Outdoors Guy Blog – Page 10 – The Outdoors Guy

December 18, 2015

Ice fishing safety for if/when it freezes

This weeks outdoors column in the Pembroke Daily Observer:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2015/12/17/safety-first-when-ice-fishing

Safety first when ice-fishing

Avid winter angler Grant Bailey with a nice walleye pulled through the ice.

With ice fishing season presumably just around the corner, winter anglers are reminded that safety must always come first.

Winter anglers who venture out on the ice this winter, should always advise someone where they will be fishing and when they plan to return. Seasonally-appropriate clothing and equipment are also vital for safety and comfort. Some winter fisherfolk prefer to wear survival suits and carry a set of safety ice picks, while others go so far as constructing modified ‘ice cars’ with all the doors removed and the roof cut-out, in the event of an untimely plunge. Remember that ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers; especially at the start of the winter season when near-shore ice is always thicker than ice further out.

The Pembroke Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry wishes to advise anglers that not only is ice hut registration a requirement by law, it goes a long way to preventing wayward huts later in the season. Abandoned ice huts which end up in waterways after the thaw create havoc for boaters and early season fishermen. Registration numbers on all huts should be at least 2 1/2″ inches in height for improved visibility. You do not need to register tent-style huts made of cloth or synthetic material provided the base measurement is less than seven square metres. (75.4 square feet) To register your hut in Pembroke District, please call the MNRF at 613-732-3661

Supplemental deer feeding

Winter deer feeding is not just an enjoyable winter pastime it can be of great benefit to these animals as snow depth increases and temperatures drop. I currently have a half dozen, or so, whitetails feeding at my place which is about average for this time of year. I have had as many as 16 deer feeding at one time in the boom years. Remember that if you begin distributing feed in early winter, as I have, it is imperative to continue until spring as the animal’s digestive system will adapt to the supplemented diet. Ritchie’s Feed and Seed sells a terrific pelletized deer feed I’ve been using for years with good success. I’m sure other feed stores up the Valley produce a similar blend. Another less expensive way to help out our ‘deer friends’ during winter months is through increased access to natural winter forage, by creating hard-packed trail with snowmobile, ATV or even snowshoes. With deer numbers down in many areas it wouldn’t hurt to provide a helping hand this winter.

Fish, Hunt & Ride magazine – now available!

By now, sporting enthusiasts in the Valley have caught a glimpse of my new hunting and fishing magazine – Fish, Hunt & Ride (FHR) – distributed this past week to more than 100 outlets across Eastern and Northern Ontario and Western Quebec. My writing team not only includes regular material from Pembroke native (and trapper extraordinaire) Jordan Durocher, as well as a team of other great local writers, you have surely been enjoying Ted Nugent’s first FHR column. Uncle Ted will be with the magazine each and every issue. Feel free to send comments or suggestions on this new local publication and be sure to check out our Fish, Hunt & Ride (FHR) website: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca/

Great Outdoors Trivia Contest

Every year I hold a Great Outdoors Trivia Contest, in some form or another. They are always well received and include a generous price package courtesy of Tinks Scents and Brecks/Williams fishing tackle. This year I decided to kick the contest off right here with my good friends at the Pembroke Daily Observer! Everyone knows there are more hunters, fishermen and trappers per capita living in the Ottawa Valley than almost anywhere else in the world! You will need to be sharp and stealthy for this array of trivia questions, as they will require not only a vast knowledge of the great outdoors, but a keen eye as well. Stay tuned in January for Question #1.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all and I’ll see you right here next month!

December 14, 2015

FISH, HUNT & RIDE MAGAZINE – Fall/Winter Launch finally here!

Well folks, the long wait is nearly over…..

I am very proud to introduce the inaugural issue of FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine available in newsstands, sports stores and various assorted outlets throughout Eastern ON, Northern ON and Western QC, later this week!

I’d like to take this opportunity of thanking our faithful publisher Mr. Dave Brown, who had the brilliant foresight to expand on success he already enjoyed with Ottawa Outdoors Magazine these past 15 years. If not for Dave’s forward thinking and the idea of ‘completing the outdoor picture’ FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine would never have come to fruition.

I would also like to officially thank my Editorial staff – the best damn team of columnists I could have assembled under one magazine cover:

Amanda Lynn Meyhew, Grant Hopkins, Doug Phillips, Brian Houle, Grant Bailey, Sheila Ascroft, Don Wilcox, Ed Hand, Jordan Durocher and last but certainly not least everyone’s favourite uncle, the Motor City Madman himself, Mr. Ted Nugent!

