theoutdoorsguy

February 16, 2018

Celebrating Family (Ice)Fishing Weekend!

(Avid ice-fisherman Grant Bailey with a nice winter walleye)

Ice-fishing enthusiasts are busy gathering their tip-ups and ice-augers for perhaps the most exciting weekend of the season.
This weekend, Feb. 17-19, residents of Ontario will be out (on the ice) in full force, enjoying the merits of Family Fishing Weekend – a province-wide initiative celebrating the sport of winter angling, and without the otherwise mandatory fishing license. The province decided about a decade ago that a festive winter fishing weekend would be adopted to mirror National Fishing Week events during the summer.

Let’s take a glimpse at a few of the winter fishing events in our region this weekend. For more info on Family Fishing Weekend; http://www.ontariofamilyfishing.com/

Arnprior Kids Derby
The Arnprior Fish and Game Club is pleased to present its 4th Annual Free Kids Fishing Derby, this weekend at McLean Park. The club supplies all equipment and bait and even takes care of the holes! To top it off, a free pizza and hotdog lunch is provided to all participants. For more information contact: arnpriorfishandgameclub@gmail.com or check-out Arnprior Fish and Game Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arnpriorkidsfishingderby/

WCFGC event in Constance Bay
As part of Family Fishing Weekend festivities, the West Carleton Fish and Game Club’s (WCFGC) fishing derby is set for this Saturday at Constance Bay. Registration will take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. with fishing starting at 10 a.m. and running until 2 p.m. Registration for adults is $5 and children, 13 and under, $2. Holes will be provided and a $20 entry gives participants a chance at winning a gas ice-auger. Bring your own bait and rods. For more information Warren Backler via email: wcfishgameclub@gmail.com or by phone: 613-859-9217 Check out their website: http://www.wcfgc.com/

Harbour Harvest Tournament
Harbour Harvest is a family-friendly ice-fishing event this weekend at the Nepean Sailing Club. Check-in gets under way at 7:30 a.m. at the main entrance of the Nepean Sailing Club. Ice-fishing bait and tackle is provided or feel free to bring your own. There is a $300 cash prize and trophy for 1st place (longest live fish), and $200 for the angler with most species caught (if a tie, the club will use total length of fish – must be alive and only one of each species). Qualifying species include northern pike, walleye, perch, catfish, crappie and sunfish. Every registered participant also receives a door prize ticket. Organizers have adopted a new system of “reserving your spot” this year, with fishing holes spread throughout the harbour. If you require gear, you can add a fully rigged up “Harbour Harvest kit*” for $20, and if you return the kit at the end of the event, the club offers a $10 gift card for Bridgehead, Canadian Tire or Cabela’s. For more info contact: Dan Dubeau: 613-355-0735 or via email: dan@dropinsports.ca. Check-out: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/harbour-harvest-2018-tickets-41510942346

QC Outfitters Association
Anyone not ice-fishing this weekend and looking to plan a hunting or fishing trip in Quebec this year, should check-out the Quebec Outfitters Federation website. With a full array of camps, cabins and lodges throughout the province, the Quebec Outfitter’s site makes short work of researching suitable vacation destinations for whatever outdoor pursuit you’re into. Just across the river, in the Outaouais region-alone, are 36 hunting and fishing outfitters catering to your hunting and fishing needs. I have visited a few over the years and they’re awesome: https://www.pourvoiries.com/en/

Bounder magazine – spring issue
With spring just around the corner, keep an eye out for the spring issue of Bounder Magazine. The popular men’s magazine is available at Stinson’s in Pembroke and many other locations around the valley. My spring outdoors column will include highlights on my upcoming trout adventure, as well as other hot hunting and fishing news! For more information on Bounder magazine: http://bounder.ca/

February 1, 2018

Planning the Great Canadian shore lunch!

January 30, 2018

Spring trout, off the beaten path

January 19, 2018

Winter fishing, Bounder magazine, coyotes and more!!

Local ice fishing fanatic; Grant Bailey’s portable ice hut at an undisclosed lake.

