pretty well. J.M. said we will bring it back to the dock, three miles down river. It took an hour with the 6 horse power motor. We pulled it onto the dock and I gutted it.
J.M. hitched hiked back to town to pick-up his jeep. Came back with the family and a few friends. We picked up the moose all in one piece and installed it on the trailer.. It was a huge bull.
Sunday
My 9th. Moose Hunting Trip on the Romaine River
I’ll skip my 6th, 7th and 8th. Moose hunting trips as they are pretty similar to the other ones. Yes close calls but did not manage to bag one. But we gained more experience and that for a hunter is worth more than gold.
It was around the middle of September 1974 my brother in law JM and I decided that we were going in by plane and on the Romaine River once again. We had picked a spot just above the Big Falls. Not to far from our village Havre St. Pierre. about 20 miles away.
That morning the weather was not at it’s best for flying and we were not the first on the list to take off. We had chartered a Beaver bush plane on floats. We had a lot of baggage and our chestnut canoe. We crossed our fingers hoping not to have to take a bigger plane like an Otter. Big difference in the price.
The morning had gone by and we were still waiting. Also part of the afternoon had gone by and it was 4PM and no sign of the Beaver. No choice we had to wait.
At 4:30 PM the dispatcher said, we will take you in with the Otter because the Beaver is going to be in to late and this for the same price as the Beaver. We had no comments and that was okay with us. Baggage aboard and the canoe tied on the float and away we were.
Bad weather seemed to be coming in from the north and it was getting late for the pilot to get back. We decided to get off before destination and that a good 8 miles before. Unloaded the plane and away it went and the pilot was glad because he was not interested in sleeping in the bush if he didn’t have to.
Filled up the canoe and installed the 6hp and up the river we went. We were looking for the best place to set camp. The rain had started slowly and fog was starting to set in. We pulled out our rain suits from our packs and put them on. Their were a lot of places we could camp because on both sides of this beautiful Romaine River on the North Shore of Quebec are sandy beaches. The river is about 300 feet at the largest. Yes we both were straining our eyes to find moose tracks. We saw a few old ones, nothing fresh.
After travelling for a good hour and a half I said, JM this would be a good place just beside a nice little creek coming out from the north. He said yes we can camp just on that little lump a bit up in the bush and that is what we did.
After getting everything done, tent up, sleeping bags installed and ready for supper. It was already 8PM I was pumping up the naphtha lantern when we heard the howling call of a wolf and not to far. We stepped out the tent and paid more attention and then another call on the opposite side across the river. I said to JM at least 2 wolves and an other wolf started calling not to far up the river, maybe a couple of thousand feet. They answered themselves for about ten minutes and stopped. We went in, lit the lantern and stove and had a good supper, beef Bourgogne that my wife had put in jars for us. All we had to do was warm it up and with that a good bottle of red wine from Italy. What a snack we had, did not even think about the wolves, until the lonely howling sound was maybe 100 feet from the tent and on the other side about the same distance an other want howling.
It was close to 10PM and we decided to hit the sack. I always and still do today when I go hunting big game is carry along my 12 gauge pump gun and a couple of boxes of SSG (12 leaded pellets per shell) Well that shotgun when things are like tonight and are pretty close to us, that shotgun is loaded and it sleeps in-between JM and me.
The wolves howled and walked around close to our tent for about half an hour. They came and checked and smelt what was going on and left. Then the rain started coming down and pretty heavy and this for me makes me fall asleep in a few minutes and I guess that’s what happened as I woke up the next morning and must have slept like a log. I did not hear a thing.
