Tag: Pembroke Daily Observer

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Spring Turkey is here, trout & walleye close behind!

The annual spring turkey season is finally here, on both sides of the river, and gobbler enthusiasts are out in search of elusive beards and spurs.

The glorious gobbler has evolved into one of our most prolific game species, and spring turkey season is an activity enjoyed by thousands in Ontario, Quebec and beyond. Turkey enthusiasts wanting to partake in this popular spring hunt need be aware of the rules before heading afield in search of their quarry and regulations vary, depending on your province.

Ontario regs

In Ontario, it is illegal to pursue turkey within 400 meters of bait unless the location has been bait-free for one week. Bait is generally considered to be corn, wheat, oats, or other feed which may attract gobblers, or even an imitation of such feed. Crops and grain stacked in accordance with normal farming practices are not considered bait. Ontario hunters may purchase a maximum of two spring ‘bearded’ turkey tags, so long as they are not harvested on the same day. Wild Turkey season in Ontario opens April 25th and hunting is restricted to half an hour before sunrise until 7 p.m. For more information on Ontario’s spring turkey hunt: https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-hunting-regulations-summary/wild-turkey#section-0

Quebec regs

Quebec’s spring wild turkey season kicks-off April 29th for most zones across the river and runs until May 23rd. Only bearded birds (Toms and Jakes) may be taken during the spring season. Quebec residents require a turkey-training certificate offered by the Federation of Angler’s and Hunters to pursue wild gobblers. Baiting of wild turkey within 100 meters of where you plan to hunt is illegal in this province. You are permitted to harvest two bearded gobblers during the spring season, and, unlike Ontario, they may be taken on the same day. A wild turkey training certificate as well as a turkey-hunting license is required and remember the use of an orange vest is also regulated. For more information on pursuing turkey in Quebec: https://www.quebec.ca/en/tourism-and-recreation/sporting-and-outdoor-activities/sport-hunting/game/wild-turkey

Walleye coming

Perhaps this country’s most popular game fish and easily one of the best eating, the wonderful walleye is usually the second season to open. Anglers who pursue marble eyes will be out in full force come the second Saturday in May. To keep walleye for consumption, they must measure 40 – 50 cm’s, with a possession limit of four fish on your regular license, and two fish with conservation license. For more information, consult regulations for Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15 for Renfrew County excluding the Ottawa River: https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary/fisheries-management-zone-15

For the Ottawa River see: https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary/fisheries-management-zone-12

Conserving spring trout

Back in angling’s early days the adage, ‘a fish caught was a fish kept’ usually applied, but things have changed, especially for trout. With trout season a week away in most of our region, and across the river, learning how to catch and release trout is crucial. Safely releasing fragile ‘brookies’ requires patience and a soft touch. Barbless hooks and long-nosed pliers are a must and never use nylon landing nets. To watch a beautiful brook trout, swim off after a nice battle is an incredible feeling. You can always keep smaller fish to bring home but doing your part for conservation pays-off in the end, if you are willing to invest the time. If you had asked me 20 years ago about letting a 2–3-pound trout go free, I might have laughed. Conservation of the species requires self-control but offers copious long-term reward.

Tight lines folks and I will see you on the water.

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Moose hunt just around the corner

My Outdoors Guy column is out today in the Pembroke Daily Observer, in print and online:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2017/09/14/the-outdoors-guy-moose-hunting-just-around-the-corner

 

For those who missed it:

(Brian Houle of Stittsville poses proudly with the giant bull moose he harvested in the North Bay-area during bow season)

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Summer fun in the Great Outdoors

Submitted photo<br /><br /> The Outdoors Guy Jeff Morrison with a small but spunky mackerel caught while deep-sea fishing in Rye, New Hampshire.

Regardless of what adventure you embark upon this summer your time spent fishing, hunting, riding or RV’ing in the great outdoors is the ultimate reward.

In my opinion summer is meant to be enjoyed leisurely, with my family and friends in an outdoor setting. Camping, cottaging, and of course fishing, are a few of the things I enjoy. One day, I could be casting for northern pike and bass with my Mrs. Outdoors Guy at the trailer in Cobden or putting up trail cameras, and the next I might be scouting the deer woods or doing work on the hunt camp. Holiday season is all about getting back to basics and enjoying things that really matter.

