Author: theoutdoorsguy

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Another summer of Urban Coyotes in Ottawa!

Another summer is here and my trail cameras have once again snapped into action!

I am always interested in monitoring the white-tailed deer situation in my area, but of course the marauding coyotes always seem to steal their thunder; showing up on all my cameras with great regularity!

Then the missing cat signs start popping-up around town. Two such signs have gone up near my place since June. No, not every missing pet in Ottawa is the work of wile-e-coyote, but these predators do have a hand(or paw) in many of those disappearances.

I received a sad letter this week from a distraught lady out in the Bridlewood area of Kanata who’s beloved cat disappeared without a trace, so she decided to Google ‘Ottawa Missing Pets’ which brought her to the Outdoors Guy Blog and a previous post about coyotes in our region.

Of course her worse fears were all but confirmed!

She told me she felt that Ottawa may be experiencing a ‘coyote outbreak’ and that residents should be ‘warned’ of the potential dangers these animals pose in the suburbs.  I explained to her that this isn’t really an ‘outbreak’ per say, but that managing and controlling ‘urban coyotes’ has been an ongoing problem here and in many other metropolitan areas.

I am thankful that, out my way at least, a handful of famers located outside the ‘no discharge zone’ are helping control the coyotes through hunting and trapping, whereas most residents like myself are forced to stare out our back doors while these four-legged killing machines run-off with our pets, if we’re not careful.

But then the animal rights people would say this is ‘their land’ and ‘they were here first’, so we should leave well enough alone.

Blah blah blah

Go tell that to the lady from Bridlewood who’s cat was ‘undoubtedly’ snatched-up by a yote. Or the two families down the road from my place who just lost a beloved family pet! My neighbour witnessed her own cat being torn apart by a coyote in her backyard about 6 years ago. Not something that anyone needs to experience!

Yep, another summer is here and the fear of coyotes in Ottawa continues- on unabated with no real solution in sight!

Welcome to the National Capital Region – enjoy the scenery but watch out for yotes!

Outdoorsguy

Follow me (as I learn how to use) twitter: @thatoutdoorsguy

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Maintaining Food Plots for Deer

My Outdoors Guy column for July is now available in the Pembroke Daily Observer:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2014/07/24/maintaining-food-plots-for-deer-a-growing-trend

 

Maintaining food plots for deer a growing trend

Jeff Morrison, the Daily Observer's newest columnist, offers up his take on the great outdoors.

Maintaining food plots for white-tailed deer is a conservation technique gaining interest among the more ambitious hunters of our region.

At a time of year when many sportsmen are out on the water, Dave Smetana is out working his deer fields. He is not involved in the agricultural industry by profession; but more what you might call an agricultural conservationist. Smetana has been managing food plots for several years and has a variety of different feed options spread around his Carleton Place property. Nurturing crops for deer is a growing trend throughout North America and our region is no exception. Food plots offer supplemental nutrients throughout the summer and later in the season after farm crops are cut.

Deer farming 101

Smetana gets his sprayer during early season to kill off weeds and unwanted nasties like Milkweed. Then he returns with the ATV and a Plot Mule – a small set of discs hauled behind an ATV. A few small passes over the area is generally enough to prepare the seed bed. From there it’s a matter of spreading the seed evenly. He uses a broadcast spreader but has also used a walk behind spreader for smaller plots. According to this deer farmer, once the seed hits the ground, it needs to be covered with soil immediately. Some seed requires a quarter inch of coverage, while others need more. Managing your own deer food plots might be time consuming work, but for dedicated conservationists like Dave Smetana, it is a labour of love.