With our region’s ice-fishing season well under way, winter anglers are being reminded that safety is of utmost importance.
Ice anglers who venture out on area lakes and rivers should always tell someone where they will be fishing, and when they plan to return. Appropriate clothing and equipment are also important for safety and comfort. Some ice-fishermen prefer survival suits and carry a set of ice picks, while others go to the extent of using modified ice vehicles with the doors removed, in case of an untimely plunge. Remember that ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across a lake or river, especially now at the start of the winter season where near-shore ice is undoubtedly thicker than ice further out. Catch the big ones and for goodness sake, be careful on the ice!

Dogs and deer
A reminder to dog owners who allow their pets to run feral in the deer woods during wintertime, their actions may be devastating for whitetail populations at a fragile time of year. Conservation officers deal with dogs on the loose each winter and, in case you did not know, are authorized to destroy any dogs observed chasing or injuring deer in areas where herds gather for the winter. Penalties for allowing your animal to be at large during the closed season for deer range anywhere from $155 up to $25,000. With the high density of coyotes in our region it is also in your dog’s best interest to have Rover under wraps during the winter months.

Coyote woes continue
If feral dogs weren’t enough of a concern for wintering deer, marauding coyotes seem to be hiding behind every tree. The deer at my place stopped coming to the feeder over a month ago and there is little wonder why they left. Copious trail camera images and coyote tracks observed across my lawn indicate to me that the predator population is alive and flourishing. Public opinion maintains that coyotes are simply ‘doing what comes naturally’ and that is just the way things are. Is it really?

Predator control
Those who subscribe to principles of wildlife management know that conservation includes predator control; namely what is referred to as North America’s Urban Coyote Epidemic. In my case living within city limits, a ‘no discharge zone’ for firearms means I am left to watch ‘yotes run rampant across my property and my hands are literally (and figuratively) tied. The Ontario Government’s Algonquin Coywolf initiative last year made it so eastern coyotes fall under the same umbrella and are protected as well. I hope the ‘coyote huggers’ are satisfied when deer populations are decimated beyond repair since, contrary to popular belief, during harsh winters it is not just the old and weak that are preyed upon.

Back with Bounder Magazine

Following a two year absence, I am pleased to announce the return of my Outdoors Guy column to Bounder Magazine! Bounder is a long running men’s magazine published by Stittsville native Brian Warren and is a huge local success story with fans from across the region. Bounder readers are treated, four times per year, to everything from rock n’ roll, to fine food and drink, fast cars, men’s health, hunting and fishing of course, and much more. Check-out the latest issue featuring a cover story on CHEZ 106 FM, including my pals Doc, Woody, Randall and Eric. Randall Moore is also a long-time Bounder columnist with his classic One Minute Moore in its usual spot on the last page. Other columns by the likes of Red Green, Delmer and Cecile as well as radio legends Mark Papousek and Jim Hurcomb are also regulars. For more information on Bounder: http://bounder.ca/ Check out the winter issue still available in some stores and online: http://online.fliphtml5.com/tdses/etwr/

Ice-fishing hot spots!
Do you have a favourite winter fishing hotspot you wouldn’t mind sharing? Drop me a line at theoutdoorsguy@rogers.com and I will include your ice fishing tips right here in my February column.

January 9, 2018January 9, 2018

Ottawa Valley deer feeder serves ‘trophy’ guest!

Ottawa valley resident -who I will simply refer to as ‘John’ – has been blessed to have this impressive whitetail buck show-up at his backyard feeder this winter!

This magnificent ‘old timer’ was captured on film by a trail camera located just outside John’s living room (anchored to a birdfeeder) at his home near Clayton.

I would estimate this old boy at minimum 6.5 years old; based on antler configuration: beam length, beam diameter and presence of sticker points.

Though his actual age cannot be determined without analyzing a tooth cross-section in a lab.

All signs point to an older buck and he certainly carries himself like a KING!

