/columns/122/Outdoor-Life Outdoor life is a column by Mick Bohonis. Sun, 19 May 2013 11:53:55 GMT 5 http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/280046/Outdoor-Life/The-elusive-walleye According to major studies done in several universities across North America, walleyes smell and hear you. In fact they smell and hear you so much it could mean a really bad day of fishing if preventative actions are not taken. With the opener of walleye season this weekend, it could well be in some locales you will be fishing over ice. As I write this on May 13, there are still quite a few lakes blanketed in ice. If a lot of the lakes are indeed still ice infested then most river systems will be taking the heat. Does it matter if it’s winter or summer? Do walleyes hear or smell better when it’s warm compared to this time of the year when ice is still evident? Believe it or not it doesn’t matter what time of the year it is and game fish, in particular walleyes, eat and survive depending on their senses of smell and hearing, and up until a couple of decades ago, most anglers were totally oblivious to this fact. Like humans, a great part of our instinctive actions and decision-making comes from our keen senses. Why would fish be any different? Walleyes are Northwestern Ontario’s most sought after game fish by far and for good reason. Yellow bellies are only second to the northern pike in populating most of the bodies of water that cover our Canadian Shield in this neck of the woods. Here are some facts that you walleye seekers may not know about this species. Walleyes are spawning machines, and the females can lay up to 650,000 eggs per year, usually in the early spring. Did you know they can travel up to 40 miles in a day? Yes indeed folks, random tagged walleyes have been tracked 40 miles in their respective body of water. Although rare, it has been documented. One myth is walleyes always lay on the bottom, but much to everyone’s surprise they do not. A lot of the time walleyes will suspend in water although they do lay on the bottom usually during the spring and mid-fall as the oxygen levels are non sufficient at certain depths unless they are in a shallow inland lake like most of ours here in the north. In lakes that have a lot of depth, fish react differently, like in Dog Lake, Lake Superior, Athelstane Lake and many more that are 100 feet or more in depth. Walleyes in most cases don’t go deeper than 60 feet. Most often they are anywhere between four and 50 feet depending on oxygen levels, food and clarity. Every lake is different and I’m sure all you walleye experts out there have your favourite lake all figured out. In terms of lifespan, a walleye can reach the age of 20 years if conditions are right. The farther north they go, the slower they grow. One thing I can tell you is this – walleyes are nomadic and can fool you at the most opportune time. Just when you think you have everything all figured out, they throw a curve ball and stunt your day on the water or out on the ice. Well here’s to a successful opener and by the time you’re reading this let’s hope all bodies of water are easy to navigate without ice. Be safe. Fri, 17 May 2013 12:07:53 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/280046/Outdoor-Life/The-elusive-walleye http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/272294/Outdoor-Life/Trout-fishing-101   April 1 was when this went to pen, and although its days later that you’re reading this, my chest waders and rainbow trout fishing gear is still waiting patiently in the corner of my office to be used. I have to say I’m ready. I have cabin fever and am anticipating getting out onto some of my favourite trout streams and some of my speckled trout lakes. It’s always that last few weeks when you have to stay off the lakes (because of the melt) and the rivers and streams are just not quite ready to go. There is that lull that has to be filled with something in the outdoors and after a long snow-filled winter I can’t wait to land a few trout. Rainbow trout, also known as steelhead, will traditionally migrate into the local rivers and creeks to spawn, and this normally occurs when the ice is broken up and decent current and water levels allow these colourful fish to make their way upstream. Of course this will lure many trout anglers to the banks of these waterways and I for one will be out there with the rest of them. The rainbow trout is one of the most widely introduced fish on a world basis. Its native range was the eastern Pacific Ocean and the freshwaters west of the Rocky Mountains, from northwest Mexico to Alaska. In Canada, rainbow trout are found across the country from British Columbia to the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland, across the southern portions of the provinces from Nova Scotia to Ontario, north to central Manitoba, northern Alberta and in the Yukon. The rainbow trout is a member of the salmon family and is strong in numbers in the Great Lakes and in particular right here in our  local waters. Not only can they be caught in streams in the spring but also in the summer out in the big lake while eager salmon and lake trout anglers are downrigging. The usual spawning site chosen for rainbows in rivers is a bed of fine gravel in a riffle above a pool. The female digs a nest in the gravel by turning on her side and beating her tail up and down. During spawning, the eggs fall into spaces between the gravel and immediately the female begins digging at the upstream edge of the nest covering the eggs with the displaced gravel. Between the U.S. border at Pigeon River and Sault Ste Marie, there are three dozen rivers and streams that are magnets to serious trout anglers and some of my favourites are between Thunder Bay and Schrieber. These are the types of rivers with that pebbly small rocky bottom that rainbows like. Although I do get up the north shore a few times steelheading, I also frequent a couple of our local rivers and creeks as well. The MacKenzie is one and of course the good ole Neebing River and McVicar Creek are the others.  Gear used depends on where I’m fishing and water conditions. However, I do have a couple of units I am partial to and have had a lot of success with. Most of the time I will use my Browning spinning rod that was designed spefically for this type of trout fishing in heavy current. It has an extended butt on it and a little softer bend which allows me to lean into the rod a little more without a lot of force and tearing that small hook out of the fish’s mouth. This rod offers a nice steady pressure in current yet is tough enough to land the biggest of hens if need be. A Fleuger reel with a lot of line capacity rounds out this package quite nicely. In some areas I will also pull out my Orvis fly rod and Sage reel and drift a tied spawn sac. I will always have both combos in the truck so I can make a choice of what’s best upon arrival at the stream.  Bait choices are numerous and I can hoenstly say I have caught rainbow trout on just about everything. Of course the ole faithful spawn sac seems to be the most widely used. Rainbow trout are predators with a varied diet and will eat almost anything. Their reputation as “picky” eaters is simply not true. A good set of chest waders is a must. Another mandatory piece of equipment is a decent personal floatation device; I will use the small inflatable collar style. Although these are not cheap, it’s a great piece of gear when steelhead fishing. It allows the angler to maneuver, cast and retrieve his offering easier without major restriction like a conventional life jacket can produce. This can save your life as I have taken a spill in 33 Celsius water on more than one accassion, and in a heavy current you don’t have much time to help yourself. If you have never fished for rainbow trout, get out and try it. It doesn’t take a lot of exepnsive gear and you don’t have to travel far. Good luck. Fri, 05 Apr 2013 09:29:41 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/272294/Outdoor-Life/Trout-fishing-101 http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/271238/Outdoor-Life/Predators-and-prey It seems both predators and prey are thriving in our neck of the woods and are creating as much havoc on other wildlife, residents, and domesticated animals as they ever have. There have been considerably more calls to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and many letters to the editor recently about lynx sightings and the killing of domesticated pets by these animals. It seems it has escalated this winter more than in past winters, and rural folk are not liking it. Lately I have read, heard by word of mouth and seen for myself that the wolf population is up in numbers by a spread more than originally thought. Deer are running everywhere, in the rural areas as well as our city streets and highways, causing numerous car accidents.  It seems all is normal in the wild kingdom. Or is it?  Like most ecosystems, cycles take place within animal populations, and this occurs due to habitat and food availability within a species, so when there is an abundance of berries, insects and grubs, there are lots of bears. When there are great numbers of deer, there are a lot of wolves, lynx and coyotes.                                                      However, at this point and time in Northwestern Ontario there is evidence of high numbers of many species, and some people are asking why?      According to the many people I’ve spoken with including game wardens, biologists, hunters, anglers, provincial park employees, vets, farmers, trappers and many others, it all boils down to a couple of simple facts. So I’m told.      A consideration by one fellow is the consistently milder winters over the last five years, which has allowed for an increase in populations no matter what the species.                    Another official said he believes the lack of hunting and trapping particular species may have had an impact on the populations and their increase in numbers, and I had another fellow tell me the populations are all normal and that we are all hallucinating. So with these answers and the many more I received, I have come to some conclusions of my own. I will start with the bears. There is no doubt in my mind (and thousands of others) that the cancellation of the spring bear hunt not only hugely impacted lodges, resorts and outfitters in the way of lost revenue to the tune of millions, but also put the bears in jeopardy themselves. The spring bear hunt was a well-managed tool in which populations stayed stable, and in fact, even with the spring hunt the population was on a slow rise. Now the bears have increased in numbers dramatically in the last 10 years and are at the forefront of some deep concerns. Too many bears are causing them to get closer and infiltrate places they normally would not like suburbs, camp areas and in some instances right into small towns and villages. The worst part is they are losing their fear of humans, which can become a real danger. When a wild animal loses its fear of humans, much like the lynx have as of late in our rural route, someone or something is going to get mauled and killed whether it’s a person, pet or other. Bears are very territorial and cannibalistic. Mature boars will not hesitate to kill young bears and defend their part of the woods. With so many bears on the prowl now, land mass and ranges are becoming scarce, pushing adolescent bears into populated areas and places where they end up getting shot or wounded by scared and concerned residents. There are not as many bear hunters as there were, largely due to the shortened seasons and ever increasing restrictions and license costs. Many people are simply giving up on bear hunting. There’s a simple solution, which I don’t have to say – we all know what it is! Deer numbers (contrary to some beliefs) are also high, very high, going by the self sightings, number of car collisions reported, police reports, rural folk testimonies, the initiation of a city regulated bow hunt and harvest numbers. All of them indicate white tail deer are thriving and greatly increasing in population. Rural folks are continuing to feed the deer and this is something that needs to be stopped.  I personally saw many deer feeders still in operation the last few months while out in the semi-rural and rural areas. Feeding the deer for your own viewing pleasure and feeling sorry for them is only doing harm to these animals, as their instincts to fear humans and fend for themselves are being altered, and this is when deer become nuisances and hazards on the rural roads. Not to mention the attraction of predators that are only doing what they naturally do. Wolves in the past few years have moved in and are way up in numbers than in previous years. Once again all I have to go on is self sightings, harvest numbers and other hunter and land owner sightings and harvests. I believe the wolves have increased in numbers simply because of the high number of whitetail deer, deeper snow this year, and by the simple fact that when people feed the deer, it congregates them into a small area where wolves can have a buffet, which ultimately is in your backyard. Is this going to take a toll on the deer populations and cull some of the herd in the next couple of years? Maybe, but is it going to be enough to bring the herd down to an acceptable number of animals? Should we have an extended hunting season for deer to help achieve this? Yes. Should hunters be allowed to take an extra animal for the freezer and family members? Yes. I believe both of these ideas should be put in place, however the MNR doesn’t see it that way. As hunters and stewards of the land we have to try to keep a balance in place for all our natural resources, and when populations explode to an unacceptable level, the MNR has to step in and adjust things accordingly to do what their mandate states. Managers of the game. If it means decreasing limits and seasons, then we accept that if sound biological data can sustain such a move and does indeed need to take place. However, if populations and animal numbers show they have to allow more hunting and generous bag limits, then the same principles should apply. Should it not? What do you think?  Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:44:23 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/271238/Outdoor-Life/Predators-and-prey http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/269008/Outdoor-Life/The-right-boat-for-you Boats seem to be on many folks minds these days with the amount of advertising I have heard and seen on television. Heck it’s only the middle of March and already boating is in the air. Upon driving into any of the local marine dealers we have here in Thunder Bay, it’s easy to spot lineups of boats, motors and trailers of every colour, make and model. Although most are still vacuum packed, soon all will be displayed for the eager consumer. Big ones,  little ones,  inboards, outboards, open bow, closed bow, side council models, walk through windshield, aluminum and fiberglass. And there’s bass boats, ski boats, jet boats, pontoon boats, leisure boats, sport fish and a zillion others.  So how does one go about knowing which is best for him and what is a good deal? This is something that for the first time buyer can become intimidating.  First off I would do my homework well beforehand when it comes to buying a boat. Are you strictly an angler? Or do you want to fish but also take the kids water-skiing and ­­wake­­boarding? There are a lot of questions to ask yourself when buying a boat.  Then there is the toughest part of all – paying for it. Do you plan on financing it or buying it outright? Most marine dealers offer great financing nowadays. However, there are some things you need to watch for like long-term payments that seem good at first but after paying every month for 10 years can relieve you of almost double the price. New boats and motors are not cheap, but if they’re well maintained and looked after, they can last 30 years. I still see a lot of ’70s models running around the lakes that operate and look as good as the day they were made. I have had a lot of makes and models over the years and to this day I still remember vividly the  old Thornes closed bow aluminum boat with a white coloured Mercury 35hp on the back. That belonged to the family. That old boat had more fish in it over the years than the lakes we fished did. No it did not have a LCD fish/depth finder on it, nor did it have a marine radio, radar system or aerated live wells. It didn’t have rod storage and a bilge pump, and was absent of a custom carpeted floor and pedestal seats. What it did have was a lot of fish hauled over the side of it. Today’s boats are simply awesome and are designed and manufactured with everyone’s tastes in mind. The most popular boats today are geared more towards fishing and rightly so since there is more water in Northwestern Ontario than land. However, with that comes camps and with camps comes kids and all the water fun kids can muster. If you are a serious angler and have no plans of pulling a water skier or a wakeboarder then a boat designed to cater to the angler is what you want to be looking at. They will start from the ever popular 14-foot aluminum with a kicker on the transom. These are lightweight and easily launched in most cases with one person. These boats are randomly seen on the back of pick ups or resting upside down on boat racks. Small aluminums are relatively inexpensive and can be transported by most vehicles. The down side of these boats are they cannot handle rougher water and have limited cargo space. Then we get into the “side console” models which are a little larger and equipped with more options for the angler. Most of these rigs are outfitted with live wells, pedestal seating, and rod storage. The boat I presently have today is what is known as a “fish and ski.” These models are probably one of the most popular on the lake, and can double as both an angling craft but also can accommodate the family and kids in their water sports. Remember when choosing a boat that length, weight and towing comes into play, and the type of vehicle you have is going make a difference as well. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:32:55 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/269008/Outdoor-Life/The-right-boat-for-you http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/266350/Outdoor-Life/March-brings-the-warmth For most of you who enjoy winter and all it offers like snowmobiling, skiing, ice fishing, snow shoeing, ice skating and anything else that takes place, there is no debate that March brings us warmer temperatures and more daylight. It’s kind of nice going to work in the daylight and coming home in the daylight opposed to the darkness at both ends like we experience in December and January. March is that month that kind of wakes us up from our cabin fever a wee bit, and the end of March leads us into spring, which we anticipate so much. With the month of March now here, it definitely gets more folks outside doing late winter activities and actually enjoying them. As an ice angler, I can tell you that I enjoy being out on the lake a lot more in March than the early part of the season for no other reason than the extended daylight and warm sun. On the contrary, I am a hard core dedicated bow hunter and will endure hours of cold and unpleasant conditions sitting on my tree stand with my bow. However, you will not find me sitting beside a frozen drilled hole jigging in  minus 25C waiting for a two-pound fish to bite. There is nothing like sitting out on a lawn chair jigging for a fat walleye with the warm sun beating down on you, your jacket undone, sun glasses on and a pair of light gloves with a warm beverage in a travel mug. It makes doing what we love to do outside so much more fun. However, it won’t be long before the shacks are off the lakes and the ice starts to break up. Last year was an early break up and an extremely warm March. It had many ice anglers scrambling to get their shacks off the lake long before they should have been yanked. Slush is an ice angler’s worst nightmare and it doesn’t take long to form with a week of 7C temperatures.  Those who know me know I spend many more hours in the woods than I do on the water. However, in the last half dozen years, I have taken my time on the water a lot more seriously and have landed some decent fish. Hanging out and spending time with some professional anglers has helped my success rate and education escalate. Doing a couple of remote fly-ins every summer has also added to my “In Box.” One fellow I have gained an enormous amount of knowledge from over the last six years is professional and tournament angler Wayne Cerven. Wayne has an enormous passion for fishing and has become a very good friend of mine and has taken the time and provided the patience to really break down the science of angling to me in a very simple way. I have fished with Wayne for lake trout, salmon, steelhead, walleye and smallmouth with a lot of success, and since spending a lot of time on his awesome rig, I have learned a lot about presentation, bait selection, rod and line selection, as well as underwater topography. These are things that a lot of folks don’t pay a lot of attention to. This guy has made me a much better angler and student of soft water fishing. Like trying to harvest a trophy whitetail buck, there are means and methods to angling, and to put a decent trophy on the wall, whether it swims or walks, I think the strategies are similar and it all boils down to passion, mindset, a little bit of luck and willingness to learn.  Walleye, of course, are the most sought after game fish in this part of the woods during open water angling. During most of April and half of May, I?see the banks of a lot of the local creeks and rivers lined with chest-wader clad steelhead fisherman. The species I like to chase the most is the elusive speckled trout, commonly known as the brook trout. These fish are by far at the top of my priority list when it comes to early season angling and I look forward to trying my luck again this year. Even though it’s a ways off, I anticipate it greatly! Personally I enjoy getting out in my canoe on a few of my favourite lakes that I know from experience hold good-sized specs. I will at least have a chance at landing a decent-sized fish and take in the beautiful scenery as well. I normally will use my light spinning rod and reel with six-pound test line, as well as small spinners and Rapalas. Once the insects come into play I will change over to my fly rod and give that a whirl. If you want to investigate where you can possibly catch a brook trout with easy access, try picking up a book called An Anglers Guide to Stocked Lakes that was launched by the Ministry of Natural Resources back in 2002. The guide provides information sheets on each lake including a map and global positioning coordinates, access and road information, lake characteristics, contours, species stocked and when the most recent stocking took place. More than 200,000 lake trout and brook trout were stocked in the year 2000. Seventy-four lakes were stocked in total and some of these lakes have very little fishing pressure. In some cases no boat is needed and fish can be caught right from shore. Since then many of these lakes have been restocked and new lakes have been stocked as well. Good luck, enjoy and be safe.   Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:59:17 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/266350/Outdoor-Life/March-brings-the-warmth http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/264386/Outdoor-Life/Finding-spirituality-in-the-outdoors For myself it has been a great start to the year as far as hard water angling goes, and from what I’m hearing from others, the same applies. The years pass and the clock stops for no one. It seems memories pile up faster than they should, but there is nothing we can do except work with Father Time. Now that my children are grown up and pretty much on their own, I sit and reflect a lot. I think about how things were back then and how they are today. Like everything else, modern technology has changed the way we live ten fold, however some things remains the same. The sun still rises and sets, and the growth and reproductive procedures of everything wild go through their cycles no matter what a computer, Twitter or Facebook says. At seven years old I was exposed to the killing of an animal for the first time. Although it was small game, it still had a profound effect on me, as I was holding this dead, lifeless poor rabbit my grandfather had just shot. As a young boy, I was feeling remorse for this creature that moments earlier was hopping around the woods minding his own business. Being too young to understand the concept of hunting as a management tool, understanding man’s natural instinct, and understanding sustenance gathering, I just went with the flow, and accepted the fact that this is what we were supposed to do. Was showing remorse for this dead animal normal, or was it a weakness hunters were not supposed to feel? Or was I simply too young and my thoughts were still amongst Saturday morning cartoons? I can tell you after more than 40 years of hunting, angling, guiding, conserving and preserving, I still feel that little bit of remorse for any animal I harvest; and as far as I am concerned it’s perfectly normal. The hundreds of animals that have succumbed to my shot shell, arrow or bullet have instilled a large amount of spirituality into my thoughts and emotions. The spirit of the wild is in all of us who hunt, trap and fish in some form or another. I believe that spirituality is the foundation and drive of who we are as hunters and gatherers, inherited from generations past whose life was dependant on such, long before modern technology swayed us into a world of preservatives, high speed Internet,and mass-produced domesticated livestock and fowl. Spirituality is individual and takes many forms. It can be defined differently to many in the outdoor fraternity. It’s up to you as a steward of the land, and a descendant of ancestral traditions and beliefs to define what your own spiritual connection is when in the wilds. For me personally, my connectedness with the outdoors is strong, especially when alone in my tree stand for hours. This is a time when I get to take in the sights, sounds and smells. I pay attention to the smallest things I would otherwise pass by in a world of fast-paced technology and drive-thrus. Watching the sun rise or set and really paying attention to it. Watching the wild world go about its daily routine in tune with every bit of its instinct to survive and reproduce, yet at a pace most of the human race could only hope for – slow and steady. Some folks look at me as this hard core hunter and angler. However, I take my time in the woods and on my boat as a privilege not a right, and I surely do not abuse that privilege or ruin it for anyone else. If I am afforded the opportunity to harvest a moose or deer or land a nice fish, my gratitude comes forth long before anything else. We truly do live in a great place and we should never take it for granted. We have four distinct seasons here in Thunder Bay that offers a truck load of activity to do outdoors. Get out there and enjoy it!   Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:59:47 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/264386/Outdoor-Life/Finding-spirituality-in-the-outdoors http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/260620/Outdoor-Life/Keeping-warm You ever look at a wild animal standing in a field or on the edge of a road during the dead of winter when it’s  minus 30 outside and wonder how they stay warm? As a kid I often asked myself that question, and I’m sure there are a lot of you wondering the same. Why would all wild animals not migrate to warmer climates, rather than choose to stay here in Northwestern Ontario and eat twigs and bark off of trees and freeze? Early this week when we hit the  minus 34 mark, I took it upon myself to take a drive and check out what the local deer herd would be doing when it’s this cold. Driving over to McKellar Island with my camera on the passenger seat, I was surprised to see a lot of the resident deer doing nothing other than what they normally do. Why I was expecting to see something out of the ordinary, I don’t know. Although it was bitterly cold outside, the deer seemed to be unscathed (so it appeared) and went about their business as if it was the middle of June. So what gives an animal like this the ability to withstand the harshest and extremes of climate swings anyway? How can a mature bull moose live in 30C temperatures enduring high humidity, swarms of black flies and mosquitoes to minus 40C,  wind chills with 17 hours of darkness and relatively little to eat and nourish themselves? Moose and deer go through major physical transformations during the course of a year, some of which are very obvious to human eyes and some are not. The most obvious is the growth and shedding of antlers. In a few short months a mature bull moose can develop a huge rack that can span five feet and weigh as much as 80 pounds only to shed them in the winter and start the process all over again in the spring. So what about enduring the extreme temperatures part? Well moose and deer have unique fur coats that change with the seasons. This time of year these ungulates’ outer layer is thick and course, but what’s most interesting is the actual hair itself; each individual hair on these animals is hollow, which makes for an excellent insulator against the harsh temperatures. Yes, hollow hair, which when accompanied with an extremely thick hide and layers of fat, keeps wind chills and bitter cold temperaturess at bay.  Come warmer temperatures in the spring this coat will go through a process called molting, which allows the animal to discard the old dying and shedding hair only to start the growth of a new lighter coloured, thinner and cooler outer layer for the summer months. How ever we look at it, it doesn’t matter if it’s minus 30 or plus 30, these animals have a unique built-in heating and cooling process, unlike humans that rely on air conditioners and furnaces to maintain sanity up here in the great Northwest.   Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:26:56 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/260620/Outdoor-Life/Keeping-warm http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/259122/Outdoor-Life/Whale-of-a-tale It doesn’t matter whether it’s summer or winter, the old saying goes “you can always tell when a fisherman is lying, simply because his lips are moving.”  As far back as man started to angle, whether it be off shore, in a boat or through the ice, fish tales of all sorts and sizes began relating to the size of the fish, the fight the fish put up and how long it took to reel it in. To this day it still remains the same as it did 50 years ago. Anglers still stretch the truth and try to get every ounce and inch they can on the fish they catch. However, today's technology makes the storytelling about that big fish a little more difficult with the equipment that is offered to anglers in the way of digital read-out scales and measuring devices that now stick right to the side of your boat or devices that can weigh your fish as soon as it comes out of that ice fishing hole.  What would have been a six-pounder now is a four-pounder. What about lures? If you take the time to open up a Bass Pro Shops or a Cabela's catalog there will be literally half the book dedicated just to lures. Everything that you could possibly offer a fish on the end of your line will be in these pages and it almost makes it difficult for the average angler to choose what he thinks may give him the upper edge. Lures that float, are impregnated with scent, sink, suspend, dive, wobble, rattle, change colour, glow and side-wind are now offered. What happened to the straight hook and minnow, or the old faithful “Little Joe” spinner? Fishing for walleyes as a kid, all we used were maribou jigs and worms or small minnows and we filled the boat or had many fish laying on the ice during the hard water angling season. Simplicity was good, and although modern technology has made us safer, I believe it has made us lazier as well. In the winter, Little Butler Lake (one of my favourite speckled trout lakes), Agimak Lake, Indian Lake, Raliegh Lake, Sowden Lake and many others that we fished around the town of Ignace were the hot spots when I was growing up and it was all accomplished with simple easy-to-use gear. Red willow branches were our rods and whatever mono line was available at the time was used. There were no high-tech flashers or portable pop-up shelters. Nope, we endured the elements and that was it. Today’s recreational and tournament fishing has exploded into a multi-million dollar industry that keeps getting bigger. It doesn’t matter if it’s summer or winter there have been leaps and bounds made in both. There is now the professional tarpon circuit, the professional walleye tour, the professional redfish circuit, the bass masters and many others. It’s crazy the amount of money and prizes put up and how many people try to make a living at this throughout North America. Just take a look on TV whether it be satellite or cable and see for yourself how many fishing shows there are and then take a look at the amount of corporate advertising that coincides with these shows. It’s big bucks and some of the manufacturers hold nothing back when it comes to making sure their product is out there. I myself am caught right in the middle of all the hype as I too have boats, quads and snow machines outfitted with everything and a tackle box that requires a forklift to move. It’s addicting and the simple fact that tackle does not cost a lot in comparison to boats, motors and snowmobiles can easily allow a guy to sneak in a few new lures every week without breaking the bank or ruffling his other half’s feathers! So why do anglers have to have two boats, a snowmobile, ATV, 12 rods, four different tackle boxes, four stringers, three minnow pails, eight life jackets and five pairs of polarized sunglasses just for fishing? The cost of going fishing has also risen tenfold in the last 15 years, and that is evident when venturing out to your favourite lake. By the time it’s said and done it’s a $150 day. Eight dozen medium minnows is now $40. Then one has to stop at the gasoline kiosk where they have a loans officer to take your application in order to fill your truck and snowmobile. My truck holds 140 litres and at $1.36 a litre it’s well, you get it. Divided by the eight to 12 fish you get and it comes to a mere $25 a fish. Nuts you say? Yes maybe, but in comparison, what about the guy who spends  $5,000 on a golf membership chasing a little white ball around for five months? Or $45,000 on a custom Harley-Davidson. Where do we draw the line?  When it comes to leisure, sports and entertainment, it’s all relative to your own passions, interests and bank account. We all work hard for our disposable income and time away from work is to enjoy ourselves in whatever manner we prefer.  Living in this part of the country, one would think fishing is just a part of life for many folks and if the amount of boats or snowmobiles sitting on trailers in people’s driveways is any indication, it's close to it. If I had back the amount of money I have spent on hunting and fishing in the last 20 years, I could probably pay cash for a new house. However, it’s something that I just have to do and will continue to do no matter what the cost. To all you anglers out there who think you spend too much money on your passion, I have news for you – you probably do.   Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:08:19 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/259122/Outdoor-Life/Whale-of-a-tale http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/257644/Outdoor-Life/Blinded-by-the-snow You walk outside on a bright, sunny winter day and you immediately start to squint and reach for your sunglasses. The reflection of the sun off of the snow is hurting your eyes and focusing clearly is almost impossible. During the winter months one of the most overlooked injuries that can happen is snow blindness, otherwise known as ultraviolet keratitis.  Nonsense you say? Well statistically you are more likely to contract some form of snow blindness during bright winter days than any other time of the year simply because snow reflects about 80 per cent of ultraviolet rays. That’s compared to a sand beach (about 15 per cent) or water (40 per cent). Snow blindness can be very dangerous. Snow blindness is simply a sunburn to the cornea of the eye and you may not even realize you have burned your cornea until several hours after it has happened. Symptoms can vary and range from blood shot eyes to severe pain and itchiness to permanent loss of vision. Many outdoorsy people have succumbed to snow blindness, and it is not a very pleasant injury to endure as your eyes in most cases are painful and have a continuous itch and water profusely. Of course everyone’s first defense against snow blindness is a decent pair of sunglasses as they will absorb almost all of the harmful UV rays and will transmit 10 to 15 per cent of visible light. The term snow blindness is used loosely and the cornea can be burned from other things such as a tanning bed, which occurs without proper eye protection, or maybe from the flash of a welder’s arc (flash burn) or maybe from something as simple as a flash from a camera. Whatever the case may be, your eyes are very sensitive to bright light or flashes, and precautions should be taken to ensure your safety, especially if you’re out on a frozen lake or miles up a trap line in the dead of winter. The reflection of a bright sun off of fresh snow can be extreme, and it can leave you walking around literally blind until the cornea has had time to heal, which could be anywhere from 10 to 48 hours depending on the severity of the burn. There was a story written in an outdoor magazine a couple of months ago that depicted the scene of a geologist who lost his only pair of eye protection glasses while prospecting in Canada’s north. He neglected to take other precautions and did indeed suffer from snow blindness and lost his vision for almost 40 hours in a geographic location that was cold and harsh. This fellow couldn’t see anything and had to endure almost two full days without his sense of sight in an area that was completely unfamiliar to him and temperatures in the -20s. Although severely frostbitten and hungry, he did survive, and eventually got enough of his sight back to make his way out of the woods, but wrote this story to inform other Canadians of how he almost did not make it  because he failed to protect his eyes from the burning UV rays bouncing off the northern snow. So what did the Inuit do all these years with 10 months of snow and a lot of days of intense bright sun? They made their own snow goggles, which were constructed from several different materials available to them. One of the most popular models were made from caribou antlers. They were custom carved and fit to the wearer’s face and had a groove cut in the back of them to allow for the user’s nose.     