Without this incredible team of highly-skilled and accomplished writers, hunters, guitar players, anglers, cyclists, scientists, trappers, talk show hosts, ATV’er, conservationists, journalists and Spirit Bloodbrothers, NONE of FHR would ever have been possible!

Thank you, thank you and thank you!!!!

We look forward to hearing from you (the reader) with ideas and suggestions on future issues. Check out our website: fishhuntandride.ca and look for us(& like us) on Facebook!

Yours in the Outdoors,

Jeff Morrison

Editor-in-Chief – FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine

November 26, 2015

Ghost Buck, alive and well after all these years…

My hunt gang will probably kill me for posting these images, but it needs to be discussed…

Back in Nov, 2011, I put out a Blog Post entitled; Pursuit of Ghost Buck Continues. It was essentially a photo essay of a special whitetail my gang and I had been hunting since 2009. Here were are 6 years later and I am STILL talking about the same deer!

And the best part is, this bad boy is still alive!!

Although I can’t know for sure the age of this old-timer, based on images I’ve gathered from 5-6 years ago when he had to be at least 3.5 years old, my Ghost Buck would now be approaching an incredible 10 years old!

A deer of this vintage is almost unheard of on Crown/public land, especially where we hunt. Deer numbers are dwindling and this aged warrior is one of the scant few whitetails we have left.

This is how the Ghost Buck appeared five years ago in October, 2010(already a 3+ year old at this point) He has a distinctive rack with a forked point on the right side, and has always been missing a browtine on the same side. (from an injury I assume he sustained at one point and was never able to grow a brow tine there)

And here is how the Ghost Buck looks this year:

How does one particular deer manage to avoid the hoards of hunters (including us) for nearly a decade? It only goes to prove the resilience and smarts these animals possess and oh, did I mention Ghost Buck has NEVER been photographed during the day and, as far as I know, has also never been seen by a single human being.

I am ‘secretly’ hoping we never get the chance to harvest this special creature, as I’m not sure what I’d do even if I eventually had him in my sights.

Outdoorsguy

P.S. Special thanks to my good friends at Bushnell for providing all the great trail cameras for testing over the years!

November 19, 2015

White-tailed deer in need of urgent overhaul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deer population in decline

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

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

Shades of 2008

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

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

Ice-fishing safety

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

New local hunting and fishing magazine to launch this fall!

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

November 18, 2015

Outdoors Guy interview with FHR Columnist Ted Nugent – Part 1

Mr. Ted Nugent, FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine’s latest columnist, was gracious enough to leave his tree stand briefly to participate in a frank and informative Q&A session.

It’s not every day a small-town boy has the good fortune of conversing with someone like the NUGE and I really took it to heart; coming up with questions I feel would be of interest to the hunting & rock ‘n roll communities, and of personal interest as well.

PART 1 of my Uncle Ted Interview:

Outdoors Guy:

“Ok Ted, I realize your hunting prowess has spanned the globe over several decades, but would there be one hunt in particular that stands out from the rest as the most meaningful? “

Ted Nugent:

“All my life’s passions run very deep and amazingly after nearly 67 years of nonstop hunting, it is impossible to pinpoint a #1 hunting experience above all others. That being said, I will say however that those many times I have been so humbly blessed to be thought of and invited to take a terminally ill child on their last hunt request in life may very well represent the greatest gift a person can receive from another. To say that it is life changing and spiritually fortifying does not come close to the powerful impact it has had on me and my family. Those moving experiences will stay with us forever.”

Outdoors Guy:

“How do you balance a music, hunting and conservation career, a home life, recreational hunting, along with the other irons you have in the fire, yet still remain balanced and (somewhat) sane? Does your hectic schedule ever get the best of you, or can you simply take things in stride?”

Ted Nugent:

“Being 67 years clean and sober with damn good genetics, with a sensible physical regimen and a killer smart diet of wild game provides me a very healthy, high energy condition to allow me to tackle any and all of my passions and dreams. That I have always surrounded myself with the very best people possible, as you have witnessed working with my personal assistant Linda, my team can move mountains, and we do. Every individual from management, Spirit of the Wild TV production, Sunrize Safaris, and nonstop rock-n-roll mayhem are fulltime master asskickers!”

Outdoors Guy:

“In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine rated the Top 50 guitarists of all time and you ranked #4 on the list. Would you agree or disagree with that ranking? “

Ted Nugent:

“Music and guitar playing in particular are so very personal and subjective that any such list can only represent those that compile it. I happen to love my guitar playing more than any other while loving and respecting all those amazing 6 string virtuosos out there that provide us the dynamo soundtrack to our lives. The greatest musical honor I could have ever dreamed of was bestowed upon me a few years back when Michigan voted me the #1 Detroit guitarist of all times. Lord have mercy, that feels beyond wonderful.”