John’s impressive visitor has a sidekick with him at times – a yearling buck. Funny how whitetail behaviour changes once the rut is over…

Thanks so much to avid reader; John for sharing these awesome winter whitetail images!! Now if only I could get him to use Bushnell trail cams..hehe

If I were John, I would also be watching for those big antlers to drop…ANY TIME NOW! Around my place, all the big bucks would shed end of January.

Outdoorsguy

December 22, 2017December 22, 2017

2018 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition Review(With Photos)

This classy and rugged pickup features a chrome-surround grille with bright silver insert, a chrome and silver bumper, 1794 Edition badging, moonroof, and a powerful 5.7L iForce V8 engine producing 381 hp. The Tundra 1794 is a beautiful and burly beast to drive and as smooth and firm a ride as any I’ve seen; considering its mammoth 5600-pound size.

The Tundra garners highest marks for reliability and resale, which are both huge in my books. Long-term maintenance and repair costs combined with high residual value make this truck a sound investment and perfect option for anyone wishing to keep their vehicle a decade or more.

The last Toyota truck I owned was 16 years old when I sold it with still lots of life left. Thanks so much to Tina Allison of Toyota Canada for the opportunity of road-testing this great vehicle.

For more info on the Tundra 1794 Edition: https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/tundra/features-benefits

December 22, 2017June 8, 2018

Deer feeding for success

A fawn i called ‘Peanut’ enjoying a snack at my backyard deer feeder in 2012

Backyard deer feeding is an enjoyable winter past-time and of benefit to whitetails as snow depth increases.

It is hard to believe a decade has passed since the infamous ‘winter that would not end’. The record-breaking snowfall of 2007-08 saw more than 13 feet of snow blanket our region by time spring rolled around. It has been estimated that 25-30% of white-tailed deer populations, from Ontario to New Brunswick, perished that year. I know I lost more half the herd of 18 I was feeding at my place that winter.

To anyone considering a backyard deer feeding program, remember that if you begin distributing feed in early winter, it is imperative to continue until spring, as the animal’s digestive system will adapt to the supplemented diet. Ritchie’s Feed & Seed produces a terrific pelletized deer feed I’ve been using for years with success. I am sure other feed stores up the valley make a similar blend. Another way to help white-tailed deer population during winter is by increasing access to natural winter forage by creating trails with snowmobile, ATV or even snowshoes. The Ministry recommends these winter management initiatives over feeding so even if you don’t provide supplemental feed, it’s nice to offer a helping hand.

Ice hut reminder

Before you hit the hard top this winter consider registering your hut. The Pembroke MNR wishes to advise area anglers that, not only is ice hut registration a requirement by law, it goes a long way in preventing wayward huts later in the season. Abandoned ice-huts which end-up in waterways after the thaw will create havoc for boaters and early season fishermen. For improved visibility, registration numbers on all huts should be at least 2 ½” inches in height. You do not need to register tent-style huts made of cloth or synthetic material, provided the base measurement is less than seven square metres(75.4 square feet) To register your hut in Pembroke District call the ministry office at: (613) 732-3661

2018 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition

Toyota’s ultra luxurious Tundra 1794 Edition pickup truck, I road-tested this fall, made for one classy deer hunting season indeed. The new 1794 is Toyota’s entry into a small but elite class of western-style pickups, along the lines of Ford’s King Ranch, and pays homage to the Texas ranch founded in the year 1794, where the Tundra plant is now situated. This classy and rugged pickup features a chrome-surround grille with bright silver insert, a chrome and silver bumper, 1794 Edition badging, moonroof, and a powerful 5.7L iForce V8 engine producing 381 hp. The Tundra 1794 is a beautiful and burly beast to drive and as smooth and firm a ride as any I’ve seen; considering its mammoth 5600-pound size. The Tundra garners highest marks for reliability and resale, which are both huge in my books. Long-term maintenance and repair costs combined with high residual value make this truck a sound investment and perfect option for anyone wishing to keep their vehicle a decade or more. The last Toyota truck I owned was 16 years old when I sold it with still lots of life left. Thanks so much to Tina Allison of Toyota Canada for the opportunity of road-testing this great vehicle. For more info on the Tundra 1794 Edition: https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/tundra/features-benefits

Safety first this winter

Ice anglers who head out this winter should advise someone where they will be fishing, and when they plan to return. Appropriate clothing and equipment are also vital to safety and comfort. Some winter anglers prefer to wear survival suits and carry a set of ice picks, while others go so far as driving modified ice vehicles with all the doors removed, in case of a plunge. Remember that ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers; especially at the start of the winter season when near-shore ice is always thicker than ice further out.