Testing testing

Summer in the Valley is not only great for fishing, it’s an ideal time for trying new products. The polarized sunglasses by Guideline Eyewear I field-tested earlier this summer were an eye-opening experience. My Cobden Lake boasts some of the clearest water I’ve seen in this region; making ‘spot and stalk’ fishing a possibility. Sneaking into a quiet backwater bay one evening, I drifted the electric motor to a crawl and slapped on a pair of Guideline Eyewear’s new Keel model. I observed the silhouette of a large northern pike as it skirted the drop-off and then sunk into deeper water. The new Keels offered superb clarity and the ultimate in glare-cutting ability. Each and every minuet underwater subtlety stood-out in solid bright 3D. With double brow and nose pads, and double injected temples, these puppies are built for comfort and durability. I also tested Guideline’s Alpine model which is constructed from Grilamid BTR a 51 per cent bio-based polymer; which I found to be form-fitting with great coverage. Both models come with a durable and lightweight protective case. One pair now rests in my trout bag while the other currently resides in my Ottawa Valley tackle box! For more information on Guideline Eyewear log onto: http://www.glpolarized.com/GEW/index.html.

Duck Junkies Contest!

All waterfowl aficionados out there take note of an exciting contest being held this fall by an organization called Duck Junkies. Thanks to a note from Arnprior’s David Kok – Regional Development for Duck Junkies Canada – I was notified of a neat little give-away with two great guided hunts to be won! The contest is open to Ontario East and Ontario West, put together by Pro Staff Alex Rigby and David Kok of Duck Junkies Canada. Take note that one entry per person is allowed and entrants are asked to indicated either “Ontario East” or “Ontario West”. For more information log onto:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.677725972302563.1073741828.675551532520007&type=1.

Next time

Check out the next Outdoors Guy for an end-of-summer fishing rundown and an exciting field-test on the latest model trail-camera.

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Another summer of Ontario cougar sightings!

Last summer you may recall my interview with Shawn Heggert; a man who lives in a small town southeast of Ottawa. Shawn is an avid outdoorsman – hunter and fisherman – like many of us are, and is always watching the fields and forests near his house for signs of wildlife.

While driving his vehicle near Mountain last summer, something peculiar caught his attention.

A large brown ‘cat’ with a long tail was running along the roadside in front of him. It was a cougar and Shawn knows wildlife well enough to realize what one looks like.

“I wasn’t hard to tell this guy was a cougar, I mean, he was only 30 yards away and it was  broad daylight!” said Heggert.

Upon returning home, Shawn got on the Internet and began searching Ontario Cougars, which led him to one my articles in the Ottawa SUN from Summer, 2012, with the story of the cougar shot by Police in the Muskoka’s.

Since I interviewed Shawn about his cougar sighting last summer, copious other sightings have flowed, like sap in springtime, to my email Inbox . I have received, on average, 1 cougar sighting per month over the past two years and from all over the place.

There must be something to it is all I have to say! Could it be that all these sightings are from ‘pets’ or ‘formerly captive’ cougars?

Sure, the one killed by police two summers ago in the Muskoka’s had evidently been a captive animal (it had been declawed) but there are far too many sightings, across the province each year to ALL be escaped pets.

It seems no one wants to believe that a remnant population of the (now believe to be) extinct Eastern Cougar might exist in Eastern Canada, yet the sightings continue to grow in numbers. Or perhaps the other theory of an west-east expansion is more plausible? (This is the one I subscribe to)

At any rate, the number of cougar sightings continues to grow and expand into areas of the province beyond the current central & eastern Ontario cougar hotspots.

I mean, I’ve heard of cougars (4-legged) being spotted within ear-shot of downtown Toronto!!

It will be interesting to see what transpires with this one the MNR are actively trying to live trap in Peterborough.(Story by Pete Fisher of the Peterborough Examiner) To my knowledge, this is one of the first efforts the Ministry has made to live trap a cougar. (Not even sure that live trapping was attempted in case of Bracebridge cougar killed by police)

Many of the folks who’ve contacted me since 2012 stated that they got in-touch with their MNR office and were told, flat out, that cougars DO NOT exist in the province.

This live-trapping effort in Peterborough suggests that our MNR now admits, in this case anyway, that we may have some large cats roaming the province of Ontario after all.

Seen a cougar? Drop me a line anytime! I don’t own a culvert trap, but I’m willing to listen intently with an open mind!