It was 5:30AM got up, dressed and out the tent with my 32spl. That I just bought one month ago. Practised with it a couple of times. It was good rifle, a Winchester model 94. The weather was a little better, a drizzle coming down and fog on the river. I decided to walk up the river, no calling, why, because of the wolves around. I told myself with all those wolves around their no moose around and that for sure. I saw lots of wolf and bear tracks and they were fresh ones. But then the fresh female cow tracks and not to old. I looked up the river and then across the river. All I could see was four polls stuck in the sand on the other side of the river. I kept both eyes on those polls, it was hard to see or focus because of the fog and drizzle. These polls, four of them were about 700 feet away. I kept focusing them and why four polls, then the fog lifted up and the four polls was a moose. She was looking straight my way, not side ways. I can’t run back and get JM if I shoot and miss because of the distance, about 700 feet for my rifle was far. But behind the moose was a cliff not to high a good 10 feet. I decided to shoot, I had no telescope, so adjusted my sight to 450ft. max. Pointed the rifle aimed and fired. I saw my bullet hit the water about 100 ft. in front. I cranked the Winchester aimed higher and squeezed the trigger and must have touched it as it moved a few feet up the river. I shot again and another time, I could hear
JM running with his hip waders on, but not tied up to the hips. He came up to me and said where, what is it? I said over there on the other side, a cow moose and he said okay I see it but it’s looking straight at us. I’ll wait until it turns sideways. JM had a 308 Savage with scope. It had turned sideways and JM was aiming if JM could have put his whole eye into the telescope he would have done it. He pulled the trigger and I saw the moose just bend over and did not move for a few seconds and then jumped into the river and was swimming for us. JM waited with the rifle pointed at the cow waiting for it to get out of the water on to dry land. There was a sand bar about half in-between the two banks and that is where the cow put his two front legs. Then bang and it fell there with out moving. I ran down and got the canoe and up to pick JM and to the sand bar we went. Hopped out of the canoe and ran for the moose. We were both speeded, this was our first moose and it took 9 years to get it. I think that we both had tears in our eyes and a hand shake every two minutes.
It took a good fifteen minutes to get back to normal. Started the job of pulling it out of the water, it sure was a huge cow and in good health. It was maybe 3and a half or 4 and a half years old. Emptied it and started to cut it into quarters, when JM said to me in a low whisper “where is your rifle” I said beside the canoe. He says look on the other side of the river, slowly turn around. That what I did and they were there the pack of wolves 15 of them and mostly adult wolves. The leader was sitting on his behind and probably have been looking at us for some time. They were exactly where we were shooting from. On the rifles we jumped and manage to shoot two big ones.
We finished our job with the moose and transported it to the tent. Went back and got the two wolves and they were big male timber wolves. Skinned them and brought the hides back to the tent. I looked at my watch and asked JM what time is it? He said holy cow it’s 2PM. I guess I’m hungry, we did not have breakfast. But what a morning it was. We left everything as is and the bacon the beans and eggs were cooking in the frying pan and don’t forget the coffee was purking and all this smelt so good. But before we started eating we had good size shot of cognac.
We had planned to be in for 8 days we had 7 days left. We decide to at least stay for 5 days just to let our moose meat age a bit. So we hunted partridges and started setting rabbit snares. Yes we got a lot of both and also saw a nice bull moose that came out on our call. I say our call because JM does the female and I do the bull call. Yes we could have shot it a couple of times it was close enough about 300ft. JM had it in his scope for a good minute.
We had built a rack or stand about 5ft off the ground and our third night a black bear had stolen our nice moose head trophy, we did not hear a sound but the next morning it was gone. The big bear tracks were there. Our tent was to far away and decided to move the tent closer 3ft. from the rack and leave an oil lamp lit on the meat during the night. But guess what, it came back again but this time I heard it going by the tent. I can say that I saw it’s shadow through the tent.
I told JM he’s there, I had the power flashlight in my hand and JM grabbed his 308 and out I went. Turned the light on and to our surprise he was 3ft. from me on my right. He stood up on his hind legs and was walking towards me, his front legs in the air and yellow nose mouth open and growling. I heard bang and the bear dropped to his fours and was gasping for air. It took off for the bush. We decided not to go look for him as he was injured and could jump us. This
Was around 8:30PM and yes very dark out.
The next morning around 7AM JM was up and out of the tent before me. About five minutes later gave me a little shout “come and see” about 500ft. in the trail we use since we have been there, the bear was sitting on it’s rear end and dead. Was it waiting for us? We tried to save the bear hide but a little to late.
We moved out on he sixth day with an otter because of the cow, weighed a good 600lbs. This was an excellent experience and trip that moose hunters never forget. How many times have I told my children, my friends, my grandchildren and now all you people. Bye for now, until the next story.
Good hunting and be careful all you women and men hunters.
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