Ottawa valley – The Outdoors Guy

May 25, 2018January 17, 2020

Pike & walleye season is upon us!

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/

March 24, 2015

Valley Fishing & Outdoor Show this weekend!!

Get ready folks, the Valley Fishing & Outdoor Show is here!!

The 15th annual Valley Fishing and Outdoor Show arrives this weekend in Carp! The brainchild of my old pal Dave Arbour, this year’s show is set to run from this Friday March 27th until Sun March 29th at the Carp Fairgrounds and Arena, and will feature everything from casting ponds to archery, shooting and fishing simulators.

With more than 100 exhibitors and lots of hunting and fishing equipment this truly is the best the valley has to offer. And this year, I will there hanging out in my very own booth.

Stop by and say hi to the Outdoors Guy!

From Dave’s Site:

Located at the W. Erskine Johnston Arena 3882, Carp Rd off the 417.

The Valley Fishing & Outdoor Show – Come get your Redneck On

The Valley Fishing and Outdoors Show has gone REDNECK CRAZY.

The Carp Fairgrounds and Arena is located in the Village of Carp (3832 Carp Road) and is once again the site of this year’s event – the largest of its kind. Three buildings will be hosting the event this year, with one building dedicated just to firearms for sale or trade. The fairground offers lots of free parking.

This year has it all – with boats, to get you on the water, outfitters to help you plan your next great adventure getaway, and tackle shops and hunting gear to help outfit you for your season. This year’s show is full of great prizes thanks to our many sponsors. You could win a pair of Monster Spectacular tickets for May 30^th at the CTC Centre, fishing rods at the casting pond, a Muskie charter from Muskie Canada or a cookbook from Jeff Morrison “The Outdoors Guy”. This year’s event is truly interactive and a family oriented event with games for the kids and young at heart to test your skills in shooting, archery, casting and fishing, soap carving, fly tying and more.

New this year is Fish Cleaning demonstrations by Jeff McNaughton from MNRF and “Ask the Butcher” with Steve Moss from Mossy’s Smoke Shop. Their demonstrations and tips of the trade will help you turn that trophy catch into a tasty treat. Also new this year will be live entertainment from the Felhaver Band on Sunday to help you kick off the winter blues and put a “jig” in your step as you get ready for spring and the new fishing & hunting season. Amanda Kingsland from Y101 will be on hand Saturday on the main stage to host “The Redneck Runway”, a fashion show of all the new and latest clothing to help keep you warm, dry and looking your best.

Seminars: We are pleased to be offering an outstanding line-up of presenters on the main stage this year. John Anderson one of the world’s foremost renound Muskie speakers and television guest and tournament pro will be on the main stage Friday and Saturday. Canadian Hall of Fame inductee Big Jim McLaughlin will take the stage Sunday. Big Jim has been an integral part of Canadian sport fishing for 30 years and is always a hit at the Show. The Ottawa Fly Fishing Society will also be taking the main stage on Friday evening. They will also be giving demonstrations and lessons on tying flies throughout the weekend. Saturday Len Dickinson will present on “the travelling hunter”. Len is an avid globe–trotting hunter who will be sure to pass on his tips to make sure your next hunting trip is a memorable one.

The third building at the show will house the Gun Show. Admission to the Fishing & Outdoor Show also gets you into this venue. A Show within a Show! There will be 50 tables of firearms for sale and trade. These vendors will help you find the perfect firearm for your upcoming hunting season.

So come on out and get your REDNECK on. Free parking and reasonable admission rates, makes this an affordable outing for the whole family.

Bring in your receipt and ID to Dave’s Hunter Saftey Booth and write your Turkey Exam at the show!

Haven’t ordered the DVD? Don’t miss out, follow the link to order!

http://www.ofah-cps.com/turkey/DVD.cfm

We have a great line up of seminars this year with some new faces, and old friends!

Check back regularly for times!

Seminar Overview

Friday	Saturday	Sunday
6:30 pm -“Fly Fishing”-Ottawa Flyfishers Society	10:00am -“The Traveling Hunter”-Len Dickinson	10:00am – “Muskie Fishing”-John Anderson
7:30 pm Muskie Fishing”- John Anderson	11:00 am – “Fish Cleaning & Cooking Demonstrations	11:00 am – “Falhaver Family Band”
	12:00 pm – “Muskie Fishing” -John Anderson	12:00 pm – “Ask the Butcher” -Steve Moss
	1:00 pm – “Rendneck Runway Fashion Show” – Amanda Kingsland Country 101.1	1:00 pm – “Wild Game Cooking Demonstration”
	2:00 pm – “The Traveling Hunter” -Len Dickinson	2:00 pm – “Big Jim McLaughlin” Canadian Sports Fishing Legend

There will also be a top-notch chef on hand, a Miss Redneck fashion show, great prizes and more.

For more information: http://www.valleysportsmanshow.com/

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!

June 26, 2014

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.

June 19, 2013

Bass season is upon us!

Randybass — Avid bass angler Randy Rosenthal poses with his personal best largemouth caught on opening weekend at an ‘undisclosed’ lake. The fish weighed just over 6 pounds and was live released.

Bass enthusiasts of FMZ 18 were, no doubt, out in hordes this past weekend for the coveted bass opener.

And if you don’t think there’s anything special about Micropterus – be they salmoides or dolomieu – just ask one of the local bass fishing organizations.

Ottawa is slowly becoming a largemouth & smallmouth fishing Mecca, thanks to groups like Renegade Bass, Bass Anglers of Ottawa and Petawawa Bassmasters.

And, of course, we cannot forget the coveted Ottawa Valley – otherwise known as FMZ 15 or Pembroke District – which is where I do the bulk of my bass fishing each summer, at our trailer in Cobden. Bass opens in that District this weekend (Note: See this Thurs Pembroke Daily Observer – Outdoors Column – for more bass info.)

