Outdoors Guy Blog – Page 11 – The Outdoors Guy

August 31, 2015September 5, 2017

Toyota 4Runner & Marineland, great summer fun!

This summer was chock full of great family outdoor travel and adventure, from beginning to end!

The Morrison clan isn’t only into the hunting, fishing and conservation. Outdoor travel and adventure also play a big part during the warmer months.

This summer with the Canadian dollar sagging we chose not to cross into the States for vacation and, instead, enjoyed quality family time a short drive from the Nation’s Capital. The first leg of our journey brought us to Niagara Falls which, believe it or not, was a first for all of us.

For me, the highlight of Niagara Falls lay several miles from the Falls and hustle and bustle of Clifton Hill. It was our day spent at Marineland Canada!

Special thanks to Ann Marie Rondinelli for facilitating a wonderful day at Marineland. We enjoyed everything this famous family destination had to offer from Friendship Cove, to feeding the resident bear population, to the ultimate interactive experience with the Arctic beluga whales.

Certainly the most popular marine mammal at Marineland, belugas’ are very special creatures indeed!

The magnificent orca or killer whale also attracts a crowd at Marineland.

We were also fortunate to be offered an informative Beluga Whale Encounter by Marineland’s head trainer, Alex who did a terrific job at explaining what makes these belugas so special.

Thanks to this up-close-and-personal training session my wife, daughters and I were given a glimpse into the largest collection of beluga whales in the world, and trust me, these creatures are indeed pampered! The facilities were large, immaculately kept and run like a tight ship.

All the marine and land mammals were handled with great care and passion, and staff members all had big smiles on their faces.

But Arctic Cove isn’t the only area of interest at Marineland.

If you’re into big rides, (which I am not) the Sky Screamer is a Niagara favorite; offering one of the best views of the horseshoe falls, if you’re brave enough to give it a shot of course(which I was not). After spending time feeding the exotic deer and black bears, we were entertained at the dolphin and walrus show held at King Waldorf stadium.

The entire day was a hoot from beginning to end! Do yourself a favour this summer or next, check out Marineland in Niagara Falls. It truly is fun for all ages. For more information: http://www.marineland.ca/

Shortly after arriving home from Niagara Falls, I jumped straight into some serious road-testing with the 2015 Toyota 4Runner Limited – an SUV which has long held the title of ‘dream vehicle’ for hunters & fishermen(myself included) so it only made sense that I try one out, considering I had yet to step foot inside one of these classic SUV’s.

So much has changed with the 4Runner since its inception in 1984 while at the same time so much has not changed.

The new 4Runner now have 4 doors (5 if you include hatch) while the first generation 4Runner’s only had 2 doors, something difficult to fathom in today’s day and age but they were utilitarian then, and remain very much so today.

The 2015 model comes with a lot more class and style than its predecessor.

The 2015 4Runner is a sharp looking SUV to say the least, with an aggressive and rugged appearance overall. This year marks the 5th Generation of the almost legendary machine. Sure, there are others in its class, but none boast such a long-standing reputation among avid sportsmen than this vehicle does.

The Toyota 4Runner triumphs as THE go-to truck-based SUV for off-roading enthusiasts and, I believe, designers at Toyota continue to embraced this fact.

Having already road-tested the 2015 Highlander this spring, one might tend to make an (unfair) comparison between Toyota’s popular crossover utility and this 4Runner SUV. Upon first glance the Highlander may seem to have the edge, when really its an apples to oranges comparison between a vehicle with unibody construction versus one with traditional ‘body on frame’ construction like the 4Runner.

Die-hard off-roaders will go with the truck based 4Runner SUV every time and there’s good reason for that. This vehicle’s proven track-record heading off-the-beaten-path is legendary, with great ground clearance and standard skid plates for example. For those not in ‘the know’ CUV’s aren’t really intended for off-road use even though they’re offered with AWD capability.

