Anglers in search of northern pike and walleye have been out in full force with both species now fair game across the Valley, or Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15 as our government calls it.
If you’re targeting pike and walleye this weekend, be sure to read the rules and regulations before hitting the water. If you should accidentally catch another species for which the season is still closed, it should be immediately (and safely) returned to the water. FMZ 15 is a large zone covering much of Northeastern Ontario; extending eastward to the Ottawa River, south to Arnprior, north to Deux Rivieres and west across all of Algonquin Park to Parry Sound.
Best of luck in all your northern pike and walleye endeavours. I am hoping to hook a few toothy critters myself this weekend in Cobden. Early season pike offer great table fare with the four-to-five-pound fish being the best eating size in my opinion.
For more info: http://files.ontario.ca/environment-andenergy/fishing/2017/2017_FMZ_15_English.pdf
Bear hunt across the river
With all the hubbub around pike and pickerel, don’t forget the spring bear hunt across the river which got underway this past weekend. Hunters need bear in mind that in certain sectors of the Outaouais the season closes on June 15, two weeks earlier than for rest of the province which allows bear hunting until June 30. With the month of June fast approaching, these once cautious beasts will have become accustomed to feeding regularly and with mating season looming, adult males will travel extensively in search of a mate. These factors will have a positive effect on the success rate for hunters.
For more information on bear hunting across the river, contact the Quebec Outfitters Federation: https://www.pourvoiries.com/en/
Ford F150 fun
The Ford F-150 Lariat 4X4 I road tested earlier this month made an already great fishing adventure into the Quebec Laurentians even better! The new F-150 Lariat trim comes equipped with lots of bells and whistles with a super solid 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine featuring new 10-speed automatic transmission, under the hood. The new transmission is a great improvement over the old six-speed, offering superb low and mid-range power and acceleration. It’s hard to fathom that a 2.7 L engine can produce 325 horsepower with 400 pounds of torque, but there you have it! The newly refreshed Ford truck feels comfortably familiar, thank goodness, considering that one of the world’s bestselling vehicles of all time had nothing that needed changing.
Though not the swankiest of Ford’s lineup, the Lariat comes very nicely appointed indeed. The standard sync system and premium sound system were not hard to take. I enjoyed the Reverse Sensing System, which came in handy for parking in tight spots or maneuvering around rocks and freshly fallen trees along the mountain roads, much like Big Brother was watching from all four corners. Though I did not haul anything on this outing, I can appreciate the standard towing features. The new F-150 felt like an old friend and did not break the bank either when it came to fuel consumption. Thanks to Melissa Wood of National Public Relations and Ford Canada for the opportunity of trying out this awesome pickup.
For more on the 2018 Ford F-150: https://www.ford.ca/trucks/f150/models/f150-lariat
Bounder Magazine – summer issue
Be on the lookout also for the next issue of Bounder Magazine ready to hit local outlets in the few weeks time. If you haven’t yet seen this wonderful publication, do yourself a favour and check it out! For more information; http://www.bounder.ca/