Hunting season and safety measures

The hunting season officially opened on September 30. Sutton is in hunting zone 5, divided into 5 east and 5 west.

Source: Government of Quebec

The main hunting periods in this zone are :

  • Moose
    • September 30 to October 8, 2023
  • White-tailed deer
    • September 30 to October 13, 2023October 14 to October 18, 2023November 4 to November 5, 2023
    • November 11 to November 26, 2023
  • Black bear
    • From September 30 to October 13, 2023
    • November 11 to November 26, 2023
  • Wild turkey
    • October 28 to November 3

Safety measures

Hunting weapons are diverse and dangerous: shotguns, rifles, muzzleloaders, crossbows and bows.

If you’re planning a walk in the woods, we suggest you wear bright colors, especially orange, to alert hunters.

To find out which trails are open or closed during this period, consult the Tourisme Cantons de l’Est hiking during hunting season page (in French only).

In addition, certain provisions of the Town of Sutton’s By-law concerning peace, order and nuisances (#460) must be respected at all times:

  • GUN SHOOTING: It is forbidden to discharge or shoot with a bow, crossbow, rifle, air gun or any other system, shotgun, paintball gun, pistol or any other firearm within a radius of one hundred and fifty (150) metres of any dwelling house or place of business.
  • FORBIDDEN TO HUNT OR WANDER ON OTHER PEOPLE’S PROPERTY: It is forbidden to hunt, stroll or wander on other people’s property without the owner’s or occupant’s permission.

Importance of controlling white-tailed deer populations to reduce overgrazing and promote forest regeneration and soil protection

As white-tailed deer have few or no predators, and snow cover is much lower than before, reducing “natural” population control, populations have increased sharply. However, high deer densities can have a negative impact on the flora present. Intensive grazing and trampling by deer can limit or even block plant succession. By grazing on seedlings and young trees, deer prevent the latter from growing and reaching maturity, thus enabling the forest to regenerate naturally. In addition, deer trampling compacts the soil, compromising the growth of plant species (source: SEPAQ).

If you own forest land, you are encouraged to practice or authorize deer hunting to help balance the ecosystem and promote natural forest regeneration.

Beaver control

The beaver trapping season runs from October 25 to March 15. Outside this period, a SEG permit, a special permit issued by the Ministry of Wildlife for the capture of wild animals for scientific, educational or wildlife management purposes, is required, with certain conditions to be met. If you have any questions about beaver control, please contact us at [email protected]

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