Outdoors Guy:

“Ted, you’ve stated many times that venison is your all-time favorite game meat. If suddenly there were no more deer what game meats would fill its place as #1 on the Nugent table? “

Ted Nugent:

“We love all game; deer, elk, moose, caribou, bear, pronghorn, hogs, grouse, woodcock, pheasant, quail, doves, snipe, squirrels, rabbits, ducks, geese, cranes, woodchucks and all the African and exotic game. The way we prepare our game, every meal is so damn good its crazy! I will share many of our recipes in upcoming FHR columns.”

Outdoors Guy:

“Ok, you have lots of fans up here in the Nation’s Capital, why haven’t you performed here in ages? Each summer in July the City of Ottawa hosts one of the largest musical festival in the world, would you ever consider playing at Bluesfest? And what if the Outdoors Guy promised to bring you hunting while you were here?”

Ted Nugent:

“I’ve rocked across Canada for nearly 50 years and have loved every gig. I only tour the summer months these days so I hope to hell to get back up there ASAP. You people deserve me!”

Outdoors Guy Thank You:

“Hey Ted, thanks so very much for your time and for the terrific and candid responses! Wishing you all the best throughout the hunting season.”

Ted Nugent:

“The best of luck to you & yours Jeff! Thank God everyday we are deerhunters! YOWZA! Aim small miss small, go ultra stealthy! kill the beast! cherish this special family spirit time! Ted”

October 27, 2015

Mr. Ted Nugent joins FISH, HUNT & RIDE magazine team!!

It is with supreme honour that I welcome to my FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine writing team, North America’s most prolific and respected hunter/conservationist, the Motor City Madman himself:

MR. TED NUGENT!!!!!!! (Cue the blistering Gibson Byrdland)

That’s right folks, you heard correctly, THE Ted Nugent!! Let’s just say this past week was one for the history books.

Working with Mr. Nugent’s assistant at TedQuarters in Michigan was a surreal experience. And for Ted to agree to be a part of my humble team of writers (in time for our Launch issue in late November, no less) is truly a dream come true!

The NUGE will share some unique insights on hunting, conservation, wild game, guns, rock ‘n roll and scads of other cool stuff with the FISH, HUNT & RIDE readers each and every issue. You may be surprised to know that the man has actually spent considerable time over the years, pursuing game in many of our provinces and holds a special fondness for his Canadian Spirit BloodBrothers.

Not only is Ted Nugent rated as one of the greatest guitarists of all time with musical roots dating back to the Amboy Dukes and having sold Millions of albums, he has dedicated much of his life’s work to the wise use, management and harvest of our renewable natural resources. Ted is an extremely clean living, breathing conservation legend, and the fact that he’s chosen to be part of our humble magazine is simply mind blowing.

So, once you’ve laid down the rifle and bow for a much needed break later this fall, check out FISH, HUNT & RIDE magazine as my team of experienced hunters and fishers (along with our distinguished newest member) take a Stranglehold on sportsmen in Eastern Ontario & Western Quebec.

I hope you’re ready to whack ’em and stack ’em with the man who created, and still lives, the very essence of the Spirit of the Wild on a daily basis!

In the meantime, have a peak at our website and watch for our introductory launch issue, distributed alongside Ottawa Outdoors Magazine to 125, 000 eager sportsmen and women: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca/

Jeff Morrison – The Outdoors Guy – @ThatOutdoorsGuy on twitter

Editor-in-Chief – FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine

October 17, 2015

Whitetail season is upon us

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

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

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

Canadian whitetail hunters celebrate annual tradition

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

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

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

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

Behold the dark ghost

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

Testing, testing

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

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

Hunt safely with Rick’s spirit

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

September 23, 2015

Smallgame season is here to fuel to fire

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

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

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

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

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

Outdoorsguy

September 17, 2015

New local hunting, fishing magazine to launch this Fall!

Well, I’ve been stringing everyone along for nearly 3 months now regarding some BIG announcement and time has finally come to let the (cougar sized)cat out of the bag!!

Cue the symphony!

Send out a warning shot(or two)!

Let the pigeons loose!

Light the celebratory fireworks because here it is!!

Following several months of (mostly) surreptitious planning and intense toiling, the time has finally come to announce the official launch of FISH, HUNT & RIDE (FHR) Magazine – featuring yours truly at the helm as Editor-in-Chief.

