Snowshoeing and hunting... and the killer rabbit.

On Friday December 28 I went up to my friend Paul's chalet on Baie Ignace – Lac Taureau for a 3 day snowshoeing/hunting weekend. We arrived at the chalet Friday around 1 PM. It was sunny and -6C outside and -8C inside. After getting a fire going and the cottage warmed up we got dressed and headed out with out showshoes. Paul had about 8 snares set up so we took those along. We did not bring the shotguns as we just wanted to look around. It was a good move as there was about 3 feet of fluffy snow so the less to carry the better.

Trail heading into the forest.

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We worked out way through the forest and the snow laden trees looking for rabbit tracks. We spotted quite a few runs but the rabbits have not really had time to create well used runs yet with all the snow that had fallen. We did find enough spots to set out a first snare line though.

Heavy snow even in the dense balsam fir plantation.

Paul setting a snare.

A snare set and ready.

Another snare setup with balsam branches to create a funnel effect so the hares go to the right place.

We snowshoed about 2-3 hours each morning and afternoon. Breaking trail was exhausting as our snowshoes were sinking in up to the knee. Once the trail has been broken it hardened up overnight with the -13C to -15C temps we were getting overnight.

Look up! Great views of the snow laden trees.

Great views of the snow laden trees.

Snow everywhere. There had been no winds to blow the snow out of the trees.

Back to the chalet after a good 3 hour outing. Get the fire going, the chalet warmed up and then time for a lunch of Guinness, some cheese, pâté and dry sausage.

The chalet.

We headed out again and broke a new trail up to the top of the mountain behind the chalet. A nice old barn was waiting for me to create a great image.

Paul breaking trail.

Getting close to the top of the mountain.

Great old barn on the wind swept plateau. -13C and windy up there made for a nippy walk.

A hole in the snow that had been created by a fox hunting for mice.

The light among the trees quickly disappears in the afternoon.

We extended our stay by one night and stayed over Sunday night. Monday morning we got up early so check all the snare lines and disable them until Paul goes up for another weekend. It was -14C outside and only 3C in the chalet. Got the fire roaring and had a good breakfast before heading out.