Long skinny slits were cut into each side on the fronts to allow for only small amounts of light, decreasing the amount of UV rays actually getting through to the eyes. These goggles were held to the head by caribou sinew or tanned leather strips. They worked and protected their eyes when out on the ice pack for days seal hunting. Today we outdoors people need to take the time to protect ourselves from many physical damaging forces of nature that can change us. Take the time to get yourself a good pair of polarized sun glasses and wear them – especially in the bright winter sun.   Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:47:50 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/257644/Outdoor-Life/Blinded-by-the-snow http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/252155/Outdoor-Life/The-Christmas-Tree Although I have seen many Christmas trees already set up in the front windows of local residences, it’s that time of year when most folks get serious about doing so if they already haven’t and join the rest of the sheep herd in bringing home that pine or balsam. The tradition of having a tree in our homes to umbrella a truck load of gifts has been in place for eons, and seems to be as strong as ever. Tree lots are popping up everywhere in the city and of course the fake trees are boxed and piled high in most of the big retailers in town, and then there is the tradition of taking the kids out into the bush and selecting the perfect Christmas tree and cutting it down yourself. Although I think the latter of the three is dwindling fast as years go by, it’s still important to many people who want to make that outing a memorable part of their holiday season. What about me you ask? Well in all honesty I have experienced all three (bought, fake and self harvested). All have their advantages and disadvantages. A fake tree is just that; it’s fake but lasts for years and doesn’t dry out and leave a kazillion needles throughout the house that need to be swept and vacuumed up. You can purchase a decent fake tree for a couple hundred dollars, which over the period of a decade is a mere $20 a year. The bought tree is good too, but costs on the average of $60 a pop and over a period of 10 years is a cool $600. The good part about a bought real tree is it’s convenient. You don’t have to drive far to find one, and these lots usually have hundreds of trees to select from. In most cases these trees are very symmetrical and shapely, but the downfall of a tree lot Christmas tree is they are cut well in advance and shipped to us via transport truck from a Christmas tree farm. This means two things; they are aged and very dry. Keeping them hydrated is extremely important, and from experience they will suck up a lot of water once set up in the house. A dry Christmas tree can become an extreme fire hazard, so it’s imperative to make sure there is ample water feeding the trunk of that tree on a regular basis. As a long time hunter, the majority of my Christmas trees came from the great outdoors, simply because of the timing of the hunting season in conjunction with the onset of the Christmas season. Hunting season up here in Northwestern Ontario extends to Dec. 15, which means I’m out in the woods looking for that moose, deer or simply small game hunting. Over the period of a couple of months prior to Christmas, it gives me a lot of time to eye up some possible prospects when the time comes to harvest. Being fortunate to be the owner of a large chunk of private property allows me to enjoy an afternoon walking some bird trails or cruising the back part of my property on my ATV this time of the year, which in most cases means the end result is coming back to camp with a tree in tow. The custom of erecting a Christmas tree can be historically traced to 15th century Livonia (present-day Estonia and Latvia) and 16th century Northern Germany. Germany is where the Christmas tree’s roots (no pun intended) really began. I bet a lot of you had no idea how old this tradition is and how it all got started? Long before the advent of Christianity, plants and trees that remained green all year had a special meaning for people in the winter. Just as people today decorate their homes during the festive season with pine, spruce and fir trees, ancient people hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many countries people believed that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits and illness. Today if you asked any young person what is symbolic about their Christmas tree, I would bet the majority of the answers would be “To put all the presents under!” To a lot of folks Christmas is the decorated tree in their homes, and rightly so. It has many meanings and gives off an aura that fills the home with spirituality. This weekend I will be out in the woods trying to help a friend fill his moose tag before the season ends, however, I will also be hunting for the perfect Christmas tree as well. Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:00:56 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/252155/Outdoor-Life/The-Christmas-Tree http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/250821/Outdoor-Life/Use-caution-on-the-ice It happens every year at this time, and no matter how many warnings and precautionary measures are taken, someone or something goes through the ice on some of our local lakes and rivers. This year is no exception, as once again I have heard stories of people venturing out on the ice way before they should be and taking no precautionary measures. Mother Nature holds all of the cards when it comes to what we can and cannot do outdoors, as is so evident with the recent hurricane that hit the East Coast and in particular New York City. There are also so many other weather phenomenons that have taken place and ultimately taken so many lives over the years throughout the world. Living in Northwestern Ontario has its pros and cons weather wise. Some may argue the fact that our winters are too cold and too long and many wish to live in other tropical locales. However, if you look at the positives, the last time I checked we had no hurricanes, earthquakes or tsunamis that wipe out anything in its path. On the contrary, we do have mosquitoes the size of small birds, some violent thunderstorms and minus 30 degree temperatures in the dead of winter. It’s a small trade off compared to what we see on CNN that rocks the rest of the planet. The end of November and the beginning of December is always a precautionary period in the transition of fall to winter, and pushing the envelope may prove to be costly. Yet every year a few test the waters (no pun intended) and pay the price. Every body of water is different in its makeup, and unless you are very familiar with the lake you’re on, it would be a wise decision to stay away this time of the year. Under current, oxygenation, slush and depth all play a factor in ice conditions. What may look like a very solid body of hard water, may be a death wish. Last year a couple of vehicles went through once again on Lac Des Mille Lacs and that has been a tradition every year for the last 10 years. Folks just can’t wait to “get out there.” Why? Are four walleye that important that you have to risk your truck, all your gear, a huge fine and vehicle recovery bill, not to mention your own health and well being? I just don’t get it. But like anything else, it will continue and people will perish unnecessarily and insurance costs will soar because of it. This year has been unique to say the least as we have had somewhat of a warm fall and relatively no snow until last week when we received a huge dump. Temperatures have been ­some­what n­or­mal in the last 14 days. However, it does take some time to form safe ice yet some people just have to push the envelope. It takes at least four inches of solid ice before it would be safe to support human weight and in my opinion that’s not enough. Be patient and let the ice form thick before considering taking the first steps out on the lake. It’s not going to be long before the ice shacks are going to be pulled out onto the lakes and set up in their small towns. Rivers are starting to freeze up slowly, yet the currents are still strong and although visually it looks safe, it’s quite the opposite. This can be very dangerous for anyone who wants to play with fire and get too close to something that could sweep them away in seconds. When the small amount of ice forms, it gives a false sense of safety. Creeks and rivers can become torrents, and with water temperatures hovering near the freezing range someone who falls in will have mere minutes to get out or be in grave danger. Just remember common sense will always prevail and if you’re not sure or second guessing yourself, take the safe route and avoid it.   Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:33:11 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/250821/Outdoor-Life/Use-caution-on-the-ice http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/246664/Outdoor-Life/Cooking-on-an-open-flame Everyone at some time or another has guests to share food with over the course of a year. It may be to celebrate a birthday, or some special occasion. It is usually at Christmas or Thanksgiving. To a lot of outdoorsmen this sharing escalates when the hunting season rolls around. This is the time of the year when moose and deer, grouse and fowl are being harvested. Freezers are being filled with roasts, steaks and freshly made sausage. There is just something about serving a slow-cooked moose roast and a side of fresh potatoes and veggies straight out of the garden to the family around the dining room table, simply because it has to do with natural bounty. Subconsciously your mind tells you it does indeed taste better than if it was bought and served from the grocery store. Why does food always tastes better in the great outdoors or when you harvest or grow it yourself? Why does a sausage taste better when roasted over a camp fire, rather than boiled on the stove at home? No matter what you’re eating it seems to please your taste buds more when not eaten in the  lunch room at work or sitting at the kitchen table.  Thousands of years ago there were no ovens that allowed you to slide in a cookie sheet of Pop Tarts, ready in seven minutes for the kids, with a jug of Kool-Aid. No, rather it was a piece of fire-charred bannock or a skinned rabbit slow cooked on a spit over an open flame. How most people look at preparing food today is quite interesting especially when it comes to wild game. It boggles my mind how many folks shun wild game. A lot of my hunting buddies wives will not eat moose or deer. Some won’t even eat fresh walleye fillets. There are several times a year I have guests for dinner in my household, and it’s almost a given that when you show up, you are either going to be eating venison, fish or upland game bird prepared as well if not better than the finest restaurants in Thunder Bay. Contrary to popular belief venison  is much leaner and carries a lot more protein than conventional domesticated beef. Nutritional breakdown proves it, and in fact there have been many studies done over the years by several universities and all were conclusive in their findings that wild game meats and fish were by far superior in their quality for human consumption.  With the big game season in full swing, it's a no brainer that thousands of hunters are hitting the woods in quest of that swamp donkey and just as many freezers will be filled with protein rich venison to enjoy over the winter.   Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:14:33 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/246664/Outdoor-Life/Cooking-on-an-open-flame http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/243570/Outdoor-Life/Deer-hunting-101 The end of October heading into November means the best time of the year to harvest a trophy buck for some serious deer hunters. The rut or the mating season for whitetail deer in our neck of the woods occurs this time of the year and usually peaks in early to mid-November, depending on the moon phase. Whitetail deer, much like moose, breed the same time every year, although the peak of the rut for moose is much earlier. Deer, in particular bigger bucks, start to move at all times of the day in search of that receptive doe. It’s called the photo period, which is the amount of daylight that triggers the estrous period in the females. With swelled necks and black tarsal glands, mature bucks will throw caution to the wind and for a short time, let their guard down in order to find that doe that is ready to breed. For the most part, big heavy antlered bucks are elusive and loners most of the year. They become nocturnal and do not regularly socialize with other deer, but during this time of the year, it’s not uncommon to see them crossing roads, standing in fields or showing themselves in places they never would. Whitetail deer hunting is by far the most popular form of big game hunting in all of North America, especially in the lower 48 states, where it produces millions and millions of dollars directly and indirectly through so many spin-offs. Deer hunting in the southern part of the United States can probably take credit for the evolution of the more than 50 different styles of camo patterns on the market today. If some of you remember, it all started back in the ’80s with Jim Crumley’s Tree Bark camouflage jackets and pants, following suit was Bill Jordan’s Real Tree camo pattern, and of course who can forget Mossy Oak and now it’s endless the colours, patterns and styles! Same goes for decoys, scents, calls, tree stands, range finders and rattling antlers. Walk into any Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops and see for yourself what’s available for today’s high-tech deer hunter; you will be blown away. So after all of this, what works and what doesn’t? Let’s face it, everyone out there who has had some level of success on big bucks has his or her theories and strategies, however, what works for one may not be the ticket for someone else. This all depends on the weapon you choose, and how you hunt. Do you sit over a bait pile, or do you still hunt with a rifle? Some hunt with others and do “pushes” and flush the deer. Some guys perch themselves over a big crop field and use a decoy. Whatever method you choose, there are certain things that are just mandatory. After 30 plus years of hunting deer and the majority of those years with a bow in my hand, I have learned a few things on harvesting big bucks, mostly from making mistakes along that journey; and trust me I made a lot of them, however, they were good lessons. I say this with reservations as I too have all the latest in clothing, scent eliminating garments and everything else on the market in deer hunting gadgetry. The difference is I do not rely on these items to help in scoring on a 160 class buck. Although I use the latest and greatest, I try to go back and do it the way I did years ago when none of these products were available. I go into the field with a mindset that movement and wind direction is what’s going to allow me to have an opportunity at a trophy deer. Years ago long before modern technology turned us into lazy hunters, some guys were out there with traditional bows and harvesting Boone and Crocket bucks every year. Guys like the infamous Fred Bear, Saxton Pope, Art Young, Chuck Adams and many more. Looking at aged photos of these fellows out in the field in the pages of old magazines only solidifies what I believe is back to basics. If there was one thing I had to give as the most important advice to any deer hunter, it would be that the wind could be your worst enemy. Even the slightest of breezes can ruin your hunt in seconds. Deer can smell one part per million through its olefactory receptors in a two-acre field, which means it doesn’t matter what kind of scent-eliminating camo you are wearing, if you are upwind, you will be busted bottom line. I myself have had the pleasure of hearing that old familiar sound of a deer loudly snorting or blowing and then the visual of a bright white flag (tail) raised and bounding off in the distance! Enter your intended place to set up always with the wind in your face. If you can’t do this, then find another place to set up where you can. With the rut starting to gear up as you read this, there is no doubt many deer hunters are full of anticipation and planning their strategies. Did I mention the wind? Good luck.   Fri, 26 Oct 2012 14:27:27 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/243570/Outdoor-Life/Deer-hunting-101 http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/242048/Outdoor-Life/How-to-hunt-grouse-in-the-Northwest With hunting season in full swing, many hunters are out with their shotguns and orange vests chasing small game. This time of the year most rural bush trails, dirt roads and right-of-ways are travelled by hunters on foot, vehicle or ATV in search of the elusive grouse, and this season so far has not disappointed the upland bird hunter as populations seem to be plentiful. As far back as I can remember small game season was something I looked forward to, as it was a time I hit the woods with my grandfather or my dad with a big lunch packed, a shotgun and a few Flip-a-Top shorty sodas for those of you who can remember them.  Watching a good bird dog work is a thing of beauty, and I have had my fair share of them over the years. Although labs have been the dominant breed in the Bohonis family over the last three generations, I have owned a German short hair pointer and a Springer spaniel, both of which were well-trained and exceptional bird dogs and retrievers. Although hunting grouse with a dog is a bonus, it’s not a requirement and one can be just as successful without a dog when hunting old Ruffy. Most guys cruise the logging roads and trail systems that were made by the bush cutting operations over the years, which attract grouse for several reasons, one of those being food. The edges of these roads produce grass in which clover grows, and is also a great spot to warm themselves on a frosty morning as the sun rises. One species, the spruce grouse mainly feed on buds and needles of coniferous trees, but also include insects in the summer, augmented by berries when available. Spruce grouse are easily identified by their smaller stature and their darker colour. Males have the small red spot over their eye, which is very visible. The most sought after upland game bird in this neck of the woods is the ruffed grouse, which spends most of its time on the ground as most grouse do, and are omnivores as well as eating buds, insects, berries, seeds and leaves. Ruffies are explosive, and anyone who has hunted them knows they have the absolute best camouflage and can flush at the very last minute making your heart skip two beats. Ruffed grouse are great wing birds and really make the shot gunner earn his bag limit if he elects to be sporting and take all his birds in the air.   Another favourite of mine that has become stronger in our region in the last five years is the sharptail grouse. The northern sharp-tailed grouse is found generally in Manitoba, northwestern Ontario and central Quebec, although they have been located and seen in many other locales as their population grows.    Sharp-tails are often mistaken for their cousins the prairie chicken and usually live in agricultural areas and grasslands but have been spotted in the same habitat as ruffed and spruce grouse, and I have seen them in areas that have been heavily wooded and are not your traditional sharp-tail habitat. Either way you slice it we have a few great upland game birds here in our region that offer the hunter awesome table fair and a good reason to get off the couch and into the woods. Grouse hunting can be very exciting and probably more folks do it than any other form of hunting in the northwest. The first few weeks of small game season is a busy time for the small game hunter and for good reason. Limits on grouse are generous with a daily bag limit of five and a possession limit of 15. This is true in most wildlife management units around here, however, make sure you doublecheck with the 2012 MNR hunting regulations and summary for the wildlife management unit you want to hunt before you go out and assume what the limits and possessions are. Some areas differ, depending on the species. Your choice of weapon can vary as well, with the most common being a shotgun, a .410, 20 or 12 gage with a light load and shot size. My first choice is a 20 gage with No. 6 or No. 7½ shot size. This seems to be good for taking grouse in thicker brush, but will still work well with wing shooting in open areas. The old faithful .22 in long rifle is still a favourite as well and many folks use this rim fire weapon that requires much more accuracy. A lot of .22s are out there and still used for small game, however, the shotgun seems to be much more popular. Last but not least is the bow, and I for one as a bow hunter can tell you it is an effective way to take grouse and more bow hunters are doing it these days with the inventions of Judo points and bludgeon tips for arrows. These tips are deadly and will dispatch a bird very humanely and quickly with minimal loss of meat. Not only are these effective, but excellent practice for the archer in honing his skills when it comes to larger game. Good luck and remember to wear your hunter orange when in the woods this fall. Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:07:59 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/242048/Outdoor-Life/How-to-hunt-grouse-in-the-Northwest http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/239059/Outdoor-Life/Backwoods-hunting The DeHavilland Otter left the dock with four eager hunters, headed for Metionga Lake, 120 kilometres north of Ignace. Along for the ride were the president of Excaliber crossbows Rob Dykeman, guide Joey Parker, Dan Wallace, the host of TV’s Huntin’ the Backwoods and yours truly. Our mission? Moose. I’ve been bow hunting the monarch of the north some 30 years now, and it gets neither monotnous nor boring. Bow hunting moose tops my outdoor-adventure list, and this year was  particularly special since I was going to be a part of something I’ve always looked at, but never considered, since I am a compound shooter all the way. Crossbows date back to 4,000 BC. Today they’re becoming popular because they’re easy to operate, very accurate and the speeds are upward of 400 feet-per-second. Spending a week with the president of Excaliber crossbows and the host of one of the most popular hunting shows on television gave me a total education on what these ancient, but modern, bows can do. We arrived via float plane at camp on the afternoon of Sept. 20 and the testosterone in the air was so thick you could have sliced it with a butter knife. Gear unloaded, we headed for the woods, cruising down Metionga Lake in our aluminum boat, into some back bays the resident camp attendant scouted out all summer. Vast untouched wilderness and remoteness filled the bill as visions of big ole Bullwinkle coming to the call crossed all of our minds. The one thing we didn’t have control over was the weather and once again we were plagued by high winds and horizontal rain and sleet. The weather broke on Day 3. Remoteness is humbling, and although the four of us have decades of experience, this was something new. There were no clear cuts, roads or trails. There was no traffic, vehicles, cell phone signals and no Internet. All we had were our boats and miles of untouched rugged wilderness, our GPSs and topographical maps. Wallace and Dykeman have hunted all over the world, including safaris in Africa, but both soon learned this was not an easy task. Trying to lure a 1,000-pound moose into 40 yards in the thick bush and miles of shoreline was a challenge. As the days passed, we split up into pairs and worked the tributaries and back bays, calling like the loneliest cow in the woods. We portaged into other lakes and walked into many ponds and swamps. We had many answers from bulls and sightings, though they were a bit out of effective archery range. Cows and calves were abundant and the bulls we did call in were healthy. On Day 5 a nice bull was harvested. Joey and Dan called him to a mere 18 yards for some awesome video footage and quick clean dispatch. Set up on an old beaver dam and near the lake’s edge, it was the perfect spot to use a decoy and dupe the curious and rutting swamp donkey. Fifteen minutes after daybreak it was all over. Dan used his Excaliber Vortex Crossbow and sailed a bolt through that moose like it was lightning! Although this moose wasn’t the monster of the north woods, it was a fine mature bull who presented a good shot and fresh tenderloin on the barbecue. Ignace Outposts has been my home the last three moose seasons and rightly so as they operate one of the best fly-ins in all of Ontario.  Brad and Karen Greaves have been catering to moose hunters and anglers for more than 27 years and have proved their outposts have not only world-class fishing, but some of the finest big game hunting there is in the northwest. In the week we were there, we spotted 16 moose, not to mention a handful of big bears and endless waterfowl and birds of prey. Between moose hunts we filled our time catching walleye and exploring this magnificent lake. Not only was the fishing phenomenal, the accommodations were five-star all the way. As this goes to print, convoys of hunters will be heading to the backwoods for Saturday’s opening of the rifle season, which begins half an hour after sunrise. Hundreds of hunters will be searching for that big ole bull and no doubt the cut roads and off-the-beaten-path hideaways will be packed with hunter orange. It’s like a provincial holiday, but remember, safety should always be first. I wish all of you the best of luck with this year’s hunt.   Fri, 05 Oct 2012 11:05:00 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/239059/Outdoor-Life/Backwoods-hunting http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/236895/Outdoor-Life/The-ethics-of-hunting The media is a great way to express one’s opinion whether it sits right with folks or not. It is my privilege to educate, state my views, or simply tell about an experience via this well-read publication as I have every week for the last 18 years. As a lifelong hunter, the subject of baiting and decoying has been brought to my attention several times, and in some cases in a negative manner. Decoying, whether used to lure waterfowl, a deer, a moose or any other wild animal is by law legal in Ontario and can be used in a safe and ethical way to harvest wild game. Decoying and baiting dates back thousands of years to a time when Aboriginals donned the hides of animals enabling them to manoeuvre within mere feet of their prey to cleanly take it with their bow and arrows. Was this practice considered unethical? Did other members of the tribe frown and look upon the hunters who used this method as lesser human beings? In today’s society, traditional hunting has been taking a beating by the mainstream media in larger urban cities and by the wealthy “antis” who are experts at manipulating the truths and have the money to conduct large campaigns and evangelize against all hunters and anglers. Special interest groups such as PETA and the Animal Alliance of Canada are prime examples. So I ask the question, what is ethical and what is not when it comes to hunting big game? I have my theories and I’m sure everyone else does too, however let me make a few comparisons. Do we call the mass production and slaughter of millions of beef cattle, chickens and pigs ethical? Yet everyday people venture to the grocery store and fill their carts without batting an eyelash.  Freezers at home are full of ground beef, sausages, roasts, steaks and poultry which in everyday living is consumed and replenished as required. Yet, when a hunter puts on his camouflage, throws out a deer decoy in an oat field, sprays it with lure and uses his grunt call, he is labelled as a bloodthirsty bubba who’s out to slay all things cute.  On the flip side, when a group of friends are together for a deck party and everyone is enjoying barbequed burgers, chicken and seafood, does anyone consider where it came from? Or in any way discredit the men who  butchered these tasty treats? So why do hunters get such a bad rap? Why are modern day hunters labelled as bad people”who shouldn’t be in the woods chasing Bambi? Well for starters, the creation of Walt Disney flicks such as Bambi and Winnie the Pooh depicting animals in a cute and fuzzy state interacting with each other, give people a false sense of animal behaviour. In reality owls hunt, kill and consume rabbits contrary to  being Bambi's newfound friends.  N ewborn fawns and calves are a delicacy for marauding black bears, who, early in the spring travel miles looking for that two-day old newborn. The real wilds can be very harsh and graphic. Some people say baiting is unethical and should not be allowed.  I am told putting a pile of apples out to attract deer is unfair. Does that mean when I hang my stand out on the edge of an apple orchard it’s considered baiting? Or if I elect to set myself up on the edge of an oat field where the deer come every night to feed, this is considered baiting? In Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources says baiting is legal; any hunter can attract an animal with food or scent. What is so unethical about putting a worm on my hook to catch a fish? As far as I know, there are no other means of catching fish without using a stick of dynamite or a net. It becomes tiresome being told what hunters should and should not do in the outdoors.  If you don't like hunting, don't hunt. I don't like rap music and most reality shows, so I don't listen to or watch them - simple as that.   Fri, 21 Sep 2012 12:26:33 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/236895/Outdoor-Life/The-ethics-of-hunting http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/235608/Outdoor-Life/Remote-locations-add-danger,-risk As a kid, I used to sit at the end of the dock at our camp on Lake Agimac and watch the float planes come and go. At that time they were owned and operated by Jorgensen’s Airways back in the late ’60s and early ’70s. The airbase was a mere stone’s throw away from our camp, and at the tender age of eight and nine years old, my mind was where any young kid’s would be. I was so fascinated by the activity that was taking place at the airbase and on the lake. I used to ride my banana bike down to the airbase and watch the planes load and unload at the dock. The anglers and hunters would also be trading stories as some departed while new crews arrived. I so wanted to be on one of those float planes heading into no man’s land into remote parts in search of giant fish, monster moose and bears. As a kid it was a pipe dream but nevertheless something that intrigued me. It was something that set the stage for what I do today. Back in those days, I used to look at pictures of old Field and Stream and Outdoor Life magazines that my grandfather subscribed to. These photos depicted remote, secluded hunts of big bears and moose in the north. I read stories from such outdoor writers as Jim Zumbo telling tales of elk hunts and mountaineering adventures, which naturally pulled me to that lifestyle more and more. Ever since those days things have never changed. At the ripe old age of 50, I still get just as excited and full of anticipation as I did 40 years ago when I see a float plane landing or taking off from a lake. Come Sept. 20, which is a few days away, I will be boarding one of those planes from that exact airbase that I used to sit and only wish about. Now owned and operated by Brad and Karen Greaves, Ignace Outposts is better than ever and over the last 27 years they have grown this business into one of the most successful hunting and fishing outfitters in the north, and I have had the privilege to be a part of this organization for the last three years. I have had the opportunity to visit Irene Lake (one of my favourites), Flindt Lake and Metionga Lake. All of which have been top notch and hold many species of fish, including lake trout, small mouth bass, northern pike and of course walleye! It doesn’t matter if I am chasing moose, bears, whitetails or speckled trout, the passion and desire never changes, and next week will be no different as the swamp donkey of the north will be Mick’s main focus. Bow hunting moose is my first and most powerful passion, and being flown into such a beautiful and remote place will only increase the adrenaline flow as I will be accompanied by a few seasoned and well respected bow hunters that will only make this trip more memorable. There’s just something about being dropped off in the middle of nowhere that makes the experience that much more rugged, risky and dangerous. There are no roads, no cell service and no Internet. There is only you and what you see in front of you. If you cut yourself bad enough, you will stitch yourself. If you feel the craving for Old Dutch chips from the corner store or ordering a pizza to be delivered, it will be a fantasy. If you get the urge that you just have to go home, well, you’re out of luck! Start swimming or walking! Fly-ins, whether you’re hunting or fishing are adventures that require careful planning and it’s always wise to have some sort of communication with the real world just in case of an emergency. Most outfitters have radio phones or two-way radios at many of these cabins, however, if they don’t, a satellite phone would be in the mix. Satellite phones can be rented from several places in the city. Even though this will set you back a few bucks, it’s a small investment for a huge insurance policy that could save someone’s life. I would also suggest a decent GPS that you can have on you while on the water or in the woods. Navigating unfamiliar geography can become troublesome if you get twisted around. Something as simple as a good map of the lake and a compass should be the bare minimum. On another note small game season opens this weekend and I’m sure the woods will be full of grouse hunters. This now puts the count up to four seasons that are open. Archery for deer, black bears, migratory birds and small game. Make sure you are wearing your hunter orange and all licenses are in your possession. Good luck and be safe.   Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:38:10 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/235608/Outdoor-Life/Remote-locations-add-danger,-risk http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/233055/Outdoor-Life/From-the-field-to-the-butcher By the time you are reading this, the early season archery hunt for deer will be in full swing if not a day away and this year we know the archery hunt has been expanded into the city limits of Thunder Bay in order to reduce deer numbers. The bear season is already two weeks old, and the opener for archery moose is a few weeks away. The temperatures have been smoking hot and for a hunter trying to harvest a deer or bear, there are some concerns that need to be addressed once an animal hits the ground in this heat. Big game hunting is one of the most gratifying experiences any serious hunter can have, and I for one have been doing it all my life. Many moose, deer and bear have been laid to rest by my sharp broad heads over the years, and although the actual approach, stalk or shot is the most climactic part of the hunt, the real work starts when that animal has been cleanly dispatched and is facing north on the forest floor. Walking up on 1,000 pounds of moose, 400 pounds of bear or 200 pounds of deer laying on the ground and wondering what to do next is what I am going to talk about. One of the most important parts of any hunt is what happens after the shot, and in my 25 plus years of big game hunting experience I can honestly say the field care and meat preparation will make or break your dining pleasures in the months to come. When the temperatures are high and time is critical, it’s imperative you get it cooled down as soon as possible. Once an animal has been laid to rest the first job at hand should be to attach the legal validation tag on it and mark the appropriate dates and times; this should be the first action on any downed animal. The second chore is the removal of the entrails or what is commonly known as gutting the animal. Now this is where some hunters stumble and have a little difficulty. Removing the innards is not as hard as you may think. If a process is followed and the right tools are used, this job can be very quick and easy, but learning the ropes is the initial task. Just like learning how to fillet fish, practice makes perfect. Gutting a moose or a deer the first couple of times I would highly recommend someone be with you who has done it several times and is efficient at it so you can follow his lead and learn from experience. There is nothing worse than slicing up the tenderloins or mistakenly cutting open an internal organ that leaks or can taint the meat, and trust me it’s not hard to do if you don’t know what you’re doing. The first few times, go slow and learn the process so in the future you will become better and faster, until one day you will be teaching someone else. Once the entrails are removed get the animal out of the woods and off the ground. This may be a little easier said than done if this deer moose or bear is back some 500 yards in a swamp some where, however, with today’s modern machinery and technological advancements, there are not too many places where an animal cannot be extracted out of the woods. Once back to camp you have several choices in how to proceed with this animal and one deciding factor will be the weather. If it is unseasonably warm out, as it has been, you will have no choice but to get the hide off of it and get it into a cooler ASAP. This has happened to me in past hunt camps, and one of the most important parts of meat preparation is the cooling down process. It is my recommendation to get the animal de-hided and wrapped in cheese cloth. This will ensure protection from insects, and at the same time let the meat hang, cool and age in the best way possible. Make sure you have extracted the broad head or bullet if it’s still embedded in the carcass as this can severely damage a butchers saw in a hurry. If you cannot find either, make sure you inform the meat cutter beforehand so he is cautious when cutting. If you want more information on field care and proper prep on big game animals, make the effort to go and talk with a reputable meat processor or go online and read as much as you can. There is a lot of good information on the web. Good luck and be safe.   Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:31:02 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/233055/Outdoor-Life/From-the-field-to-the-butcher http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/229489/Outdoor-Life/Ultimate-predator With recent reporting and sightings of cougars in our area the past few weeks, it comes as no surprise that some folks are non-believers and or very skeptical to say the least. Let’s face it, cougars are known to be more of a western based animal that resides in more mountainous regions, hence the name “mountain lion.” Does that mean that these cougar sightings are just a mirage and can’t possibly be roaming the woods and outlying areas of Thunder Bay? Well all evidence does indeed show that there are such animals around, and the recent sightings indicate that they are closer than we think. I myself have never seen a live cougar in our area, but I have seen the tracks of one not too far west of the city. I also know of other people who have actually seen what they believe is a cougar. The cougar also known as a puma or panther depending on the region, has by far the largest range of any roaming mammal in North America, and this is very evident by the slow but decisive presence of this species into our area. Cougars are a very solitary predator and are usually a nocturnal hunter and are masters at stalk and ambush techniques. With unmatched stealth and extreme speed, they are by no means a slouch when out hunting. Speaking of hunting, a cougars main food source is, you guessed it, deer! In the western regions they will also dine on wild sheep, elk, moose, and of course domesticated animals. There are many explanations why the cougar has moved into our region but of course we would all largely guess it has to do with its main food source. Over the last 15 years the increase in deer numbers and the increase of the deer range has been a major factor in attracting these wild felines. Deer have just spread like wildfire and in areas where they never were. For years I bow hunted moose in WMU (Wildlife Management Unit) 15B and in particular the Dog River Road, Roeneke Road, Orbit Road areas. Fifteen years ago I never saw a deer track let alone a deer while moose hunting. In the last four years the deer population has exploded there, and deer are all over the place, which leads me to believe it’s having a major effect on the moose herd and then acting as a huge attractant to animals that are typically not indigenous to our area like the cougar.  Although cougar encounters with humans, in particular aggressive attacks, are very rare, this is one animal that has to be respected and understood. A large male can weigh upwards of 100 kilograms (more than 200 pounds). The largest cougar ever shot came from Arizona and weighed 125.5 kilograms or 276 pounds field dressed, so it would be safe to say it would have been in the 300-pound mark. Typically cougars will weigh in the 100-125 pound range depending on diet and genetics. As with any predator at or near the top of its food chain, the cougar impacts the population of prey species. Predation by cougars has been linked to changes in the species mix of deer in a region, thus the probable cause of why we are seeing more cougars in our area. Is this a good thing? The over abundnace of food and the not-so-hard effort it has to put in to keep its belly full is a no brainer. Thunder Bay and area has played host to a few different species of animals making their way into our area that are typically not indigenous. Animals such as the grey squirrel that 15 years ago was hardly seen, if at all, now are everywhere in the city. Racoons are gaining strength in numbers, and now I am getting reports that more and more wild turkeys are starting to take up residence in the rural route. As climates change and urban sprawl develops; as hunting pressure changes and human interaction with wild animals increases, it’s going to impact all aspects of predator/prey relationships.   Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:15:00 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/229489/Outdoor-Life/Ultimate-predator http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/228067/Outdoor-Life/City-bow-hunt-approaches The bylaw that was passed in May of this year that will allow bow hunting deer within the city limits is a mere few weeks away. Sept. 1 is when the archery season for whitetail deer opens, and this year certain areas within city limits will be included in trying to reduce deer numbers and the overpopulation of these ungulates. There’s no denying it; we’ve all seen the increase in deer numbers over the last half dozen years and now it’s time to do something about it. Management tools need to be put in place in order to get a grip on something that has been escalating and become a problem. The increase in vehicle collisions and the destruction of property because of the high numbers of deer has to be reduced in all aspects. The Thunder Bay police indicate that 1.6 accidents per day are involving deer, and the spin off includes rising costs in insurance as well as increased calls and paperwork for the force itself. The number of predators is on the rise as well, simply because deer are a primary food source for critters like bears, coyotes, wolves and cougars. There have been several reports of cougar sightings within the city limits in the last couple of years. Where the food is the predators go. These animals are not doing anything they shouldn’t be, however, having such potentially dangerous predators roaming around the outskirts of town looking for an easy meal is too close for comfort. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt or worse. The changing climate and in particular our mild winters for the deer has been a boon in easy gestation periods and high birth rates with twins being a common event. The feeding of deer is another huge factor in the increase and attraction of whitetails within our city limits. So many people feed deer in their yards and this one practice has had an adverse effect on not only the herd itself but also a direct correlation in the increase in accidents. One MNR conservation officer said this. “You can travel any highway in the city and see the trails that the deer have formed to the feeding spots. These feeding spots are where the increase in accidents occurs due to these trails. Fencing is not the answer. The deer will just use the driveways and/or jump the fence. They will get to the food source.” There will be a bylaw put in place as well in the stoppage of feeding deer within the city limits. Some folks may not be happy with this, however, it’s the only way we can put a stop to the habitual crossing of roads and create dispersement of the herd and cut down on property damage and car accidents. As a long time bow hunter, I understand how effective a well managed bow hunt within the city limits can be, and I’m sure we will have a lot of the bow hunting fraternity in Thunder Bay take part in this added endeavor. Participating bow hunters will require the written permission from private property owners in designated rural or semi-rural areas within the city limits to hunt deer. There will be certain criteria that will need to be followed and enforced strictly due to safety concerns of non-hunting residents and adjoining properties. Although there have been many other methods tried in the control of deer numbers, nothing is as effective as a controlled bow hunt. The proposed area will be south of the Kam River and west of the Thunder Bay Expressway. To learn more about the City of Thunder Bay’s Deer Management Strategy, there will be a public information session Thursday, Aug. 23 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Confederation College in lecture room 351. Rural city property owners, potential bow hunters and any interested citizens are invited to attend the information sessions to learn more about the controlled deer hunt this fall. The City of Thunder Bay Licensing and Enforcement, Thunder Bay Police and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources will be at this session to answer any questions on the administration and enforcement of the rules and regulations for this controlled hunt. For more information on the City of Thunder Bay’s Deer Management Strategy including the deer hunt and deer feeding bylaws visit www.thunderbay.ca/deer .   Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:16:15 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/228067/Outdoor-Life/City-bow-hunt-approaches http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/225638/Outdoor-Life/The-popularity-of-bow-hunting-is-rising With the bear season just a couple of weeks away and the archery season for whitetails a mere four weeks away, more and more people are looking at and wanting to try bow hunting these days. The interest is rising annually, and statistics show that more hunters are picking up bows and giving it a whirl. Although it’s still called hunting the difference between a bow and a high powered rifle is huge. Folks will ask how can hunting with a bow that gives you, on average, an effective range of 60 yards (maybe) and a lot harder to operate, be just as easy and effective as hunting with a rifle that has a scope and can reach out to 400 yards? Hardcore and dedicated bow hunters would be able to answer this question with relative ease, however, for all of the rifle hunters who have never experienced bow hunting up close and personal with a 1,000 pound rutting bull moose, here are my theories. Attention to detail is high on the list of whys and hows, simply because it makes all the difference. The smallest things sometimes give you the biggest edge. Although I own a few rifles and shotguns and still get out and use them, there is nothing like the adrenaline rush of harvesting a monster bull, buck or boar in close range with a stick and string. If you practice some simple rules and follow the laws of the bow hunters creed, you too can become a part of this growing fraternity in North America. Serious bow hunting requires a lot of discipline and the level of discipline required will depend on what your goals and expectations are. If you will be satisfied to just get out once in a while and try your hand at small game (grouse, rabbits) then obviously your efforts in camouflage, scent control and long range shooting will definitely not be a factor. The majority of folks who get into bow hunting, have their sights set on harvesting a decent deer, moose or bear, and this drastically steps up the level of discipline required. Attention to detail is by far the most important thing when it comes to trying to take a large game animal with a bow, and if you actually take the time to really pay attention to all the little things, then your chances have increased 50 per cent before the hunt even starts. The hard part is training yourself to do this on a regular basis. It’s kind of like getting to the gym every day and not eating those nachos at night watching TV. Being a bow hunter has made me a better rifle hunter, no question, and to this day I am thankful that I gratefully accepted my first bow as a gift back in 1983. Ironically it was the first year the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources granted archery only tags for hunting moose in its own season. Don’t quote me on this, but I believe that inaugural year the MNR set up a separate season for archers there were only seven people who applied for bow hunting tags in Northwestern Ontario.    Modern bow hunting has developed tenfold following the path of technology, and bow hunting legends like Fred Bear, Saxton Pope and Art Young are probably looking down from the bow hunting grounds in the sky with huge smiles on their faces. For someone who wants to become a successful big game bow hunter there is mandatory criteria that has to be followed to a tee. First of all ditch the laziness and get motivated. Bow hunting requires that your senses be sharp and your wits are about you when you enter the woods with a sharp broad head attached to the end of your arrow.  Secondly, enter the world of mind set. This is probably the single most important disciplinary change you will have to make. Mind set is what makes you become more aware of your surroundings and more in tune with the animal you are pursuing.  Trying to get in close range of an adult big game animal and harvest it cleanly and ethically with a bow and arrow, means everything has to be on your side.  Be prepared to stand or sit in one place for lengths of time in all weather conditions and when you do move, do it with the stealth of a cat. Anyone can go down to the local pro shop and buy an expensive bow and have custom made arrows done as well as cover yourself with the latest camouflage, but if you don’t have the right attitude and mind set, you might as well take all of that gear, and chuck it right in the river.  The same goes for the not so serious rifle hunter. The bottom line is this. Bow hunting is only for some, and although there will be those that attempt it, only the individuals who can discipline themselves to do what it takes to get in close and undetected and execute the perfect shot with a weapon whose concept was developed more than 50,000 years ago will succeed. Scent control, camouflage, ¬pra¬c¬tice, stealth, a lot of patience and mind set. Did I mention practice? Good luck to all.   Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:14:31 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/225638/Outdoor-Life/The-popularity-of-bow-hunting-is-rising http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/224754/Outdoor-Life/Family-affair As you are flipping the pages of this well read publication, I will be on a float plane headed north to Metionga Lake compliments of Ignace Outposts for a week-long adventure fishing and scouting for this fall’s upcoming moose bow hunt. Although both my children are grown and have their own lives now, I do wish at times they were young again and accompanying me on adventures like these. With today’s fast paced world for our young folks, it’s imperative we get them back to the simplicity of nature and family outdoor excursions. There’s nothing better than seeing a huge smile on a child’s face after catching a fish. Better yet, there’s nothing more fun than being on a boat with kids when it happens! I know when my children were young, it was something I looked forward to when we had the opportunity to get out and catch a few walleyes. Of course my job in the boat was to do everything except put my own line in the water, however, it was worth every bit of effort in order to see the joy those kids were experiencing away from the modern electronic world. Today I am seeing more and more families out on the water and it’s a welcomed sight, to say the least. Family fishing has created several benefits to experience as a family unit. First off, in some locales, cell phone signals are not available, which means no phone calls, emails or texts. “Not good,” say the kids! Better yet, just make that gadgetry stay at home! Secondly, it puts everyone in close proximity to actually have a face-to-face conversation in a private setting with no distractions. Thirdly, it’s a time to bond while having fun; catching some rays, and putting some fresh fillets in the live well. Women are getting more involved in the hunting and angling sports, which in turn has led to more families enjoying the outdoors simply because the kids follow suit in most cases. Hunting and fishing was considered more of a guys gig back when, but as the years have progressed, women have come on the scene in a big way. There are probably more women hunters out there today than there ever has been, and now offered are specific women’s lines of hunting and angling clothing, women’s bows, rifles and shotguns and there are even ergonomically designed ATVs and snowmachines for the ladies. Heck, there are even women’s professional fishing tours on television! I am a huge believer in giving young people opportunities in the outdoors they may otherwise never receive, and what better way to do it than with mom, dad and siblings. When I was a kid, I accompanied my dad and grandfathers all the time whether it was on the lake or in the woods, and I am so grateful I was raised in that environment as it has turned into a lifelong passion. To this day I will still take Mom and Dad in the boat for a day out on the water. The roles are reversed, but the intentions and outcome are always the same. I sometimes get thrown the question, “What if I don’t have a boat, but I want to take the family out a couple of times during the summer?” Simple, most resorts and lodges rent boats and motors, at least they do at the couple of hundred I have been to over the years. There are many families out there who would like to rent a cabin for a weekend all inclusive with a boat and motor. It’s a great way to be able to take the gang fishing for a couple of days without having to drop thousands on a boat package. This is very easily achievable and affordable. Of course there is some added expense in the purchasing of fishing rods and tackle, but it’s something that will be used again for many summers as I’m sure once the family experiences this, they will be repeat customers! There are literally hundreds of resorts and lodges within a three-hour drive of Thunder Bay that can accommodate and offer these things. So do yourself a favour and get online and check them out. Your family will love you for it. Hey who knows, there may be a future tournament angler in the family that doesn’t even know it yet!   Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:32:04 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/224754/Outdoor-Life/Family-affair http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/221875/Outdoor-Life/Bear-season-just-around-the-corner It’s hard to believe that it’s the middle of July already. Mark my words, in two and a half weeks you are going to start hearing the back to school ads on the radio. Last year it was July  31 that I heard the first one over the airwaves! A little early you think? Time is flying by and that means some of our hunting seasons are not that far off. Black bear season opens Aug. 15, which is a mere month away, and by all indications the black bear population is healthy and thriving. I myself have seen more than a dozen bears this year, and that’s just traveling to and from fishing hot spots. Some of my friends who live in the rural route tell me they have bears visiting on a regular basis; same goes for some cottage owners. The outfitters will be gearing up as waves of hunters from the U.S. will be heading our way to try to harvest a black Volkswagen with a head. In chatting with a few of the bear outfitters, things are looking good as far as hunter bookings and numbers of bears in their prescribed areas allotted by the MNR. Some local folks will be out there as well tending to their bait sites hoping for the elusive Yogi to show up and offer an opportunity. With all the rain and now intense sun and heat we have received, the berry crop will be booming, and blueberries and raspberries the size of small golf balls will be in abundance, one of the main food sources for the bears this time of year and into August. I know I have my couple of hot spots that I will be heading for soon to fill a few baskets of the blue beauties! Nothing like fresh blueberries in a smoothie, or how about mom’s fresh blueberry pie? Bears are nomadic and are true omnivores which means they eat just about anything. Bears are predators in the spring, and will not hesitate to take down and consume a new born calf or fawn, and this can become a major factor in calf recruitment as the bear population increases and the territory shared shrinks. The percentage of calf moose being predated on by bears has increased and this has and will continue to have an effect on moose populations. Omnivores are much like humans in that most of us will consume both meat and vegetables. A mature black bear needs to eat as much as it can during the summer and early fall and pack on the fat for that period of  winter sleep, or as most folks call it hibernation. Bears can eat up to as much as 20,000 calories a day. Contrary to popular belief, black bears are not true hibernators, much like frogs. Rather a black bear goes into a state of Tupor, or what biologists call mammalian hibernation, which means its system shuts down and rest is evident. A bear’s heart rate will go from 100 beats per minute to  anywhere from 10 to 20 heartbeats a minute. Breathing slows considerably and will go to roughly one breath every 45 seconds. Blood flow is hugely reduced. However, in some cases, the bears are still in tune with their surroundings during the winter months and may be awake in their dens a large percentage of the time. In fact, bears have been known to actually climb out of their dens during the winter and take a stretch and a few steps before returning back to their bed. Black bears make excellent table fare and I have eaten it many times. Bear meat is much like pork but a lot darker in colour. It is very nutritious and one of my favourites is to have the hams smoked. I have fed this to many people, and to this day they have no idea what they were eating and thoroughly enjoyed it. Some folks for some reason get turned off when wild game is introduced, yet it is much better for you nutritionally than mass produced domesticated beef or poultry. Black bear meat had historically been held in high esteem among North America’s indigenous people and early colonists, and in New York City it was so common that one of the markets downtown was called The Bear Market years back. Venison, whether it’s moose or deer, bear, grouse, rabbit and a variety of fish find its way into my deep freezer every year and up until the modern supermarket was invented about 100 years ago, wild game found its way into everyone else’s root cellar or freezer coated with dry ice. It was either that or survive strictly on greens!   Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:50:41 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/221875/Outdoor-Life/Bear-season-just-around-the-corner http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/218884/Outdoor-Life/Nothing-beats-a-fresh-shore-lunch One of the greatest rewards of an early morning fishing trip is the opportunity to enjoy the smell and taste of a fresh fish fry right on shore. If you have never experienced a shore lunch you are missing out on one of fishing’s special treats. It is the cornerstone of a Canadian fishing experience. There is no way to describe on paper how good a shore lunch is when fresh walleye, trout or northern are pulled from the live well that were caught only a few hours earlier. As bargain hunting consumers we are always looking for the best and freshest deal we can get, so I reckon that a day out on walleye waters is your best bet to having the freshest meal you ever will in a setting that no restaurant can provide. The window seat from an island is no match for any window seat in the finest of dining establishments. There are many variations of shore lunches, all consisting of some type of fish and side dishes, depending what you favour.  The usual is pan fried strips or fillets of walleye, northern or trout, a couple cans of brown beans and some kind of potato. This trio has set the standard for years and for obvious reasons still remains today. It’s simple and tasty. Although I have had my fair share of shore lunches over the years, it doesn’t seem to matter whether I am the guest being served or I’m doing the preparation and cooking myself, they just seem to get better and better. There are several rules of thumb when wanting to prepare a shore lunch, one of which is the open fire regulations at the time. If you are going to have a shore lunch over an open fire, you want to make sure that the Ministry of Natural Resources is allowing such otherwise you will have to use a Coleman stove with a propane heat source. Either will suffice and I have used both methods many times. If you call the MNR or go online in advance, this information will be available. Fires may be restricted to designated campsites. Either way this heat source will suffice. Second rule of thumb is to leave your shore lunch site cleaner than when you arrived. I have been to sites used by other anglers simply because the view was great, and the boat landing was smooth and safe. Sites like this that have multiple users, must be kept clean and free from any residue and trash. There’s no option here. Natural beaches on inland lakes seem to be magnets for shore lunch and I am pulled towards these locales just as much as the next guy. Sand beaches provide an easy approach for bigger boats and in some cases an after lunch swim might even be in the cards. Sand beaches are enjoyed much more by kids and family pets and make for an easy clean up of the dishes afterwards. Some of my favourite places to have shore lunch are on river systems, which makes it a little tougher to find a natural beach to feast on, however, on most river systems there are usually flat rock points and small cove inlets to park the vessel and get out of the current. Preparation is the key especially when you are guiding and have several famished clients standing around waiting to fill their bellies, or even your own buddies or family that can’t wait to dive in. I usually carry a large canvas pack on board that contains everything I need to do the shore lunch start to finish. Two cast iron frying pans, spatula and other utensils, oil, fish coating, salt and pepper, herbs, paper plates, cups, two cans of brown beans and some potatoes. (either pre-boiled or canned) In a separate plastic container is my fillet knife, a couple of eggs, resealable plastic bags and some wet wipes.   I use my paddles to fillet the fish on, which means I do not have to carry a cutting board and eliminates unnecessary gear. When you arrive to shore, start assigning duties, such as collecting wood  and preparing the fire (if allowed), another person who has the skill can start to fillet fish and someone else can ready the rest of the sides, cutlery and cookware. If all lend a hand, it doesn’t take long to get things going in anticipation of one of the best meals you will ever eat. All garbage gets bagged and comes out with you and put into the appropriate bins. Do not try and burn your garbage in your fire. Take it with you. Paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils are great for shore lunches as once used they can be put in the garbage bag thus eliminating dishes to be washed and carried out. One thing to remember is in Ontario the fish you consume is considered a part of your daily limit, so if you ate two of your limit of four walleyes, you are only allowed to take home the remaining two fish. A big misconception by anglers is that they can still take home four walleyes after they have eaten a lunch of the fish. After you have experienced shore lunch, it will definitely become a part of your day out on the water and once you have mastered this culinary art form, you will never look back. Dried up bologna sandwiches will become a thing of the past.   Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:12:22 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/218884/Outdoor-Life/Nothing-beats-a-fresh-shore-lunch http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/217603/Outdoor-Life/Outdoor-pests-have-arrived This is undoubtedly the time of the year where the makers of Deep Woods Off and Muskol pack the bank account. Our provincial bird “The Mosquito” is healthy and thriving in Northwestern Ontario, which I can attest to after spending a day  cutting grass and piling firewood. The bugs were horrendous and I went through my share of repellent to say the least. With the high amounts of rain we have been receiving, it only fuels the reproductive activities of the mosquito. As most of you know and for those of you who don’t, mosquitoes lay their eggs in water. Usually swampy areas and marshes are the most common place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Some lay their eggs near the water’s edge and others will attach their eggs to aquatic plants. However, just about anywhere water can accumulate, like in odd places such as discarded tires and pails, can become an attractant to the flying blood carriers. Speaking of blood, did you know it’s only the female mosquitoes who actually try to extract the fluid from our bodies? Mosquitoes of course can and have been known to carry disease, and some of the most common are malaria, yellow fever and West Nile virus. West Nile virus (WNV) is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes transmit the virus after being infected by feeding on the blood of birds that carry the virus. WNV was first identified in the West Nile District of Uganda in 1937. Since then it has been found in Israel, Egypt, Romania, the United States, Canada and Russia. It was first detected in North America in 1999 (New York) and since spread to Canada. Cases are rare in Canada, however, some have been documented. In the Thunder Bay area we have only had a couple of cases reported since 2007 and at a very low risk. So how do we protect ourselves from these pesky aggravating mini buzzards? Repellent of course. The number one ingredient in most repellents is called DEET. When it’s used properly it can be very effective in warding off mosquitoes when they are thick. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and throughout the night into the dawn hours. With repellents, the higher the DEET concentration, the longer it provides protection and the more effective it is. Citronella is another effective repellent available on the market and can be applied directly to the skin much like DEET can. There are many repellents on the market including sprays, lotions, solids and liquids depending on what your preference is. Aerosol spray cans seem to be the most popular by far as they are easily applied with little effort. Anyone who is an avid outdoors person knows how frustrating mosquitoes and black flies can be, but one other insect we have to beware of is the tick and this is the time of the year they like to hitch rides on humans and animals. The most common tick in our area is the wood tick. Ticks live and hide in low brush; this location allows them to physically contact a host. Once again DEET is a good repellent against such critters. If you do indeed find a tick attached to yourself or your pet simply remove it with a pair of tweezers or a pin. Mosquitoes, ticks and black flies are something that we have to endure if you want to be outdoors in Northwestern Ontario. However, we can make our experiences much more enjoyable if we take the proper precautions in order to avoid itchy bites and even worse, possible disease.   Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:49:04 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/217603/Outdoor-Life/Outdoor-pests-have-arrived http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/215328/Outdoor-Life/Gratitude-for-wildlife-around-us For me it has been a great start to the year as far as soft water angling goes, and from what I’m hearing from others, the same applies. The years pass and the clock stops for no one. It seems memories pile up faster than they should, but there is nothing we can do except work with Father Time. Now that my children are grown up and pretty much on their own, I sit and reflect a lot. I think about how things were back then and how they are today. Like everything else, modern technology has changed the way we live tenfold, however, some things remain the same. The sun still rises and sets, and the growth and reproductive procedures of everything wild go through their cycles no matter what a computer says. I was the age of five when my outdoor heritage was introduced to me with an inaugural fishing trip up Highway 599 north of Ignace, Ont. to English River. I clearly remember sitting between my grandfather and my dad listening to Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass on the radio in my grandfather’s new 1967 red Mercury pickup truck. This was the beginning of something that would become part of my life forever. Little did I know how important hunting, angling and the outdoors would become to me, and how it would define who I was in years to come. At seven years old I was exposed to the killing of an animal for the first time. Although it was small game, it still had a profound effect on me, as I was holding this dead, lifeless poor rabbit my grandfather had just shot. As a young boy, I was feeling remorse for this creature, that, moments earlier had been hopping around the woods minding his own business. Being too young to understand the concept of hunting as a management tool, understanding man’s natural instinct and understanding sustenance gathering, I just went with the flow and accepted the fact that this is what we were supposed to do. Was showing remorse for this dead animal normal, or was it a weakness that hunters were not supposed to feel? Or was I simply too young and my thoughts were still amongst Saturday morning cartoons? I can tell you that after more than 40 years of hunting, angling, guiding, conserving and preserving, I still feel that little bit of remorse for any animal that I harvest; and as far as I am concerned it’s perfectly normal. The hundreds of animals that have succumbed to my shot shell, arrow, or bullet have instilled a huge amount of spirituality into my thoughts and emotions. The spirit of the wild is in all of us who hunt, trap and fish in some form or another. I believe that spirituality is the foundation and drive of who we are as hunters and gatherers, inherited from generations past whose life was dependant on such, long before modern technology swayed us into a world of preservatives, high speed internet, and mass produced domesticated livestock and fowl. Spirituality is individual and takes many forms. It can be defined very differently to many in the outdoor fraternity. It’s up to you as a steward of the land, and a descendant of ancestral traditions and beliefs to define what your own spiritual connection is when in the wilds. For me personally, my connectedness with the outdoors is strong, especially when alone in my tree stand for hours. This is a time when I get to take in the sights, sounds and smells. I pay attention to the smallest things that I would otherwise pass by in a world of fast paced technology and drive-thrus. Watching the sun rise or set and really paying attention to it. Watching the wild world go about its daily routine completely in tune with every bit of its instinct to survive and reproduce, yet at a pace that most of the human race could only hope for. Slow and steady. Some folks look at me as this hardcore hunter and angler, however, I take my time in the woods and on my boat as a privilege, not a right, and I surely do not abuse that privilege or ruin it for anyone else. If I am afforded the opportunity to harvest a moose or a deer or land a nice fish, my gratitude comes forth long before anything else. We truly do live in a great place and we should never take it for granted. We have four distinct seasons here in Thunder Bay, which offers a truck load of activity to do outdoors. Get out there and enjoy it!   Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:03:07 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/215328/Outdoor-Life/Gratitude-for-wildlife-around-us http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/212862/Outdoor-Life/Water-wreaks-havoc Have you ever thought about what effect torrential rains and flooding has on deer, moose, grouse, waterfowl, fish and many other species? Grouse nest on the forest floor and can be hugely affected by heavy rains and higher than usual water levels. The ideal situation for a good hatch is a normal rainfall or even dryer than usual conditions for the new born brood. Ruffed grouse are one of those species that can be boom or bust depending on the spring weather. There have been years where we had a decent dry spring and the number of grouse in the fall was extremely high and years like  this spring where a lot of rain and inconsistent weather decreased a lot of the grouse numbers due to very wet conditions. You may think waterfowl are not in the least bit affected by the high amounts of rain and extreme water levels, however, it can be a bad thing. Although ducks and geese thrive and need water to survive (hence migration), their riverside, marsh side or lakeside nests early in the year can become vulnerable to fast rising water levels and can wipe them out in rather quick time. Most waterfowl nest right beside water and in cases like what we experienced last week it can become devastating to them if young fowl are not hatched and water worthy. A nest full of eggs can be gone in no time. What about moose and deer? May and early June are that time of year when most fawns and calves are born and of course cold, wet and nasty weather could prove fatal to newborns. The first few days of a fawn or calf’s arrival is extremely critical in its healthy survival, and if it has to endure days of hard rain and cold temperatures, the chances of survival are not that good. OK, if you’re a fish water is where it’s at, right? I mean let’s face it, water is what fish need, so the more there is the better off they should be, right? Again drastic changes in weather and huge increases in water levels due to extreme rain like we had last weekend can really alter fish. Oxygen levels change, temperatures change, water chemistry changes, water clarity changes, the current changes and where fish might be this time of the year may not be the case in order for them to find the place where all of the above meet their comfort zone in order to survive. A lot of foreign matter is picked up off the banks of the lakes and rivers when water levels are extremely high which may include a lot of vegetation that can become very acidic in the water. Fast water (high currents) also erodes shorelines, which can make waters very muddy. As you can see, extreme rains and high water levels not only affect our own lives in many ways, it also puts a huge strain on all wildlife whether you reside near or in the water. Weather controls all living species in one way or another. We truly are at the mercy of  the forces of Mother Nature!   