FHR Mag will be widely distributed this coming November (in print & online) reaching an estimated 125,000 readers throughout Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, and the only publication dedicated to the outdoor pursuits of hunting, fishing and ATV’s!

And the best part is: it’s FREE!

The brainchild of veteran magazine publisher Dave Brown, FHR picks-up logically where Dave’s current publication; Ottawa Outdoors Magazine (OOM) (now entering its 15th year) leaves off. In the words of Publisher Dave himself. “FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine will complete the outdoor picture for me”.

As the ‘next chapter’ unfolds for my new boss and he builds on the success of OOM, Dave feels confident that with me as Editor-in-Chief of this new ‘hard-core’ hunting, fishing and riding mag, we may achieve our objective of providing the most comprehensive coverage of its kind!

This is one exiting time my friends and not just for me and Dave Brown, but for every avid sportsman and woman out there. In a climate where we’re forced to defend the right to enjoy our renewable natural resources in an ethical and sensible manner, in the face of adversity, FHR Mag is a VICTORY for anyone who calls themselves a true conservationist.

I was more than honoured this spring when Dave presented me the offer of the Editor-in-Chief position in this exciting new publication. It truly was/is like a dream come true! Even with my current ongoing hunting & fishing coverage, that material barely scratches the surface when it comes to promoting and defending our hunting and fishing heritage – activities enjoyed by thousands of avid folks on both sides of the river.

As with the big Provincial and National publications; FISH, HUNT & RIDE will delve into crucial aspects of the hunting, fishing and riding-world such as the latest in techniques, how-to’s, where to’s, product and lodge reviews, reader contests, cooking tips, trophy fish & game bragging boards, outdoor news, hunt camp spotlights and copious other assorted tidbits that make a sportsmen’s heart go pitter patter.

Unlike other publications however FHR will retain a more local charm and flair with a fresh focus on subjects and material that readers in the Upper Ottawa Valley, Outaouais, or say the St Lawrence Valley can relate to. It will be Eastern Ontario & Western QC’s only hunting, fishing & riding magazine.

I have already assembled a crack team of contributors composed of some of the most dedicated and experienced guys and gals in the field – from seasoned outdoor writers & journalists with decades of experience, to contributors who live to hunt and fish and are totally passionate about what they do. Some you may even recognize from right here at the Outdoors Guy Blog!

Passion and commitment to conservation and the Great Outdoors are aspects we all share and I cant wait for you to catch a glimpse of our first issue!

Speaking of which:

The coveted inaugural Fall/Winter ‘launch’ issue of FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine will arrive late November in an abbreviated form along with Dave’s winter issue distribution of Ottawa Outdoors Magazine. We’re hoping our FHR ‘teaser’ launch issue will have you all chomping(or champing) at the bit!

In the meantime, tell your family, tell your friends, tell uncle Pete up the valley, tell anyone and everyone about FISH, HUNT & RIDE – an exciting new magazine coming soon to an outlet near you.

Be sure to check out our website: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca/

Yours fully committed to the Great Outdoors,

Jeff Morrison

Editor-in-Chief – FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine
Follow me on Twitter: @ThatOutdoorsGuy

September 14, 2015

Moose season coming but are there any left?

With the annual moose season just around the corner, hunters like our pal ‘Iggy’ (shown in the above photo) are chomping at the bit to get back to nature for the annual pursuit of the beloved swamp donkey known as Bullwinkle.

For those enthusiasts who still hunt moose in Northern Ontario, it will be interesting to see how this fall turns-out given recent changes set forth by the MNRF, following the announcement that moose pops. in the north are in rough shape. Even the QC side has seen its share of decline in some areas, from reports I’ve heard.

All this to say that the status of the herd and moose numbers will not deter those who enjoy it…

In recent years, my father and members of our deer gang have taken-up hunting moose with crossbow during the brief ‘bull only’ season which runs for little over 1 week in the Quebec Laurentians, around our deer camp. Although I haven’t taken-up crossbow hunting yet, I do join the gang on the first weekend of the season(Oct 2), put up some trail cams for deer and try out a few calls with the boys. Of course this fall, the QC Government will be slashing our bush all to hell with a ‘selective harvest’ planned for the entire mountain beside our camp.

There goes the country for a few years…but I digress

For those who still make the effort to hunt moose each fall, the reward can be as little as enjoying the sights and sounds of the northwoods during early fall, while for others it may be as successful as one, or even two, moose harvested in camp. Either way you look at it, pursuing moose is a special and longstanding tradition enjoyed (sadly) by less and less people these days.

For those about to moose hunt – we salute you!!

Outdoorsguy