deer season – The Outdoors Guy

October 17, 2015

Whitetail season is upon us

For those who missed my October Outdoors Guy column in the Pembroke Daily Observer, here you go:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2015/10/08/canadian-whitetail-hunters-celebrate-annual-tradition

This one is dedicated to the legend of Rick Whitetail Guru Poulin:

Canadian whitetail hunters celebrate annual tradition

The Outdoor Guy, Jeff Morrison, poses with a fine whitetail buck taken at Kenauk Nature in Montebello, Que.

The Outdoors Guy, Jeff Morrison, poses with a fine whitetail buck taken at Kenauk Nature in Montebello, Quebec

With the scent of this country’s whitetail season wafting down from the north country, deer hunting enthusiasts are getting ‘hopped-up on goofballs’ for the most anticipated time of year.

Every year around this time a deer hunter’s thoughts transcend everyday consciousness to become ‘at one’ with nature. It is often difficult to put into words what whitetail season means to those who participate annually. As I celebrate my 35th year in God’s Country with my 84 year-old father and a handful of close hunting companions, I am constantly reminded of some of my most cherished memories from the past 3.5 decades, and they’re numerous.

Behold the dark ghost

I was an impressionable young hunter back in November 1983, the time a truly giant whitetail buck slipped through the Quebec hardwoods like a ghost and appeared before me, larger than life. So large in fact and dark in colour, I was convinced it was a moose and lowered my rifle. By the time this inexperienced 16-year old realized the so-called moose was actually a 300 pound rut-swollen whitetail buck, the beast had already moved down the ridge and melted from view. My uncle, the late Alfred Morrison, was perched over the next hill and put his experience to work. It is memories like this which remain etched in a hunter’s ‘grey matter’ and return to the forefront each fall when they pass that same spot in the woods. I believe each and every hunter shares this childlike enthusiasm along with a full comprehension of the importance of time spent afield.

Testing, testing

Since warm outerwear and cool weather go hand-in-hand like conservation and Canada’s trapping heritage, I recently field-tested some apparel from Canadian company – Canada Goose, in preparation for deer season. Famous for their luxurious winter parkas adorned with coyote fur collars, the Canada Goose Expedition Clothing Company has been making quality outerwear since 1957. Today, the company offers some of the most sought-after coats and jackets on the market, used by many of the country’s law enforcement agencies. Unfortunately their products have been targeted of late by animMy Sitesal rights groups that take offence to the use of coyote fur in some of the collars, even though animal fur is recognized as probably the most organic and self-sustaining material known to man. The Hybridge Lite model jacket I tested on a scouting and trail camera expedition recently was as comfortable and warm as any jacket I’ve used yet.

Awarded the Best Backcountry Jacket by Outside Magazine, I knew there must be something special about the product. This ‘lightweight down’ as it’s known in the industry, fit like a glove and stood up to some pretty heavy bush travel. Weighing in at less than 1 pound, the Hybridge Lite was more of a second skin than it was a jacket. The product combines 800-fill goose down with a 10D rip stop nylon shell and stretchy Tensile-Tech fleece side panels. Designed with cuff bindings and thumb holes to keep snow out, the Hybridge Lite is also easily rolled up and stowed away. Be prepared for the slim fit as the product is designed snug with the intention of layering as weather gets cooler. All in all, I was more than satisfied with quality and functionality of this product making for the perfect pre-season outerwear! For more information on this or other Canada Goose Products: http://www.canada-goose.com/

Hunt safely with Rick’s spirit

Statistics show that serious accidents are quite rare during the hunting season, however mishaps do occur. Perhaps our greatest concern apart from falling asleep in the tree stand, would be muscle strain and body fatigue. After trekking five miles or more up and down the mountains each day, aches and pains are part of the deal and injury a possibility. Simple stretching exercises in the morning helps your body get loosened-up and ready for an enjoyable day in the backwoods. Good luck this fall and may the spirit of local legend Rick ‘Whitetail Guru’ Poulin be with you in your travels.

September 23, 2015

Smallgame season is here to fuel to fire

(imacdon with his four legged pal and the first grouse of the season)

Back when I used to pursue ruffed grouse, or partridge as I called them, small game season meant you finally had an excuse to stroll the backwoods trails at an incredibly beautiful time of year.

