Memo from Sammy Cantafio, Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, August 14, 2011

Well we are just about done and ready to receive our first guests at Charlie Lake Camp on August 18 – Yves Menard and partner are up for their 3rd trip and Maurice Baril and his party of 4 are up again for their 2nd trip in the row. Our Helen’s Falls Camp on the George has been opened since July 30 and is experiencing one of its best years ever in terms of the number and size of Atlantic Salmon taken. Rick Yeiser, Jr. of Worcester, VT (on this, I believe his 24th strait year) reported fishing was as or better than back in the eighties. Rick caught and released over 39 fish during his week and the majority were running upwards of 15 to 20 pounds. Needless to say Rick has already committed to returning to his favorite fishing camp in 2012.

Weather has been just unbelievable since I arrived in Kuujjuaq in late July. At one point we experienced 24 strait days of warm sunny weather and only today are we experiencing some steady rain. In fact, water levels are low in all rivers and lakes and we could certainly use some rain.

Latest review of the satellite caribou maps (available from the Gov’t of Quebec) from late July to early August is that the big herds are way up North and moving south-east nice and slowly adjacent to the coast and heading our way. David Angutinguak, one of my Native partners reported seeing some really good bulls and heavy antlers in this herd.

This warm weather might not be great for the fisherman but from the caribou hunting business this is the way I like it. The warm conditions and accompanying flies are keeping the caribou on the North Ungava Coast where they can get some relief from the pestering insects. We are expecting the caribou are going to do a repeat of last year and stay in the North verses travelling into the interior. Warm climate changes are affecting the caribou migrations and the ways of the caribou. I strongly suspect the North Ungava Region will once again be the happening place for caribou hunting for the coming fall season!

To all of our 2011 guests – travel safely and I look forward to seeing you in Kuujjuaq.

Best Regards to All,

Sammy Cantafio