450$ GUN / HUNT Mingan area (December 20th-January 30)
5000$ / GUN / 6 DAYS HUNT La Tabatiere Area (October 20-December 1st)
*All Borealis Eider trips includes accommodation & food
*Daily bag limit of 6 ducks (including eider and long-tailed duck)
The Common Eider is undoubtedly an emblematic migratory bird of the St. Lawrence River and the eastern part of the country which has helped to shape the North Coast territory of Quebec. Its down has been used for several centuries and it has always been an important fishery resource for the people who have and still occupy the coastal regions of the eastern part of the province today.
There are 3 subspecies of Common Eider in Quebec which occupies almost the entire estuary of the St.Lawrence River, the Southern Common Eider (Sm Dresseri), the Common Eider of Hudson’s Bay (Sm Sedentaria) and the Northern Common Eider (Sm Borealis). Each one having its peculiarities on the space distribution but they use the same type of habitat.
The 2 subspecies that are targeted by our hunting expeditions are the Southern Common Eider (Dresseri) and the Northern Common Eider (Borealis). The southern one (Sm Dresseri) nests in the estuary between Montmagny and the Lower North Shore and migrates to the eastern United States in late fall, while the Borealis nests off the coasts of Labrador-Newfoundland to Nunavut and then winter partly in the northwestern sector of the St. Lawrence.
The Borealis eider, which is mainly targeted in this type of expedition, is undoubtedly a jewel of migratory birds and its quest represents the ultimate adventure for any waterfowler who wishes to expand their hunting experiences in Quebec territory!
The hunting experience that we offer takes place on the Lower North Shore, from October 20 to January 30 and the precise sector is determined according to the ice conditions and the daily weather conditions. Due to the peculiarities and traditions linked to the species, we are fortunate to benefit from a late hunting season in Quebec which allows us to harvest Eiders and Long-tailed Duck until February 14 in certain coastal or island sectors.
A group of 2 persons minimum to 4 persons maximum is required to make a reservation. We hunt from a boat, layout boat or rocky points depending on the weather or the area we are hunting.
The hunt takes place from a 23 ′ motor boat fitted out specifically or in a “layout boat” if conditions permit it.
We offer 2 differents types of expeditions for Borealis, One in Mingan area where you can get by the road 138 to the comunity of Hâvre-St-Pierre (hunting dates Jan. 7 to Jan 30) and the other one is in La Tabatiere (from october 20 december 1st) to where you can get there only by ferry from the end of the road 138 in Kegaska or by plane.
La Tabatiere area October 20 to december 3th
La Tabatiere is a coastal region of Quebec where the communities that live there have been isolated since the early 1800s.
You can get there by plane or by boat. It takes ± 24 hours to get there by ferry from the end of Route 138 in Kegaska.
This region is fillfull of history and characters forged by the arid environment of the Lower North Shore.
Due to a population decline for several years, hunting pressure in this sector is almost non-existent, making it a quality eider hunting destination that is incomparable in the world. The hunting period in which we operate makes it possible to target mostly mature birds who migrate for their wintering area.
Mingan area January December 20th to January 30th
The other hunting area we operate on the Lower North Shore is located between Mingan and Kegaska. It is an approximately 11 hours drive east of Quebec City. If you travel by car, you should allow 1 to 2 days for mobilization and return.
It is also possible to fly from Montreal or Quebec airport to Sept-Îles airport, then take another connection to Havre-Saint-Pierre airport. For more information on air travel, it will be our pleasure to plan your trip!
The environment in which we go out is breathtaking, the landscape is harsh and grandiose, the people who inhabit it will charm you with their hospitality and the folklore which they are proud to share.
** It is important to note that this type of hunting is subject to days of waiting due to bad weather conditions which sometimes prevent us from going out. Due to the time of year and the more unpredictable marine environment, we may be unable to go out for several consecutive days. In this case, other type of activity could be offer such as hunting ptarmigan, hare and partridge.
It is important to be equiped with gear adapted to the winter conditions and we will provide you the right indications on booking.