Police have fired shots into bushland near the Porepunkah property where fugitive Dezi Freeman allegedly gunned down two police officers in the months-long search for the accused cop killer.
Officers conducted firearm testing in the vicinity of Barrett Lane and Rayner Track on November 5 following reports of a single gunshot in that area about 11.45am on the day of the fatal shootings.
Ten police were at the property on Rayner Track shortly after 10.30am on August 26 when police officers Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart were killed and a third was wounded.
"The area has since been searched by police however no trace of Freeman was located," police said in a statement.
"Investigators are hopeful that the firearms testing may assist police with the ongoing search."
Officers from Taskforce Summit used acoustic equipment to record gunshot echoes to try and pinpoint where the single shot may have been fired from, The Age reports.
Victoria Police are now pleading for anyone who may have heard the gunshot to come forward.
They are also keen to speak to any member of the public who may have fired that gunshot.
There has been no official sightings of Freeman since he fled into bushland following the alleged shooting.
Police have previously said it is believed Freeman, a so-called sovereign citizen, fled the property still heavily armed.
Investigators have characterised Freeman, who has links to the disparate sovereign citizen movement, as a skilled outdoorsman.
A $1 million reward for information leading to his arrest remains on offer and anyone with information about his whereabouts has been urged to call triple zero.
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/maple-taffy-being-poured-on-now-at-a-sugar-shack-in-quebec.jpg?id=56657545&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=132%2C0%2C132%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Get the maple syrup and popsicle sticks out. It's March, which means cabane à sucre season is officially here.</p><p>If you haven't experienced it yet, sugar shacks are a Quebec tradition where the magic of sugar maple sap turns into the golden syrup we all crave. But it's not just about syrup. The food is a feast on its own, with classic dishes like pea soup, baked beans, tourtière, omelets, and crispy pork rinds, all generously drenched in fresh maple syrup.</p><p>Many cabanes à sucres offer a behind-the-scenes look at how syrup is made, while others throw in some extra fun with wagon rides, snowshoeing, and live folk music, making for a perfect mix of good food and outdoor fun.</p><p>While it's definitely a rural activity, you don't have to travel far out of Montreal to find the real deal. Some of the best sugar shacks are just a short drive out of town. </p><p>Here are seven of our favorites. </p><h3>Au Pied de l'Érable</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpxOlIJoW-g/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpxOlIJoW-g/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost: </strong>$40/person</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 8785 rang St Vincent, Mirabel, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> Run by third- and fourth-generation syrup makers, this family-owned cabin features an extensive menu full of classic Quebec fare like omelette soufflé served in a cast-iron skillet and maple sausages.</p><p>There's also a cozy walking trail, outdoor fire pit and mini farmhouse on site.</p><p><a href="https://cabaneaupieddelerable.com/" target="_blank">Au Pied de l'Érable website</a></p><h3>Cabane Panache</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGx7bv1JfyQ/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGx7bv1JfyQ/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost: </strong>Free entry, food available for purchase</p><p><strong>Where: </strong>Promenade Wellington, Verdun, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go: </strong>While the other places on this list are a short drive away, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-verdun-cabane-sucre" target="_blank">Cabane Panache</a> can be found right in the heart of the city.</p><p>From Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, March 23, 2025, the 13th annual edition of the festival will be taking over Verdun's Promenade Wellington for a four-day celebration full of maple goodness. The free event will feature live music, cocktails, and plenty of syrup-infused eats for purchase.</p><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-verdun-cabane-sucre" target="_blank">Cabane Panache details </a></p><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><h3>Cabane à sucre au Milieu Des Champs</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwmqpXABp5p/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwmqpXABp5p/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $40/person on weekdays, $45 on weekends</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 7000, rang Saint-Vincent, Mirabel, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> This sugar shack in Mirabel offers a delicious selection of local treats, including smoked ham, bacon, and jowl from a nearby butcher, plus homemade apple pie for the perfect sweet finish.</p><p>You can also meet farm animals, take a stroll through the scenic landscape, and visit their shop for homemade products and maple treats.</p><p><a href="https://aumilieudeschamps.com/reservation#reservation" target="_blank">Cabane à sucre au Milieu Des Champs website</a></p><h3>Ferme Aux Vieux Chênes</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMfuCIen5Al/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMfuCIen5Al/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost: </strong>$47/person</p><p><strong>Where: </strong>2, rue du Panorama, Laval, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go: </strong>Just 35 minutes from downtown Montreal, this family-owned sugar shack serves up all the classic favourites, like mouthwatering sugar pie and pudding chômer.</p><p> Visitors rave about the warm, welcoming vibe here, with the friendly owners adding to the homely feel. As you dig into your meal, you'll be treated to Quebec folk music playing softly in the rustic atmosphere.</p><p><a href="https://auxvieuxchenes.ca/" target="_blank">Ferme Aux Vieux Chênes website</a></p><h3>Erablière Charbonneau</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBWKlSaIGKJ/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBWKlSaIGKJ/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost: </strong>$44.95/person</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 45 Chem. du Sous-Bois, Mont-Saint-Grégoire, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> Less than an hour from Montreal, Érablière Charbonneau combines classic sugar shack meals with outdoor fun. Enjoy hearty dishes like pancakes and ham, sip on wine or cocktails, and explore hiking trails, a mini farm, and play areas for kids. </p><p>It's a perfect spot for a family day out — and you can even bring your dog along!</p><p><a href="https://www.erablierecharbonneau.qc.ca/fr/erabliere" target="_blank">Erablière Charbonneau website</a></p><h3>Érablière Meunier</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4BE6J6rtIu/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4BE6J6rtIu/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $38.27/person</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 325 Rang des 54. Richelieu, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> Established in 1920 by Roger Meunier, this érablière keeps things simple and delicious, serving up all-you-can-eat sugar shack classics in a rustic setting. From maple-smothered sausages to crispy roasted potatoes, the feast is as traditional as it gets. </p><p>Live music, walking trails, and a mini farm add to the charm</p><p><a href="https://erablieremeunier.com/" target="_blank">Érablière Meunier website</a></p><h3>Cabane á Sucre Famille Ethier</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv6tEvRjTjj/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv6tEvRjTjj/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Cost:</strong> $39/person</p><p><strong>Where:</strong> 7940, rang St-Vincent, Mirabel, QC</p><p><strong>Why you need to go:</strong> This family-run sugar shack has been welcoming guests since 1978. Enjoy activities like walking along a scenic trail, spotting red deer in their enclosure, and taking a sleigh ride.</p><p> Maple products are available for purchase at the shop, and guests are even welcome to bring their own alcohol.</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Cabane-%C3%A0-sucre-Famille-Ethier-100033418195320/" target="_blank">Cabane á Sucre Famille Ethier Facebook page</a></p><p><br/></p>
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