One of my highlights each summer is our family trip to the New Hampshire seacoast. Even though the Live Free or Die State boasts a modest 22-kilometre coastline, what a stretch it is to behold. We stay in Rye beach and travel south beyond the Massachusetts border in less than 10 minutes, while being able to head north the Kittery, Maine in about 15 minutes. Our day of fishing with my pal Capt. Brad Cook of the Atlantic Queen is the pinnacle. Touring the Isle of Shoals in Brad’s 24-metre Supercruiser catching mackerel hand over fist, while watching harbour seals dodge the lobster pots, is totally entertaining. If you’ve never visited New England, do yourself a favour and book a day aboard the Atlantic Queen II. Rye is home to such celebs as Liv Tyler, daughter of rocker Steven Tyler, and Tyler McLaughlin of Wicked Tuna fame, along with the best tasting soft-shelled lobster you’ve ever eaten. For more info on fishing with the Atlantic Queen II: http://www.atlanticqueenfishing.com/

Ford F-150 King Ranch

The 2017 Ford F-150 King Ranch I road-tested earlier this month, made an already great adventure up the Valley better and certainly more rugged. The new F-150 King Ranch trim comes equipped with country-style western leather accents and lots of upgrades and boasts a 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine with six-speed automatic transmission. Such features as Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) and cross-traffic alert make the new F-150 more sophisticated than its predecessors, yet the overall ‘Ford truck appeal’ remains good and strong. I did enjoy the standard ‘Reverse sensing system’ which came in handy for parking in tight spots or manoeuvring around rocks and tree branches on backwoods roads; almost like Big Brother was watching from all corners. The new King Ranch trim is custom-made for towing with standard electric brake controller and large split towing mirrors installed. Though I did not haul anything on this outing, as an RV’er I can appreciate the well-appointed towing features. Thanks to Melissa Wood of National Public Relations and Ford Canada for the opportunity of trying out this truly great truck. For more on the 2017 Ford F-150 King Ranch: http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/2017/models/king-ranch/

Bear awareness this summer

Each summer cottagers, campers and municipalities are urged to do their part to avoid nuisance bears. Black bears are attracted to any food source, and in areas where berries and other natural forage is not available, bear’s will eat whatever they can get including pet food, compost and even garbage. They will also return to food sources they remember from last year so be mindful when spending time in bear country. Bear encounters are very rare, but they do occur so be sure to keep your wits about you this summer.

If you have a nuisance animal around your property, report it immediately to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in Pembroke at 613-732-3661.

Next time!

Be sure to check out the next Outdoors Column as we discuss the upcoming hunting season just around the corner, folks!

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Anglers excited about pike and walleye

Jeff Morrison with a decent early-season northern pike he caught in Cobden.
Valley anglers in search of northern pike and walleye have been out in full force with both species now fair game in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15. Be sure to check the rules and regulations before hitting the water this weekend! Where length limits apply, anglers should measure their catch carefully, and any fish caught must also be kept whole so it can be measured by a conservation officer. If you should accidentally catch another species for which the season is still closed, it must be immediately (and safely) returned to the water. FMZ 15 is a very 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 land a few myself this weekend in Cobden. Early season northern pike offer great table fare too with four to five pounders being the best eating size in my opinion.

Conserving trout

When it came to brook trout, in my younger days it was always felt that ‘a fish caught was a fish kept’ but it doesn’t need to be that way anymore. To safely release a brook trout requires patience and a soft touch at canoe or boat-side. Barbless hooks and a good set of long-nosed pliers are a must. To witness a beautiful brook trout swimming away after a nice battle is an incredible feeling. Sure, you can keep enough smaller fish to bring home but doing your part for conservation will surely pay off in the end. If you had asked me 15 years ago about letting a two to three pound brook trout go, I probably would have laughed. Practising conservation of the species requires self-control but offers copious long-term reward.

Bear hunt across the river

With all the hubbub around pike and pickerel, don’t forgot about the spring bear hunt across the river which also got under way 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, the once cautious animals will have become accustomed to feeding regularly at bait sites, and with the onset of mating season, adult males’ travel extensively in search of a mate. Both of these factors will have a positive effect on a hunter’s success rate. For more information on bear hunting across the river, contact Tourism Quebec: 1 877 BONJOUR (266-5687).

