Activities - CGBRO

Hunting

With the exception of McLaurin Bay, hunting is permitted on the territory of the wildlife refuge project as long as hunters respect the regulations and public safety.

Hunting in McLaurin Bay: Pursuant to Section 20.1 of the City of Gatineau Bylaw 42-2003, the use of hunting weapons is prohibited in McLaurin Bay, except for the purpose of educational migratory bird hunting activities (i.e., Waterfowler Heritage Days) in Labyrinth, Murphy and La Crique Bays.
Migratory bird hunting is a popular activity in the territory. This hunt takes place mainly between mid-September and mid-November. Several hundred hunters spread out over the 28 km² of territory, especially during the weekend of the opening of the hunt. The most frequently harvested species are wood duck, mallard and Canada goose. The proposed wildlife refuge is part of Hunting District F (click for migratory bird hunting regulations).

Despite the above regulations, other species are also hunted in the area, including wild turkey and white-tailed deer. The number of hunters involved is unknown, but it is certainly a marginal activity compared to the massive effort expended by duck hunters.

Fishing

In the area of the proposed wildlife refuge, the Ottawa River is home to 38 species of fish, many of which are sought after by anglers. Fishing is done both in open water (May to November) and on the ice (January to March).
The main species sought after are walleye, pike, muskellunge, bass, crappie, yellow perch, yellow bullhead and channel catfish.

The main open water fishing areas are McLaurin Bay, Clement Bay, Lochaber Bay and the Ottawa River. In winter, the Centre de pêche blanche Gatineau operates a cabin and fishing equipment rental service in Clement Bay. Some anglers set up their own cabins in other areas.

The wildlife refuge project is part of fishing zone 25 (click for regulations).

Cabane de pêche blanche à la baie Clément

Trapping

Muskrat is the main species trapped on the territory. The activity is permitted from mid-October to mid-April.

The wildlife refuge project is part of the UGAF 19 (click for regulations).

The trappers are grouped within the Association provinciale des trappeurs indépendants – chapitre Outaouais (APTICO).

Ornithology

The territory of the wildlife refuge project is very popular with birdwatchers, both during the bird nesting period and during spring migration. The presence of flagship species, many of which are considered rare or at risk, acts as a powerful magnet: Least Bittern, Black Tern, Bald Eagle, not to mention a wide variety of Anatidae (swans, geese and ducks) and other species associated with wetlands (rails, gallinules, coots, grebes, wrens, etc.).

Many of the wetlands and their accesses included in or adjacent to the wildlife refuge project are part of the public eBird sites, a global platform for birders to record their observations. Each site can be clicked on for more information on the birds reported there:

Other activities

Several other activities are practiced on the territory of the wildlife refuge project, as long as users respect the norms of civility (e.g., do not leave trash).

Photography
Boating activities
Motorized activities
Hiking
Educational activities