(theoutdoorsguy@rogers.com)

Outdoorsguy

Note: Since I know Pete Fisher of the Peterborough Examiner, I contacted him yesterday about this story; which falls close to his backyard. He is providing me with updates…

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When Animals Attack – Goose Edition!

Kerry Surman after goose attack

Ottawa cyclist Kerry Shurman had no idea what was in store for her during a leisurely ride on the Trans Canada trail between Stittsville and Carleton Place.

All was going well until a family of seemingly harmless geese appeared on the trail before her and suddently all hell broke loose!

After giving the waterfowl some space, Shurman thought she’d just ‘zip past’ them and on her way but somehow misjudged how fast she was pedalling, or perhaps she startled the geese.

In a split second the final goose in the group, which appeared larger and evidently more agressive than the rest, was up in her face faster than you can say cooked goose!

The forlorn fowl wrapped its wings around Shurman’s head, as she recalls, and the next thing she remembered was lying on the ground in pain unable to get up!

Fortunately another cyclist happened-by and brought the dazed and badly injured cyclist to seek medical attention.

Kelly Shurman suffered a concussion, face lacerations, a fractured cheekbone and a loose tooth! She spend 5-days in the hospital before being released.

It just goes to prove, you never know what an animal is capable of until they’re on top pounding the pickles out of you!

A Canada Goose though? Who’d a thunk it!

As a footnote to this story, reports say that while lying injured beside the bike path, Shurman also contracted poison ivy! (If being attacked by a goose wasn’t bad enough)

 

Outdoorsguy

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Bass fishing, National Fishing Week, deer tags and more!

 

My June outdoors column in the Pembroke Daily Observer is now out in print, and available online for those who don’t live up the Valley:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2014/06/25/valley-anglers-kicking-bass

 

Valley anglers kicking bass!

 
Bass may be the last fishing season to open each year but with a growing list of devotees, myself included, it remains one of the most popular sport fish.

Each year, the Valley bass season in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15 gets underway the fourth Saturday in June, two weeks later than most other sport fish. From a conservation standpoint, the later season allows for warm water smallmouth and largemouth to complete the spawn, and also for young bass to mature so they may fend for themselves. Other species like walleye and trout play no real role in guarding of the eggs so their seasons always open earlier in the spring. Anyone who fishes the Ottawa River, otherwise known as the Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 12, may begin bass fishing tomorrow – one day before the rest of the Ottawa Valley. If anyone’s looking for me this weekend, I’ll be in Cobden searching for old bucket mouth!

Deer tags up for grabs!

Valley deer enthusiasts are watching the calendar closely as the antlerless deer tag validation draw closes on June 30. There are three application methods available although your chances at a tag remain the same, whether you apply by telephone, Internet or at a Service Ontario outlet. To apply over the phone call 1-800-288-1155, but remember that if you have already purchased your regular deer license, you’ll not be permitted to enter the draw this way, and must apply either online or visit a Service Ontario outlet. For more information: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/OC/2ColumnSubPage/STDU_137147.html.

National Fishing Week on the way

The goal of National Fishing Week (NFW) is to introduce anglers to this special activity we call sport-fishing. Between July 5 and 14, everyone is encouraged to plan a fishing day at your nearest stream, pond, river or lake. To remind folks of the recreational value of our freshwater fishery, the Ontario government is waving the fishing license requirement for that week each summer. Anglers without a license must still abide by the limits set out in the Conservation permit and all other regulations remain enforced; including size limits and protected sanctuaries. For more information: http://www.catchfishing.com/

Testing testing

This spring I had the opportunity to try out a device which added an all new element to my trout fishing endeavours. Magellan’s new eXplorist 310 – Anglers Edition I field-tested in May proves that no matter how good your fish finder is, it will never bring you to where the fish are! Enter the Magellan 310 Anglers Edition. This handy little gem came with a Fishing Hot Spots add-on, which includes a three lake download as well as 4,000 lakes and waterways included in its database. Such features as detailed shorelines and depth contours are included with every water body. A complete look at physical and biological make up of each lake is displayed, where you can build-in your own ‘honey hole’ waypoints; saved as your own personal points of interest. The 310 special colour screen offered support readability even in direct sunlight or when strapped to the gunnel of my canoe. This unit felt compact and rugged and is completely waterproof as one would expect. Next spring when I begin my ‘trout recon’, I’ll be making a beeline to all the best spots! For more information on the eXplorist 310 Anglers Edition by Magellan: http://www.magellangps.com/Store/eXplorist-Special-Editions/Magellan-eXplorist-310-Angler-Edition.