Fish, Hunt & Ride magazine spring issue

The spring issue of Fish, Hunt & Ride magazine is now available at over 130 outlets across eastern Ontario and Western Quebec FREE of charge. Our exciting new issue features black bear, spring trout, steelhead, turkey filming, ATV events, shed antler hunting, fly-fishing tips, an interview with ‘Uncle’ Ted Nugent and more. Pick up your copy of FHR in such towns as Barry’s Bay, Killaloe, Forresters Falls, Golden Lake and Madawaska up the Ottawa Valley, and across in the Pontiac, at Fort Colounge, Gracefield and Low. In Pembroke, look for copies available at Pembroke Esso, Suny’s, Bee Line Wreckers and more, or in Petawawa at Petawawa Guns and Petawawa Pizza. For more information on where to find an outlet near you, check out our website: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca.

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Outdoor & Travel Adventure Show this weekend – stop by FHR booth!


Hearing the familiar thump of the first ruffed grouse of the season, or catching a glimpse of the first wild garlic leaf poking its head up from the forest floor, are tell tale signs that a new season is afoot. Another sure sign of spring is the annual Outdoor and Travel Adventure Show, coming this weekend to Ottawa’s EY Centre!

Celebrating its fifth year, the Outdoor and Travel Adventure Show blasts-off this Saturday and Sunday at EY Centre. Organized by the team from the region’s two best magazines – Ottawa Outdoors and Fish, Hunt & Ride, the show will feature tons of outdoor services, gear and apparel, exhibitors and outdoor travel accommodations and even lodges. Come check out the Adventure Stage where you’ll hear tips from camping and canoeing experts like Kevin Callan and Becky Mason. And if that isn’t enough to entice, be sure stop-by the Fish, Hunt & Ride magazine booth where yours truly and a handful of FHR columnists will be stationed. (Just look for the camouflage clothing.) My FHR Team and I will be handing out magazines and chatting with readers about all things fishing, hunting or riding-related. I look forward also to speaking with Blake Corbin of Renfrew’s Valley Heritage Radio (98.7 FM) who will be stopping-by the booth to do an interview. For more information on this weekend’s show: http://www.AdventureOttawa.ca

Ice-fishing draws to a close

The annual March 31th ice-hut removal date seems almost pointless this year since huts have surely all have been removed by now. Or at least I hope they have! Folks in Pembroke legally have until the end of the month to haul their huts away, but remember that anyone who has not removed their ice hut is in violation of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and could face charges. By all accounts, this winter fishing season will be remembered as one of the shortest on record.

FHR and Valley Vendor

First off, I’d like to give a shout-out to Clarence Shires, Leonard Kubisheski and all the other fine folks up in Round Lake! Clarence and a group of area ice-fishermen were having trouble tracking down copies of the new – Fish, Hunt & Ride Magazine, but not anymore! I am pleased to report that we have now teamed-up with the Valley Vendor for magazine distribution, which will scatter the coveted FHR mags like buckshot throughout the Ottawa Valley and Pontiac. There are even a dozen or so distribution sites in Pembroke itself including Perkins, Pembroke Esso and Suny’s Variety. Our upcoming spring issue will be more than twice the size of the fall/winter offering and should be available mid-April. If you’re into ATV’s, black bears, fly-fishing, wild turkey, trout or are interested in the frank Q&A interview I did with ‘Uncle’ Ted Nugent, be sure to check it out! For more information: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca

Great Outdoors Trivia – Final Question

Okay outdoor trivia buffs, here is the final question in this year’s Great Outdoors Trivia Contest. The first person to correctly answer all three questions will receive a prize package courtesy of Brecks fishing tackle and Tinks hunting scents. Question #3: In 1984, the Province of Ontario received 274 wild turkeys in exchange for river otters, moose, geese and partridge. Where did these turkeys come from? Was it A) Europe B) United States C) Quebec D) Manitoba or E) Asia ? Please send all three trivia answers to: [email protected]

Column Anniversary

This month marks the third glorious year for this outdoors column and I would like to thank managing editor Anthony Dixon and assistant news editor Tina Peplinskie for being perhaps the best editorial staff I’ve ever worked for. Sharing my love and appreciation for the great outdoors with readers each month is something I take seriously. Thanks also to the hunters and fishermen of the Ottawa Valley for your support over the years and hey, maybe I’ll see you around Cobden or Pembroke this summer!

