Bear Hunt in Fort Coulonge: A Weekend in the Wild with Hugo Girard
This past weekend, the Nature Tracks team headed deep into the woods of Fort Coulonge for a bear hunting trip we won’t soon forget. Joining us were strength legend Hugo Girard and his son Tyler, who brought energy, camaraderie, and sharp aim to the experience.
From the get-go, the trip was about more than just the hunt—it was about building bonds and pushing ourselves in the wild. We started each day with recon missions on our ATVs, explored rugged terrain, and practiced our shots in the quarry to get dialed in. Afternoons were spent swimming, fishing, and laughing as a crew, before gearing up and heading out to our blinds around 2:30 p.m. We stayed posted until last light—just after 9:30 p.m.—waiting patiently for the right moment.
The entire team was outfitted head-to-toe in Nature Tracks gear, and this trip tested every stitch of it:
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Our scent-masking silicone shoe covers helped bait our trails and keep human odors out of the woods.
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Waterproof backpacks and rifle cases kept our gear dry, even when a heavy downpour hit on the first night.
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The ATV strap system on our Peak Series packs performed perfectly, helping us transport gear from basecamp to blinds without a hitch.
By the end of the trip, we had successfully harvested two mature black bears, bringing home enough meat to keep the whole team well-fed for months to come.
It’s also worth noting that we had the chance to take four additional bears during the hunt—but made the collective decision to pass, as they were not of the size we were aiming for. This is the essence of responsible hunting: a true test of patience, restraint, and good judgment. It was a proud moment for our group, reflecting the character and discipline to wait for the right opportunity and the right animal.
We’ll be sharing photos from the hunt throughout this post, capturing the gear, the action, and the unforgettable moments we lived together in the field.
This trip reminded us what Nature Tracks is all about: gear that holds up to the challenge, and the people who live for it. Until the next hunt.