Next time

I invite readers to send in their ice fishing tips and ideas – theoutdoorsguy@rogers.com. We will feature your winter angling tips right here in January. Happy ice fishing and be safe out there!

December 11, 2017December 12, 2017

Winter deer feeding is hit and miss

Winter deer feeding has always been a favourite winter pastime, when the deer stick around that is!

In the average winter I’ll have between 7 – 10 deer feeding regularly. My family and I get to watch some great terrific shows out the back window of our house.

One thing I have noticed, over the years, is how territorial and possessive white-tailed deer can be. The does especially!

There is a hierarchy to it and should a fawn from one group feed, or even or walk too close to the doe from the second group, she’ll receive a sharp hoof to the head! The funny part is, all the deer leave and usually bed together in the same area each night…but when it comes to feeding, watch out! Every deer has its place and you will be reminded quickly should you forget!

The Predator Factor

What has been happening in recent years (much to my chagrin) with an influx of coyotes throughout eastern Ontario, winter whitetail patterns have become greatly altered. Some winters I wont have any deer at all, as they are pushed-out completely by marauding coyotes to seek refuge in the upper fields. Take note that the woods around my place is completely private with no hunting allowed.

Besides the main deer feeder you see in the photos, I also disperse feed in the second field; just out of view in top the photo below were I have a second trailcam located. Over past few weeks I’ve captured multiple vids a large female coyote urinating on the feed as if to say; this is MY territory buddy! I will post a video of this territorial behaviour when I get a chance.

(How do I know its a female? That’s simple, she squats when she pees..hehe)

Any deer pushed out of the small woods behind my house usually do ok in the upper fields, so long as they stay one step ahead of predators.

Remains to be seen how many I will have feeding this winter…but they’ll have a snack available should they decide to stop-by.

November 23, 2017November 24, 2017

HUGE Outdoors Guy Christmas Cookbook Sale!!

Ok Folks, for the first time ever I am offering my entire Cookbook Library ON SALE in time for Christmas – $10 per book ($15 for hardcover) (Plus $8 shipping, $15 shipping for 2 or more)

Choose from the many cool titles I have written over the past 8 years. Each cookbook features 100+ tasty recipes, useful tips and personal stories from the great outdoors, published by Canada’s authority on cooking; Company’s Coming.

These Cookbooks will make great stocking stuffers and I’ll personally sign each and every one! (Please note that the Canadian Fishing Cooking and Outdoor Cookbook are nearly sold-out.)

Drop me an email at: theoutdoorsguy@rogers.com or by phone (613) 601-7471

Happy cooking and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Campfire Cooking

Everything cooked over a campfire and eaten in the outdoors always tastes better it seems. But when faced with the challenge of cooking something other than hot dogs or hamburgers, many of us seem stymied. In this handy guide to campfire cooking, you will find lots of easy-to-prepare recipes as well as tips and tricks to make the planning and executing of interesting meals and snacks made over a campfire not only easy but fun.

Canadian Fishing Cookbook

Canada’s lakes, rivers and oceans are blessed with an abundance of wild fish, from salmon to trout to mackerel to sunnies and much, much more. After a relaxing day of fishing, there’s nothing better than frying up your fresh catch right there on the spot. Canadian Fishing Cookbook offers up to 150 of the greatest wild fish recipes out there.