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White-tailed deer in need of urgent overhaul

For hunters, fishermen and conservationists up the Valley, my Pembroke Daily Observer Outdoors Column is out today; in print and online:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2015/11/19/white-tailed-deer-herds-in-eastern-ontario-in-need-of-urgent-overhaul

 

White-tailed deer herds in Eastern Ontario in need of urgent overhaul

White-tailed deer
(White-tailed deer family group gathers at lake-side – photo taken at Kenauk Nature in Montebello 2012)

Our region’s once burgeoning deer population appears to be in peril and, in this writer’s opinion, urgent game management is required.

As a passionate conservationist and hunter for the past 35 years, I have studied big-game management, counted pellets groups for the MNR and managed winter deer yards. I have been called a biologist, outdoor writer and a highly dedicated deer enthusiast. During the winter months, as many of you know, I operate a small backyard feeder where I monitor behavioural patterns on a small local herd, while photographing the majestic animals that venture into my back field.

What I witnessed this year firsthand and following several reports from hunt camps across eastern Ontario and western Quebec, our deer friends are evidently not in good shape!

Deer population in decline

Over the past few years things in my Quebec deer woods appeared to be on the rebound, however, numbers this fall are noticeably bleak. Predator levels continue to soar in most regions and whitetail populations are in obvious need of assistance in order to rebound correctly. As I continue to micro-manage my own deer, it is discouraging to see a herd in such a state of disarray. My family territory serves as a grim reminder of how bad things really are.

Following five days of solid hunting, which includes some proven deer drives and not a single whitetail was observed.  Folks, there is no longer room for ‘meat hunters’ under the current condition of our whitetail woods. From what I witnessed this fall it will take several years of controlled harvests, improved winter deer yard management and wise management choices from both Quebec and Ontario wildlife agencies to get back on track.  Better still, close the season down completely for a year or perhaps two, but of course governments would never go for that.

Shades of 2008

Moving through the new millennium was a turning point in Central Canada as deer herds were blossoming big time. By the fall of 2006 and 2007 whitetail numbers and annual harvests where highest they had ever been. Deer populations in eastern Ontario reached densities as high as 14 deer/km2 and Quebec saw their highest annual harvest in 2007 with an impressive 75,000 animals. Hunter success rates continued to soar and all seemed right in the deer world. Then the record-breaking snowfall of 2008 was upon us like a cloak of darkness – spelling doom and disaster for ungulate populations. Whitetail numbers in some areas plummeted by more than 1/3.

It has been a very slow rebuild since that time and now whitetail numbers appear to be faultering again back to levels seen in 2009 – 2010. We need hunters and government agencies on-board in order to properly address this issue, and for goodness sake let’s hope it isn’t too late!

Ice-fishing safety

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 .

New local hunting and fishing magazine to launch this fall!

Following my announcement of the new hunting and fishing magazine – Fish, Hunt & Ride (FHR) featuring yours truly as editor-in-chief, there have been more exciting developments. When FHR is distributed early December, sportsmen up the Ottawa Valley and throughout Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec will be given a real treat.  FHR Mag not only includes a regular column by Pembroke native Jordan Durocher (and a selection of other great writers from QC & ON) but the one and only ‘Uncle’ Ted Nugent will also be a HUGE part of FHR with his own regular column. Check out our website: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca/

 

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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.

 
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Cougar sightings continue across Ontario

My August Outdoors Guy column appeared last week in the Pembroke Daily Observer, and received more interest than any other column this summer.

Everyone, it seems, is interested in big cats!

Check it out: http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2015/08/19/outdoor-columnist-warns-of-the-potential-for-cougar-sightings-right-here-in-the-ottawa-valley

 

The ever-elusive cougar is still being spotted across Ontario with regularity and the Upper Ottawa Valley is no exception.

As one of the few outdoor writers in Canada who monitors big cat sightings and reports regularly on the mystery of cougars in Ontario, I am privy to copious ‘Cougar Intel’ from across the province; including reports of big cats being spotted right here in the Valley. The often misunderstand mountain lion has evidently taken up residence in Ontario yet many folks still choose to turn a blind eye. The evidence is mounting as we get closer to determining the origin of these intriguing large felines.

