October is the heartbeat of big-game season across eastern Canada. The air cools, the woods quiet down, and animal movement peaks before winter. For hunters chasing moose or deer, this is the time to head out. Success in October often comes down to preparation. Smart positioning and knowing your land are also essential. Success in October often requires thorough preparation. You need to prepare whether you’re tracking along a forest edge or calling across a foggy lake. Smart positioning and knowing your land are crucial.

🍁 Moose Hunting in Quebec

In Quebec, moose season hits full swing through early to mid-October. The rut is often underway, and bulls are on the move. Archery and crossbow hunters typically get the first crack in late September, followed by firearm seasons a few weeks later.

Hot Spots for Moose

• Feeding zones: Moose gravitate toward wetlands, ponds, and young forest stands filled with new growth.
• Trail junctions: Pay attention to old logging roads and intersections that funnel movement between feeding and bedding areas.
• Rubs and wallows: Freshly disturbed mud or peeled saplings are clear signs of bull activity.
• Water edges: Moose often feed along lake shores and marshes at dawn and dusk.

Salt Block Placement for Moose

Using salt blocks is a time-tested way to hold moose in an area and watch regular travel patterns.

• Place blocks near water or along travel routes between bedding and feeding areas.
• Avoid wide-open spaces. A spot near cover will make moose feel safer.
• Refresh blocks before they’re fully gone and rotate locations every season to keep curiosity.

Mark your salt block sites, feeding zones, and stand setups directly in your GPS to keep your plan organized.
Explore the TrakMaps Quebec Moose GPS Map to find terrain features, forest roads, and key water access points.

🦌 Deer Hunting in Quebec

October also marks the start of the white-tailed deer season in Quebec. Archery hunters usually open the month, followed by firearm seasons later on. The pre-rut period begins mid-month, which makes for some of the most active deer movement of the year.

Hot Spots for Deer

• Transition areas: The edge between mature woods and young regrowth is a favorite travel corridor.
• Food sources: Apple trees, oak ridges, and open fields draw deer every evening.
• Trail crossings: Where bedding trails intersect or lead toward feeding areas.
• Creek or ravine crossings: Natural funnels that concentrate movement.

Salt Block Placement for Deer

Mineral and salt blocks can be an excellent attractant, especially in cooler weather when deer crave extra minerals.

• Place blocks about 15 to 20 meters off a known trail, near cover but within visibility.
• Use several small blocks across your area rather than one large one.
• Keep blocks fresh and consistent year after year. Deer will revisit if they find a reliable source.

Use your GPS to mark mineral sites, track deer sign, and build a log of consistent movement.
Check out the TrakMaps Quebec Deer GPS Map for detailed coverage of forest roads, contour lines, and zone boundaries.

🌲 Ontario Moose & Deer Season

In Ontario, moose hunting peaks through mid to late October depending on the Wildlife Management Unit. The calling season is in full swing, and the vast northern forests are alive with activity.

Deer hunters focus on bow and muzzleloader seasons in October. This is when patterning matters most. Bucks are establishing territories, feeding heavily, and showing daylight movement before the rut explodes in November.

For both moose and deer, knowing the terrain is everything. Identify natural funnels, water access, and old cutlines on your GPS before the hunt. In areas where attractants are allowed, small salt or mineral sites near safe, quiet cover can improve visibility and consistency.

🎯 Bringing It All Together

Whether you’re deep in the Laurentians or out near Thunder Bay, October is when the woods are alive with potential. Combining old-school woodsmanship with modern mapping tools helps you hunt smarter, not harder.

With TrakMaps Hunting GPS Maps, you can:

• Navigate confidently without cell service
• Mark salt block and stand locations
• Track animal sign and revisit productive areas
• Stay inside your hunting zones with accurate boundaries

Plan your routes, mark your hot spots, and make this October your best season yet.