Big bass, big money

The Lefaivre Lions Club is holding its annual Open Bass Tournament on the Ottawa River on Saturday, June 28 from 7 a.m to 3:30 p.m. With thousands in cash and prizes up for grabs, the town’s Open Bass Tournament has garnered the attention of anglers from across the region and beyond. The Lefaivre Lions Club hosted its first Annual Open Bass Tournament back in 1993, and here we are more than two decades later and the event is bigger than ever. Registration is $200 per boat (team of two) plus $20 for the big fish prize.

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Former Canada in the Rough host charged!

I’m still not sure what to make of Thomas Pigeon and his recent charges…just goes to show that if you do something wrong and someone notices, even years later you’ll pay for it!

 

Pigeon – the former host of the popular Canadian television show; Canada in the Rough, is being forced to pay $8000 restitution for 2 muskox and a wood bison believed to be taken illegally more than 11 years ago!

In March 2003, Pigeon headed to Nunavut and Northwest Territories to capture footage for his hunting adventure show, Canada in the Rough.

Although a lot of time has passed, someone tipped off authorities here in Ontario regarding mounts Pigeon brought back to the province.

Wildlife investigators have since seized video footage of the illegal hunt which had been broadcast as part of Canada in the Rough back in 2003.

Too much time passed to  charge Pigeon for illegal hunting however, investigators used the footage to make their case for the illegal possession charges.

It’s illegal in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories to use vehicles to get within 1.5 kilometres of a muskox for the purpose of hunting. 

In a news release, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources says video footage shows muskox being herded by the guides using snowmobiles so that Pigeon can shoot them.

“The final production depicts the hunters as engaged in a fair chase hunt while approaching the animals on foot and then shooting them,” the release says.

Pigeon has pleaded guilty to the charges and ordered to pay $8000 in fines!

In addition to the fines, the taxidermy mounts were forfeited to the Crown.

Note: It should be noted that NONE of these charges are in any way linked to current hosts of Canada in the Rough, the Beasley brothers. I know them personally and they run an ethical and conservation based series..

 

Outdoorsguy

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Shootout Series Bass Tour presents CHEO Charity Tournament

Watch out Renegade Bass, here comes the Shootout Series Bass Tour!

 

CHEO Charity Bass Tournament and Kids Derby

The Shootout Series Bass Tour is proud to announce their season opening event will be held at Hardy Park, in Brockville on June 21st and 22nd.

Come watch fishing TV legends, Bob and Darren Izumi from the Real Fishing Show, and Reno Viola from In-Depth Radio and former host of the Fish’n Canada Show. Even better, you can take your shot at beating these legends and many more of Canada’s best anglers. For only $160 you can win thousands! Even better than winning money, you have a chance to brag to your friends that you beat Bob Izumi!

Headlining this event, will be a children’s charity fishing derby on Saturday from 10am to 1pm in support of the CHEO foundation. Totally free to all the little anglers, prizes will be awarded to each and every one of them and there will be a BBQ so we can give our little anglers lunch. The BBQ will continue until 6pm for adults to purchase and support CHEO.

If you would like more information on fishing the Bass event, please visit www.shootoutseries.ca for more details. If you wish to fish the kid’s event, just show up anytime from 10-1. Please bring your own rods, tackle and bait can be provided.

The Shootout Series would like to thank the City of Brockville, Brockville tourism office, and all our anglers and sponsors for assisting in making this event possible.

Thanks to Cory Banford for the heads-up on this terrific upcoming event…and stay tuned for more news this summer on the Shootout Series Bass Tour!