It also meant that moose and deer season were just around the corner.

Anyone else out after small game? Or waterfowl for the matter, since the duck and goose hunters are out now as well.

Simply put: FALL is the reward we get after struggling through the rest of the year! (awesome photo by the way..)

Outdoorsguy

November 27, 2014September 5, 2017

2015 Toyota Tacoma tackles the Laurentians!

(2015 Tacoma 4X4 Limited Edition – test vehicle – BEFORE heading off-road into the mountains)

Fresh air, clean water and nature’s wondrous beauty all at your doorstep in Quebec’s Majestic Laurentian Mountains.

I consider myself fortunate to be a country boy; fortunate to have an upbringing which brought me deep into God’s country and back, on more outdoor adventures than you can shake a stick at.

Hunting, fishing and exploring nature were always a huge part of my life and pursuing wily mountain whitetail deer was at the top of that list!

This fall, thanks to Toyota Canada, I had the pleasure of taking the 2015 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Limited edition double cab on two separate trips, off the beaten path high into the fabled Laurentian mountains of Quebec.

The 2015 Tacoma, as I discovered, is not unlike the Tacoma of days-gone-by, nor is it remarkably different from the 2000 Tacoma 4X4 sitting in my own driveway at home. (I am already a Tacoma owner)

Ok, so there are a few subtle differences between the 2015 and my 15 year old (yet still solid as a rock) pick-up truck. First off, the overall footprint has changed considerably compared to days of old, and this full double cab version I tested offers more than ample room in this small but scrappy Mid-size truck category.

The already slim mid-size truck market grew even narrower when the Big 3 all but pulled-out. Tacoma sales now account for nearly 70% of this market competing mostly with Nissan, GM’s re-entry with the Colorado & Canyon, and to some extent the Honda Ridgeline; although with the Ridgeline’s unibody construction I would place it more in the crossover category. Tacoma’s have maintained a traditonal pick-up truck ladder frame construction.

But that certainly doesn’t mean Toyota should rest on their laurels and a reputation of producing perhaps the best small truck ever made.

Or does it?

So what has Toyota offered the mid-sized truck buyer for 2015?

Despite a few changes such as regular cab being discontinued, and the introduction of Toyota’s popular(albeit somewhat pricey) TRD Off-road package, this solid pick-up has remained pretty much status quo in recent years.

In my opinion, there was really little that needed changing. The Tacoma remains one of the most sought-after used vehicles on the market with an unprecedented residual value. (I was shocked by market value of my 2000 Tacoma)

The 2015 Tacoma 4X4, I tested, came equipped with the 4.0 litre V6 which kicked-out a more than ample 236 horses and 266 ft-lb of torque.

With a towing capacity of 6500 pounds and a 1500 pound payload, this truck is about the most conveniently-sized pickup you can ask for, and an ideal choice for an hunting trip into the historic hills of southern Quebec.

This truck is not the big powerhouse and workhorse of a full-sized Tundra, but by virtue of its more modest proportions serves as a nice compromise when maneuvering into parking spaces in town.

My deer hunting excursion was certainly off on the right foot once the truck was packed and loaded on a 5-day adventure to my family hunt camp near Mont Tremblant, followed closely by another voyage to Kenauk Nature in Montebello, an hour or so away.

While on the road, I found time to enjoy the entertainment options the new Tacoma had to offer which included an awesome Entune™ Premium JBL Audio system with Navigation and satellite radio!

The interior layout and comfort level was something to behold. Bright and roomy and I actually felt a bit guilty for getting the truck dirty.

The Limited Edition model boasts a lot of great amenities including full grain leather, Sirius satellite radio, backup camera, a generous number of drink holders and comfortable SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front sport seats with 4-way adjustable driver’s seat and lumbar adjustment support. (My lower back didnt complain)

Controls were upfront and clean and as far as seating and storage space, the Tacoma came with a folding rear bench seat that tucks neatly away against the back wall.

The Limited Edition also boasts such standard features such as these 18-in. chrome-clad alloy beauties, with P265/60R18 tires, chrome grille surround and rear bumper, color-keyed front bumper and overfenders, chrome fog light housing, chrome door handles, chrome power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators.