Fri, 01 Jun 2012 09:13:59 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/212862/Outdoor-Life/Water-wreaks-havoc http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/211410/Outdoor-Life/Walleye-opener-a-success Last weekend once again was an invasion of eager walleye anglers hitting the northern woods. The number of trucks, campers and boats navigating our highways and dirt roads was mind-boggling to say the least Yes, I was one of them out there. The opening of walleye season in Northwestern Ontario is one of the most profitable times of the year for grocery stores, gas stations, liquor and beer stores and of course – who can forget the most important – bait shops. Selling minnows and worms this time of the year is extremely demanding on bait retailers, and in talking with a few of them, it was a testament to how many anglers were out there targeting the elusive marble eye. Gary Turpin of Rockwood Bait and Tackle told me it was one of his busiest openers ever, with hundreds of dozens of minnows heading out the door. Gary was telling me he actually was up at 3 a.m. out in the shop the night before, bagging custom orders for anglers who were heading into remote lakes for several days.  Hotspots like Lac Des Mille Lacs, Shebandowan, Dog Lake and Dog River, Athelstane and many others were covered with fishing boats. I also heard the OPP and MNR were out in full force as well ensuring boating regulations and licensing requirements were met. Ride programs were everywhere and as usual it was a normal May Long. Speaking of walleye, the common name, walleye comes from the fact that their eyes, like those of lions, reflect white light. These shining eyes are the result of a light-gathering layer in the eyes called the Tapetum Lucidum, which allows the fish to see well in low-light conditions. In fact, many wallye anglers look for walleyes at night since this is when major feeding patterns occur. The fish’s eyes also allows it to see well in turbid waters, which gives it an advantage over its prey. Thus, walleye anglers will commonly look for days and locations where there is a good “walleye chop,” meaning rougher water. This excellent vision also allows the fish to populate the deeper regions in a lake and they can often be found in deeper water, particularly during the warmer, bright part of the summer. Last weekend it was a quarter-ounce pink and white jig tipped with a medium-sized dace minnow that seemed to do the trick in the Dog River system. Bouncing that jig off bottom in about 10 feet of water stirred up the yellow bellies and the action was fast and furious. Wayne Cerven and I made the trip to the river, stood on the deck of his 20-foot Ranger boat and landed and live-released many good-sized fish. Of course we kept a few to take home for a fresh feed. The number one choice of walleye anglers everywhere has to be the jig, as it accounts for a large number of fish that are caught annually. It is a simple bait to fish, and it provides a presentation that is close to the bottom structure where walleye forage. A round, lead-headed jig is the most common and can be tipped with a number of different options. Some of the more popular are plastic grubs, twister tails and shad bodies, as well as live minnows, worms or leeches. If the fish are inactive, or if you are experiencing a cold-front condition, your best option is to tip with live bait. If the fish are in an aggressive mood and the water is warm, oftentimes a plastic body will suffice. Choosing the right weight of jig head can often be a game of experimentation, although there are a few general rules to follow. For water less than 10 feet, a one-eighth jig will get the nod most of the time. This can be bumped up to a quarter jig if the conditions are very windy and you are having trouble maintaining contact with the bottom. Water between 10 and 25 feet are best fished with a quarter-ounce jig, and should be upgraded to a half-ounce jig head for water more than 25 feet deep. Maintaining contact with the bottom is the key to catching walleye, and experimenting with different lifts, and drags of the bait will upgrade your catch significantly. I hope all of you who were out for the opener and will be out again this weekend will have some luck, and remember, always wear your personal flotation dsevice (PFD); it could save your life.   Fri, 25 May 2012 10:51:14 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/211410/Outdoor-Life/Walleye-opener-a-success http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/208838/Outdoor-Life/The-evolution-of-the-bow-and-arrow Although bow hunting is on the rise in popularity in North America, the concept of the bow and arrow is one of the oldest tools for defending oneself and for the use of hunting in the realm of human history. Today’s modern bows are at the highest level of technical engineering and can humanely and ethically dispatch with ease the largest of game on the continent. Modern bows are light, durable, precision-tuned and, of course, expensive. The bow and arrow have had many birthdays and they date almost as far back as man himself. Arrow heads that were discovered in Africa have been dated circa 50,000 BC and were probably used in conjunction with spears and other projectiles for the killing of animals. It is somewhere around 20,000 BC when fire-hardened arrow heads were used. They were shaped to a point and inserted into a slot on the shaft then tied with sinew to the front of the arrow which gave them much more strength and reliability. Hardened arrow heads had much more bone-breaking ability and held an edge much longer. Around  6,000 BC, archaeologists found bows in Denmark that were made from yew or elm and  were  somewhat “tillered”, meaning there was an even amount of bend in the bow on the top and on the bottom. This is when bows started to become more accurate and projected the arrow faster and longer down range. They were simply more efficient.  Tillering was a major breakthrough. Ancient art and rock paintings depicted archers with bow and arrow in hand as far back as 7500 BC and soon the bow and arrow became the main weapon in warfare as well as a tool to harvest game. Spears became too cumbersome and difficult to lug around.  The distance they traveled was not as far and they were not as accurate as a bow. It was the Egyptian’s who really got technical in and around the 2300 BC era when they developed  a composite bow which had animal horn tips on either end and was held together with their version of glue. These bows were the best built and in conjunction with tillering, made great weapons and hunting tools.  Egyptian bows were approximately 62 to 68 inches in length, and had arrows that were made from reeds with very hard fore shafts, which were set into the main shaft with very fine thread then tipped with flint broad heads.         This Egyptian concept of bow and arrow was used for a few thousand more years until the modern musket was invented in the year 1520 AD which would soon replace the bow as weapons of war. However, the bow and arrow remained on the scene for many more years as the muskets were slow in production and hard to acquire through bartering and/or purchase. Only kings and the wealthy were able to get their hands on these new modern guns. Today’s bow hunting and archery equipment has come a long way from the old traditional style long bows and hand-made wooden arrows. Although we still have, and always will, traditional archers and traditional gear such as re-curve, long bows, and home made cedar arrows,  names like Hoyt, Easton, Mathews, Bear, Martin and Browning just to name a few, are up to their necks in manufacturing competition. Just like the big three North American truck manufacturers who are always trying that little extra to remain on the cutting edge, the bow manufacturers are doing the same. Speed, lightness and ease of use are the top three goals for most manufacturers and now with millions being spent on engineering, research and testing, it’s only going to get better. My first bow was given to me back in 1983 and made by a company called Darton Archery. I used that little dual-wheeled bow for a year until I travelled to Florida and went to the Jennings factory and bought a brand new Woody Lite. At the time this bow was high-tech. It had a wooden laminated riser and fiberglass limbs with two plastic round-wheeled encentrics and a steel cable system with a tear drop Dacron string. At the time, it was the Cadillac of bows. Although my arrows sped at a whopping 198 feet per second out of that old relic, I did manage to harvest my first moose with it down in Devon Township. Even though comparisons could not be made on the advancement in technological design and quality from that old Darton bow to the new Mathews bow I use today, it still did the job well. Archery is the sport of legend and will remain that way, forever. The bow hunting industry today has exploded Bow hunting is a very important part of my life. Since I first started in 1983, I’ve watched how fast the demand for decent equipment has increased. Archery and bow hunting have been around for thousands of years and were not only a staple and a necessity way back when, but also meant life or death in many instances. What does the future hold for archery and bow hunting in particular? Good question. I guess the answers lie within the current and future government ranks.   Bow hunting is a very challenging and traditional way of harvesting game and it has been done for literally thousands of years. Guns, in contrast, are infants and have been around for a relatively short period of time. Can I confidently say bow hunting is going to be here for 100 more years? No, I cannot. However, it is stronger and better than ever, and I will enjoy it as often as I can.   Fri, 11 May 2012 11:52:49 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/208838/Outdoor-Life/The-evolution-of-the-bow-and-arrow http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/205649/Outdoor-Life/Trucking-in-the-outdoors There is hardly a hardcore hunter or angler out there who doesn’t own a truck, an ATV or both.  An outdoorsman’s truck is as important to him as is his rifle or fishing rod, and although it’s the most expensive piece of equipment a hunter and angler will spend money on, it’s pretty much a necessity in order to get out there end enjoy what we do. With spring here and the walleye opener just around the corner, it goes without saying that there will be more trucks, boats and ATVs visible now than ever. ATVs (all terrain vehicles), commonly known as quads, have risen in popularity as well and are just a smaller version of the four-by-four truck. Between these two vehicles a guy could pretty much go where he wants to and get back off the beaten path where the big ones are! Today’s new trucks are just short of awesome, and the Big Five and I now say five, simply because Toyota and Nissan have stormed into the market with their full size Tundras and Titans to compete with Chrysler’s Dodge Ram, General Motor’s Sierra and Silverado and Ford’s F150.  With so much to choose from, a sportsman really needs to take the time to look at what their main focus is going to be during the year of angling and hunting.  If you’re going to be concentrating on fly fishing on the edge of small streams and creeks, then you may really not opt for a full size pickup and it may be more realistic looking at a mid size SUV (sport utility vehicle) or mid size pick up. For me there is no question what I require with the places I go and the gear I have. A full-sized pickup is a must even though I have to get a mortgage to fill it. At a cool $1.40 a litre, it costs me $174 to fill my rig! Yep, you read it correctly. Three fills a month and it’s a mortgage payment. A lot of things need to be taken into consideration when looking at purchasing a truck, things like box size, cab size and power train? Are you going to be towing a boat, travel trailer, or fifth wheel? And probably one of the most important aspects is the engine itself. Do you need big power or can you get away with a six-cylinder and better mileage? Do you need the extra torque of a diesel engine? The short box seems to be the most popular choice on the road, however, tail gates remain open when an ATV or snow machine are put in the back which is not the safest thing in the world and space for gear is reduced greatly. With the manufacturers offering so many configurations and options, it’s not hard to find the most practical truck for your specific needs. Of course price comes into play and new trucks are not cheap. My first house back in 1988 was $52,000 and now you pay that for a new top of the line truck. Although the domestic trucks are going on massive sale blitzes trying to stay afloat, it still will cost you a pretty penny by the time it’s signed, sealed and delivered. With the U.S. and Canadian dollar at par, I have heard of more and more Canadians  flocking south of the border purchasing their new rigs and making significant savings. Buying a truck is one thing, but decking it out with accessories is another. Bug deflectors, running boards, tonneau covers, winches, side rails, boat racks, skid plates, lift kits, after market performance parts, bigger tires, cold air intakes, box liners, tool boxes and many other items are a big part of an outdoorsmen’s rig. Rarely do you see a truck without some extras on it and in most cases another $3,000 to $4,000 can be easily dropped on accessorizing your truck after purchase. A few of the most common after market accessories are lift kits, box liners, running boards and bug deflectors. Some serious off road enthusiasts will also go for winches and heavy duty suspension parts to conquer the nastiest of back roads and right of ways. The ATV is another piece of equipment that is getting a lot of attention these days, and in talking to retailers in the area, sales seem to be on the rise. Polaris, Arctic Cat, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and the rest of the pack are all competing full strength. Years back when I was the proud owner of one of the first early ’80s ATVs made by Honda, I was a pretty popular guy when it came to extracting moose out of the woods, as the back-breaking chore of quartering and carrying was now going to be a thing of the past. My 1983 Honda Big Red three-wheeler was a high tech machine that started something that today has grown into a multi-million dollar empire. If you are a serious big game hunter, then I would bet donuts to dollars you will probably have one of these machines residing in your garage. Hunters and anglers have it better now than ever when it comes to getting back into places that in years past was unheard of unless you were prepared to walk for miles carrying your gear on your back. Some say this is not a good thing in the name of environmental protection and conservation, however, they are here and used by many, so it’s now up to the stewards of our land, which include biologists, environmentalists, conservationists, loggers and the hunters and anglers themselves to maintain a clean balance and use these machines responsibly and ethically in order for us to continue to use them and enjoy them for years to come. Remember safety always has to be number one, so always wear a helmet when operating an ATV.   Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:52:56 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/205649/Outdoor-Life/Trucking-in-the-outdoors http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/201309/Outdoor-Life/Fish-tales-and-lures The old saying goes “ you can always tell when a fisherman is lying, simply because his lips are moving.”  As far back as man started to angle, fish tales of all sorts began relating to the size of the fish, the fight the fish put up, and how long it took to reel it in. To this day it still remains the same as 50 years ago. Anglers still stretch the truth and try to get every ounce and inch they can on the fish they catch. However, today’s technology makes the story telling about that big fish a little more difficult with the equipment that is offered to anglers in the way of digital read-out scales and measuring devices that now stick right to the side of your boat.  What would have been a six-pounder now is a real four-pounder. What about lures? If you take the time to open up a Bass Pro Shops or a Cabela’s catalog there will be literally half the book dedicated just to lures. Everything you could possibly offer a fish on the end of your line will be in these pages and it makes it difficult for the average angler to choose what he thinks may give him the upper edge. Lures that float, are impregnated with scent, sink, suspend, dive, wobble, rattle, change colour, glow and side wind are now offered. What happened to the straight hook and minnow, or the old faithful “Little Joe” spinner? Fishing for walleyes as a kid, all we used were maribou jigs and worms or small minnows and we filled the boat.  Simplicity was good, and although modern technology has made us safer, I believe it has made us lazier as well. Today’s recreational and tournament fishing has exploded into a multi-million dollar industry that keeps getting bigger. There is now the professional tarpon circuit, the professional walleye tour, the professional redfish circuit, the bass masters and many others. It’s crazy the amount of prize money and prizes put up and how many people try to make a living at this throughout North America. Just take a look on TV whether it be satellite or cable and see for yourself how many fishing shows there are, and then take a look at the amount of corporate advertising that coincides with these shows. It’s big bucks and some of the manufacturers hold nothing back when it comes to making sure their product is out there. I am caught right in the middle of all the hype as I too have a boat that is outfitted with everything and a tackle box that requires a forklift to move, or should I say tackle boxes! It’s addicting and the simple fact that tackle does not cost a lot in comparison to boats and motors can easily allow a guy to sneak in a few new lures every week without breaking the bank or ruffling his wife’s feathers. So why do anglers have to have two boats, two canoes, 12 rods, four tackle boxes, four stringers, three minnow pails, eight life jackets and five pairs of polarized sunglasses just for fishing? The cost of fishing has also risen 10-fold in the last 15 years, and that is evident when venturing out to your favourite lake. By the time it’s said and done it’s a $150 day. Eight dozen medium minnows $32, and the boat launch is $10. Then one has to stop at the gasoline kiosk where they have a loans officer to take your application in order to fill your truck and boat. My truck holds 140 litres and at $1.36 a litre it’s well, you get it, and my boat has a 90 litre built in tank. Divided by the eight to 12 fish you get and it comes to a mere $25 a fish. Nuts you say? Maybe, but in comparison, what about the guy who spends $5,000 on a golf membership for five months? Or $45,000 on a custom Harley Davidson, or $50,000 on a hot rod? Where do we draw the line?  When it comes to leisure, sports and entertainment, it is all relative to your own passions, interests and bank account. We all work hard for our disposable income and time away from work is to enjoy ourselves in whatever manner we prefer.  Living in this part of the country, one would think fishing is just a part of life for many folks and if the amount of boats sitting on trailers in people’s driveways is any indication, it’s close to it. If I had back the amount of money I have spent on hunting and fishing in the last 20 years, I could probably pay cash for a new house. However, it’s something I just have to do and will continue to do no matter what the cost, just like some folks have to go to the casino twice a week.   Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:31:28 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/201309/Outdoor-Life/Fish-tales-and-lures http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/199681/Outdoor-Life/Fish-tales-and-lures The old saying goes “ you can always tell when a fisherman is lying, simply because his lips are moving.”  As far back as man started to angle, fish tales of all sorts began relating to the size of the fish, the fight the fish put up, and how long it took to reel it in. To this day it still remains the same as 50 years ago. Anglers still stretch the truth and try to get every ounce and inch they can on the fish they catch. However, today’s technology makes the story telling about that big fish a little more difficult with the equipment that is offered to anglers in the way of digital read-out scales and measuring devices that now stick right to the side of your boat.  What would have been a six-pounder now is a real four-pounder. What about lures? If you take the time to open up a Bass Pro Shops or a Cabela’s catalog there will be literally half the book dedicated just to lures. Everything you could possibly offer a fish on the end of your line will be in these pages and it makes it difficult for the average angler to choose what he thinks may give him the upper edge. Lures that float, are impregnated with scent, sink, suspend, dive, wobble, rattle, change colour, glow and side wind are now offered. What happened to the straight hook and minnow, or the old faithful “Little Joe” spinner? Fishing for walleyes as a kid, all we used were maribou jigs and worms or small minnows and we filled the boat.  Simplicity was good, and although modern technology has made us safer, I believe it has made us lazier as well. Today’s recreational and tournament fishing has exploded into a multi-million dollar industry that keeps getting bigger. There is now the professional tarpon circuit, the professional walleye tour, the professional redfish circuit, the bass masters and many others. It’s crazy the amount of prize money and prizes put up and how many people try to make a living at this throughout North America. Just take a look on TV whether it be satellite or cable and see for yourself how many fishing shows there are, and then take a look at the amount of corporate advertising that coincides with these shows. It’s big bucks and some of the manufacturers hold nothing back when it comes to making sure their product is out there. I am caught right in the middle of all the hype as I too have a boat that is outfitted with everything and a tackle box that requires a forklift to move, or should I say tackle boxes! It’s addicting and the simple fact that tackle does not cost a lot in comparison to boats and motors can easily allow a guy to sneak in a few new lures every week without breaking the bank or ruffling his wife’s feathers. So why do anglers have to have two boats, two canoes, 12 rods, four tackle boxes, four stringers, three minnow pails, eight life jackets and five pairs of polarized sunglasses just for fishing? The cost of fishing has also risen 10-fold in the last 15 years, and that is evident when venturing out to your favourite lake. By the time it’s said and done it’s a $150 day. Eight dozen medium minnows $32, and the boat launch is $10. Then one has to stop at the gasoline kiosk where they have a loans officer to take your application in order to fill your truck and boat. My truck holds 140 litres and at $1.36 a litre it’s well, you get it, and my boat has a 90 litre built in tank. Divided by the eight to 12 fish you get and it comes to a mere $25 a fish. Nuts you say? Maybe, but in comparison, what about the guy who spends $5,000 on a golf membership for five months? Or $45,000 on a custom Harley Davidson, or $50,000 on a hot rod? Where do we draw the line?  When it comes to leisure, sports and entertainment, it is all relative to your own passions, interests and bank account. We all work hard for our disposable income and time away from work is to enjoy ourselves in whatever manner we prefer.  Living in this part of the country, one would think fishing is just a part of life for many folks and if the amount of boats sitting on trailers in people’s driveways is any indication, it’s close to it. If I had back the amount of money I have spent on hunting and fishing in the last 20 years, I could probably pay cash for a new house. However, it’s something I just have to do and will continue to do no matter what the cost, just like some folks have to go to the casino twice a week.   Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:08:32 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/199681/Outdoor-Life/Fish-tales-and-lures http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/197058/Outdoor-Life/Effects-of-low-water-levels With the high temperatures and unseasonal weather we have been experiencing, there is no doubt our waterways once again are going to be way below normal levels unless we get some significant rainfall. Although most folks are welcoming the warm and dry weather, it’s a sure testament to disaster for the spawning trout, which highly depend on decent water levels and swift currents that allow them to get upstream to lay their eggs and continue the spring migrating cycle. These early spring spawners can become vulnerable if the water is too low, not only to poachers but to predation. Trout will congregate into small pools where birds of prey and marauding carnivores can easily get at the fish.  Not only will our trout be in trouble, wells will be going dry in the rural route, and the threat of early season forest fires loom. Last year’s forest fire season was a bad one, and we do not want to see a repeat of that again this year. We need rain folks and a lot of it. Many inland lakes are extremely low in water levels as well, and with the warm weather and lack of precipitation, we could see some bad conditions and a very odd walleye opener. Walleye indeed need their fair share of water in order to spawn. The mouths of rivers and creeks where they will gather to spawn can be non-existent. Late last September during a bow hunt up in Wabikimi (Flindt Lake) water levels were some three feet low and there were places where it was almost impassable through some of the narrows because of the water conditions. Some lakes will not only be affected by the low water conditions but in some cases by Ontario Power Generation. Dams are on many waterways throughout Northwestern Ontario and will be no doubt holding back what little water there might be unless we get a lot of rain. Of course low water levels mean less power being generated. I have seen this in past years and it does have a significant effect on water levels on inland lakes. Not only does the low water affect fish and water tables, it can be devastating to certain wildlife as well. Wetland ecosystems perform essential functions. These ecosystems contain millions of microscopic organisms that act as a natural filter, making wetlands veritable water purification. Plants retain nutrients and sediments, thus forming a food reserve and creating habitats for a diversity of plants and animals. These ecosystems mitigate the impact of waves and also slow and divert currents, thereby protecting banks from erosion. These wetlands or marshes are resting, breeding and feeding grounds for more than 150 species of birds, not to mention are a favourable environment for a number of small fur-bearing mammals (beavers, muskrats, otters and minks).  So what do we do now? The answer is simple. Nothing. We are at the mercy of Mother Nature and as much as I hate to say this, we need weeks of rain in order for levels to get even remotely close to where they should be. Historically, periods of dry weather and low water levels or drought were relatively uncommon in this area occurring once every 10 to 15 years. However, recent studies on changing weather patterns (global warming) show that low water levels may become more common as our demand for water steadily increases, and our demand for water is increasing. The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority has a great site on the Internet dealing with low water levels and responses. Go to www.lakeheadca.com/lowwater . This is a very informative site and gives a lot of stats on various conditions that are occurring or may occur. This site is called Ontario Low Water Response and not only gives you factual information on the levels and conditions but also gives a lot of tips on conserving water and what we can do to help in drought situations.   Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:12:23 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/197058/Outdoor-Life/Effects-of-low-water-levels http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/191568/Outdoor-Life/Outdoor-show-and-gun-registry Last weekend I traveled to Duluth for their Boat, RV, and Outdoors show. Departing at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning, I sat in line at the Pigeon River Border crossing for an hour as vehicles were lined up across the bridge and past the Canadian Customs building. In all the years I have been down to the States via this route I have never seen a line up that long waiting to get into Minnesota. With the Canadian dollar hovering around the even mark and the long weekend to boot, I should have anticipated such, but of course like the rest of sheep herd, I just ate crow and waited like everyone else did to get en route. Upon arrival at the DECC in Duluth, it was a sea of parked vehicles and a good majority of them had Ontario plates attached to them. Speaking of shows, we have our own outdoors show here in Thunder Bay this weekend, which you don’t want to miss. The Central Canada Outdoors Show is on again and is bigger and better than ever. Of course it’s being held at the Sports Dome on the CLE grounds and this year has some different flavour to it. This year, the show has a much larger tourism section to it, and a number of new exhibitors from the U.S. and from all across Northwestern Ontario. Admission to the show is a mere $5 bucks and children 12 and under are free. There will be more than $7,500 in prizes up for grabs, not to mention interactive displays and contests being held as well. Hours for the show are Friday night 5 p.m.  to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every year, this venue is a major attraction in the city and for good reason. One of my favourites to take in is the kids moose calling contest. So put this paper down, grab the family and head over to the dome and enjoy some of the best outdoor gear and exhibits you will ever see. With last weeks final reading in Ottawa in regards to the dismantling of the Long Gun Registry (Bill C-19), I would like to give Kudos to both our local Members of Federal Parliament John Rafferty (Thunder Bay Rainy River) and Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay Superior North) for standing up and voting for the wishes of their constituents rather than the wishes of their party. This took a lot of guts knowing they would be punished by the interim leader of the NDP, however, they stood by their promises and made representation for the people who voted and put them into the position they are in. The long gun registry has been a thorn in many sides, and has been extremely costly and very ineffective since it’s inception in 1995.  Bill C-19, the government’s bill to end registration requirements for non-restricted firearms such as hunting rifles and shotguns, passed its final House of Commons vote on Wednesday evening, the 15th of February during its Third Reading. The original legislation that created the firearms registry was Bill C-68, introduced by Jean Chretien in 1993 and signed into law in 1995. Standing firm on a long-time campaign promise, Thunder Bay–Superior North MP Bruce Hyer said “I have always held the strong conviction that we must end the well-intended but ineffective and wasteful registration of hunting rifles and shotguns. I voted Yes on Bill C-19. Other portions of the firearms legislation that will remain in force will continue to be effective." The long-gun registry over the past 17 years has done very little in the way of decreasing violent crimes with guns and has cost Canadian tax payers in excess of $2 billion. There could have been a heck of a lot more police officers hired on many police forces across the country for $2 billion. Statistics show that most violent crimes with guns were committed with those that are of a restricted nature such as handguns in which the laws will remain the same. This bill will only end registration of non-restricted hunting rifles and shotguns, but maintains the requirement to register handguns and other restricted firearms.   Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:21:06 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/191568/Outdoor-Life/Outdoor-show-and-gun-registry http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/190058/Outdoor-Life/Future-of-our-outdoor-heritage At the ripe old age of eight years old, I can vividly remember my mother yelling out the front door to get in the house and wash my hands for dinner. Road hockey after school out on the street was the norm in the neighbourhood, and in those days it’s what kept us kids occupied and active. If we weren’t on the street playing hockey, we were over at the school yard throwing a football or playing scrub baseball. There were no cell phones, texting, iPhones, computers, iPods, email, Facebook,  Skype and an array of other options available to kids today. There were no 50” high definition flat screen TVs with 800 channels and surround sound. We had one rotary dial phone in the house, and one television with six channels on it. We had no MTV or MuchMusic channels that in a lot of cases depict videos of sexual content and crime. There were no teenage reality shows influencing and warping our youth’s minds. Back then we actually had to get off the couch and manually change channels on our huge 21” televisions. As a kid I was one of the fortunate ones brought up in a home where my dad and grandfather hunted and fished, which usually encompassed most of my time off when not in school, and I am so grateful today that I was granted that opportunity at a young age to experience hunting and angling. It set the stage for what my passion would be for the rest of my life. Today, my outdoor heritage is one of the most important parts of my life not only as a participant but as an outdoor writer as well. However, I have seen a lot of changes over the last four decades, in particular with the amount of youth or lack of in the hunting and angling fraternity.   It seems modern technology has overtaken young peoples’ lives in more ways than one, and I can say this with confidence as I watched my own two children and many of my friends’ children become captured by a revolution of electronics and communication gizmos. Has the computer age robbed our kids of something they may never get to experience? I see young kids at the age of 10 years old with cell phones, and teenagers 15 and 16 years old with Blackberrys and iPhones with complete data packages and full access to the Internet while riding the school bus to and from school. Is this necessary at that age? I know some young people that would rather have an arm amputated than lose their cell phone, text and emailing capabilities. Although we are all caught up in today’s technological advancements in some way or another, I believe some level of responsibility should be placed on parents to ensure their children will get an opportunity to experience the wilds whether it be via a day in the field hunting, angling, camping, hiking, or some sort of outdoor recreation. I don’t think there is any kid who would not enjoy a day out on the boat catching a few walleye or smallmouth bass. Or maybe walking some trails hunting small game. Over the years I have had the privilege of taking several young people out to do such a thing, and the majority of them embraced it, and to this day have become avid hunters and anglers. The key word is opportunity and if more kids put down their cell phones, logged off Facebook and ventured out into the bush or onto an inland lake, they may see a whole different world out there; one they never knew existed and one which they may like and ultimately turn to. You don’t have to be a hunter or angler to give someone else an opportunity at trying it. We all know somebody who is an outdoorsman, whether it be a relative or another family member who your son or daughter can tag along with. There are several avenues one can take so their son or daughter can experience what we are famous for here in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. The future of our hunting and angling heritage is getting more reliant on our youth of today and with more pressure being put on us by the well funded antis, it’s imperative our young people get more educated and more involved in our hunting and angling activities so we can sustain a viable resource that has been in place for eons.   Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:10:48 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/190058/Outdoor-Life/Future-of-our-outdoor-heritage http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/187206/Outdoor-Life/Are-our-water-levels-in-trouble? Someone told me last week that Lake Superior’s water level is down by almost a metre. Does anyone have any idea how much water that is in a lake the size of a sea? I mean one metre of water in Lake Superior’s total area is mind boggling to say the least. So why is the largest freshwater lake in the world starving for water? It’s not just Lake Superior but rather all of our Great Lakes and the majority of our inland lakes and rivers throughout the Northwest that are way below what they should be. While in Northern Ontario this fall on a fly-in bow hunt, the water levels in the Wabakimi wilderness area were scarily low, with rocks sticking out of the surface all over the place. It was very intimidating to someone who has never been on this body of water and had to navigate many kilometres daily to and from our hunting areas. The number one culprit in all of the lower water levels is of course the lack of precipitation (whether snow or rain) and warmer than normal temperatures we have been experiencing the last couple of years. Let’s face it folks, last summer was one of the hottest on record in our region, and we had an extremely dry spring. Now it’s the first weekend in February and we are experiencing way below normal snow levels and of course temperatures that are very uncommon for this time of year. January proved to be a scorcher of a month with the exception of a few days where it did indeed get in the upper –20s, however, we did not have a whole lot of snowfall. As of 4 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2012 while sitting in my office writing this piece, we are at a balmy plus one with light rain; Regina sits at plus five and sunny and Toronto is at  plus 10 with a warm sun. My sister just emailed and said it was  plus 12 and downright balmy in Burlington. Is this normal for the end of January? So what’s going to happen this spring if this keeps up? If the water levels are this bad, how are we going to recover and get back to normal? I hate to be the bearer of bad news folks, but we need a lot of snow in the next couple of months and a lot of rain in the spring. If we don’t get it, things will get worse and we could be in big trouble. Wells will go dry in the rural route, bans on any kind of fire will be enforced everywhere, including camp fires, the burning of brush and maybe even woodstoves and fireplaces for that matter. Lakes will be shut down to anglers and our spring trout spawning season could be a catastrophic failure with the beds of streams dry. The forest fire season will be bad, and it could heavily affect our fish and wildlife. Unfortunately we are at the mercy of Mother Nature and unless you have what it takes to do your best rain dance and make it stick, we may be in serious trouble. Our Great Lakes have taken a beating and in many ports, dredging operations have become a priority in order to make sure our lake freighters and ocean going salties can get to their loading facilities at our grain elevators, coal docks and general loading terminals. We are not the only ones who are experiencing the effects of low water levels. Many other ports in Ontario and the U.S. such as Sault Ste Marie,  Duluth, Hamilton, Sault, Mich. and the list goes on are spending big dollars in dredging so normal operations can continue. So the big question is how does this affect our local fishery? Low water levels can be a huge factor in spring spawning especially for certain species of trout who navigate into the rivers and streams that are tributaries off of the Great Lakes and are the primary spawning grounds. They become very vulnerable to predation as they will congregate in the most available water, which in most cases are small pools or back eddies where unethical anglers, or simply animals such as bears, otters, fishers and even eagles have easy pickings. As much as we enjoy mild winter days and lesser snowfalls, in all reality it’s the worst thing that could happen. Higher temperatures create early melt and run off that is critical to our water levels in the spring. The lack of snow not only affects water levels, but also an insulating factor to many diverse things such as black bears or a city water main. Complete opposites. As crazy as that sounds both are reliant on the same system. As fast as a frozen water main can break and erupt because of the lack of an insulating barrier on the ground, a hibernating bear can become hypothermic and succumb to the same demise. Global warming is happening.   Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:47:37 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/187206/Outdoor-Life/Are-our-water-levels-in-trouble? http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/184518/Outdoor-Life/Deer-attract-wolves-to-city I recently have been following a couple of the articles written and letters to the editor in our local media on the wolf encounters people have been having in our rural route and within our city limits. In the last five years it seems there have been more and more sightings within the city limits and more people have been making reports, calling the police and the Ministry of Natural Resources on this issue because of the interaction with these animals. So why all of a sudden are we seeing and encountering more wolves these days? Well there are several factors and probably the most obvious one is food. Wolves, coyotes, lynx and cougars are carnivores, which means they eat and survive on meat. With the large increase of deer in the area and now the overpopulation of them is a magnet to the carnivores that largely rely on these ungulates for survival. In most cases, wolves usually live in packs much like a family structure, but it’s also not uncommon to see singles or pairs running around the woods. I have to say I have seen and heard more wolves out on my property west of Kakabeka than ever and I attribute that strictly to the increased number of deer out there. It’s like fish. Predator fish go where all the bait fish are – bottom line. So where do we go from here? How do we eliminate the threat of wolves in our rural route backyards? How do we decrease the odds of our pets being in jeopardy from attack from these wolves, or more crucial yet, be able to let our children outside to play and not have to worry about marauding wolves so close to dwellings and human activity? Well, as most are already aware, we have to decrease the main food source of the wolves first, which means the whitetail deer. A proposal was presented to city council late last year in regards to a bow hunt for next fall’s hunting season to reduce deer numbers within the city limits. This proposal was not only presented but passed by city council and will indeed take place and in my opinion will be a start in trying to reduce the deer herd that has increased 10 fold over the years. With abundant deer moving into populated areas and taking up residence right within the city and adjacent outlying areas, the wolves are going to follow. Where the food goes, the carnivores go.  Sightings of wolves have been on golf courses, the Harbour Expressway, both the university and college campuses, the airport property, as well as McKellar and Mission Islands. Wolves are normally a timid, shy animal when it comes to human interaction, however, like any other wild animal, they can adapt and when it means food, all animals will adapt to survive. One of the biggest factors that will help reduce deer numbers and ultimately wolf encounters is to stop feeding the deer. A lot of folks have feeders set up in their backyards and once deer find these and start to utilize them, they will not venture too far away. Deer under normal circumstances do not have a large home range to begin with. If they have food, cover and water available, they will in some cases stick within a mile radius most of their lives. When people put out feeders and continually replenish them, you are essentially setting up an attractant for a lot of wildlife and the key word here is wild. Feed attracts deer, deer attract wolves. Feed attracts birds, birds attract other smaller predators such as lynx, foxes and coyotes. And there are the bears, which are nomadic and eat just about anything as they are an omnivorous animal. Dogs and cats are not looked at by wolves as the family pet that presents no threat to them. Rather wolves look at pets as another food source, or an enemy. When Fifi the seven-pound miniature poodle is tied up outside in a backyard in the Slate River Valley and a wolf saunters by, that little dog has now become a Scooby Snack to an animal with an instinct to predate to survive as it would in a more remote, natural setting. Wolves are becoming less fearful of human activity and more immune to scents, noise and threats that would otherwise keep them away from towns and cities. Reducing the deer numbers significantly, I believe, will indeed help in reducing wolf sightings and encounters. Wolves are not cruising our city golf courses on a sightseeing tour; they are there because of the food source they rely on. This is not rocket science, folks, and a management tool has to be put in place to ensure deer numbers are reduced which in turn will have an affect on the wolves as well. Implementing a new bylaw that allows bow hunting deer within the city limits is a good start in doing such. This is not something that is going to have an immediate effect on deer numbers, but if executed and managed right this can and will make a difference as it has done in other municipalities in Ontario and in the United States.   Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:28:27 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/184518/Outdoor-Life/Deer-attract-wolves-to-city http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/183161/Outdoor-Life/Antler-growth The month of January and the dead of winter settling in mean one thing – we have a couple of more months before daylight starts to show significant increases and temperatures stay on the rise. This is the time of year antlers on moose and deer shed and are strewn on the ground somewhere in the woods. With coarse, thick winter coats covering themselves, keeping the cold and dampness out, it will be at least another 90 days before the molting process begins, but in the meantime, the excess weight of head gear is giving these ungulates some relief during the dark, cold months.  It’s hard to believe that a mature bull moose carries around antlers on his head that can weigh in excess of 80 pounds. Some antlers can be as large as 65 inches wide and 50 inches tall. In the Yukon and Alaska there have been moose harvested with antlers with a spread in excess of 70 inches and weights of  100 pounds. What’s even more impressive is  the bull will shed these antlers every winter/spring and grow a new set every summer. It’s an amazing phenomenon due to the grandeur of such bone mass. Try for one second to imagine carrying around a 100 pound piece of plywood on your head for seven months of the year.  Yes, ungulates in our area, including deer, will do the same and if you are out in the woods, chances are you may come across an antler that has been cast by either a deer or a moose. They are usually spotted more easily when temperatures get warmer and snow starts to melt in the spring, however, they can be found just about any time of the year, even now when they may be recently shed and laying right on top of the snow.  I have been lucky enough to find such treasures, and shed antler hunting in today’s realm of the outdoors has actually become big business in some locales around North America.  Many hunters make the effort every year to get out in the woods and look for shed antlers to see what has been roaming their hunting grounds that has eluded them all season.  Shed antlers can be used for so many things, and the Aboriginal people of hundreds of years ago coveted antlers as one of their most important finds, valuable treasures and usable gear in surviving harsh environments and day-to-day living.  Antlers proved invaluable to these nomadic people because they were used to make tools that allowed them to do so much. Antler is bone and is very strong and can be carved and shaped into just about anything and this art form still exists today. Custom knife makers use antler to shape handles on their knives just as the Aboriginals did back then. Antlers can also be turned into carvings, and I’m sure a lot of you have seen a moose antler turned into a work of art by the artists who have carved a scene or another animal right out of the palm of the antler and set on display. These antler carvings are popping up in a lot of gift shops across the Northwest and now antlers are being used for a lot more than even carvings. Antler lighting fixtures, chairs, tables, cribbage boards, stir sticks, letter openers and many more creations are now being made out of antlers and for sale in gift shops and retail outlets or on the web. Antlers in a hunter’s world have many meanings and usually the first thing that comes to mind is a set mounted on a plaque or a complete shoulder mount of the animal displayed in a rec room or garage.  There are scoring systems in place that measure and score antlers for the hunters  in North America such as the Pope and Young club (bow hunters)  and the Boone and Crockett Club (rifle and muzzle loaders)  and indeed are very popular with hunters across the country. It is simply a charted and recorded way of paying tribute to the animal who wore them.  So what do these antlers mean to the animals themselves? What exactly are they used for and what purpose do they serve in the ungulate world?  For the male moose and deer the antlers are used mostly during the mating season in rival fights for the right to breed. They are their weapons of attack and defense against other rutting males in search of a receptive female. During the mating season, bucks and bulls will be on the move looking for an estrous female and fights will occur with other males in order to establish dominance and breeding privileges with the ladies.  Antlers are developed with age and young bucks and bulls will indeed sprout antlers their first year, but it usually takes four to five years to grow a set that will impress the females and be a threat to other rival males. Genetics plays a huge role in the development of antlers and like in humans, the ones who were given good genetics will be the ones who will grow the biggest and strongest rack.  The females will ultimately choose the male they will mate with and of course the female wants the best genetics given to her to reproduce a strong and healthy calf or fawn.  Antlers, as I’ve said, are cast every winter (early December, January and into February) and new ones start to grow in the spring. This is a phenomenon that is truly spectacular as some antlers are so big and can grow literally an inch a day if the conditions are right and good nutrition is available.  A male deer or moose will grow a larger set of antlers every year until it reaches its peak in maturity at which time the antler size and shape will plateau until the animal starts to age. When a buck or bull gets old the antlers will deteriorate as well, and the once large, pointed, strong, healthy rack, will start to go on a down slide in size and development.   As a hunter, I have learned a lot about antlers in the past 25 years and although I have many sets of moose and deer racks myself, they still intrigue me to no end.  There is nothing like the sight of a mature bull moose with a big, heavy, healthy set of antlers on his head roaming his kingdom in all his majesty. It commands respect and is the subject of many wildlife artists’ collections.  Antlers are one of many reasons we hunt and although the ultimate prize is the tender venison that is so good for us, there is nothing wrong with displaying a giant moose rack on the gable end of camp or above a stone fireplace.    Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:57:11 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/183161/Outdoor-Life/Antler-growth http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/179665/Outdoor-Life/The-modern-ice-shack As a kid, I can vividly remember sitting on an upside down pail beside my hand-drilled hole intently watching my line tied to a red willow stick jammed in the snow. Little Butler Lake, Agimak lake, Sandbar Lake, Raliegh Lake, Sowden Lake and many others we fished around the town of Ignace were the hot spots when I was growing up. My grandfather’s old heavy Snow Cruiser was how we got into these lakes with a homemade sleigh in tow that carried everything we would need to spend a day out on the ice, and when I say out on the ice, I mean that in a literal sense. Back in the ’60s ice fishing shelters were unheard of, at least on the lakes we frequented, and the only thing we had to keep us warm was the clothes on our back and maybe if we were lucky enough to be very close to shore we would have a fire made for us to huddle against if it was brutally cold. How times have changed, and with today’s technological development of high-tech portable ice fishing shelters that has taken the industry by storm, no one has to sit outside in cold temperatures and high winds any longer. Better yet, in the last 10 years the construction of homemade ice shacks has really taken off and seems to be the rage for hardcore, hard water anglers. The development and advancements of some of these units is nothing less than spectacular. Some of these shacks are like portable apartments on ice, and I personally have seen some that simply blew me away with the customization that went into them. It seems each year more and more homemade ice shacks are popping up on inland lakes, which now makes it a lot easier for anglers to be out on the ice no matter what the weather conditions. This also makes it much more appealing for the whole family. The simplicity of four walls and a wood stove in the corner has revolutionized ice angling and is becoming quite contagious amongst hard water ice anglers across the northwest. If you have never experienced spending a weekend in the middle of the lake in the middle of winter, I suggest you give it a try, as I can guarantee you will not be disappointed. Most of these units scattered on the lake have the basics such as wood stoves, bunks, windows, an insulated door and a couple of hatches in the plywood to sit in the warmth of your shack and catch a few fish right through floorboards. Some of my friends have built themselves custom shacks that reside on Lac Des Milles Lac just west of Thunder Bay, and I have had the privilege to be invited and accompany them for a weekend. I have to tell you it was like staying in a hotel room suite at the Hilton. Ice fishing indoors in a T-shirt watching the hockey game when it’s -25 C outside is a great experience to say the least. Customizing an ice shack depends solely on your own personal needs and requirements, but one thing is certain and that’s to make sure it’s warm and stays warm. Wood stoves seem to be the most common source of heat in these units. However, more and more folks don’t want the hassle of cutting, splitting and hauling wood and opt for propane furnaces or space heaters that eliminate the need to cut and haul wood to your shack. Although propane can be much more expensive, it is a lot easier to use and requires much less space in the shack. A small propane wall mounted heater or mini-furnace will produce more than enough heat to keep a shack cozy and takes up very little space. These shacks I’ve been in not only have the comfortable heat happening, but are outfitted with satellite television, running water, stainless steel sink, custom cabinets, stainless hot water tank, portable washroom, pull-out beds, double bunks, inside night lighting system, a regular power source with half a dozen outlet plug ins, built-in stereo systems with satellite radio, adjacent wood shed with gas generator, three-burner propane stoves, outdoor barbeque, outdoor lighting system and the list goes on. A far cry from sitting on an overturned plastic pail with your hood pulled over your head jigging in 25 kilometre per hour winds. At times I will also stay with my good friend Archie Hoogsteen, who owns and operates Sugar Shack Rentals out on Lac Des Mille Lacs. Archie has been fishing this body of water for many years and knows it intimately. Mr Hoogsteen started this ice shack rental business some years ago for the angler who may not have the need or want to be out there on a weekly basis like so many hardcore anglers do. He saw the need for a comfortable heated ice shack for anyone who wants to come and enjoy a day or a weekend with his family or friends and have the comfort to enjoy themselves. Sugar Shack has a variety of shacks out on Lac Des Mille Lacs that all have propane stoves, wood stoves, comfortable beds, propane lanterns, generators and an unlimited supply of fire wood. Holes can be pre-drilled and he even has outhouses for your convenience. I have stayed with Archie and his operation many times and have had a great time and caught fish. The convenience of being able to drive your truck via Sawmill Bay and directly to your abode has revolutionized how we now can enjoy something we want to do without having to spend a zillion dollars on a snow machine and sleigh. He will even pre-drill your holes for you so upon arrival all you have to do is throw your sleeping bag and cooler of grub inside and drop a line and stoke the wood stove. It’s a great way to spend a weekend without all the hassle of having to have all the gear.   Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:27:04 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/179665/Outdoor-Life/The-modern-ice-shack http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/178255/Outdoor-Life/Christmas-means-trees Although I have seen many Christmas trees already set up in the front windows of local residences, it’s that time of year when most folks get serious about doing so if they already haven’t and join the rest of the sheep herd in bringing home that pine or balsam. The tradition of having a tree in our homes to umbrella a truck load of gifts has been in place for eons, and seems to be as strong as ever. Tree lots are popping up everywhere in the city and of course the fake trees are boxed and piled high in most of the big retailers in town, and then there is the tradition of taking the kids out into the bush and selecting the perfect Christmas tree and cutting it down yourself. Although I think the latter of the three is dwindling fast as years go by, it’s still important to many people who want to make that outing a memorable part of their holiday season. What about me you ask? Well in all honesty I have experienced all three (bought, fake, and self harvested) All have their advantages and disadvantages. A fake tree is just that; it’s fake but lasts for years and doesn’t dry out and leave a kazillion needles throughout the house that need to be swept and vacuumed up. You can purchase a decent fake tree for a couple hundred bucks which over the period of a decade is a mere $20 a year. The bought tree is good too, but costs on the average of $60 a pop and over a period of 10 years is a cool $600. The good part about a bought real tree is it’s convenient. You don’t have to drive far to find one, and these lots usually have hundreds of trees to select from. In most cases these trees are very symmetrical and shapely, but the downfall of a tree lot Christmas tree is they are cut well in advance and shipped to us via transport truck from a Christmas tree farm. This means two things; they are aged and very dry. Keeping them hydrated is extremely important, and from experience they will suck up a lot of water once set up in the house. A dry Christmas tree can become an extreme fire hazard, so it’s imperative to make sure there is ample water feeding the trunk of that tree on a regular basis. As a long time hunter, the majority of my Christmas trees came from the great outdoors, simply because of the timing of the hunting season in conjunction with the onset of the Christmas season. Hunting season up here in northwestern Ontario extends to December 15th which means I’m out in the woods looking for that moose, deer, or simply small game hunting. Over the period of a couple of months prior to Christmas I spend a lot of time eyeing up some possible prospects when the time comes to harvest. Being fortunate to be the owner of a large chunk of private property allows me to enjoy an afternoon walking some bird trails or cruising the back part of my property on my ATV this time of the year, in most cases the end result is coming back to camp with a tree in tow. The custom of erecting a Christmas tree can be historically traced to 15th century Livonia (present-day Estonia and Latvia) and 16th century Northern Germany. Germany is where the Christmas tree’s roots (no pun intended) really began. I bet a lot of you had no idea how old this tradition is and how it all got started? Long before the advent of Christianity, plants and trees that remained green all year had a special meaning for people in the winter. Just as people today decorate their homes during the festive season with pine, spruce and fir trees, ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many countries people believed that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits and illness. Today if you asked any young person what is symbolic about their Christmas tree, I would bet the majority of the answers would be “To put all the presents under”! To a lot of folks Christmas is the decorated tree in their homes, and rightly so. It has many meanings and gives off an aura that fills the home with spirituality. This weekend I will be out in the woods trying to help a friend fill his moose tag before the season ends, however, I will also be hunting for the “prefect” Christmas tree as well. If the moons line up, and luck is with me, I just may come home with both.   Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:08:58 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/178255/Outdoor-Life/Christmas-means-trees http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/177060/Outdoor-Life/City-makes-right-decision After a lengthy session at city council on Monday night, council voted they will indeed go ahead with a planned bow hunt for whitetail deer within the city limits for 2012. Several deputations were made by individuals representing different outdoor organizations trying to educate and explain why such a bow hunt would be an efficient management tool in reducing our local deer numbers. As the majority of us already know, our deer herd has increased to a level where something has to be done. Over the last few years there has been a huge increase in vehicle accidents and property damage within our city limits due to the marauding deer. Council was asked to amend the city’s discharge of firearms bylaw to allow for a bow hunt of deer on private property in certain areas within the outskirts of the city limits. Members of council had many questions on the issue, and rightly so as this is something that entails the dispatching of a wild animal, and of course safety was the main concern on most councillors minds. A bylaw will also be put in place where feeding deer will be prohibited. With the change in bylaw, it would allow bow hunting on private property only in some parts of the city. However, a special document will have to be filled out by the hunter and the land owner not only for permission to hunt on his land, but also governing field dressing of the animal, and the use of attractants. A copy will remain with the hunter and a copy with the land owner. This hunt will not be treated any differently than a regular season out of city deer hunt. Rules and regulations will remain and be enforced by the city police force in conjunction with the Ministry of Natural Resources if needed. Glenn Rivard, the first vice president of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) said, “Thunder Bay council is to be congratulated for their courage. They have shown leadership, reasoned integrity and fiscal responsibility by applying what 10,000 North American wildlife professionals know. Urban deer management is not possible by non-lethal methods alone, ultimately it requires a reduction of deer densities. This resolution will only allow land owners in parts of the city the freedom to decide what they will or will not allow on their own property.” Of course this type of amendment does not come into play without opposition, and it was present at the meeting Monday evening. However, with the well-planned and laid out documentation the city councillors had presented to them by the licensing and enforcement office from the city of Thunder Bay, and also the very well presented deputations from the Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen’s Alliance executive director John Kaplanis, the OFAH’s Glenn Rivard and  the MNR, it was much easier for councillors to decipher what was being proposed. As a long time bow hunter, I understand how effective a well managed bow hunt within the city limits can be. Although this has been accepted by city council, there will be some tweeking and fine tuning before everything is etched in stone I’m sure. One of the biggest factors is to make sure the public understands what is taking place and why, without reservations and fear of endangerment or safety concerns. It will be solely up to the land owner if they wish to give written permission to allow a licensed bow hunter onto their property. These hunts will come with set regulations such as hunting from an elevated stand that must be at least three metres off the ground. This is so the trajectory of an arrow will travel downward towards the ground rather than horizontally. The bow hunter will also have to be at least 75 metres from an inhabited dwelling. There will not be any bow hunting taking place in the city itself, as some folks may suspect. The proposed area is west of the Expressway and south of the Kam River. These will be semi-rural and rural areas. The idea of a bow hunt within the city limits may be appalling to some individuals, however, this exact same practice has been in place in Duluth for the last five years and has been very successful in helping reduce deer numbers and ultimately car accidents and property damage.   Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:52:07 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/177060/Outdoor-Life/City-makes-right-decision http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/174565/Outdoor-Life/Prepared-for-winter? It’s that time of the year where the boat gets wrapped up and put away. Maybe even the ATV, lawnmowers, small outboard motors, hedge trimmer, weed whacker and whatever else is used in the summer and powered by gasoline is also stored away. A lot of folks overlook the maintenance required on these things in preparation for the long winter slumber. However, if not prepped properly, it could become costly come springtime. The main thing to watch for on any engine sitting idle for extended periods of time is rust. And when you have thousands of dollars invested in power gear, it’s critical you take care of it. One of the most important parts of winterizing your outboard motor is what’s called fogging. This process is a fairly easy one if done right and could give you many more hours on your motor. Fogging simply puts a type of oil into the cylinders and coats them so moisture cannot start to create rust on the cylinder walls or the pistons themselves. Fogging is usually performed with the engine running while spraying the prescribed oil into the air intake and directly into the cylinders until the engine chokes itself and shuts down. This is a fairly inexpensive insurance policy. I also perform this procedure on some of my other engines as well, like my lawnmower and my ATV. Some guys run their ATVs during the winter in which case  the engine will keep fresh, however, mine will be put to bed soon and the fogging process will be performed. Other winterization factors that need to be done are the removal of batteries. My boat has three deep cycle batteries that will be removed and brought into the house where they can stay warm and not freeze up. One deep cycle battery can be expensive let alone replacing three of them. Same goes for the ATV, the battery will be removed on that as well.   Any electronics on the boat that can be removed easily will also be taken inside such as the head of my Sonar, and the face plate of my stereo. My Minnkota I Pilot electric trolling motor remains mounted to the bow of my boat, but I make sure it is covered. Speaking of covers, this is another part of winterization that should be not overlooked. Some folks have the luxury of storing their boat inside a garage where covering it up does not have to be done well. On the other hand a lot of people have no choice but to store their vessel beside the house or in the backyard and this is where a good covering system is critical. Last winter I utilized a portable garage to store my boat in; one of which you can buy at many retailers that are made from tarp material and have steel frames.  They come in several sizes and configurations, but work well as a winter shelter. That used with your regular travel cover should be sufficient as long as you remove heavy snow loads from it regularly. Another option you can do is have your boat professionally covered or vacuum packed by one of the marine dealers here in Thunder Bay. This costs a little money, however, it is the epitome of covers for our long winters and is done in a manner that snow load is not an issue. Smith’s RV has done it for me in the past and I have to say it worked well. Finally the last thing I do in winterizing my boat is to grease the wheel bearings and jack the trailer off the ground (block it up) a few inches so the weight is taken off of the leaf springs and tires. This is particularly good for both, as the tires do not get flat spotted and pressure cracked sitting idle for months. It’s also good for the springs as it allows them to regain their memory. Greasing the wheel bearings ensures that the actual hub is full of grease and once again does not allow any precipitation to start rust while sitting for months. Winterizing equipment that is not going to see any action for months is and can be time consuming, but it ensures the  gear you spent good money on will remain in top notch condition and be ready to perform when it comes time to yank the cover off and crank it up for the May long opener. If you have questions or concerns about winterizing your boat or ATV, give one of the dealers here in town a call and I’m sure they will be able to help you.   Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:13:56 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/174565/Outdoor-Life/Prepared-for-winter? http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/172606/Outdoor-Life/Ethics-in-the-woods Every year during the rifle moose hunt there always seems to be some conflict somewhere between hunters, or hunting parties, and this year proved to be no different. In the span of a month, I received several calls and emails from individuals who were complaining about the behaviour and unethical conduct of other hunters, which leads me to believe that it’s business as usual in the woods of Northwestern Ontario. We as a huge fraternity of hunters in most cases are very passionate about our annual moose hunt, whether it’s during the archery season or the busy gun season. Like everything else in the world, there will be a few individuals with a little competitiveness, possessiveness and selfishness that can sometimes set the stage for conflict between fellow hunters, which is completely unnecessary. Some common sense and a little patience goes a long way. The number one complaint I hear from hunters is those who take it upon themselves to block roads or trails from other hunters. Using a truck, or a camper/RV is the most common method of doing this. However, I have heard horror stories where individuals will cut and drop a mature tree as well to fill this bill. Blocking one’s way has caused more arguments, altercations, fist fights and property damage than any other action that hunters do when trying secure their own piece of real estate to hunt on. Blocking a right of way or road is against the law, and unless you’re on private property with written permission from the land owner to do so, it just simply can’t be done. The first two weeks of the rifle opener seems to be when most of this type of nonsense occurs due in most part to small invasion of hunters that hit the woods this time of the year. Large parties of hunters make their way up north and into the north woods from southern Ontario hoping for that crack at Bullwinkle. That crowd, along with our own local resident hunters means a small army of orange in the bush. The reason the Ministry of Natural Resources mandates a hunter safety course is simply for that –  safety When you have hundreds of people in the woods carrying high-powered rifles in search of a moose, certain actions have to be practiced. Wearing hunter orange is by far the most neglected thing and although it’s the law, I still see many guys walking trails or sitting on stand with no orange on. Not only is this against the law, it’s a death wish as every year we hear of a hunter or two in Ontario being shot, mistaken for an animal. To the average human (unless you’re colour blind) hunter orange is extremely visible even at long distances and is easily recognized as such and should be worn by everyone in the woods during hunting season. This includes hikers, mushroom or berry pickers or anyone entering the woods for any reason. The same goes for your pet. Make sure old Rover has some orange on as well, as to an unsuspecting hunter a large dog running through the woods could easily be mistaken for a bear, wolf or a coyote. Although the dispatching of a moose or deer is legal with the proper paperwork and licenses, it should be done so in a matter that is as humane to the animal as possible. A quick, clean harvest is our mandate as responsible hunters and once such has been accomplished, the field dressing and proper care should be carried out immediately. This past opener for moose saw temperatures in the high 20s in a lot of areas. Hardly the weather to be hanging a moose with its hide on. Getting the ungulate quartered and cooled off as fast as possible in that kind of heat is mandatory. Transporting the animal is just as important, and yes, after a successful hunt a lot of hunters want to display their big set of antlers and moose head hanging out the back of their pickup or draping off the side of their trailer. Remember what is visually stimulating to you or other hunters can be a turn off to other folks. Try and transport your animal in a fashion that is respectable to all, and in a manner that does not offend non-hunters or young children.  There is nothing wrong with displaying a great set of antlers, however, I have personally seen successful hunters wheeling around town or down the highway displaying their quarry in a non-tasteful way. Remember, anything we do as hunters that is unethical or distasteful labels us all. We have a hard enough time with the well funded multi-million dollar anti organizations scripting us as fat Bubbas out to slay all things cute! Being law abiding, safe and ethical hunters ensures our image with the general public as conservationists, stewards of the land and a well balanced management tool stays strong.   Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:44:33 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/172606/Outdoor-Life/Ethics-in-the-woods http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/170173/Outdoor-Life/The-buck-stops-here With the month of October winding down, there is no doubt in my mind many decent bucks have already been taken by hunters in the last few weeks. A lot of reports I have received so far  indicate this year’s whitetail harvest on a whole has been decent even though we still have the month of November and half of December to go. I for one have been bow hunting whitetails for more than 25 years and have watched a multi-billion dollar industry evolve around the most popular game animal in North America. The money generated directly or indirectly from deer hunting in Canada and the lower 48 states is staggering. Nothing compares in the outdoor hunting world and statistics show the whitetail deer is king when it comes to producing the greenbacks and in popularity amongst the ranks of hunters whether you favour a shotgun, a bow, a muzzle loader or a rifle. I believe today’s modern deer hunter is much more informed and educated simply because of television, magazines and books and the Internet. There are so many shows on TV geared towards the deer hunter and site after site on the web that anyone can access with loads of information and available gear for purchase. Take a walk into Chapters and see how many magazines there are available on this animal and the practice of hunting deer. There are probably 30 different publications on this alone. In Northwestern Ontario, we are fortunate to have an array of big game animals such as the moose (which is probably as popular  as the whitetail), black bears, deer, wolves, elk, a few cougars  and in some areas caribou (although protected). In comparison every one of the 48 states in the U.S. has a huntable whitetail herd with regular seasons. No wonder why this critter is such a popular ungulate. In the old days the whitetail deer was hunted mainly by rifle hunters who walked the woods in hope of spotting a deer within range and getting the shot, or driving the woods where a shooter would be placed in an area only to have his partners push the animal towards the hunter who was at his post, ready and waiting for the fleeing animal. Today these maneuvers are still used quite often, however, the most popular method used by hunters is the tree stand. More deer are harvested from tree stands than any other strategy, and as a bow hunter it’s my personal choice for setting up on big bucks. Tree stands allow you to be just about anywhere and in a relatively quick amount of time. They are portable and can be moved in a moment’s notice and come in about 100 different styles and patterns. The one major advantage of hunting out of a tree stand is it allows the hunter to get off the ground and out of direct wind currents, which is so critical. It also gives the hunter a much better vantage point and line of sight. When the wind is blowing, hunting out of a tree stand for obvious reasons will allow you to get away with a little more movement. This is critical, especially if bow hunting and you have to draw your bow on a big buck a few yards away. Disadvantages of tree stands are they are somewhat noisy to hang and are not usually the most comfortable things to sit in for hours especially if you are a bigger guy like me.   Another method of harvesting some decent bucks is the use of calls and scents. This, if done properly, can be deadly on rutting bucks. Big whitetail bucks are for the majority of the year loners and when fall time rolls around and their necks start to swell and tarsal glands turn black, a remedy of guttural grunts and a dose of doe-in-estrous scent will drive them crazy. I think more big bucks have fallen to arrows and bullets because of the use of calls and scent than any other attractant. Deer do a lot of communicating through the use of their own scent glands and a mature buck has seven glands he uses on a regular basis. If the deer hunter understands the glands on a rutting buck, he can improve his chances on a trophy whitetail simply by choosing the right scents to use at the different phases of the whitetail mating season. No matter what we choose to help us in our quest the one most important thing all deer hunters need to remember is the wind direction. Nothing will ruin your hunt faster than getting winded and we have all been there I’m sure. I certainly have. There are so many camo clothing lines out there that claim they are scent eliminators (and I own some of them) and also so many sprays that claim they will eliminate your scent. However, these may work to some extent and give you a better chance than if you didn’t use any, but they will never completely eliminate human scent. This is why I have several stand locations in different areas, so I can get out and hunt the stand where the wind is in my favor. Did I mention the wind?   Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:19:28 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/170173/Outdoor-Life/The-buck-stops-here http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/165192/Outdoor-Life/Black-shadows-in-the-North Pound for pound the northern black bear is one of the strongest and fiercest animals in North America. A 400-pound black bear has the capability of taking down deer and caribou with ease, and in some cases has brought down elk and moose. They may look slow and cumbersome, however, they can attain speeds of 50 kilometres per hour, can tear apart tree stumps and throw huge boulders like a small bulldozer. I have seen big bears toss around a 45-gallon drum of bait like it was a sardine can. Black bears are nomadic and omnivorous by nature; they wander and eat just about anything their systems can digest. In the spring when bears emerge from their dens, they concentrate mostly on the fresh greenery and shrubs popping up on south facing slopes. However, at the same time they will eagerly dine on new born fawns and calf moose and in the last few years this predation has had some effect on our moose herd in the north. With the increase in bear numbers competition for range and food has increased and so has the predation on moose calves. Calf recruitment in some WMUs (Wildlife Management Units) is way down and many fingers are pointing to the bear population as one of the prime reasons why. Black bear hunting used to be big business in Northwestern Ontario and I put an emphasis on used to simply because when the provincial government put a halt to the spring bear hunt many years ago, it injured a lot of outfitters in the north who were  reliant on the spring hunt as part of their livelihood. Millions of dollars were severed from the economy from something that was in place for many years and acted as a management tool in keeping the numbers at a respectable level. Even when the spring hunt was in full swing, small increases in black bear populations were evident. It was a healthy, viable and sustainable practice that injected a lot of money into the region, provided nutritious food and kept the bear population in a healthy state. Today bear hunting is still practiced but on a much leaner level. Outfitters are now limited to a fall hunt which started on Sept. 15 and continues into October, and from all indications and conversations I’ve had, there is no shortage of black bears. Most hunters should have great success. Although I have this thing in the way called a fulltime day job, I still try to get out and put some hours in a tree hoping to get a shot at a black Volkswagon.  Luring a big mature black bear into bow range during daylight hours is not an easy thing. Although I have done it a few times, it takes a lot of patience and dedication. The most common way of bear hunting up here in the north is by means of a bait site. It’s not as easy as one thinks and having more than 20 years experience in the bear hunting industry I can tell you it’s work. Putting on the miles to and from several bait sites every few days can eat up a wallet full of cash in gasoline costs not to mention the collecting of bait for each site. Several bears can be settled on one bait site and devour 100 pounds of scraps in no time, meaning more pressure on the outfitter to keep that bait pile replenished. I have also bear hunted natural baits like grain fields, which can be a very successful and exciting way to hunt these bruins. Big bears are more nocturnal and usually hit bait sites or man-made food sources under the cover of darkness as they feel safer. I have had infrared trail cameras set up on bait sites and taken pictures of some monster bears, however, all of them were during early morning darkness. This is why they reached the age and size they have. A lot of big bears are in tune with their environment, especially when you are in your tree stand, trust me, and when a big bear is indeed approaching a bait site, in most cases will undoubtedly circle down wind and get a good nose full of human sent and simply wait you out. That big boar will wait until it gets dark and you leave your stand before moving in towards the food source. The scenting and hearing capability of a black bear is uncanny. Bears are part of the pig family and the meat from a black bear can be extremely tasty. Personally I like to have the hams smoked, a few roasts cut and sausage made. It’s something I enjoy very much, and over the winter when my freezer is loaded with venison (moose and deer) it’s nice to have a little bit of a different culinary experience. Remember be safe and good luck. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:09:25 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/165192/Outdoor-Life/Black-shadows-in-the-North http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/162013/Outdoor-Life/Hunters-ready-to-take-aim With hunting season just around the corner, it’s time to get the old iron out and make sure you can at least hit a barn door at 50 yards. You’re laughing right now, but you would be surprised how many people head for the woods without taking the time to make sure their rifle, bow, cross bow or muzzleloaders  are sighted in. I see it every year where the day before the opener, guys pull out the old 30-06 or .303, blow the dust off of it and head for the moose woods without knowing if their gun is accurate or not. One of our biggest obligations as hunters is to make sure we are as ethical as we can be and the animals we harvest are taken as quickly and humanely as possible. Taking the time to practice with your firearm of choice should be mandatory, and in some parts of the world it is. Some countries have proficiency shoots where the local enforcement agencies hold such events. Hunters are summoned to a particular place at a set time and have to prove they are accurate and proficient enough with their bow or gun before they can even apply for a big game tag. Of course this takes time and costs money, however, it has proven to work and has accomplished two things. The first is less wounding and tracking of animals, and secondly, it has eliminated a lot of people from the pool who were just not serious enough about the hunt. This then gives the folks who are very serious a better chance at obtaining a tag or permit to hunt big game simply because the number of hunters who have earned the right to apply are considerably less. Here in Ontario we are required to  pass a hunter’s safety course as well as a firearms course before we are granted an outdoors card and a firearms license, otherwise known as a possession and acquisition card. These two cards allow an individual to buy and or possess firearms as well as buy certain hunting licenses or apply for others. The practicing, sighting in and accuracy part is soley the responsibility of the hunters themselves, which means you have to take the time and make the effort to get out and do it on your own. I take my practicing seriously and start long before the season is here. In fact my Mathews bow has already been to Tao’s Archery for its annual tune-up, and for the next three weeks I hope to be shooting it daily. Sept. 18 two of us will be boarding an Otter floatplane out of Ignace Airways to Flindt Lake and River system, 170 kilometres north of the small town, deep in the heart of Wabikimi wilderness on an eight-day fly-in bow hunt for moose. With two bull tags to fill it is imperative our gear is in top notch condition and that I am dialed in mechanically and mentally, so when that moment of truth does present itself, I will be confident in my ability to cleanly harvest a monster moose. Speaking of practicing, there is a great facility available to you if you’re a bow hunter and want to fling some arrows down range. Lakehead Archers is located on Vibert Road just west of the city and has an indoor range and a 90-yard outdoor range and if that’s not enough, a full 3D course. I was a member of Lakehead Archers for years back in the day, however, owning almost 400 acres of private property has now given me the privilege to create my own targets and range on a well-groomed trail system. Lakehead Archers has been around for many years and is a place I spent a lot of time. I encourage anyone who is a target archer or a bow hunter to check it out. You will not be disappointed. You can contact them at 939-1672. On the other hand, if you’re a rifle hunter and want to fine tune your shooting skills before this big game season, then I would suggest you attend the rifle sight-in on Sept. 25 sponsored by the New Shooters Association and the Ministry of Natural Resources. This sight in will be held at the NOSA outdoor range, located on Hwy 588 near the intersection of Hwys 590 and 588. This will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and there will be a $5 range fee. Here’s an opportunity to take your rifle and have a few of the professionals on hand help you get that accuracy you always wanted. If you need any additional information contact GMK Armoury at 346-4088. Having the best gun or bow money can buy is one thing, but having the ability to shoot it accurately is another and we as hunters have a responsibility to the animals we pursue to make sure this is accomplished. Remember safety is always first. Good shooting. Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:28:27 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/162013/Outdoor-Life/Hunters-ready-to-take-aim http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/159018/Outdoor-Life/Deer-numbers-dangerous Driving down the Harbour Expressway, I watch as a fawn collides with an oncoming car as she follows her mother across the road right in front of the Superstore. The little deer is killed and left on the road as the mother doe bounds off into a small patch of woods that separates businesses and city streets. The driver of the car is okay, however, major damage is done to the front of the car. This is a scene that happens regularly, and in the last few years is becoming somewhat of an issue in the city of Thunder Bay. The deer herd has tripled, and urban deer are as much a problem now as rats are in the sewers of New York. Deer are everywhere, and I’m sure all of you who read my column can attest to seeing deer within our city limits, and in fact. probably in places where you never would have a half dozen years ago. Confederation College and Lakehead University campuses and the surrounding area are popular hangout spots, and of course McKellar and Mission Islands are over populated by the whitetails. They are a huge attraction to the public who like to take a drive and watch and feed the deer. I personally have been on the islands and was blown away at the number of deer walking around, and how unafraid of human activity they have become. I watched folks hand feed these animals right from the window of their cars. Just about anywhere you travel in the city, there is evidence of deer. Heck, I have seen them on Fort William Road, Golf Links Road, Edward Street, Wardrope Avenue and even crossing Oliver Road road near Balmoral Street. Feeding wild animals is not a good thing, and this one practice alone has added to the problem we are experiencing with deer in the Bay. Many rural and semi-rural folks have feeders set up in their yards with the intention of doing something good by helping the deer out with food. Also people use this as an attractant for visual stimulation and photographic opportunities. In reality, feeding deer on a full-time basis whether out of your car window or in your yard at home is more harmful to the herd than good. Attracting deer to backyards means you are bringing these animals close to roads and that means more car/deer collisions. Attracting deer to backyards means attracting more predators, with the likes of bears, which predate on fawns most of the spring and summer. The explosion of the whitetail deer herd in our area has been due to the better than average winters we have experienced in the last six years, allowing for healthy gestation periods and high birth rates. It can also be blamed on less deer hunters, due to the rhetoric of the federal gun laws and provincial licensing fees that are astronomically high in price. A lot of hunters I know have simply given it up, sold their guns and refuse to pay the high costs of licensing, registrations and of course gasoline on the chance they may harvest a deer. This impacts on an exploding deer herd more than you think. There comes a time when agencies such the Ministry of Natural Resources need to realize that as stewards of the land and managers of wildlife, decisions need to be made which are based on facts and sound biological data rather than on feelings and emotions. The Ministry of Natural Resources in conjunction with the City of Thunder Bay and other associated municipalities and special interest groups have to step up to the plate and recognize something needs to be done or else the deer herd is going to be in trouble. Overpopulated areas in the city will create an unhealthy environment with in-breeding, more accidents and more destruction of properties and landscapes. Walt Disney created a fallacy that owls were friends with rabbits and bears hung out with deer, when in the real world they were out to eat them. Today we have to take a serious look at reducing the number of deer within our city limits, and that simply means culling the herd in the way of dispatching them without putting anyone else in harms way in an urban environment. Hence the controlled bow hunt. There are many skilled and proficient bow hunters in the city who would be more than happy to help out in this matter, and I know many of them myself. They have done this in Duluth and it was a great success, and this outdoor writer believes the same should be done here in Thunder Bay. By recruiting organizations such as NOSA (Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen’s Alliance), the OFAH (Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters) working in conjunction with the MNR and the City of Thunder Bay, making such a cull can be done efficiently, ethically and humanely. This will make the local deer herd healthier, less intrusive and much less of a threat on our streets and roads. I also am sure some of our local shelters and food banks would be more than grateful to accept the fruits of this cull in feeding a lot of the less fortunate and homeless. In certain states south of the border Hunts for the Hungry are practiced all the time, and not only is it an effective way of maintaining a healthy herd in controlled numbers, but also furnishes a lot of homeless shelters with very nutritious venison that is high in protein and low in fat. This concern has already been brought forward to the city ranks and has been looked at and commented on. However, it’s time to act on it and not procrastinate for the next few years until the herd is out of control. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:19:55 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/159018/Outdoor-Life/Deer-numbers-dangerous http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/157483/Outdoor-Life/Fly-in-fishing-trips-a-must If you are a passionate angler and have a hard time waiting for your days off to hit the water, there is no doubt in my mind you will at some time consider doing a fly-in fishing trip somewhere in Northwestern Ontario. The idea of being airlifted into a remote lake teaming with fish and in a place that is totally secluded is what lures you, knowing that you are in the middle of nowhere, where the idea of walking out, driving out or contacting a neighbour is out of the question. The only interaction you will have is with the indigenous species that live in that part of the wilderness. Is that a bad thing? To some people it may be, but for myself, it is the epitome of soft water angling in all its glory. Although I still frequent our local drive-to lakes on a regular basis, nothing compares to a four or five day fly-in where the only human contact is with yourself or the folks who accompanied you on this trip. Back in June, I had the opportunity to take advantage of an invitation from Brad and Karen Greaves who own and operate Ignace Airways to fly into one of these remote lakes and stay a few days to experience some great lake trout, walleye and small mouth bass fishing. Without hesitation, I accepted, and before I knew it I was at the airbase unloading our gear along with three others who I invited to accompany me on this trip. The best part was climbing into a DeHavilland  Otter floatplane, anticipating our journey into God’s country. The Otter and Beaver aircraft are the pioneer workhorses of the north and have transported more anglers, hunters and geologists than any other aircraft in  existence in Canada’s north. These planes truly are historic and will forever become legends in the bush plane industry. Our pilot, Randy, has been flying these machines for more than 20 years and it was evident in the way he conducted himself and made our remote flight feel like it was a commercial airliner. He truly was a passionate bush pilot. Flying over Northwestern Ontario is kind of surreal; the amount of water in comparison to land is mindboggling. It’s amazing how many lakes there are that a human has never been on. This alone is what makes a remote fly-in so exciting, and the anticipation was overwhelming for all of us. When planning a fly-in fishing trip, there are several things that need to be considered. One of which is the gear you are going to bring with you. Weight restrictions on floatplanes are a major factor and planning what you are going to bring on this trip should be well thought out. Most lodges and resorts that operate fly-ins will in most cases provide a guide on their website assisting you in what to bring and how to pack. On this particular trip we were each allowed 100 pounds of gear, including food, rods, tackle and clothing. Between the four of us this equated to 400 pounds. Seems like a lot, however when venturing into the back country for five days it requires enough food and beverage to sustain four people for at least six days just in case of inclement weather not allowing the floatplane to land and get our party out of our camp on the scheduled day of departure. Sometimes this can become an extra two days if the weather is really bad. This type of thing should be considered when planning a fly-in, especially when taking holidays from work. It’s wise to always take an extra day just in case. When the plane touched down on Irene Lake, it proved to be more than what I thought it would be and as we taxied to our cabin, it only got better. Our home for the next few days was situated on a peninsula with docks on one side and a beautiful sand beach on the other. It couldn’t have been scripted any better. Screened in fish-cleaning house, traditional wood-burning sauna and a cabin outfitted with everything you could imagine. Everyone was pumped and couldn’t wait to get out on the water to experience a true northern isolated experience. Ignace Airways promotes and encourages couples to experience together what used to be a predominantly male endeavor. Brad Greaves, the owner of Igance Airways said, “We are starting to see more and more husband and wife teams doing fly-ins as compared to 10 years ago. We have made our remote accommodations to cater to couples with all the amenities and comforts of home.” Irene Lake is one of those lakes that holds multiple species, such as walleye, lake trout, small mouth bass, northern pike and whitefish and I have to say in our days we were there we caught every one of these fine finned fish. There are not a lot of lakes in the northwest that can produce all species in such numbers,  and I for one can say when I was out on the lake I never knew what was going to hit my lure. Being early in the season, the lake trout were in shallow and up closer to the surface, and of course the small mouth bass were just about to start nesting, and the walleyes were still near or on their spring spawning locales, so it was a free for all as to what we might latch onto. One minute you were landing a lake trout and the next fish was a 22-inch walleye. After four days of angling, eating like kings and enjoying some of the best sunsets man has ever seen it was time to head back to reality. A reality that to this day I can leave at any time to go back to where I was. A place that a very small percentage of people will ever get to experience, a place that I will never forget and will make a priority to get back to. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:25:25 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/157483/Outdoor-Life/Fly-in-fishing-trips-a-must http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/156071/Outdoor-Life/Stay-sober-on-the-water Once again I watched the news and saw that two young people lost their lives in a boating accident in southern Ontario in the last week. The cause? Impaired. The driver was three times over the legal limit and the boat smashed into a dock at high speed and killed both occupants. A very sad story to say the least, but I think it’s my obligation as an outdoor writer to rekindle these tragedies to continue to instill the importance of safety whether in our boats, on an ATV or a snow machine. Can we all say we have never operated a boat or ATV without any alcohol in us? If the majority of you say no I would say you’re lying. Statistics show if we are outdoors people and enjoy our toys, we will at some time or another do such a thing. Even though you may be within the legal limits, it’s still going to happen and unfortunately there will be those individuals who will push the envelope and pay the ultimate price. Every year we lose people in Ontario from alcohol related accidents; ones that were easily preventable, and although our enforcement agencies are doing their best to maintain sobriety checks and lay down hefty fines and suspensions to those who are operating a boat impaired, we still see the fatalities. Getting in a boat that tops out 60 mph after consuming half a dozen cocktails at camp is like calling up the funeral home and making a reservation. The boats and ATVs that are being manufactured now are getting lighter, stronger and much faster, and even though the laws are stricter, we still see a lot of unnecessary injuries and deaths. The aggressive marketing of alcohol doesn’t help either. Take a look at a lot of the beer and spirit commercials on television and some of the print ads and you will see for yourself they target a certain age group and portray images that are for the most part, outside leisure fun. Let’s face it, everyone wants to enjoy their favourite beverage after a day on the lake or on the trails, but the key word here is after. Last year in Ontario, many charges were laid where alcohol was found to be consumed on boats and in some cases in excessive amounts. In one news story I watched, three adults between the ages of 30 and 45 were randomly checked on Lake Simcoe and found to have more than 60 ounces of hard liquor and two cases of beer on board taking turns towing each other around the lake on water skis! People seem to think it’s different if you’re in a boat and that the laws are not the same, however, they treat drinking in a boat or on an ATV the same way they would if you were in your car or truck. Impaired is impaired and because there are no traffic lights or painted lines on the water, it makes it more dangerous. In the last 20 years the laws have changed dramatically when it comes to drinking and driving, and today there is zero tolerance no matter what you are driving. If it is licensed, registered, on land or water, the same principals apply. We as sportsmen and women have a huge responsibility not only to ourselves but to anyone else we see who might be climbing into a boat after too many wobbly pops and I for one have stopped a few people from doing such. Falling overboard without a personal flotation device is pretty much putting the nails in the coffin, and yet every year it happens over and over. Try to make some reasonable policies in your life when it comes to using your leisure toys. Enjoy what you have worked so hard for, but at the same time really think about your alcohol consumption and how it might affect others around you. Treat your boat and your ATV with the same governing laws you would operating your car or truck. If you have had too much to drink, let someone else take you to your favourite fishing hole and make sure your PFD is on and secured.     Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:33:46 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/156071/Outdoor-Life/Stay-sober-on-the-water http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/154998/Outdoor-Life/Camp-fire-basics What would a camping site be without a camp fire? Undoubtedly the number one thing we all anticipate when heading out into the wild and pitching a tent or setting up our RV is building the perfect camp fire to place our lawn chairs around, roast wieners, marshmallows and consume our favourite beverage. Walk through any provincial park during this time of the year, and I would bet my bottom dollar you would be hard pressed to locate a camp site without a fire brewing at dusk. Fire is one of man’s sustainable resources and is free if you know what to do. Of course we all know that the real outdoorsman can do it without matches or a lighter, right? Unfortunately, 99 per cent of folks are totally reliant on some kind of help in igniting some dry wood, whether it’s through the use of gasoline, oil, a disposable lighter, wooden matches or a carbon fire starter and that’s okay with today’s available gadgets and products that allow us to do so. I am as guilty as the next guy when it comes to starting a fire. A disposable lighter is more times than not used on my fire building projects. However, what if you didn’t have these things at your finger tips and had to rely on ancient ways of getting a fire started? Do any of you have a clue where to even begin to start a fire from scratch? I was a part of this fraternity at one time. However spending a few years in the Canadian military back in the ’80s and 35 plus years in the woods, I have become somewhat familiar with this practice. Even though I am still a novice at getting a fire started without the use of any modern assistance, I think if I had to get warm or dry out I could do it. Two things are needed when trying to start a fire from scratch and that’s some kind of dry starting material and dry wood to maintain the fire. Through experience I have found something as simple as dried grass, dried moss (commonly known as Witches Hair), and very dry thin pieces of birch bark are a given when trying to locate a good starter. When I say a thin piece of birch bark, I mean a paper thin layer I’m sure most of you have peeled at one time or another. This makes for a deadly igniter if exposed to the smallest spark. Witches Hair is the substance found on a lot of conifer trees, especially older conifers,  that hangs from the branches and is very moss-like but very dry and a great igniter much like that paper thin piece of birch bark. The secret to getting a fire going in this manner is spark or some kind of intense heat. So one says “how do I create that?” Well it’s not as hard as you think. Something as simple as a pair of prescription or reading glasses can act as a magnifying glass if positioned right with the sun. This will give you a very hot, intense beam on your fire starter and before you know it will be smoldering in no time. A simple piece of glass from a pop or juice bottle can do the same. Of course the sun needs to be high and strong, but can work. The old faithful, which I have tried a time or two, is finding a couple of hard pieces of slate or granite, or better yet, both, that you can strike together to create spark. Once again, be patient and find yourself a decent location out of the wind where when the spark’s created, will ignite your starter material. Then there is the 50,000 year old method. Friction-based fire making is not for the weak. It’s probably the most difficult of all the ways to start a fire. However, if done right it can be very effective. There are different techniques you can use to make a fire with friction, but the most important aspect is the type of wood you use for the fire board and spindle. The dryer the better. The spindle is the stick you’ll use to spin in order to create the friction between it and the fireboard. If you create enough friction between the spindle and the fireboard, you can create an ember that can be used to create a fire. In our neck of the woods, aspen, willow, cedar, birch and ash or maple if you can find it, make the best fire board and spindle sets. Hardwoods will create more friction than softwoods. Before you can use wood to start a friction-based fire, the wood must be bone dry. If the wood isn’t dry, you’ll have to dry it out first. The bow drill is probably the most effective friction-based method to use because it’s easier to maintain the speed and pressure you need to create enough friction to start a fire. In addition to the spindle and fireboard, you’ll also need a socket and a bow. I realize this type of fire starter will need some effort in building. However, your life may depend on it, and I would suggest if you spend time in the back country or on the water, this may be something you will want to learn. As the old saying goes “You never know.” Starting a fire without the aid of matches or a lighter is something everyone should know if you venture into the wilds of Northwestern Ontario. Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:56:41 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/154998/Outdoor-Life/Camp-fire-basics http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/150931/Outdoor-Life/Weeds,-worms-and-walleye- This time of the year, the title of this article is so reminiscent of what is most prominent in the outdoors in most anglers’ worlds. Let’s face it, weeds are at their peak, and by the look of many lawns in the city, dandelions are king. When it comes to angling, worms and walleyes go hand-in-hand. I say worms simply because a lot of fisherman overlook the use of dew worms when it comes to walleye fishing and head straight to the bait shop to get their dozens of minnows in oxygen bags. Yes, I am one of those guys who grab their minnows on my way out to the lake. However, worms are a staple and one of the most successful live baits since the invention of fishing with a fishing rod and line.  Worms have been free for anyone who wants to take the time to venture out into the yard and simply pick them, however, the problem is most anglers are too lazy and do not want to make the effort. It’s a lot easier to just call ahead to the bait shop, give your order and do a drive-by with everything all ready and oxygen packed. Although you can buy worms from the same bait shop you buy your minnows from, most anglers overlook this deadly bait. I really don’t know what it is, but when I randomly asked a half dozen walleye anglers what they were using for bait, the answer was the same – minnows. I guess it’s like a fast food joint; it’s a lot easier to order, pick up and dash rather than mix your own ground beef and barbeque! Worms are not only deadly on walleye, but also speckled trout, rainbow trout, small mouth bass and even northern pike, and I for one can attest to this, as I have caught all four species on worms over the years. When the late Russ Swerdlyk joined me speckled trout fishing and used big fat dew worms with small spinners, I had to look twice. However. when he landed several three to four lbs. brookies on this set up, I had to sit up and take note. Russ was one of the best outdoor writers I knew and was a regular contributor with Ontario Out of Doors magazine, and a member of the Outdoor Writers of Canada and the Outdoor Writers of America. He was a regular contributor to our local newspapers and was an award-winning writer. Russ was a passionate trout angler and fly fisherman and was an advocate of using worms for all species. This is when I really started to pay attention to a bait I admit I never did have much of an attraction to. In today’s realm of bait and lures, it’s mindboggling what is available in artificial bait. The use of synthetics, plastics and scent impregnated lures is overtaking the natural baits of minnows, worms and leeches. Live bait is expensive, and with the price of gas and licensing, more and more anglers are now looking towards re-usable artificial attractants for all their angling requirements. Baits such as Berkley Gulp and Power Baits have overtaken and seriously threatened the live bait industry and so have the crank bait and lure manufacturers with the development of offerings that not only look real, but smell and taste real to fish. The fishing industry has changed and the days of going out into the yard with a coffee can full of moss searching for a couple of dozen worms is long gone. I continue to use minnows, worms and leeches and with some degree of success. I have also used artificial lures and baits with the same amount of success. The difference is the price. It really does not cost me to get outside and collect my own bait or hand my bait shop owner $40 instead. What do you think?   Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:02:54 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/150931/Outdoor-Life/Weeds,-worms-and-walleye- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/147680/Outdoor-Life/Let-the-fishing-begin As I pulled up to the Valhalla Inn at 6 a.m. last Saturday morning, I saw two eager guys standing outside the lobby waiting for me, coffee’ in hand and duffle bags slung. Yes it was opening day of fishing for 2011, and although the weather didn’t look promising I did not want to disappoint this father-son team from Marathon. Daryl Skworchinski, who is the economic development officer in Marathon and his dad were about to take in a day on Lac Des Mille Lacs and hopefully catch a few walleyes and have a few laughs.  This past winter local outdoor writers, hunters and anglers Alex Gouthro, Gord Ellis and myself were invited to Marathon to do some seminars for their local Rod and Gun Club during their winter carnival, and this is how I originally met Daryl. We hit it off immediately and I could see the passion in this young man’s eyes for hunting and angling. When he told me he was going to be in Thunder Bay the May long weekend, I could not resist and invited him and his dad to join me for a day on the lake. With a short stop at Timmy’s on the way out, all I could do was pray for a rainless day so we could enjoy ourselves. As luck would have it, it did not rain. The winds stayed relatively normal and we were able to enjoy ourselves.  