 

Outdoorsguy

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Annual trout trip a BIG success!

Tent2014

 

Jeff2

My annual trout fishing trip to Temiscaming, Quebec, is a time I look forward to all year long..regardless whether we catch a lot fish or none at all. This spring marked the 25th anniversary for my father and brother-in-laws on our annual may trout trip.

Of course with this late spring, water was the coldest we’d seen in years. Mid – Low 50’s I’d estimate on most lakes and the fish were up high and hitting like crazy!! The most big fish actions we’d seen in years!

Here’s a nice photo of my 82-year old father with a decent-sized eater trout, this fish was probably a bit smaller than our average size. Most brookies we caught were in the 17″ – 20″ range or around 2.5 – 3 pounds. Certainly not your average ‘spec’.

Dad1

We boated a total of 45 trout over the 4.5 days we fished, and released an incredible 30 of those fish. The real joy for me now is catching these monster specs and having a couple of meals of smaller fish. We each took home two trout apiece; far from our limit of 7.

canoe1

Steve1

Here’s Steve with nicely-coloured fish from our other ‘eater lake’. 

lake2

Learning how to quickly and efficiently release brook trout is an art in itself. Smaller trout were actually more difficult to release so we ended up keeping small ones for eating.

Jeffrelease

The place we’ve been camping for the past 15 years has become like a familiar friend, on the shores of a scenic but non-trout lake.

IMG_2422

 

lake1

 

Jeff1

Here is one of the big brookies I caught slow-trolling a Williams W55 Lite…incidentally, we caught ALL 45 trout on the same exact spoon if you can believe that. Why didn’t we change lures? Well, when you find something that works it only makes sense to stick with it!

Although I’ve tried different tackle over the past few years, I always come back to Williams and Mooselook as my standby spoons!

 

Bruce1

This big guy Bruce caught in a nearby lake ended-up as part of our meal that evening (for obvious reasons) This was the largest trout we’ve ever caught on the other not-so-secret lake we fish, and a great looking 22″ specimen it was!

This year we really took the time up north to smell the roses. We didn’t need to spend 12 hours a day on the water and ended-up fishing maybe 6 hours per day – followed by a horse-shoe tourney(won by Steve & I), some great musical entertainment by Bruce and euchre inside the tent after the sun went down. Lots of laughs and a few frosties were had by all. (NONE whilst fishing of course..laughes yes, beer no!)

IMG_2421

 

lake4

Without a single black fly or mosquito to be had, it truly was the best time to be in the great north woods! We even saw snow in the bush in many spots and along the roads on the way up. I predict ice hadn’t been off these lakes for more than a week; which is terrific timing for brookies if you can plan it that way, or simply luck-out as we did.

IMG_2425

Upon closer inspection, this behomoth 24.5″ trout (the largest we’ve ever caught in the region) may have actually been one of our ‘mystery’ or Aurora trout. This was the only photo we snapped before it was released since I wanted this huge spawner back in the water as quickly as possible! I would estimate this girl (a female) to be easily 5 pounds and possibly more. Without any speckles or halos…it does have the appearance of an Aurora trout. I look forward to the chance of catching it again next year!

Well, after 25 years of spring trout fishing I’d say my Dad, brother-in-law’s and I, have things down to a fine science. With some of the best fishing we’ve had in over two decades, it was a fine way to celebrate our silver anniversay!

Hey…25 years together is pretty damn good I’d say, some marriages don’t even last that long!

For more information on trout fishing in La Belle Province, please contact Tourism Quebec: 1 (888) 883-8801 or online at: www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca

Outdoorsguy

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Bring on a flurry of pike and walleye!

This month’s Outdoors Column in the Pembroke Daily Observer just out in print today:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2014/05/22/bring-on-a-flurry-of-pike-and-pickerel

 

Bring on a flurry of pike and pickerel

By Jeff Morrison

Jeff Morrison, the Daily Observer's newest columnist, offers up his take on the great outdoors.