You might say chrome is running amok in this truck, and I had no complaints about that.

Another feature of the 2015 Tacoma I enjoyed was the convenient 110V outlet located along the back wall of truck bed near the tailboard. A smart idea for plugging-in an extension light while working around outside.

Once we arrived at our lakeside paradise in Montebello, the Tacoma fit right into the surroundings with its rugged outdoor appeal. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of style and class when you’re roughing it in the wilderness.

Kenauk’s Chalet Hidden was our home for the second half of the deer season.

The mood certainly was melancholy as we checked-out of our hunting retreat for another year!

All in all, the 2015 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Limited turned out to be a more than worthy hunting companion and a head-turner to boot! The truck performed flawlessly, got decent gas mileage and held up like a charm to the punishment of many hours on some tough mountain roads!

The new Tacoma was a huge part of this year’s hunting season and from I’ve seen, would be perfectly suited for any hunting or fishing trip you can think of. (And I can think of a lot)

After having tested and reviewed several trucks over the years, by different manufacturers, in my opinion the new Tacoma is the pick of the litter!

The Outdoors Guy

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

October 20, 2014

Going Wild for whitetails!

My October column is now available in the Ottawa Valley’s foremost authority on the outdoors; the Pembroke Daily Observer.

Congratulations to Jordan Durocher of Pembroke, this year’s winner of the Great Outdoors Trivia Contest. Jordan takes home a nice Tinks Gift Package!:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2014/10/17/ottawa-valley-hunters-going-wild-for-whitetails

Ottawa Valley hunters going wild for whitetails

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

With the coveted white-tailed deer rifle season just around the corner, enthusiasts are gearing-up for the most anticipated week of the year.

Deer hunters of the Ottawa Valley are chomping at the bit with the whitetail ‘pre-rut’ posed for take off. This special time of preparation and anticipation will be followed closely by a full-blown rut in early to mid-November. Remember that ungulates like deer and moose are polygamous by nature with males’ breeding copious females throughout the fall. During pre-rut, bucks begin altering their daily routine in preparation for the active few weeks that follow. As does enter estrus, bucks usually stop feeding altogether to focus on dissemination of their progeny. Love always seems to come before lunch in the Great Outdoors.

Long-standing tradition

The whitetail rifle season is special and sentimental time I have enjoyed now for the past 34 years. From that very first season when my father invited me to deer camp with the men, I was hooked instantly. It was a tumultuous and exciting time for a young green-horn deer hunter. The joy of pursuing deer as an impressionable youth is like the bud of oak tree; not yet developed but primed and ready to go. I believe most hunters, young and old, share this childlike enthusiasm and really understand what it means to spend time afield. How many activities in life allow us to relive those magical carefree days of our youth?

Testing Testing

Looking back on some of the more interesting electronics I field-tested this summer, Magellan’s new Echo Watch was one of the most intriguing. I have tested almost every imaginable gadget over the years, but this particular unit was a first. The Echo is well-conceived wristwatch which allows users to ‘sync-up’ to a smartphone using Bluetooth technology, for monitoring such fitness metrics as heart rate from Magellan’s heart-rate monitor (sold separately), or to act as a remote control for fitness apps on your smartphone. The Echo watch caters to fitness buffs who own iPhones, and who are serious about staying in shape and keeping tabs on a variety of fitness parameters. This high-tech watch I found to be solid and waterproof with a clear and precise display. Although I am not a huge fitness buff myself, I can see there would be a real niche for such a gadget. For more information: http://www.magellangps.com/

Canadian Fly Fishing Championships in Montebello

Anyone who’s anyone in the fly fishing world will be out casting a line today at my favorite home-away-from-home, the beautiful Kenauk Nature in Montebello. The lakes, serving as venue, in this year’s big fly fisher bonanza are Mills, Tauntan, Sugarbush, Otter and Green. I have personally fished every one of those water bodies and trust me, they are spectacular! The competition runs until Sunday, Oct. 19. For more information on Kenauk: http://kenauk.com/ or for a schedule of events, check out: http://www.flyfishingcanada.net/uploads/Schedule_NFFC_12_Oct_2014.pdf

Safety first

Statistics show that serious accidents are quite rare during the hunting season, however, mishaps do occur. Perhaps our greatest concern, apart from falling asleep in the tree stand, would be muscle strain and body fatigue. For many of us the deer hunt can be one of most strenuous activities of the year. After trekking five miles or more up and down the mountains each day, aches and pains are part of the deal and injury more possibility. I find simple stretching exercises in the morning helps get the old body loosened up and ready for an enjoyable day in the woods. Good luck and be safe out there this fall!