Big cat theory

The only physical specimen the province has seen since the 1800s was a cougar (sadly) shot by police in Bracebridge area, in summer of 2012, which turned out to be an escaped captive animal. This is not to say that the half dozen or so big cat reports I receive each month are ALL domesticated animals, there is evidence to demonstrate that a West-East Migration may be occurring in Ontario. A cougar killed along a Connecticut highway in 2011, for example, was discovered by an American Wildlife Genetics Laboratory to have a genetic makeup consistent with the Black Hills of South Dakota. This cougar was believed to have travelled more than 1,500 miles in an unfathomable trek eastward. It is my theory that many of our Ontario cats could fall into this category. Keep your eyes peeled and should you catch a glimpse of a large brown or black cat with a long tail, please contact me: [email protected]

Summer drawing to a close

Seasonal changes are upon us folks! Fish species like Northern pike and muskie which spent much of the summer in deep water will slowly emerge in the shallows. Seasonal movement is observed among white-tailed deer as well, with the buck’s antler development all but complete, resident males travel into open fields for the annual ‘meet and greet’. As the pre-season period approaches, these bucks will congregate to compare antlers size and establish the pecking order. Now is one of the best times to observe critters on the move so be on the look out.

2015 Ford Expedition, a beast in civil clothing

This summer when not out chasing cougars, I had the opportunity of road testing a 2015 Ford Expedition Platinum. The Expedition was a formidable beast indeed and the largest SUV I have reviewed to date. This rugged full-size comes with a new turbo V6 under the hood kicking out a more than ample 365 horses and impressive 420 foot-pounds of torque; propelling me soundly (and safely) down Highway 401 towards Niagara Falls. Had I been towing a boat or trailer, the 9,200-pound towing capacity would have completed the task in spades with the best towing capacity I have seen in a Sport Utility Vehicle.

Considering the Expedition’s mammoth footprint it handled more like a Ford Escape, and I had no trouble manoeuvring in and out of traffic. I enjoyed the MyFord Touch screen which covered all important vehicle parameters such as climate, entertainment and navigation. The acceleration, highway cruising speed and comfort level were excellent, and the Platinum trim came nicely appointed with blind spot indicator (BLIS), neat retractable running boards and large eight-inch MyFord Touch screen and moon roof, among other things.

This beast came dressed in civil clothing too as a sharp-looking and admirable ‘sportsmen hauler’ to say the least, available in both seven and eight-passenger with more than enough clout to get any hunter or fisherman safely off the grid. The four-wheel independent suspension had a lot to do with the Expedition’s superior ride quality, quite noteworthy for a nearly 6,000-pound vehicle. Average fuel consumption ranged from approximately 13-15 L/100 km, which isn’t too shabby given the magnitude of this SUV. Enthusiasts in this size-class don’t usually purchase based on fuel sipping capabilities. My time with the 2015 Ford Expedition was enjoyable from start to finish. For more information, check out the Ford of Canada site: http://www.ford.ca/

Next time!

Tune in next time for more exciting news from the back-40 including another informative product field-test report and the official kick-off to moose season.

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Summer fun in the Great Outdoors

My July column is now out in the Pembroke Daily Observer. Check it out:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2015/07/17/summer-fun-in-the-great-outdoors

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

Regardless of what outdoor adventure you embark upon this summer, the rest and relaxation of spending time the Great Outdoors is the ultimate reward.



Summer is meant to be enjoyed leisurely with my family and friends in an outdoor setting. Camping, cottaging, and of course fishing are a few of the things I enjoy. One day, I could be casting for northern pike and bass with my daughters at the trailer in Cobden or putting up trail cameras, and the next I might be scouting the deer woods or checking on the hunt camp.

Holiday season is all about getting back to basics and enjoying things that really matter. So, do yourself a favour this summer, turn off that boob tube, and try to forget about gas prices for a week or two. We are fortunate to live in a region that offers such a wide variety of recreational outdoor activities at our doorstep.



Testing, testing

The new Danner Steadfast hunting boots I field-tested recently are a great addition from a company who’s been making high quality hunting boots since 1932. The 8″ Steadfast model I tested were form-fitting, solid and according to Danner are custom made for hunters who enjoy stalking. The footbed on these boots is positioned low within an all-new platform to provide ground-sensing traction, much like a high performance Porsche race car engine with a low center of gravity.