Typically Lac Des Mille Lacs on the opener is a very busy place and last Saturday did not disappoint. In all my years fishing that lake I have never ever seen that many boats on one body of water. We launched at the Savanne River Resort and before we even made it into the big lake I counted 11 small vessels anchored jigging the holes in the river. This made is very congested, however, all I wanted to do was hit the big water and put the hammer down. My 115 hp motor ran flawlessly and about a 20 minute boat ride later, we were in walleye infested waters to say the least. We didn’t have our lines in five minutes and Mr Skworchinski landed a nice 16 incher. This was promising and lifted everyone’s spirits in the boat and hopefully was an indication to what was going to happen the rest of the day. And it did! We spent approximately five hours on the lake and landed 48 walleye and four northern pike. The best part of the day was my bud Daryl (nicknamed Skworch) boated a beautiful 8-lbs. walleye; a nice female (post spawn) and although we took a couple of awesome photos she immediately was released back into the lake, as this fine specimen is the brood stalk of the species. These are the breeders who keep a great fishery the way it is, and releasing such a trophy is not even a consideration. It just simply has to be done. Shore lunch consisted of some of the fattest homemade sandwiches one has ever seen, sides of homemade dills, cheese and hot coffee out of the thermos. The best part was we were able to share this with one of the resident natives who owned the property we beached the boat on. He eagerly accepted our invitation and spent a good half hour telling us about the history of the reserve and the land we were standing on, and I have to say it was very pleasurable to share a lunch and make a friend many miles down a lake that I have fished since I was seven years old. By 2:30 p.m. we were headed back to the launch with limits in my livewell and full of smiles. On our journey back to the landing, we passed Sand Point, one of the most popular opening day spots on Lac Des Mille Lacs. I couldn’t help but notice the OPP boat doing his regular boat checks. I can tell you he had no shortage of boats to check. It was absolutely nuts in that particular part of the lake and just for a moment I thought maybe I was on Lake Simcoe in southern Ontario! It still amazes me how that lake can take the fishing pressure it does and still produce excellent quality fish and does so year after year. The winter months are pounded with ice anglers and now more than ever, and this year was probably a record breaker for the amount of anglers on it. All in all, it was a great day; my clients caught a whack of fish and all the equipment performed top notch. It’s great to be a northerner and better yet it’s even better to put smiles on people’s faces enjoying what a lot will never experience. Remember safety is always first. Fri, 27 May 2011 10:21:55 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/147680/Outdoor-Life/Let-the-fishing-begin http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/146946/Outdoor-Life/It's-walleye-weekend There is no question that any angler will tell you the May long is one of the most anticipated weekends of the soft water season. As this fine publication is being circulated throughout the city, there will be convoys of boats, trucks and campers on our local and regional highways, all heading for God’s country chasing the most sought after fish of the northwest, the walleye. I for one will be one of many out with the rest of the eager anglers hoping to fill my live well with a limit of some tasty yellow bellies. Very popular bodies of water like Lac Des Mille Lac, Dog Lake, Shebandowan, Athlestane, Pakashkan Lake and a kazillion others will be invaded by swarms of fisherman who have been waiting patiently all winter to launch their rigs and wet a line. The marine dealers have been swamped with service work on client’s boats and motors, as well as our local sporting goods stores selling the latest in high tech, “guaranteed,” new fangled lures and fishing line. Bait outlets are all stocked up for the barrage of anglers who will descend upon them in groves. Over the last few years I have seen a distinct contrast in our spring thaw and weather patterns. It was opening day of 2009 when I was navigating the Savanne River in horizontal snow with a parka and toque heading into the big water of Lac Des Mille Lac. It was nuts, and I couldn’t believe I was navigating past sand point in a snow storm. Temperatures reached a high of a balmy six degrees that day. Last year was the exact opposite with an extremely early thaw and warm temperatures that had some impatient anglers launching their boats in the same river on April 3. This is typically still ice fishing season, but the phenomenon we experienced last year was something that has not been seen in many years and probably won’t be seen for many more. Two spring seasons and two completely different thaws and weather patterns. This year is somewhat more normal and although our water levels are still very low, the slower spring thaw let the run off absorb a little better into the ground than previous years. This year’s spring steelhead season was a lot better than last year and seven days ago, I had one of the best brook trout fishing experiences I have ever had in my 45 years of chasing these specs. In a mere 4½ hours, one of my fishing partners Barry Midgely and myself landed 14 speckled trout and lost several others. We targeted the north shore of a lake I frequent quite often, and although it was a half hour ATV ride, it proved to be worth it.  The winds were high, however, the strong southern sun warmed up the north facing banks and shallower water that I knew would hold brookies. I tossed a small Rapala  in the classic Perch pattern and Barry used the old reliable Little Cleo spoon. The specs were aggressive and the action was furious. It was a great day. On another note, Lake Superior is at least 30 centimetres below normal water levels, and as much as you don’t want to hear this, we need rain and we need a lot of it. We need to catch up and bring our water table to what it should be or our lakes and rivers may be in trouble. Isn’t it ironic that southern Manitoba is in a state of emergency for flooding and extreme high water levels and we here in Northwestern Ontario, a mere six hours away are needing rain? Mother Nature dictates where, when and how, and we have no control of what she is going to grant us, which has been so evident. Walleye by nature are a fairly hardy fish and can adapt and survive in a lot of different conditions. However, walleye can become very vulnerable in the springtime when they spawn. Traditionally walleyes will target river mouths and faster moving, well oxygenated water, as well as gravel beds and shallower bays. This makes them an easy target and if water levels are low, it’s not too hard to seek out their whereabouts. Typically early season walleyes are aggressive and will almost attack anything from crank baits to minnow tipped jigs and worm harnesses. Depending on the body of water and conditions, just about anything will work if presented properly to these hungry marauding marble eyes. Low light conditions are best and of course the usual early morning and dusk bites are best. Remember, safety comes first and a couple of things to put on your check list are all the required documentation and gear that is required on your vessel. I can guarantee you the OPP and MNR will be out there enforcing the rules. To all the dedicated walleye anglers out there, I wish you good luck and hope all have a safe and productive May long weekend.   Fri, 20 May 2011 10:26:31 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/146946/Outdoor-Life/It's-walleye-weekend http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/140540/Outdoor-Life/Government-and-sportsmen Being of sound mind and body, (I think), it goes without saying, another election and party promises are as abundant in the air as testosterone is at moose camp on opening day. Promises are thick and as the days progress more promises are surfacing like dead fish in the mercury filled Anton River. Every election it’s the same old song and dance, however, with the cost of living escalating and decent jobs far and few between, I can’t even begin to start on what is so important to Canadians in their outdoor heritage. I recently read if the Conservative Party of Canada is re-elected and with a majority government, they will abolish the gun registry completely. Our present Prime Minister, Stephen Harper has openly made this promise  and not to my surprise. Politicians are famous for smokescreen promises as we have seen in many elections past. I have to say the Conservatives have been steadfast on this issue for the last few years, and has tried to pull it off unsucessfully,  to the dismay of many hunters and gun owners who  have given up on this illusion. The last ditch effort was close, but as usual there were a few sheep who claimed they were voting for the bill to abolish the registry until it came down to the last few hours and jumped the fence like scared rabbits. The bill was defeated by a mere three votes. Is it what they truly want for their constituents, or for fear of losing their jobs and fat pensions? The long-gun registry to date has cost tax payers some $2.6 billion and has not curbed crime one iota. Stats have proven the amount of money in comparison to the effectiveness  is a joke, yet the $2.6 billion spent on red tape rhetoric and a pipe dream could have hired a heck of a lot of additional police officers in many communities, especially in major centres where crime is at an all-time high. Last time I looked, there were no gang members signed up to take the firearms course and exams needed to obtain a possession and acquisition license so they can legally purchase a firearm to commit their intended crime. Yes indeed, maybe a fine Winchester 30.06 with a Leupold scope used to hunt moose might be the perfect weapon to hold up a convenience store on Queen Street in Toronto. The fact of the matter is this registry has insulted law-abiding sportsmen who hunt big game, water fowl ands small game. It’s not guns that kill people, people kill people, just like vehicles; it’s not the car that kills another individual but rather the driver operating the vehicle and all vehicles are registered. A seasoned criminal is going to get his weapon of choice and commit the crime no matter what the federal law requires him to do in order to posses a firearm. So where do we go from here? Do all sportsmen vote for the Conservatives in the hope that they get a majority government and we say goodbye to the long-gun registry? Hardly! It’s a small entity in our lives at the bottom of my priority list when I have children who are in university and graduating high school looking for a brighter and stable future in today’s unstable economy. However, wasting billions of dollars on something that accomplishes nothing is a testament to what we all have to look at as taxpayers whether you are a hunter, gun owner or not! Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:27:40 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/140540/Outdoor-Life/Government-and-sportsmen http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/136448/Outdoor-Life/The-greatest-place Watching what is going on in the world with violence, wars, natural disasters, weather phenomenons, disease and poverty, makes me sit up and take note on how fortunate we are to live where we do. It’s a testament to being content with what we have and not take it for granted. There was a time in my life where there is no question I was fed the outdoor addiction. If there was a boat going out on the lake I was in it and if there was a truck heading for the woods, I was in it. This was a time in my life when I was a kid that set the stage and made me appreciate who I am today.  Thunder Bay is no doubt the hub and major centre in Northwestern Ontario where all small communities connect for whatever reason – an international airport, concerts, shopping malls, university, college, our new hospital. But, some small town people believe they have it all over city folk. Lifestyles are much slower and laid back, as well as the connection and easy access to hunting and fishing. Atikokan, Fort Frances, Dryden, Sioux Lookout and other nearby communities offer some of the best hunting and angling there is, and of course who can pass up Quetico Provincial Park. Highway 622 will take you into God’s country and to some lakes that only can be described as heaven on earth. I have been to some of these lakes and never wanted to leave. With the melt just around the corner, and spring on the horizon, there will be antsy anglers who have cabin fever and are greatly anticipating the open water fishing season, I know I am, and can’t wait to get the cover off my boat and into the water. Of course I think every angler anticipates the opener of walleye more than any other, and it’s well proven by seeing the convoy of trucks and boats hitting the highway on the May long weekend. Anywhere you go in Northwestern Ontario that time of the year will be busy with anglers, both local and our neighbours from across the border. Every bait shop will be booming. I usually will try to hit the river systems early, particularly the Dog River system, English River or the Seine River where the walleyes are stacked up in fast water. The spawn has taken place and these marble eyes will be on a feeding frenzy before they move out into the big lake for the summer. We are fortunate to live in an area that offers so much to the outdoorsman. Whether you hunt, fish, canoe, camp, hike or just enjoy sitting on the edge of a lake, 15 minutes from where you’re reading this right now allows you to be able to do such things.   Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:25:50 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/136448/Outdoor-Life/The-greatest-place http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/133454/Outdoor-Life/Writing-for-the-outdoors It comes as no surprise most anglers and hunters will at one time or another spend a few bucks on a hunting and fishing magazine or at the very least read the weekly columns of all the outdoor writers that grace the pages of their local newspapers. Many folks think an outdoor writer has the best job in the world, as he or she gets to hunt and fish and write about it and make big dollars. However, the reality of it is most outdoor writers still hold full-time day jobs and live in the real world with kids, dogs, Kraft Dinner and white picket fences with a mortgage just like everyone else. I get asked at times “Mick, what keeps you so motivated in what you do?” My answer is simple. It’s a passion and a way of life; it goes much deeper than making a few extra bucks and having my name in the paper. Writing for several publications is a lot of work and the rewards monetarily are much less than what they are in gratification for what I can give others through experiences and advice. If I divide the monetary gains into the hours I put into writing, I would be making a mere $5 an hour, hardly worth turning a computer on, but what I also do includes a lot of things that are much more hands-on, like guiding, doing seminars at outdoor shows and receiving many invitations to lodges and resorts to experience what they offer in hopes I might write about it. Writing about an experience which either myself or someone else has had in the great outdoors is what makes it truth, and I’m sure everyone who is an avid outdoorsman has something they would like to write about and share with others who would appreciate, relate to or be very entertained with. It makes it so much more gratifying when I do get to write about others’ successes and adventures. There are many great outdoor writers out there I have followed for years and some I have tried to emulate. However the truth of the matter is as hard as I try, we all have our own style and mindset when it comes to putting ink to paper. Guys like Charles J. Alsheimer, who I consider one of the best authorities on whitetail deer, is someone who I appreciate as a great educator and entertainer, whereas writers like John Ozoga and Norb Malaney are strictly facts and figures type guys. Then you have writers who are merely hook and bullet storytellers who capture a different audience with their adventures. All are integral to our outdoor writing fraternity and all have a place in our reading pleasures when picking up the newspaper or buying your favourite magazine. I consider myself fortunate to be a member of the Outdoor Writers of Canada and I also am fortunate to write for this publication for the past 16 years week in and week out.  A reminder that next week is the Central Canada Outdoors Show starting Feb. 25 and running until Feb. 27 at the Sports Dome. There is more than $6,000 in prizes to be won and a multitude of exhibits to see. Admission is $5 and kids under 12 are free. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:58:09 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/133454/Outdoor-Life/Writing-for-the-outdoors http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/131136/Outdoor-Life/Predators-in-the-wilderness When the story of Little Red Riding Hood was recited to me as a kid, immediately all wolves became big and bad in my mind, and as time went on and I aged, I realized this story was nothing but lore. In the real world wolves ate nothing but rabbits and deer. So I thought. Wild predators belong to a food chain that for the most part keeps nature in balance or at least in cycles that recur every so many years. A true predator is one that kills and eats another organism or animal. Most predators will hunt actively for their prey or sit to ambush at times, waiting for their meal to approach. Humans by far are the best organized, most cunning and most powerful predators on the planet. The closest rival to humans with those characteristics in most parts of the world is the domesticated dog, which is far more a collaborator than a competitor or a menace. Humans have the intelligence to create weapons to kill, trap, snare and catch through the use of firearms, vehicles and boats. Humans will even use other animals like dogs and falcons for hunting and fishing. In conservation, predators can be beneficial in keeping animal populations in balance. This has been proven in many geographical locales through the introduction of a predator that was not indigenous to the area.  A good example of this is the introduction of wolves in certain areas of the U.S. where the deer population had escalated to a point of creating havoc on everything from vehicle collisions to damaging farm crops and spreading disease to domesticated animals.  In some extreme cases the introduction of predators may prove to be too much for the populations that have not co-evolved with them, leading to possible extinction. This all depends on how well the introduced predator can adapt to their new surroundings and the available food sources if the intended prey gets depleted to minimal levels. In Thunder Bay, the predator-prey relationship has taken a major turn these past few years and the number of wolves and wolf sightings has changed. Although wolves are indigenous to our area and have been one of the top predators in the woods for years, this past year there has been more evidence and sightings of the wild canines than ever. I have been asked why many times. Although there could be many correct answers, food is usually the reason. Our deer population has more than tripled in the last 20 years and good cycles of hares and small game have added to the buffet for our northern predators. I have heard tales of less deer being seen. In my mind this is hogwash. According to police (both city and OPP) there were more car-deer collisions this past fall than in recent history and  I personally saw more deer this year than I have ever seen and although there may be some truth to less deer in some areas, in the areas I frequent that has not been the case. Predators go where the food is and the increase of deer has created the increase of wolves not to mention the odd cougar sighting in the area as well.  Wolves are true carnivores and rely heavily on moose, deer and smaller carrion to survive. When there is a lot to eat, reproduction increases as the food capacity can carry a larger population of predators and in turn reduces the prey significantly over a period of time. Our area has seen such a trend and it will be interesting to watch the deer numbers in the next couple of years with the increase in wolves and coyotes. At that time we may indeed see a reduction in deer if the wolf population stays strong. Just about every hunter I talked to this year told me they had either physically seen wolves or heard them from a distance. The wolf in my mind is the smartest animal in the woods. It has the ability to plan and is the perfect predator that can run for hours and has the stealth of a jaguar. Its jaw has the power to crush a leg bone of a moose. Wolves can withstand the harshest of weather and have the stamina and endurance unmatched by any other northwoods animal.  It is my spirit animal. Wolves can be a killing machine in a pack situation and as long as we have a healthy deer herd around we will have a lot of wolves as well. The predator-prey relationship that exists between these animals is a testament to a good healthy population of both for now, but so many factors can change this in such a short time. Weather, especially winter, can change the deer numbers in a hurry. As it stands now, we have a good population of predators and prey in the northwest and the way this winter is progressing, things are looking quite normal. Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:09:51 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/131136/Outdoor-Life/Predators-in-the-wilderness http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/128285/Outdoor-Life/Winter-can-be-animal-friendly-time It’s -30 C and you spend as little time as possible outside as the temps are only fit for a polar bear. Have you ever wondered how some animals thrive and survive in such harsh conditions? . Most folks I've talked to say winter is not their favourite time of year. Most of my friends aren’t Canadian lynx. Lynx have a fur coat that could keep Jack Frost toasty, and can run down a rabbit on the snow pack faster than a thief on the run. Winter is important for the survival of such an animal as the lynx, simply because its anatomy and habitat make it a bountiful time of the year for such a critter. There is a difference between thriving and surviving, and some animals do indeed endure the cold winter months in anticipation of a warmer spring that is a lot easier on their systems. Ungulates for example (moose and deer) are species that will make the best efforts to survive nasty winter conditions – although some don’t make it. Extremely cold temperatures will have an effect on these animals. Although they are capable of getting through it, it does require a change in their eating habits and general daily lives. Moose and deer become twig eaters, hence the moose's scientific name Alces alces (which means twig eater). Their digestive systems slow down which allows them to ingest twigs and bark as a source of food during the winter when there is not much else on the menu besides snow. The hair on ungulates (most) is hollow providing decent insulation from the cold; however there are other factors that can make winters a real pain for the moose and deer. A pack can easily run down a single moose or deer as it struggles to maneuver through the deep white stuff. One species’ demise is another's good fortune. It’s the ecosystem’s cycle of life. It’s interesting to learn about the different species of animals that reside in the north woods during very cold temperatures and 16 hours of darkness. It’s an eerie feeling to be in the middle of the woods on a dark, cold, windy night. It seems very desolate and empty, especially when the wolves start to howl. Fur-bearing predators like foxes, lynx, martens, coyotes, and wolves welcome winter, as it is their time of the year for fine dining on such critters as squirrels, hares, grouse, deer and moose. Their thick fur coats insulate them in the harshest of conditions and at times they enjoy basking in a snow bank waiting for an unsuspecting  snack to walk by. Squirrels and hares are usually the main course for these fur-coated stalkers, but in such cases as the wolf, a tasty young doe or yearling moose will suffice for dinner. What about the birds of northwestern Ontario? Well once again there are several species that reside in our vicinity all year round, and I’m sure a lot of you see them daily in your bird feeders. Feathers are by far the warmest insulator there is, and if any of you have ever owned and worn a down-filled parka you’ll know exactly what I'm talking about. Contrary to popular belief, down is capable of keeping migrating birds warm in -50 C temps, and if it wasn't for the fact that these migratory water fowl needed water, they would not migrate at all. Most folks think ducks and geese escape to the south for warmer temps, but in all reality the reason they head south is to find open water. In certain locales in Ontario there are places where for whatever reason there is water that stays open all year round and has a population of fowl that remain there for the duration. Minus 25 C temperatures wreak no havoc on these birds with the insulating values of their down outer garments. What about hibernating animals like bears? For starters bears are not true hibernators. Species like  frogs, and certain reptiles are. Bears go into what is called a state of stupor, which means they are clearly aware of their surroundings and in a lot of cases are awake many hours during their winter slumber. A black bear’s system will literally shut down to almost a coma state, and its body will survive and take the nutrients it needs from the built up fat reserves. This in conjunction with a well-insulated den, thick fur coat and a supply of fat to feed itself will get a bear through the winter quite comfortably until spring arrives and it starts to forage once again for the tender greens that sprout in April and May. Winter in Northwestern Ontario can be very cold and hard to navigate in the deep snow, but the wildlife that stays with us during this extreme time of the year has the tools and the adaptability to remain and survive in conditions that us humans could not do without our heated shelters. It's amazing how an animal can adapt and survive in a region that can go from -40 C to 30 C, and from four feet of snow to dry drought-like conditions, and from green lush vegetation to a mere few twigs or fir bows. Fri, 21 Jan 2011 11:15:20 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/128285/Outdoor-Life/Winter-can-be-animal-friendly-time http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/117260/Outdoor-Life/Too-many-deer Is our moose herd in trouble? Are there too many deer? These questions are asked quite regularly in coffee shops and pubs with hunters and outdoors people who have great concerns about the increasing white tail deer numbers and rightly so. Today there are more white tail deer in North America than there has ever been, and in our own region and surrounding districts the same statement holds water.  In the last 15 years, the population of deer in our area has more than tripled and in some cases, in our more northern regions, has quadrupled. Why? There are several factors that will answer the question why and the first one is probably the most obvious: the weather and less severe winters. Secondly, increased forestry and cutting operations has created more favorable habitat and food sources for the deer, and thirdly, less hunting pressure due to the increased cost of licenses, gasoline and the rhetoric of gun laws. Some say the increased numbers in deer is a non factor. In their world that may be the case, however, if we take a look at what the increased number of deer does affect, you will soon see that we do indeed have and are going to have a larger problem. Let’s start with the farmer, who has an ongoing dilemma with crop damage and consumption by deer. Orchards and berry patches take a beating from these tan coloured ungulates, and although the deer are only doing what instinct tells them, losses due to the deer are starting to tally up in the thousands of dollars. Deer in the Slate River Valley are everywhere (I know this because I hunt there) and land owners are starting to complain about the damage deer are doing to their grain fields and vegetable patches. Deer and car collisions have escalated and most of these collisions are taking place right in the city limits. Harbour Expressway, West Arthur Street, Mission Island and Highway 11-17 are famous for accidents with deer and as the years pass the accidents are increasing. Deer are becoming immune to human activity in and around our city and although this makes for viewing stimulation and great photo opportunities, it also increases the risk of injury and destructive damage to property owners. What about the moose herd? Is our moose herd in trouble because of the increase in deer numbers? You bet it is and anyone who is a dedicated moose hunter I think will agree. Deer are everywhere now and in places where deer never used to be. Geographical locales traditionally home to the eastern Canada moose are now infested with white tail deer. This means competition for food and habitat as well as a health threat to the moose in way of a parasite that the deer carry called brainworm. This is benign to deer but fatal to moose. This parasite bores holes into the moose’s brain causing severe sickness and disorientation, and ultimately death. There have been quite a few cases of brainworm in moose in Northwestern Ontario in the last few years and with the huge increase in deer numbers and spread of parasite, it is a sure bet more moose will succumb to it. So what do we do? Well, there are avenues to take such as extending seasons and allowing a bigger bag limit without the cost of additional licenses. I can almost guarantee you  more hunters would take advantage of this and in turn would cull the herd to a few thousand less animals. In some of the midwestern United States deer have become such a problem you can no longer get deer/car collision insurance simply because the insurance companies are going broke from claims because there are so many accidents. Here in Thunder Bay we are not yet at that point, but you do not have to be a rocket scientist to see we have a growing deer population and if something is not done soon, it won’t be long before we are in the same boat as our southern neighbours.  As deer hunting season is now in full swing, I have heard about a lot of success stories and some nice mature bucks being taken. The rut is gearing up for this species and in the next few weeks the bucks necks will swell and their tarsal glands will turn black while they are on the move 24 hours a day looking for a receptive doe.  The photo period (amount of daylight) dictates when the breeding season is for the whitetail deer and traditionally November is prime time. The lunar phase plays a roll as well and to some extent so does the weather, but if you are a serious deer hunter, now is the time to get out there and fill your tag. Good luck and remember hunter orange is mandatory. Thu, 28 Oct 2010 13:57:38 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/117260/Outdoor-Life/Too-many-deer http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/109504/Outdoor-Life/Gun-registry-has-to-go I have been following the news, which includes a lot of letters to the editor (and there have been some good ones) and as we near a potentially final vote in Parliament on Bill C-391, the private member’s bill to get rid of the long gun portion of the registry, the rhetoric and lies by the Liberal-based media and anti-gun lobby are ramping up. I find it very commendable that gun owners and Conservative supporters are less inclined to use lies and false innuendo in their rationale for wanting to scrap the useless, yet costly legislation as it stands now. The scrapping of the long gun registry would not mean proper background checks, testing and mandatory courses would disappear; this would all stay in place and be a requirement of long gun ownership. As the Liberals, Bloc and some NDP MPs view all this as a tactic of the Conservatives to win rural votes, I find it insane the whole issue has become politicized as it has, while common sense gets tossed right out the window. Let’s face it, no matter what happens with the registry system, criminals will not behave differently. The registry quite simply does nothing to prevent crime; how can it? Do you honestly think someone who is going to commit a violent crime with a gun is going to sit through a lengthy three-day course, then be tested through a written exam and have to do some practical testing? I was able to chat with John Kaplanis, executive director of the Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen’s Alliance and he had some valid points and statistics I thought should be shared. An interesting stat used by the gun control lobbyists is that domestic homicide using firearms is pegged at 62 per cent and they claim women want the gun registry in place as it protects them from domestic shootings. Meanwhile domestic abuse rates and related homicides are not lessening. So it may not mean much to know that instead of using guns, spousal abusers simply turn to blunt force trauma or stabbings to accomplish their domestic crimes. Is the long gun registry supposed to make us feel better? Because that’s all it is doing for some. It is not preventing crime, domestic or otherwise. If I was a woman, I’d be offended the Liberals are using these sorts of twisted statistics. Not a single person for the anti-gun lobby has been able to explain how a gun that is registered is less likely to be used in a domestic homicide. That’s because it makes no difference! Registered or not, it can still be used for the wrong reasons. Did the gun registry save four RCMP officers from being shot a few years ago? Can someone explain how it would have prevented the Polytechnique shootings? What about all the shootings by those who used weapons that were registered? How did the current gun registry protect them? Answer is simple – it didn’t.” In this outdoor writer’s opinion and in many others our justice system needs a serious overhaul. Stiffer sentencing, mandatory penalties and jail time will deter criminal offenses of all sorts, but it won’t prevent violence committed by people with psychological disorders. But if a bonafide criminal uses a firearm in a violent crime, the penalty should be an automatic 10 year sentence. Bigger cities in Canada (even  Thunder Bay) have a real crime problem. Gang violence and guns  are on the rise. These gangs are mostly young people and the guns are illegally obtained. If you asked any young gang banger what the Canadian firearms registry is he would give you a dumb look. Canada needs to wake up to this fact and deal with this problem, not with the farmer who failed to register his .410 or his lever action deer gun he has had for three generations to put meat in his freezer! Canadian politics is the most dishonest, low down, dirty game I have ever witnessed - and the rest of Canada suffers because of it. Steven Harper is not the issue here; dealing effectively with crime is the issue  and it seems a whole lot of people don’t really care about that. That is a shame and why gun owners need to step up and get involved in this subject by contacting MPs and local media to set the record straight.  Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:46:00 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/109504/Outdoor-Life/Gun-registry-has-to-go http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/109107/Outdoor-Life/Bulls-and-bucks This is the time of the year when thoughts of fishing slowly start to fade and visions of drawing my Mathews bow and  shooting my Browning shotgun start to unwind. And rightly so as the bear season is in full swing as I write this, and soon the archery season for whitetails will open. Small-game season is a mere few days away, along with migratory bird season. And of course, who could ever forget the most important day in the Bohonis household, the opener for bow hunting the elusive swamp donkey, moose? When September rolls around my adrenaline starts to flow a little more than normal, and I get much more motivated in the outdoors, as cooler days prevail, and the start of my favourite time of  year is here. Checking equipment, doing some preseason scouting and shooting my bow daily are a must before heading into the field. My Arctic Cat 650 H1 ATV will get a thorough inspection, which includes lubricant and coolant changes. Campers and trailers will get the wheel bearings greased and the propane lines and appliances tested and checked. GPSes, two-way radios, and satellite phones will also be charged and tested for reliability and safety, when needed. Yes, it’s hunting season and after the heat and high humidity we experienced this summer, it’s a welcome time of the year for this guy. The beginning of September also marks the opener for hunting deer with archery equipment and this is one activity that can be very enjoyable. The weather is still warm (compared to sitting in a tree stand in November) and the deer are unpressured, which makes for a better chance for the bow hunter, simply because once the regular gun season starts, the deer know it and will be that much harder to locate and harvest. At least the caliber of deer that I am after will be. Big bucks are one of the smartest animals in the woods and trying to dispatch a 160-class deer with a bow is far and few between. When you are early season bow hunting deer, you should be doing nothing except trying to get between their bedding and feeding areas as this time of the year will still see these animals in their summer time patterns. Try to locate a good food source, whether it’s an alfalfa field, some sort of grain crop or a meadow full of clover, and set up where they will frequent this food source in the evenings. Early September will still produce edible vegetation high in protein, not yet hit by frost or turned bitter. Your best bet is a farmer’s field (get permission) or if you have your own food plot, even better. Just remember, wind direction and stealth will make or break your hunt. Dress lightly and move slowly so you don’t overheat and sweat a lot. Ground blinds are a favourite to most early season whitetail bow hunters. Sept. 18 will see me in my truck well before daylight hours, coffee in hand and with my client Mike Neely, who hails from St. Louis. The two of us will be heading for a weedy river system, with my aluminum boat, a day’s worth of food and of course my birch bark call, video equipment and moose decoy. The plan? Set up on the rivers edge and act like the loneliest cow in the woods. Lure in a rut crazed, 1,200-pound plywood head, and dispatch him at a mere 15 yards with a carbon arrow and stainless razor sharp broadhead.  