Speaking of bass fishing, where is your favourite bass lake or river? Without giving away all your tricks, I invite all the bass nuts out there to tell us where you like to catch old bucket mouth!

As a converted bass guy myself I am slowly being ‘lured’ away from trout, pike and muskie, and towards the elusive bass.

Drop me a line with your bass plans or send me a tip I’m not fussy.

Outdoorsguy

May 31, 2011

Outdoors Guy with an Edge

A FORD Edge that is…….

(Me nestled comfortably in the cockpit of a 2011 Ford Edge Sport)

Thanks to Kristine Simpson of Ottawa’s Marketing Agency Thornley Fallis and the good folks over at Campbell Ford for putting me in one sweet ride last weekend.

Over the years I have reviewed and field-tested pretty much every gadget under the sun including: spotting scopes, trail cameras, GPS units, hunting apparel, sunglasses, fishing tackle, rifle scopes, remote control fishing boats, digital range finders, field binoculars and even boots, but I can honestly say I have never tested out a vehicle.

And considering the 2011 Ford Edge Sport is my very first, I’d say I’m kicking things off in style!

My time with the Edge over the May long weekend included a trip up the Ottawa Valley to our trailer in Cobden. I found the Edge to be roomy enough, and the automatic lift gate was a play toy I would never tire of. Press the button hatch goes up, press the button again the hatch goes down. I was like Homer Simpson with a donut….a big shiny silver donut….mmmmm donuts!

The Edge’s interior is a must see. It is laid out in a functional yet extremely modern and stylish manner. Once you have mastered the ‘voice command system’, you simply press a button and tell the car what you want.

“Radio….106.1 FM, please” Your system seamlessly switches over to Ottawa’s Classic rock, and all that’s left is to control the volume; which is conveniently located on the steering console.

Pretty much every aspect and feature of the Edge can be monitored from the control panel: the navigation system, heating & cooling, sound system and so on. You can use the touch screen, or live life on the ‘edge’ and go with the soothing voice command system.

It even tells you how many KM’s you have before you need to fill up, I thought that was neat, and the kids really enjoyed the MP3, USB and SD memory card slots.

As far as performance and practicality goes, the Edge was top notch. We flew up the Ottawa Valley like a ‘Bat out of Hell’..I actually had a Meatloaf CD playing, in case you were thinking something else.

As a member of the Crossover Utility (CUV) Class, the Ford Edge provided an ideal ‘apples to apples’ comparison for me since my regular vehicle is a Highlander – Toyota’s popular crossover a direct competitor.

But this was certainly a fancier machine than I’m used to driving.

With perhaps the most aggressive looking grill I’d ever seen, a beefy 305 horses purring underneath the hood and 22 inch wheels, the Edge is a real head turner. Even the lad at the McDonald’s drive-thru in Arnprior was smitten with it. (And once you’ve impressive the younger generation, you know you’ve made it big time)

“Hey man, you got 20’s on that?” he inquired. “No my friend, 22” actually” I replied proudly.

I have never been a particularly ‘showy’ type, but when it came to this vehicle I did feel somewhat like a show-off. Was it the big wheels, mean looking grill or all leather interior, I wasn’t quite sure but I did feel rather pompous and important whilst driving it.

As far as outdoor utility goes, I can see how the Edge would fit in; although I would go with the standard 18″ wheels for heading off road to the hunt camp. The Edge’s AWD system handled very nicely on the wetter days that weekend and having owned a Subaru I say that with experience.

In the end, the Ford Edge Sport was a great long weekend diversion and a vehicle I was very sad to return. Recently named the 2011 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, as well as the Top SUV/CUV in the $35,000 to $50,000 price range, the Edge has evidently attracted a lot of people’s attention.

November 26, 2010

Hunters outside City enjoy moderate success

(This 282-pound (dressed) bruiser was taken in the Kemptville-area by Paul Poisson’s hunt gang)

Although many deer hunters in eastern ON and western QC have reported poorer than average deer seasons, it does appear that areas outside the Ottawa valley are starting to rebuild.

Of the many reports I have received, it does seem evident that much of the Ottawa Valley has a way to go before the deer herd is back on track. Deer sightings, around the City, are way down, and most camps saw either low or nil harvest numbers.

Outside the valley to the North, parts of Central Ontario, western QC and a few other spotty regions did see a bit of any increase over last year’s deer numbers.

Here are some of this fall’s success stories (In Photo)

(Another shot of the giant buck taken by Paul Poisson’s gang)

(And for those who may have noticed the tag improperly affixed, Paul assures me it was attached to the base of the main beam shortly after this photo was taken, and before the deer was taken to MNR Kemptville)

(Ian McDonald and his awesome 10-pointer)

(Ian and some of the boys)

(Another shot of Ian’s gang and the dogs)

(Paul Poisson and his great-looking 8-point..what’s that in your hand, Paul?)

(Here is a really nice 8-point taken up the valley by ‘Maple’)

(Another shot of Maple’s buck..you can see his stand in the background

(Iggy sent me this photo of a Giant Napanee-area buck…sorry, I dont know the story)

(Rick Poulin with the fine looking 7-point he took on opening morning. 7-point bucks are the nicest bucks of all..if you ask me)

Below are photos of an incredible 8-point buck taken by Allen Cullen with a crossbow. Allen calls the buck ‘Lucky’ and you can see the trailcam image of ‘Lucky’ while he was still upright.

For those of you who sent me photos I forgot to post, please remind me…and for those who have deer hunt pics from this year, free free to send them over by PM.

Here’s a phot0 of Iggy’s fisher mount, complete with ‘somewhat natural looking’ quills.

Outdoorsguy