I am going on my first caribou hunt with my brother next month. He made all the arrangements but we are going to Sheffield, Quebec.

I don't know what to expect for weather and hunting conditions.

What kind clothing, binoculars, boots etc.
should I pack?

Thanks

You, sir, are no rookie.

Besides the obvious of layers

quality rain gear, Cabela's new stuff has served me quite well on 2 alaskan hunts last year--wished I had it in Quebec a year before.

quality waterproof boots-2-pair, hip boots, no shit, are not out of the question if weight can be manipulated

hi-tech first layers such as underarmour or wickmax

insulating socks and sock liners. Smartwool is a good brand for the thicker ones.

Optics, any good 3-9 on the gun, for binos 8X42s will do. I hesitate to go larger as the shakes tend to get me riled up. Then again, Canon's image stab binos are pretty cool.

Don't know your brother from adam, he's probably a bright fellow. Make damn sure the outfitter will move you if the bous aren't coming through your area. (Or risk staring at a lot of tundra with nothing moving on it.)

OK, I know you've seen sights most men never... but, Bous tend to look VERY big for any first time hunter-- esp in velvet. DO NOT shoot the first one. Kinda like Pierr'e saying shaking his head, saying nope-- not for you, and you having a bullet on the launch pad waiting for ignition towards a buff that you just know is huge.

Palmer,the best caribou hunting experience is the winter hunt that starts in mid nov and lasts until mid february.Bring GORE-TEX lined jacket and pants,a rangefinder,rubber knee-high boots,flashlight,camera,gloves,tuque,sweater,long underware,wool socks,saw and axe,knife,toilet paper,thermos,shower towel,running shoes,rope and cord,matches or lighter in a waterproof container,wine and beer,florescent orange hunting vest(required by law),shotgun and ammo for ptarmigan,soap,shampoo,razer etc... I pack all this in a large plastic food container type barrel with a screw on lid.The type whitewater rafters or canoers use to store gear on their crafts.

Wow.

All my up-North hunting clothes might require some looking into. Clothing has changed since I hunted Alaska.

I wonder if my ultra light fly fishing waders would stand up to the trip.

Thanks for the heads up.

If you are in Montreal on a Thursday,Friday or Saturday night you can join me for a beer at one of our downtown CLUBS DES DANSEURS! We can get one of les madmoiselles to danse at our table!

Allen, the ultra lights should work but if you could find a pair of cheap lightweight hippers I'd make the investment.

The area you are hunting can be quite damp but nothing more than knee-deep or so should be encountered with a modicum of sense.

Basically think muskeg, cool to quite warm, wet-- in other words, coastal alaska. Bring that type of gear, have fun.

Oh, and depending on exactly where you are going to hunt, a fly rod and reel could be handy (8-wt would cover the bases well), a spinning rod if you must. Think lake trout in the shallows that look like spawning brookies, possibly arctic char dressed in their finest, maybe brutish northern pike.

shootaway,
Thanks but I am afraid that kind of night life is not for someone my age and we are just passing through mid week anyway. My idea of a good evenings entertainment is a glass of wine, a cigar and something good on the history channel.

nkonka,
Thanks for the ideas. I had not thought of taking a fly rod but frankly that sounds more interesting than the caribou hunt and as long as I have some hip boots anyway ....

Allen, you won't regret taking a flyrod. I guy i hunted with took some fabulous Brook trout on his setup. What outfitter are you using.

Richard,
Thanks for the tip on the Brook Trout. I have never hooked one so that would be a thrill.

We are going with Club Chambeaux inc.