Canadian Berry Cookbook

150 delicious recipes all featuring Canadian berries at their finest

Canadian Wild Game Cookbook

From the field to the table, the author presents 150 delicious recipes all featuring Canadian wild game at their finest

The Essential Guys’ Cookbook

A great gift for any guy! Essential recipes that celebrate the wonderful enthusiasm men have for cooking their special cuisine: – Classic recipes that taste like Mama used to make – Date night dinners: three secrets to win their hearts – Quick fixes – Late-night snacks – Game day cooking – Desserts to wow

The Canadian Outdoor Cookbook

Food simply tastes better when you’re outdoors. Canadian Outdoor Cookbook helps you take your outdoor meals from ho-hum to fantastic! With 150 recipes for brunches, lunches, dinners and campfire snacks, the possibilities are practically endless for your next adventure in the wilderness. Make-ahead tips throughout also simplify your preparations so you can get part of the work done from your kitchen before you leave. The whole family will love cooking with Canadian Outdoor Cookbook.

November 23, 2017

Another exciting deer season

My annual deer hunt at Kenauk Nature in Montebello is the highlight of my year and this fall was no exception. The famous Quebec deer woods, with its majestic old growth stands of oak, brings me back every time.

Climbing the peaks each November in pursuit of a trophy whitetail buck is about as exciting as it gets, and this year was no exception. On one hand, I am in a paradise living a hunter’s dream of pursing whitetails in one of our region’s most scenic woods. Then on the other hand my Montebello trip is the last kick at the hunting can for the year.

This deer season, I was not presented with the opportunity to harvest a buck and that’s okay with me, it is why we call it hunting after all. My partner Jim and I climbed many miles of clean hardwoods and exposed bedrock chasing a particular buck we found good sign of, but could never catch up to. We were encouraged this fall to see increased whitetail activity overall, both here and back home around our family camp near Mont. Tremblant. Though we left Kenauk’s Muskrat Chalet empty-handed, I feel completely fulfilled as a hunter and fortunate to have experienced such an amazing deer woods. Perhaps next year I will have the chance to harvest a mature whitetail but until then, I am left with the memories of another great season. Thanks to Bill Nowell for facilitating my annual trip to this little slice of heaven.

To experience a wilderness at its best and top notch accommodations, check out: http://kenauk.com/ If you’re considering deer hunting in the province of Quebec, visit the Québec Outfitters Federation: https://www.pourvoiries.com/en/hunting-quebec/species/white-tailed-deer/

Backyard deer feeding
Winter deer feeding can be a controversial issue in this part of the country, even though I continue to do it almost every year. When carried out properly, supplemental feeding not only serves as a great past-time, but can be of benefit to these animals once snow depth increases. Once you begin distributing feed in early winter; however, it is imperative to continue throughout the winter, as the animal’s digestive system will adapt to the supplemented diet. Game management agencies usually discourage backyard feeding, for the fact that most people are not familiar enough with white-tailed deer diet requirements. Another way to help is by increasing access to the deer’s natural winter forage by creating trails with a snowmobile or ATV or even snowshoes, to offer our deer friends improved access to winter browse.

Safety first
This time of year with some hunting still on the go, enthusiasts are reminded to be vigilant and take the necessary safety precautions. Remember that hunter orange of a minimum 400 square inches is required and, for Ontario residents, a hunter orange cap as well. Be sure to keep your firearms and ammunition locked away when not in use, and never shoot unless absolutely sure of your target and beyond. It is illegal to shoot from a vehicle or carry a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle, and remember that any hunter who harvests a deer must immediately attach the game seal. A safe hunt is a happy hunt and a careless accident can turn a wonderful day in the woods into tragedy.

Ice-fishing safety
With ice fishing season just around the corner, fishermen should consider registering their hut this winter. Not only is ice hut registration a requirement by law it goes a long way in preventing wayward huts later in the season. Abandoned huts which end-up in waterways after the thaw will create havoc for boaters and early season fishermen. To register your hut in Pembroke District, please call the ministry office at: (613) 732-3661

Next time
Check out next month’s column for your Valley ice-fishing primer. Drop me a line anytime with your hunting and fishing news and let us know where you plan to fish this winter: theoutdoorsguy@rogers.com