Impossible you say? It can be done and has been done many many times. At the end of September moose hit their breeding season, and this is the one time of the year big bulls will throw caution to the wind and be on the move looking for a date. This is the one heart pounding, adrenaline rush, close range hunt that is unexplainable until you experience it yourself. Having a massive heavy-antlered bull coming to your call from a distance, stopping periodically to thrash a tree and show his dominance and walking up to within a cars length away is simply awesome. Plain and simple, there is just no comparison between shooting a moose at 200 yards with a high power rifle, or releasing an arrow at such close range. I have done both. The moose rut will peak anywhere between Sept. 15 and the 30, and this allows the bow hunter to get out in the woods and have an excellent chance at taking a monarch of the north woods without the army of rifle hunters that infiltrate the bush in early October.  If you are interested in bow hunting moose and want to learn how to bring big bulls into close range, I would highly recommend Alex Gouthro’s Moose Madness video series. Alex has dedicated many years of his life to studying the behaviour and habits of moose and through hard work and thousands of hours of video has produced one of the best in-depth moose calling videos on the market. It can be purchased at some local Sporting outlets or go on line and search Northwest Video Productions or Google Moose Madness. Now that summer is closing and fall is approaching, it’s time to get out in the woods and enjoy some of the hunting opportunities that are there for us. Do yourself a favour and take a young person with you. It will be the best thing you do this fall. Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:05:34 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/109107/Outdoor-Life/Bulls-and-bucks http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/107024/Outdoor-Life/Are-decoys-and-baits-fair-game? The media is a great way to express one’s opinion whether it sits right with folks or not, and it is my privilege to be able to state my views through this column over the last 15 years. As a life-long hunter and angler, it goes without saying that there are just going to be times when I have to defend myself and other outdoorsmen. Such was the case last week, when a total stranger approached me and said she reads my column and just can’t understand how I can “lure in those cute deer and shoot them.” Decoying, whether used to lure ducks and geese, deer or moose is legal and can be used in a safe and ethical way to harvest wild game or waterfowl responsibly.    Decoying and baiting date back thousands of years, when natives used the hides of dead animals as disguises, enabling them to walk and maneuver within feet of their prey to take another with their bow and arrows. Was this practice considered unethical? Did other members of the tribe frown and look upon the hunters who did it? In today’s society traditional hunting has been taking a beating by the mainstream media and by wealthy opponents who are experts at manipulating the truth.  So I ask, what is ethical and what is not when it comes to hunting big game? I have my theories and I’m sure everyone else does too, however let me make a few comparisons for starters.  Do we call the mass production and slaughter of millions of beef cattle, chickens and pigs ethical? No, yet most of you venture to the grocery store and fill your carts without batting an eyelash. Your freezers at home are full of ground beef, sausages, roasts, steaks, and poultry which gets consumed and replenished as required. Yet, when a hunter puts on his camo, throws out a deer decoy in an oat field, sprays it with lure and uses his grunt call, he is labelled as a blood-thirsty Bubba out to slay all things cute.  It’s uncanny how you can go to a friends house and have a deck party eating burgers, chicken and a pile of meat hors doeuvres and not for one second does anyone think about where it came from or in any way discredit the man who killed and butchered these tasty treats. So why do hunters get such a bad rap? Why are modern day hunters labelled as such bad people who shouldn’t be in the woods chasing Bambi? Well for starters Walt Disney has a lot to do with it with the creation of such flicks like Bambi and Winnie the Pooh that depict animals in a cute, fuzzy manner. In all reality owls hunt, kill and eat rabbits, contrary to Bambi’s new-found friends. New born fawns and calves are a delicacy for marauding black bears early in the spring, when they won’t hesitate to travel miles looking for that two-day old new born. Yes folks this is reality and the real wilds can be very harsh and graphic. People say baiting is unethical. Oh really? I am told putting a pile of apples out to attract deer is unfair. So I guess when I put my stand out on the edge of an apple orchard it is considered baiting? Or if I elect to set myself up on the edge of an oat field where the deer come every night to feed this is considered baiting? In Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources says baiting is legal, which means any hunter can attract an animal with food or scent. Baiting has so many faucets. What is so unethical about putting a worm on my hook to catch a fish? Whether it’s a worm, minnow, leech, rubber twister or painted jig, it’s called baiting, and as far as I know there is no other means of catching a fish unless you use a stick of dynamite or a huge net. What about when we imitate a cow moose looking for a mate calling and using scent? Is that baiting? There is no decoy and no food present, so is that much more ethical than a food source or the use of a decoy to dupe our intended quarry in close quarters for a clean quick harvest? I’m getting really tired of people telling me what I can and cannot do in my outdoor heritage. When these folks who do the beating and complaining realize that their leather shoes and jackets come from cattle, their wool sweaters and socks from sheep and their toilet paper from a tree, then maybe at that point they will understand that before Safeway and Metro, we grew our own vegetables, hunted for our own meat and used the hides and fabrics to make our own clothes. Everything to this day in some way comes from the natural resource. If you don’t like hunting don’t hunt. I don’t like rap music videos and reality shows I see on TV that are warping our kids minds, so I don’t listen to it or watch them. However I do not stop anyone else from enjoying it. It’s as simple as that. Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:17:52 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/107024/Outdoor-Life/Are-decoys-and-baits-fair-game? http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/103632/Outdoor-Life/Not-just-head-gear With August just around the corner, daylight getting more scarce and temperatures cooling off, it means the hunting season is just around the corner. Now is the time antlers on moose and deer start to shed their velvet from the summer’s growing season and summer coats begin to get thicker and more coarse in preparation for the colder weather. It’s hard to believe a mature bull moose carries antlers on his head that can weigh in excess of 80 pounds. Some antlers can be as large as 65 inches wide and 50 inches tall. In the Yukon and Alaska, there have been moose harvested with antlers with an excess spread of 70 inches and weighing in excess of 100 lbs. What’s even more impressive is the fact the bull will shed these antlers every winter and grow a new set every summer. It’s a phenomenon that is amazing due to the grandeur of such bone mass. Ungulates in our area will do the same and if you are out in the woods, chances are you may come across an antler cast by either a deer or a moose. They are usually spotted more easily when temperatures get warmer and snow starts to melt in the spring, however, they can be found just about any time of the year. I have been lucky enough to find such treasures and shed antler hunting in today’s realm of the outdoors has actually become big business in some locales around North America. Many hunters make the effort every year to get out in the woods and look for shed antlers to see what has been roaming their hunting grounds. Shed antlers can be used for so many things and the Aboriginal people of hundreds of years ago coveted antlers as one of their most important finds, valuable treasures and usable parts of an animal in surviving harsh environments and day-to-day living. Antlers proved invaluable to these nomadic people because they were used to make tools. Antler is bone and is very strong and can be carved and shaped into just about anything and this art form still exists. Custom knife makers use antler to shape handles on their knives like years ago. Antlers can also be turned into carvings and I’m sure a lot of you have seen a moose antler turned into a work of art by the artists who have carved a scene or another animal right out of the palm of the antler. These antler carvings are popping up in a lot of gift shops across the northwest and now antlers are being used for a lot more than carvings. Antler lighting fixtures, chairs, tables, cribbage boards, stir sticks, letter openers, and many more creations are being made out of antlers and for sale in gift shops and retail outlets or via the web. Antlers in a hunter’s world have many meanings and usually the first thing that comes to mind is a set mounted on a plaque or a complete shoulder mount of the animal displayed in a rec room or garage. So what do these antlers mean to the animals themselves? What exactly are they used for and what purpose do they serve in the ungulate world? For the male moose and deer the antlers are used mostly during the mating season in rival fights for the right to breed. They are weapons of attack and defense against other rutting males in search of a receptive female. During the mating season, bucks and bulls will be on the move looking for an estrous female and fights will occur with other males in order to establish dominance and breeding privileges with the ladies. Antlers are developed with age and young bucks and bulls will sprout antlers their first year, but it usually takes four to five years to grow a set that will impress the females and threaten rival males. The females will ultimately choose the male they will mate with and of course the female wants the best genetics given to her to reproduce a strong and healthy calf or fawn. As a hunter, I have learned a lot about antlers in the past 25 years and although I have many sets of moose and deer racks, they still intrigue me to no end. There is nothing like the sight of a mature bull moose with a big healthy set of antlers on his head roaming his kingdom in all his majesty. Mick Bohonis is an award-winning columnist, taking third-place for best newspaper column in the Outdoor Writers of Canada's national writing awards.  He's been writing for Thunder Bay Source for the past 15 years. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:57:48 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/103632/Outdoor-Life/Not-just-head-gear http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/103287/Outdoor-Life/Prepared-for-the-hunt Last Sunday I spent the day with the outfitter I will be guiding for this fall on our ATVs and put a cool 100 kilometres on our bikes in a mere few hours. Every year around the middle of July is when I realize summer has set in and is moving along swiftly. Before we know it, we will be hearing the back to school commercials on the radio again and scraping frost off our windshields. Why is it that winter drags on so long and never seems to end, and summer goes by in the blink of an eye? Either way the hours pass, the seasons change and we get older and supposedly wiser. With the mid summer days upon me, I get the itch to start rummaging through my hunting gear and looking at what needs to be taken to the dry cleaners and what needs repairing, etc. Finding those good set up locations where that rut-crazed bull moose will come to the call of a lonely cow is imperative and is reason No. 1 why I have to start now. Scouting is by far the most important prep chore in my box of things to do and the more I get out there and learn the land and pattern the animals, the better chance my client is going to have when he arrives Sept 18. The area I will be guiding in this year will be very rugged, not so easily traversed and extremely vast, which means I have to do my homework, so I’m not a lost mumbling idiot in the woods come crunch time. Good topographical and road maps are a must and learning the water ways, old tote and logging roads is a close second. Scouting the land via boat, truck and ATV is imperative and cannot be overlooked. The gear, including tents, ATVs, trailers, knives, bows, clothing, power saws and anything else that may be used should always be looked at well ahead of time and checked out in case repairs are required which may mean sitting in a repair shop for weeks. Something that needs attention could have gone unseen last year and Murphy’s law says if it’s not fixed you will need it. There is nothing more embarrassing than having a paying client standing by while you try to extract his trophy out of the woods with junk equipment or broken equipment. Another part of early season preparation that I usually will do this time of the year is to go down to the MNR and see if there is anything I should know in regards to land use permits, road closures, bridge removals or right of way changes. This is a good use of time so there are no surprises when the season rolls around. With the ever roaming logging and forestry industry changing the landscape, what was last season might not be the same this season. Cutting and logging operations are either called or visited for pretty much the same reason the MNR is, and this too pays off because I get to find out where the fresh cuts are located and where a lot of the bush workers have been seeing the moose during the last few months. In some cases I will try to talk directly with the machinery operators on site if possible. These guys have a front row seat and spend day after day in the wilds. There is nothing wrong with doing a combo fishing/scouting trip as I do at least two, maybe three a year to make sure where I want to set up camp and where I want to hunt is accessible and legal. I’ve seen it all too often, fellows blowing the dust off their rifle the night before the opener, stopping at a gravel pit on the way out to make sure they can at least hit a barn door at 50 yards! Yes, you’re laughing, but it happens every year. I’ve driven by these pits the night before the opener and it looks like $1.49 day at a big box store with guys lined up shooting at whatever they can muster in hopes of doing the same on a big moose the following morning. The opener of the moose bow hunt is exactly two months away and I for one will be ready, pumped and prepared hopefully giving my clients the opportunity to experience the adrenaline rush of taking one of North America’s largest animals at close range with a weapon thats concept was designed 50,000 years ago. Mick Bohonis is an award-winning columnist, taking third-place for best newspaper column in the Outdoor Writers of Canada's national writing awards. He's been writing for Thunder Bay Source for the past 15 years.   Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:16:31 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/103287/Outdoor-Life/Prepared-for-the-hunt http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/101458/Outdoor-Life/Right-on-target It goes without saying that when you got it, you got it and there is a young man by the name of Benjamin Baker who is definitely on his way to becoming an Olympic archer if he keeps breaking records. It seems this 12-year-old is not only winning local shoots, but has aligned himself with and is competing against some of the best archers in the country and kicking butt! This past June 26 and 27 Ben and his father travelled to Brockville, Ont. so Ben would be able to compete in the Ontario Provincial Target Championships.  That Saturday consisted of the FITA 1440. Ben was unstoppable and had an incredible shoot. He broke all four distance records that he set in Sault Ste. Marie last fall. His scores were incredible and stood as follows: 30 metres was a 352 out of 360, 25 m was a 357 out of 360, second 25 m was a 337 out of 360 and the 20 m was a 348 out of 360.  The second score of 357 out of 360 tied a Canadian FITA record for that distance, meaning Ben will also be in the national record book along with the provincial record book.  The weather that day was not so favourable with rain and it being cold all day, so for this young man to shoot that well was an accomplishment in itself. Sunday, was a much nicer day with some cloud and sun but the rain held off. It was the first time the OAA (Ontario Association of Archers) held a single distance shoot (usually called a 70 m).The pre-cub division, which Ben was shooting in, was 30 m. Out of 720 he scored a respectable 685. Again, first place. Over all he took gold and set new provincial records and tied a Canadian record as well. On Tuesday and Wednesday of this past week, Ben attended two Ontario Summer Games qualifying shoots here in Thunder Bay. The distances for these shoots were 55 m, 45 m, and 35 m respectively.  Ben has not shot that distance before but was able to score an 811 and a 818 out of 900 which was enough to qualify him for the Ontario Summer Games and to top that all off he was told he has made the Northwestern Zone Team for archery. There are four zones that are divided up in Ontario, they are Northwest, Northeast, West and East.  The 2010 Summer Games are being held in Sudbury this year August 10 to the 13. This is very exciting as he will be shooting with teenagers up to 16 years old in his category. Not bad for a 12-year-old kid. As a result of his excellence in shooting these past couple weeks and over the last year and a half, Ben was added to Flex-Fletch Products as a Pro-Staff member. His bio will soon be on their website. What this means is he will be promoting their product in turn for all kinds of complimentary gear. There are some big names in the archery world as Pro-Staff shooters for this company which for any 12-year-old kid would be very honourable. Being a pro-staffer for some manufacturers myself, and belonging to the OAA as a certified instructor, I can tell you what this young man has accomplished already at the age of 12 is simply an awesome feat and he is just beginning his career. Being a friend of Ben’s father Shane and knowing the type of guy he is, has already given Ben a great start in his new endeavour, as Shane is a dedicated bow hunter and archer himself, belonging to our local club (Lakehead Archers) and also as a director for NOSA (Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen’s Alliance). This makes it a lot easier for Ben to become a product of his environment and grow with great instructors, mentors and people surrounding him. With the number of pro athletes that Thunder Bay has produced over the years in all sport categories, it has really put us on the map in North America. If Ben Baker continues to do what he is doing we may have a future Olympic archer to add to that list. One final note, if anyone is at all interested in archery or bow hunting, take the time to drive out a short distance to Lakehead Archers, which is located just west of the city on Vibert Road (formerly 10th Side Road) and check out the facility. It has a great 20-yard indoor range with a common area and canteen, an 80-yard outdoor range and one of the best 40-acre 3D courses in all of Ontario. There are many qualified members out there who would be more than willing to give you a demonstration and show you around the place. Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:45:22 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/101458/Outdoor-Life/Right-on-target http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/95921/Outdoor-Life/Bait-shop-directions I’ve been asked how many times I have been to a bait shop or purchased bait in my angling career. I actually thought about this and can come up with somewhat of an accurate answer. I started fishing when I was able to hold a rod with my grandfather and probably was in his company when he ventured into bait shops, in particular Vern’s Minnows in Ignace. Since then, back in the late ’60s, I would have to guess I have bought bait at least 20 times a year including hard and soft water angling and multiplied by 44 years and it would be safe to say I have been involved in purchasing bait close to 900 times. Bait shops are very common in the Northwest and the proprietors of these establishments can make a lucrative living at it with a little bit of sacrifice in the way of long hours, dealing with the public and getting out on the trap line capturing these valuable little fish that are in demand for thousands of anglers. Along with minnows there are other types of bait such as leeches and of course the old reliable worms, commonly known as night crawlers. Most bait shops sell all three and depending on the time of the year and the lake being fished, minnows may or may not be the best choice.  Different species of fish will prefer different baits such as bass, who tend to attack a leech long before a minnow. Trapping and selling bait is not as easy as it seems and most bait shop owners will attest to this in a minute. Maintaining your trap line can become a very long and tedious job which takes place at all times of the year and under the nastiest of conditions. Long rough rides on ATVs in mosquito and black fly infested terrain can make any man become gnarly trying to fill his tank for the trek back to the shop. Freezing temperatures and frozen trap sites can pose some difficulty as well. A minnow trap line is hard to come by and a lot of guys who have them will wholesale their bait to other shops. I know of a lot of bait shops who buy their bait from wholesalers and although this cuts into the profit margin when retailing, it definitely gives you other advantages such as not having to buy 200 traps, a $10,000 snowmobile and an ATV. It gives you more time at home and in the shop, but does cost you more per dozen, or gallon in trappers terminology. Then comes the chore of sorting minnows into different size slots. Small, medium, large and suckers. Expensive vats or stainless steel tanks are required and then there are the pumps, (aerators) bags, nets, elastics, oxygen tanks and everything else that goes with selling bait. Most of the bait shops I’ve been in sell maps, tackle and licenses as well as bug dope and some kind of hat with their logo on it. Most anglers don’t realize how many different species of minnows there are when picking up their oxygen packed bags enroute to the lake. Over the years I have learned a lot about minnows and their life cycles, habitat and requirements to longevity once trapped. Shiners and dace are probably the most common species in our neck of the woods and in the dace family there are seven sub species and same goes for the shiner family. Redside dace, pearl dace and northern redbelly dace are common. There are big eye chubs and lake chubs and blacknose shiner, bridle shiner, common shiner and emerald shiner just to name a few. There are literally hundreds of species of minnows that reside throughout the Northwest’s waterways and most people, when baiting their hook, have no idea. Owning and operating a bait shop is not for everyone, said Gary Turpin of Rockwood Bait and Tackle. “Getting up at 6 a.m. every morning, seven days a week can become tiresome and takes toll on one’s body after long days and nights. Day in and day out, I have to be there for my clients and resident anglers. It’s just part of the business, that’s all.” Gary Turpin is a relatively new bait shop owner here in Thunder Bay and is very motivated and excited about serving the many fishermen that have already visited his establishment on Rockwood Avenue. He tells me there is nothing more satisfying than seeing an excited young person with their dad or grandfather heading out on the boat to catch some fish. I for one could not be as motivated as a lot of our local bait shop owners are and I  applaud all of you who put in those long hours and days field setting and retrieving traps so anglers like myself can continue to do what we love best. Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:43:03 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/95921/Outdoor-Life/Bait-shop-directions http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/93930/Outdoor-Life/Where-is-the-big-one?- With the opener behind us and a lot of happy anglers back at work, I saw it fitting to share with you some of the great hunting and angling places I frequent during my excursions. Although I have been all over the great northwest, there are a few in particular that stand out and will be forever a part of my outdoor heritage. Here are just a few. One is the Dog River and Dog River Road. Bar none this dirt road and river system is my favourite place on earth, and from the very first time my grandfather took me there at the age of eight, I knew I would always be back for the rest of my life. The Dog River Road is more than 100 years old and has seen its fair share of traffic over the last 80 years. Originally built in 1902, the Dog River Road has been a place that has taken me to many fishing, and moose hunting excursions. Very game rich, the area holds a healthy population of moose, bear and deer and has been my choice for the last 25 years to try to take home a big old swamp donkey during my annual bow hunt. In conjunction with the road itself is the river system which stretches from the head waters and travels 77 miles and empties into the Dog Lake. The Dog River is one of natures true Canadian Shield rugged rivers that is full of walleye, whitefish, bass and giant northern pike. Over the years I have hunted and fished this magnificent river system and it never ceases to amaze me how every year it continues to produce fish and attract large numbers of big game. The most sought after species of fish in this river is the ever popular walleye and on the May long weekend opener you will see many folks fishing their hot spots along the river system. This river is definitely one of the most healthiest eco systems in the world. Another favourite spot is the Orient Bay and Lake Nipigon. The Bohonis family has a history in this neck of the woods that dates back to the ’40s when there was no road into Orient Bay and the only way into this fishing paradise was via the railroad or by boat. Eventually a dirt road was constructed along the shores of Lake Helen and Polly Lake and up towards the community of Beardmore. Lake Nipigon is one body of water that commands respect and has taken many lives over the years. Lake trout and speckled trout are Lake Nipigon’s claim to fame and some doozies have been pulled from these waters that will forever be remembered like the world record brook trout and many giant lakers. Commercial fisherman have netted 50-pounders and story has it that a 71 lbs. lake trout was caught in their nets years back. Now that’s a giant fish. I myself have fished this lake a lot and have landed some big lake trout (25 to 30 lbs.), but of course my favourite is the brook trout or speckled trout and if you hit it right and are in the hot spots, it’s not uncommon to land five and six-lbs. square tails all day long. The Nipigon River is famous for brook trout fishing and most folks fish the river for them. However, if you have the opportunity to get on the big lake for specs, take advantage of it, because it will be an experience. Lastly is Hwy 599 north of Ignace. As a kid I spent most of my time away from school with my grandparents in Ignace where they were business owners and my grandfather was the Justice of the Peace. We had a place on Lake Agimak which is a stone’s throw away from the town and although I caught walleye in that lake, most of my angling and hunting took place north of Ignace up Hwy 599. This is one part of the province that holds some of the best hunting and angling in the world, and to this day still is a place that one might want to venture into. The number of lakes and rivers is mind boggling. Sandbar Lake, Press Lake, Barrel Lake, Indian Lake, the English River system, Sowden Lake, Sturgeon Lake and the list goes on. These lakes are full of walleye, big northerns and lake trout. I have fished most of them and have landed some monster fish since I was a kid. If you want truly a great angling experience you absolutely need to do some investigating into this part of the province for a truly awesome fishing experience. A lot of these lakes have lodges and resorts, and most of them are "drive-to" operations, which makes it easy for an enjoyable family excursion. Hwy 599 also has a very healthy moose and bear population and if you’re willing to drive a little, it can prove to be very bountiful in this part of the country. Hwy 599 is one of my favourite places to hunt and fish, and in my 48 years I can honestly say I have created a lot of memories in Sunset country. Fri, 28 May 2010 08:33:15 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/93930/Outdoor-Life/Where-is-the-big-one?- http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/91239/Outdoor-Life/Gun-debate-heats-up It seems the gun registration gaggle is rearing its ugly head again. After years of milking literally billions of dollars from Canadian taxpayers towards a failed system, some politicians and police chiefs feel this already ill-conceived tool needs to remain in place and continue to be a non-effective expense to us Canadian citizens. Federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff, previously allowed his Liberal MPs to vote as they wished and as a result Bill C-391 passed second reading with the support of rural and northern Liberal and NDP MPs. But now Ignatieff has flip-flopped and decided he will require all Liberal MPs to vote against the bill when it comes up for the third and final reading. Why? Is this to add strength to his campaign in the big cities and GTA? It appears Michael Ignatieff has once again turned his back on rural Canada by clearly stating he supports the wasteful and ineffective long gun registry. In his comments, the Liberal leader said his caucus would not support Tory MP Candice Hoeppner’s private member’s bill aimed at abolishing the registry. Instead, the vote will be whipped, which is unusual for a private member’s bill as MPs are usually allowed to vote according to their constituents’ wishes on such bills.  So far in the Jack Layton NDP camp, the word is NDP MPs will be allowed to vote as they choose and Thunder Bay MPs Hyer and Rafferty are expected to uphold their previous support for Hoeppner’s bill. But in a new twist Thunder Bay’s police chief Bob Herman has gone on record to represent the Ontario Association of Police Chiefs in support of keeping the long gun registry in place. Yet in talking with some local police officers who I know quite well, none of them, not a single one, says he relies on the registry to keep himself safe when he stops a car or enters a building. In fact many of these police officers I talked to claim the gun registry is unreliable and not much faith is placed in it. One officer said the registry even gave him wrong information about firearms or their owners on more than one occasion. I fear what Chief Herman and the police chiefs of Ontario are doing is playing into the politics of the big city lobbyists. They all fail to realize or to point out that all we are asking for is an end to the long gun portion of the registry. Firearms owners will continue to be licensed and the information on these people (not on their long guns) will remain in the federal firearms licensing system for police to track if necessary. Hand gun owners and restricted weapons will still have to register their firearms according to bill C-391. This is a fair and reasonable compromise that will suffice for rural Canadians while serving the needs of government and police forces nation wide. Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen’s Alliance (NOSA) executive director John Kaplanis states his organization’s policy on the matter by saying: “With the current emphasis on the registry we have a justice system that is placing far too much focus upon law abiding duck hunters and farmers resulting in a ridiculous amount of tax dollars spent on a system that is failing to keep the public safe from criminals.” Kaplanis goes on to say, “NOSA would rather see this funding devoted to keeping more officers on the street and if necessary, increase the capacity of our correctional system in order to provide lengthy incarceration to those who use guns to commit an offence.” Of course this would mean focusing punishment on real criminals instead of trying to create criminals out of law abiding farmers, trappers and hunters who fail to fill out a firearms application correctly.  But not all Canadian police chiefs agree with those in Ontario. In fact Calgary police chief Rick Hanson has vocally aligned himself with supporters of abolishing the long gun registry. Hanson flat out says the registry is not a useful tool for law enforcement and says he believes it creates a false sense of security among some Canadians. He clearly pointed out the registry has done nothing to stop gun violence between rival Calgary gangs and that the registry did not help solve gun related crime and arrests in any way. Police chief Hanson says that’s because criminals are not taking the time to enroll in a hunter safety course and possession and acquisition training in order to legally go out and buy a shotgun to commit gang related crimes. No surprises here. My opinions on this are cut and dry; when wanting to possess and drive a vehicle we have to take a driver’s education course and mandatory testing before we are allowed to be legally licensed to drive a car. What makes for the safe operation of a motor vehicle is the careful driver not the registration of the car itself. Registered or not, a car can be obtained by a criminal and used for criminal means. Registration of the car does not prevent the crime committed with it. But stiffer penalties do. The same principles apply to getting a hunting license and possession permit to buy and possess firearms. Hunters play by these rules and obey the law. The registration of these firearms will not make us any more responsible. However, what the gun registry does is allow police to enter law abiding gun owners’ homes without a search warrant. If the gun registry was curbing violent gun crime and had proven to be an effective tool I’m sure there would be no argument from anyone. However, when you have some police officers and police chiefs publicly stating that it does not work and is a waste of the taxpayers’ dollars, we have to sit up and take notice. The long gun registry was originally pegged at $80 million total cost. To this day the firearms registry has cost well over $2 billion of taxpayers’ hard-earned cash. But when a police officer runs a firearm through the current system and the information pulled up states the firearm is registered to a D. Duck of Orlando, Florida – we know we have a problem. Thu, 06 May 2010 14:01:49 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/91239/Outdoor-Life/Gun-debate-heats-up http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/85535/Outdoor-Life/Keep-it-clean Nothing gets my blood boiling more than pulling up to an island on a lake anticipating a tastey shore lunch and spotting the remnants  from the last slobs who were there. Garbage lying everywhere including the skeletons and skins of fish that were cleaned, plastic bottles and cigarette butts. How anyone can leave a beautiful camp site in that condition is beyond me; they should be fined and banned from the privilege to use it if they pollute in such a disgusting manner. Every year I come upon places where hunters, campers or anglers have left garbage behind for others to haul out or burn. There is no excuse for this. Anyone who utilizes crown land and lakes has the responsibility of taking out what they bring in and although so many things are made environmentally friendly or biodegradable nowadays, I still maintain you should be packing out all of your waste. Last November out grouse hunting, I drove down a narrow tote road and came upon a used camp site from moose hunters. I couldn’t believe the mess left on the ground. Empty beer cans, assorted hardware, a toilet seat, a plastic gas can, rope, a ripped up tarp and a 45-gallon steel drum. Not to mention what looked like a shooting range complete with cans, paper and wood targets set up 75 yards away. There were brass casings lying all over the ground from high power rifles of various calibers. I also found a business card with a name and phone number on it. When I finally made it home that day, I took the liberty of calling this individual identifying myself and asked if they were indeed camped at the location I was at? He responded with a yes at which time, I immediately explained the nature of my call. I told him he had a few days to gather up his crew and get back out to that site and clean it up or I would be reporting them to the MNR. Although he got his feathers a little ruffled over the phone, he finally came to realize there are laws against this kind of thing and it is the responsibility of the hunters to leave that site in the same condition they found it if not cleaner. He tried to pass the buck on to his other fellow hunters, but it didn’t matter. He was a part of a gang who broke the law and now had an opportunity to make it right. A week later I received a call from the same fellow who assured me they had gone and taken every bit of rubbish out. I think it’s all outdoor users’ responsibility to keep our woods and water clean. It doesn’t matter if it’s a cigarette butt, or a piece of fishing line or a dump truck full of garbage. As anglers and hunters we have to become stewards of the land and ensure all waste is burned or carried out. I can guarantee you if a conservation officer happened to come across that camp site and found that business card, he would have fined those fellows without a doubt or hesitation. Environmental laws are stricter now than ever and rightly so as the ozone layer and atmosphere are becoming damaged more and more each year with the increase in airborne pollution and also the levels of toxins in many lakes escalating. I, for one, believe we live in one of the most cleanest and untouched areas in all of North America. Northwestern Ontario is loaded with pristine lakes, rivers and waterways that allow the angler and hunter or anyone for that matter to get back and enjoy the remote wilderness and clean and clear water. Do your part in ensuring that it remains that way and that our children can have the same years from now. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:04:10 GMT http://www.tbnewswatch.com/Columns/122/85535/Outdoor-Life/Keep-it-clean