For the 2015 model year, Toyota has stayed the course with the ‘go-to’ 4.0 litre V6 engine which has performed well in this SUV and kicks-out out a solid 270 horses. This engine may not have quite the ‘get-up-and-go’ on the highway of the Highlander’s 3.5 litre, but is still more than peppy enough and geared well for towing.

The Limited trim I tested boasts lots of great amenities including full leather seating, backup camera, Sirius satellite radio, generous drink holders and fully adjustable electric seat controls.

When it comes to layout and gauge cluster I found everything to be nicely appointed with large, easy to access dials and controls.

This side view of the 2015 4Runner Limited I tested, shows an aggressive and sporty look with a set of nothing to sneeze-at 20-inch (245 60R20) tires!

All in all, the 2015 Toyota 4Runner turned out to be a worthy summer vacation companion and a real head-turner as well. I only wish I had taken this beast more off-road, into the back-40 or perhaps to hunt camp. The new 4Runner remains a reliable and worthy adversary for any outdoor enthusiast and really, it felt just the way I had dreamed-about for all these years. For more information, http://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/4runner/overview

I hope your summer was as enjoyable as mine was!

The Outdoors Guy

August 24, 2015September 5, 2017

Cougar sightings continue across Ontario

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

Everyone, it seems, is interested in big cats!

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

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

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

Big cat theory

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

Summer drawing to a close

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

2015 Ford Expedition, a beast in civil clothing

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

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

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

Next time!

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

August 11, 2015

White-tailed deer time of rebirth captured on camera

Look what showed-up at my deer feeder while I was away on holidays!

Photographing a doe with a newly born fawn is almost as exciting as photographing a big buck!

So neat to see mom and baby at this time of year! Based on other trail cam pics, this little guy appears to have been born first week of July making him approx 1 month old in these images.

Sticking very close to mom at this point…

A rare shot of a nursing fawn! Only the second time I’ve managed to capture that on camera.

Outdoorsguy

August 11, 2015September 5, 2017

Important cougar sighting near Peterborough

Another summer is upon us and the Ontario cougar sightings continue to pour-in.

As many of you know, I’ve always taken a special interest in Ontario cougars a fascination if you will, which is odd since I’m really not a huge (domestic) cat lover.

The intrigue with these big cats I suppose might have to do with the rarity of the occurrence, although more cougars are being spotted across the province than ever before, so that can’t be it. Heck, we even saw a local horse owner last winter who had a brush with a cougar when one attacked one of her animals.

Yes, cougars in Ontario are contentious issue regardless of where you stand and of interest to many. People see them regularly in different regions yet our wildlife agencies tend to discount any and all reported sightings. Out of fear? Lack of funding? Whatever the case, the MNRF has typically shied away from the Ontario cougar issue even though I receive a handful of cougars reports each and every month.

The letter I got today may change all that!

I received a cougar sighting report earlier this am from the Peterborough-area, which isn’t that strange as several big cats have been spotted in the Kawartha’s in recent years.

This sighting was special indeed and almost ground-breaking I would say…as the eye-witness report came to me from a Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) employee!

Alex Broks, a Land and Resources Data Support Officer with the Mapping & Information Resources Branch of the MNRF in Peterborough, was driving on Mervin Road south of Hwy 115 yesterday at approximately 4:00 PM, when noticed a doe and a fawn cross the road 40 yards away.

Following on their footsteps at a close distance was a large cat with a long tail, it was unmistakably a cougar but not an adult in Broks’s estimation – a man who is an avid sportsman with 35 years’ experience.

“I do know that there has been other sighting in the past few years in the Peterborough- area” Broks explained, but the MNRF always seems to contradict the sightings; too far, to foggy, maybe a slim coyote, no one else has reported anything and so on.”

This MNRF employee and former Taxidermist went online shortly after the sighting to see if any other cougars have been reported in the Peterborough area. Alex quickly discovered one of my articles on the subject and contacted me and here we are…

This first-hand cougar sighting is important, not only to further the documented evidence of big cats in the Province, but for an MNRF employee to come forward with an eye-witness account lends great credibility to the existence of these big cats in Ontario.

