Covering some 22,000 square miles of territory just north of Montreal in the southern part of Quebec, the Laurentian Mountains consist of Precambrian rocks more than 540 million years old, making its soft peaks among the oldest in the world.

SPONSORED CONTENT: Here, the landscape is typically one of stately forests that impart a sense of grandness, an air of majesty to an extraordinary natural setting. And, as you stand in the cathedral-like quiet of these old-growth trees you can almost feel the wildness of the place. There is also something else that seeps into your consciousness, an almost palpable sense of age, of times long, long, ago.

It is not so much foreboding as it is magical: There! Some 60 yards away, a red deer emerges from the shadows. It is a stag that carries antlers of extraordinary mass, exceptional width and long scoring points. Impressive and magnificent don’t quite do the animal justice. It is a deer, it seems, not of today but of a long past era. This is a stag of Jurassic proportions!

The good news is this is not a sci-fi movie featuring massive beasts from pre-historic times. Rather, it is a sight you will be able to experience for yourself when you book a hunt this fall at the Venator Laurentian Wildlife Estate, a private estate less than two hours north of Montreal, Quebec.

“These giant stags,” explains Duncan Fraser, owner of Venator Safaris, “are the result of decades of careful management, the continual introduction of unrivaled genetics including from Venator New Zealand herds. These herds have thrived in this natural environment to produce stags of imposing stature that frequently set records.”

But these jaw-dropping red deer are only half the story. The Estate also boasts one of the great herds of Manitoba elk in North America. “As with our red deer,” notes Fraser, “generations of careful management have provided Venator Laurentian Wildlife Estate with a herd of Manitoba elk that are renowned for their imposing size and impressive antlers. A unique blend of superior genetics and nutrition ensure that our mature elk are North America’s best.”

The size and quality of the Estate’s elk and red deer are also enhanced by allowing the animals time to mature and fully express their genetics. No trophy animals are harvested before six years of age. “This guarantees,” explains Duncan, “that when you spot and stalk one of our elk or stag, it will be among the finest examples of the species. Simply stated, no other hunting location can claim as many top 10 elk and red stag entries in the Safari Club International (SCI) record book.”

Befitting these world-class deer, the accommodations and service at the Estate’s lodge are in a league of their own as well. While charmingly rustic, the lodge combines the luxuries and amenities of a five-star boutique hotel. With only four ensuite bedrooms, guests will always enjoy a private and exclusive experience.

“The team at our Laurentian Estate takes pride,” relates Duncan, “in making sure that each guest’s stay is memorable. Gourmet meals prepared by the resident chef are multi-course culinary feasts. The finest and freshest ingredients are transformed into a carefully orchestrated gourmet experience and paired, of course, with wines selected by our in-house sommelier.

“Our goal,” Duncan continued, “is to create a total ‘grand’ experience through our venue, lodging and dining. Our lodge is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a cocktail or two after an exciting day in the wilderness. Be prepared to be pampered!”

A great hunt starts with a great guide. At the Venator Laurentian Wildlife Estate the guides are both experienced and experts in their respective field. They have a depth of knowledge in respect to the terrain, climate and the habits of the elk or red deer you’ll be hunting.

The prime time to book a hunt is from mid-September to Mid-October though the season does run to the end of October to early November. Hunts are typically three-day affairs and guests may choose to hunt an elk or stag, or both. A three-day hunt package is priced at $1,500 and trophy fees start from $10,000.

The forests of the Venator Laurentian Estate create an ideal terrain for spot and stalk hunting, and, with generally heavy cover, shots are typically in the 50-yard to 150-yard range. “Our guides can often bring the bulls and stags in close,” Duncan says, “also creating a great opportunity for the bowhunter.”

After coffee and cereal or a pastry, hunter and guide depart the lodge before daylight and generally hunt three or four hours before returning to the lodge for a cooked breakfast. After a light lunch, hunters can relax until heading out in the late afternoon.

Certainly, one of the great attractions of the Venator Laurentian Wildlife Estate is its location less than two hours from Montreal. The world’s fourth largest French speaking city, Montreal is a place where arts, culture and fine dining combine to create a cosmopolitan experience with a distinct French flavor.

To the east is Quebec City. Founded in 1608, this charming city has a fortified old town at its center where you can find the Citadelle and Palace Royale among a maze of quaint cobbled streets. It is also a chance to stay at the famous Chateau Frontenac hotel that overlooks the St. Lawrence River. And less than 30 minutes north from the lodge is the European style resort town of Mont Tremblant, a year-round haven for all manner of outdoor sports and entertainment.

Back at the lodge, guests can wander the estate, enjoying the pristine mountain air and echoing birdsongs. A walk around the Estate’s private lake is a must, especially in the fall when the leaves are turning red and gold.

The Venator Laurentian Wildlife Estate is the latest destination in the Venator stable of world-class hunting adventures. Venator Cardrona Safaris is the company’s original operation. “In 2010,” Duncan points out, “we set our sights on creating a premium hunting and tourism experience unrivaled by any other in the world. And so Venator (Latin for ‘hunter’) was born. For over a decade, we’ve provided an exceptional tourism experience for hunters and non-hunters alike, hosting guests from around the world. Our family owns and manages some of New Zealand’s finest hunting terrain, traversing remote and spectacular landscapes together with luxury lodges and premium tourism experiences.”

In addition to offering hunting opportunities for the biggest red stags in the world, including 700+ SCI, Venator Cardrona offers hunts for Himalayan tahr, European chamois, fallow deer, as well as elk and ram and goats.

Another one of Venator’s hunting destinations is located in Spain at the Los Alcomocales Natural Park in the country’s Andalucia region and may well lay claim to being Europe’s premier red stag hunting destination.

The beautiful hills of this great Spanish estate, Venator Sierra de Las Lomas, are covered in mature cork trees, providing a natural habitat for red deer. With excellent cover and a multitude of draws and gullies the terrain offers an exciting spot and stalk hunt for the “king’s animal.”

The location offers several lodging options, from landmark palaces to countryside manors, all that match the tranquility, high-quality services and personal services expected of any Venator establishment.

As owner and outfitter, Duncan Fraser has actively hunted around the world, learning and refining the outfitting and hospitality business to make Venator’s operation the best in New Zealand. He and his team are now dedicated to do the same, to create the number one big game hunting lodges, with their operations in Spain and Canada. “We understand how difficult it is,” emphasizes Duncan, “to find a hunting destination that ticks all the boxes. That’s why each stay at Venator is tailor-made to suit each guests’ needs, with every detail considered to deliver an experience that exceeds expectations. We look forward to you joining us and experiencing our warm hospitality.”