These boots combine nubuck leather and 900 denier nylon for lightweight support, and feature a great waterproof dry liner which pulls moisture away from the foot for improved comfort after a long day of sneaking along that deer trail. A roomier toe-box at the front also ensures warmer feet come late November. Overall, I found the new Danner Steadfast to be solid, comfortable and lightweight; a perfect fit for the upcoming deer or moose season. For more information, check out Danner products: http://www.danner.com/product/hunt/



Food for deer


At a time of year when many sportsmen are out on the water, Dave Smetana is out working his deer fields. Dave isn’t a farmer by profession but more what you might call an agricultural conservationist. He 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 and our region is no exception, with food plots offer supplemental nutrients throughout the summer and later in the season after farm crops are cut. Earlier this summer Smetana got things started with the ATV and a Plot Mule, which is a small set of discs hauled behind an ATV. From there it’s a matter of spreading the seed evenly.

According to this deer farmer, once the seed hits the ground, it needs to be covered with soil immediately. Some seed requires ¼ inch of coverage, while others need more. Managing your own food plots might be time consuming, but for dedicated conservationists like Dave Smetana, it is a labour of love. As summer progresses the food plots really come into their own providing great nourishment for white-tailed deer.



Bear awareness this summer


Each summer cottagers, campers and municipalities are urged to do their part to avoid nuisance bears. Black bears are attracted to any food source, and in areas where berries and other natural forage is not available, bear’s will eat whatever they can get including pet food, compost and even garbage. They will also return to food sources they remember from last year so be mindful when spending time in bear country. Although bear encounters are rare they do occur, so be sure to keep your wits about you this summer.

If you have a nuisance animal around your property, report it immediately to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in Pembroke: (613) 732-3661.


 

 

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Bass season just around the corner…

My June Outdoors Guy column in the Pembroke Daily Observer was out in print this week,  and is now available online:  http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/

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

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

Each year, the Valley bass season in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15 gets underway the forth Saturday in June; two weeks later than most other sport fish. From a conservation standpoint, a later start allows for smallmouth and largemouth to complete the spawn and for young bass to mature so they may fend for themselves. Other species like walleye and trout play no 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 next Friday, one day before the rest of the FMZ 15. If anyone’s looking for me next weekend, I’ll be in Cobden trying to beat my personal bass record of 7 pounds.

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 dial 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.ontario.ca/travel-and-recreation/apply-big-game-draw

Testing testing

I recently had the opportunity of trying-out a pair of Kamik’s new Bushman hunting boots and was very pleased that I did. Truth be told, I was not a huge proponent of old-school Kamik boots from the 1980’s. They were big and clunky and after a long day of lugging them around the bush, your legs were more fatigued than would be expected. Thank goodness things have changed greatly from a design standpoint, with this long-running Canadian boot manufacturer. The new Bushman boots are more form-fitting and snug around the ankles for improved comfort and support. These Kamik’s are 100 per cent waterproof with 7mm 4-way stretch neoprene uppers and a waterproof synthetic rubber shell. Part of reason they’re so lightweight is the company’s patented synthetic rubber material, which is 50% lighter than natural rubber and 30% lighter than other synthetic rubbers in its class resulting in a terrific lightweight, waterproof combination. I tested the new Bushman on uneven terrain while setting-up some new trail camera locations in the forest behind my house, but I could see these boots serving well during the first week of deer season. Kamik has succeeded in producing a solid pair of waterproof boots that weigh-in at a scant 34 ounces! For more information, check-out Kamik hunting boots online: http://www.kamik.com/b2c_int_en/men-boots-elements-S15.html

BAIT tourney a success!

The 27th annual Blind Anglers International Tournament (BAIT) hosted by Nangor Resort in Westmeath on May 29-30th was another big success and set a record for the most fish caught, with 11 walleye and 107 pike weighed-in, for a total of 287.6 pounds! The Catch of the Day prize went to the team of Pro Angler Rick Klatt and Blind Anglers; Darrell & David Furgoch. Biggest Pike prize was taken by team of Pro Rick Martin and Blind Angler Gord Wilson, with a nice 9.36 pound pike. The Biggest Walleye award went to Pro Angler Dan Fanning and Blind Angler Bill Rizzo. Number of Pike prize was taken by Pro James Vaillant and Blind Angler Madelaine Peters with 6 pike, weighing in at 24.52 pounds. The Number of Walleye prize went to Pro John Podlesny and Blind Angler Tad Skalski, for their 3 walleye weighing 3.57 pounds. A special thanks to Lions Club Chairman Al Page for the update and a huge round of applause to all the volunteers and Nangor Resort for another fanatic BAIT tournament!