Outdoor Trivia

Here is final question in this year’s Great Outdoors Trivia Contest. The first person to send me all three correct answers will receive a fabulous Tinks hunter’s scent package. mailto:[email protected] Question #3: Which of the following is NOT the title of a recent post in my Ottawa SUN Outdoors Guy Blog? A) Ontario wages war on feral hogs B) Hunters Bragging board C) Wildlife Speaker series this week, or D) Stand hunting for success. The winner will be announced in my November column!

September 4, 2013

Heading to hunt camp anyone?

I’m heading back up to the hunt camp this weekend, to put out some trail cameras and poke around a few places. I know I run this same hunt camp post every year, but we all keep coming back so why shouldn’t I!

Ahhhh, ‘Hunt camp’ can mean different things to different people.

One person’s hunt camp could be as basic as a 4-man tent, while for someone else it might be a summer cottage transformed into a makeshift hunt camp when autumn arrives.

Others might be members of a private hunt club or an organized lodge, while some might even choose to go with an outfitter, rent a chalet or a small cabin. You could convert a fishing or trapping camp into a hunt camp in the fall and you know what, it doesn’t really matter.

Regardless of what four-walls make-up your hunt camp, tis the season to celebrate the sport we all know and love in your private little domain. Sharing the experience with friends and hunting companions only serve to enrich the experience.

The hunt camp experience is something only a true hunter has ever known and will ever really understand. Sorry to all animal rights people, environmentalists and other ‘non-hunters’ out there, you simply cannot relate and this post will mean absolutely nothing to you.

Yup, it is a time of year when many other things in our busy lives will take a backseat to this special place. We will dream about it at night and long for that glorious day when we first arrive.

After 33-years of this tradition I realize the hunt camp experience is over in the blink of an eye..so enjoy your time to the fullest and for goodness sake, let it all soak in. You just never know when it could be your last!

Our hunt camp was broken into over the winter and some pukes caused quite a bit of damage, shooting out the glass in all the old hunting pictures just for fun. Dad and the boys were up there this summer to clean it up and fix the damage. These pukes will have a couple of surprises if they try to break in now.

Hey, everyone ready for hunting season…I know I am!

Outdoorsguy

November 26, 2012

2012 Deer Season in review

The 2012 white-tailed deer season will be remembered, by most, as a year of promise on both sides of the river.

As we climb our way out of a major whitetail decline dating back 4 years or so, there are signs of recovery all around us. Some guys were luckier than others, of course, but all in all, deer numbers appear to be on the rebound over much of eastern ON and western QC.

You’ve all heard about my gang’s deer hunting experiences this fall(I’ve been telling everyone) and my personal record of seeing 5 bucks during hunting season.

Here’s your chance to share your tales of the season and post of few images. Let’s all reflect on what a great fall it has been. (I know, I know it’s not completely over year)

Here are a some more images of my hunt gang and the terrific 10 point I was fortunate enough to harvest this year:

(A nice shot of 4 of the best hunters I know, well 3 anyway)

Sent-in by Rick Poulin:

Here is a picture of the 8 point that committed suicide by trying to get by me last Friday morning just after 7. I have not scored him yet. He was an older deer based on checking his teeth. I would guess he was at least 7-8 years old.

Sent-in by imacdon:

Deer camp 2012 started like so many other deer camps, full of high anticipation. Most of the group arrived on Saturday. My 82 year old father and brother arrived from the big smoke. I had another brother fly in from cow-town out west. My three sons showed up, two taking a few days off university. Those who had not sighted in their guns did so Sunday. A few of us went out duck hunting Sunday night. The traditional sea food chowder was severed up thick with home baked rolls.