Jeff Morrison, the Daily Observer’s newest columnist, offers up his take on the great outdoors.

 

Anglers in search of the province’s top game-fish need wait no further as Ottawa Valley walleye and northern pike are now fair game in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15.

FMZ 15 is an immense region 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. The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds all walleye and pike anglers that they must have a valid fishing license, and should abide by the daily limits for your area. Where length limits apply, anglers should measure their catch carefully, and any fish caught while angling must be kept whole so the length can be measured by conservation officers. If you should accidentally catch another species for which the season is still closed, it must be immediately ( and safely) returned to the water. Best of luck on your pike and walleye endeavors!

Scribe tickled about trout conservation

Still recovery from my annual trout trip to Témiscaming earlier this month, I am pleased to report that the brook trout in that region are alive and well. With much cooler water temps this year than is usual, the brookies were out in full force and feeding heavy. In recent years, we have been practicing catch and release on one of trophy trout lakes to help ensure the future of this fragile fishery. Of the 40 trout we caught on this particular lake, 30 were live-released without a scratch. To catch and safely release brook trout requires patience and a soft touch at canoe-side. Barbless hooks and a good set of long-nosed pliers are a must. Of the trophy-sized ‘specs’ we released, one measured a whopping 24.5″ and would easily tip the scales at over five pounds. To see a trout of this stature swimming away is an incredible feeling. Sure, we did keep enough smaller fish for two good meals and a couple to bring home, but the majority of fish were live released. If you had asked me 15 years ago about letting a five-pound brook trout go, I probably would have laughed. Practicing conservation of the species requires self-control, but offers copious long-term reward.

Blind Anglers International Tournament

The Blind Angler’s International Tournament (B.A.I.T) will once again “lure” legally blind men and women, along with top professional sport anglers, to the Nangor Resort in Westmeath, for a fun filled weekend on May 30th – June 1st. This year’s event kicks-off with a dinner at the Westmeath Community Centre in an event that aims to demonstrate abilities rather than disabilities. The opportunity to learn a new skill, or to re-kindle an old passion, serves as a mechanism of rehabilitation for the participants. The Arnprior Lions Club is hosting the tournament this year under the Lions’ B.A.I.T. project.

‘Bear proof’ the cottage or trailer

While spending time at the cottage or trailer this summer, it’s wise to remember that you’re in the natural habitat of black bears – omnivores easily attracted by human food and garbage. Cottagers are reminded to put waste out on the morning of garbage day, and not the night before, and never leave pet food outdoors. Make sure to thoroughly clean outdoor barbeque grills after use, and fill bird feeders only during the winter months. Do not put meat, fish or sweet food in your composter or in open garbage areas. These are just a few small precautions to make your property bear free this summer.

Next time at Outdoors Guy

Be sure to tune-in for the June Outdoors Guy column right here in the Valley authority on ‘The Great Outdoors,’ The Outdoors Guy in The Daily Observer and at www.thedailyobserver.ca. I’ll be launching my coveted 2014 Trivia Contest with some terrific prizes, featuring another great product field-test and news on my next book -Canadian Wild Game Cookbook, published by Canada’s most beloved cookbook producers Company’s Company. All this and more right here next month!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BC Bigfoot captured on film!!

(Screen grab of famous Patterson-Gimlin bigfoot video)

 

Finally we have more video evidence to prove the existence of Gigantopithecus, otherwise known as Bigfoot or the aboriginal term Sasquatch.

While hiking in the Tantalus Range near Squamish two years ago, a BC man is creating waves on YouTube after recently uploading the footage.

“I can’t see it very well,” the man says “It’s this little black dot walking in the middle of the snow in the middle of nowhere.”

The shape does appear to be moving up the mountain. “If that’s human why would you walk up that ridge or that snow line?” “Why would he not just go straight down?” he adds.

You be the judge!

 

Outdoorsguy

P.S. Some of you may recall the discussion we had regarding Big Foot three years ago around this time:
http://blogs.canoe.com/outdoorsguy/outdoors/big-foot-sasquatch-fact-or-fiction/