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In 1988 an assessment was completed to estimate the amount of caribou in Quebec and to get an idea of the actual health of the animals.

At that time the George River Herd was estimated to have 750,000 caribou, their health however was poor and calves were being born underweight, many not surviving. The Leaf River Herd was estimated to have about 250,000 animals in its herd and the animals were very healthy at this time.

In 2001, another assessment was performed. It is now estimated that the George River Herd has declined to about 450,000 animals although the animals are in much better health than in 1988 and many cows were found to have healthy calves following them through their migration. The Leaf River Herd has increased and it is estimated at just over 450,000 animals although their general health has decreased and it is believed they may have reached their peak and will also decline in the near future. We tend to concentrate mostly on the George River Herd as they migrate through our camps that are closer to Schefferville however both herds migrate through our territory.

Caribou like cool weather, if we have abnormally warm temperatures they seek high ridges or move closer to the ocean where they will have a breeze to keep away the swarms of insects that almost drive them crazy. With global warming it seems our falls have been getting warmer in the North and the migration is much more unpredictable.

Both male and female animals have antlers, although the male is considerably larger in both body size and antlers. A mature bull with his white mane blowing in the wind on the open tundra is a most memorable sight.

The largest Caribou rack ever taken was shot by Zack Elbow a native hunter in 1931 with a score of 474 6/8 BC. This world record was shot near Nain and was a George River Caribou. It is now part of Boone & Crockett's national collection!