Monday morning arrived and after a quick breakfast, dogs where put in dog boxes and ATV’s where mounted, it was off to the deer stands. A few deer where observed but no shots were offered. We set up a chase about 8:30. My brother Phil and son Todd where going to walk thru with the dog. The dog started right away. Everyone was ready. The dog brought the deer back between the two dogger’s. The dog chased the deer for about 45 minutes, then brought the deer back and presented

A shot to Phil who connected. 4 pt, 138 pounds. Next morning during another chase the dog brought another buck between son’s Kyle and Todd who connected on a 7 pt 145 pounder. Unfortunately Kyle and Todd had to go back to school, and Phil had to go go back to work, that left four in camp. Latter in the week I connected with 6 pointer early in the morning. Weather was great. Camp was cleaned up, everyone was already talking about next year. I went over to my place for another week of deer hunting.

But that’s another story.

(Todd and Kyle taking Phil’s deer out of the swamp)

(Todd and Kyle with their deer)

(My three sons, myself, my 82 year old Dad and brother. Another brother took the photo.)

Sent-in by Maple(see Farmer’s buck story):

Sent-in by Iggy:

A moose at the deer camp caught on a trail cam, no season though, and Bill’s 9 point buck.

Sent-in by Mr Bounder Magazine himself – Brian Warren:

Hi jeff, here are some photos from the bogieman hunt camp..we got 4 bucks

Sent-in by Hunting Mom:

Sam’s first deer

We were on our last day of hunting because I had to get Sam back to school. Our group had already got three does and one buck. Sam actually fired at a couple but missed. I squandered two good opportunities but I won’t bore you with that sad story. We were on one of the last chases of the day. I was on a watch when I heard a shot which I knew was from Sam’s gun. One of our group asked via radio “what are you shooting at Sam?” (This was an important question because we were on our last doe tag). There was no response.

The question was asked again and again, no response. My motherly instinct was in overdrive imaging all kinds of terrible scenarios. After what seemed like an eternity, a breathless Sam responded that he thought he got one and he was trying to find it. Again came the question “is it a doe, Sam?”. Sam didn’t hear the question, so again no response. Finally, Sam confirmed that that he had a deer down. The question this time was, “Sam, did it have antlers??” I was imagining the poor members of the group frozen in their tracks waiting for the answer. At last, Sam confirmed that it was a doe. He was then instructed to mark the kill with bright orange and continue dogging the chase. Sam replied OK, he’ll leave his hat. I couldn’t help myself, my motherly instinct kicked in again and I blurted out on the radio “Sam, keep your hat on your head, use the bright orange tape in your pocket”. Hunting with your mother definitely has its downsides.

Sent-in by Trapper:

We had a great hunt this year both Moose and Deer.

Saw at least 8 different adult moose but could only harvest them with camera lens. Did manage to harvest 2 small 6 point bucks. On the trapping front we’re off to a good start with 25% of our beaver quoata and 30% of our Fisher quota. Mink have also been very productive.

As for the Bobcat-vs-Lynx debate. There’s plenty of Lynx in the North Bay area. The tell tale signs we use are that Bobcat are more spotted than Lynx. Lynx appear Greyer, Bobcat tails are striped (both have black tips though). Lynx ear tufts are much more prominent as are their paw prints.

On another note, if ya’ll ever get the chance to eat Lynx meat, take it. It is by far the best meat I have ever eaten (even better than moose).

September 7, 2010

Pre season scouting anyone

For those hunters out there not currently chasing black bears or gearing up for moose, just a reminder that it’s nearing that time of year when pre-season deer scouting is in order.

This past weekend I was at my hunt camp and visited my deer woods to check out what’s been going on since last fall. While there, I put out a trail camera and investigated some of the old runways for activity.

I must admit I was a tad concerned about entering the deer woods this year following two meagre years in a row, but it looks as though things may be on the rebound.

I was pleased to see a fair numbers of old and new deer tracks around; indicating that at least some deer are still around from last year, and undoubtedly some new critters have arrived this summer.

Man, I don’t care who you are, just setting one foot into your hunting territory at this time of year is exciting.

Has anyone else done any pre-season deer scouting?

Outdoorsguy