A tip of the hat to Alex Broks for allowing me to share this crucial information with us, without fear of reprisal. Alex told me he plans to speak with the only home-owner along that stretch of road to see if they too have seen any cougar activity in the area.

Stay tuned…

Outdoorsguy

P.S. For more information on Cougars in Ontario, the Province’s authority on big cats Rick Rosatte has published several papers on the subject: http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB0QFjAAahUKEwiQ4snx0KHHAhWXEpIKHVJnDDA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcanadianfieldnaturalist.ca%2Findex.php%2Fcfn%2Farticle%2Fdownload%2F11942F1187&ei=OTvKVdDhH5elyATSzrGAAw&usg=AFQjCNFgjoCbDQ63RjepRoROXo1xXk4fqg&sig2=1uDoN8zDxms6zMkta_Jqng

July 29, 2015

Cornwall wormy shutdown a head scratcher

Ok, here is the head scratcher of the week!!

Kristopher Cadieux, his brother Clayton and sister Kirstina (shown in the photo above) run a small worm selling business from the front of the Cornwall home where they live.

One of the oldest and most noble trades a young person can engage in, if you ask me. I sold worms as a boy, my friends back home did it, heck, even Mrs. Outdoors Guy and her sister sold worms to make money when they were kids!

Developing and fostering a solid work ethic is extremely important for today’s youth. Would our Citys rather have their youth lounging around in the Parks smoking pot and drinking beer?

According to their parents, the Cadieux kids make perhaps $600 per summer selling worms, and the money is split between them.

Cornwall, the province’s new CITY THAT FUN FORGOT evidently took offence to the Cadieux’ wiggly business and served the family with a bylaw infraction, for a sign posted outside their house advertising the worms for sale.

Cornwall Bylaw instructed the family (based on a complaint from someone in the community) to take down the sign and stop selling worms outside their home.

According to the family, another worm seller in Cornwall was also targeted and forced to shut down. In a recent development, Cornwall bylaw has decided to allow the worm sales to continue so long as signage is removed.

“Now we need to bring the customers in our house, which is not really that safe … and we are not allowed the signs,” said Mrs. Cadieux

The Cadieux family could appeal the byway and participate in a lengthy appeal process, but it is unclear whether they will explore this more cumbersome option.

The kid’s mother put it well in her comment that; “We just want it where kids are able to have a lemonade stand, sell worms, It’s kids, they should be allowed to be kids.”

The sad part is, I can see the exact same thing happening here in the Nation’s Capital!

Outdoorsguy

July 20, 2015

Summer fun in the Great Outdoors

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

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

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

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

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

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

Testing, testing

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

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

  Food for deer 

At a time of year when many sportsmen are out on the water, Dave Smetana is out working his deer fields. Dave isn’t a farmer by profession but more what you might call an agricultural conservationist. He has been managing food plots for several years and has a variety of different feed options spread around his Carleton Place property.

Nurturing crops for deer is a growing trend and our region is no exception, with food plots offer supplemental nutrients throughout the summer and later in the season after farm crops are cut. Earlier this summer Smetana got things started with the ATV and a Plot Mule, which is a small set of discs hauled behind an ATV. From there it’s a matter of spreading the seed evenly.

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

  Bear awareness this summer 

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

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

July 15, 2015

Animals Rights 'No Experience' Kijiji ad speaks volumes

Based on the Kijiji ad I just read, the forthright and honest animal rights activists of our region are running low on recruitment.

Oh No better start an online campaign!

The following post, currently running (till the Site’s admin pull it down) on the popular ‘For Sale’ Site Kijiji, entitled SHRINE CIRCUS PROTEST, reads as follows:

Join your fellow animal lovers in educating the public about the cruelty involved in animal circuses. Activists will be present for all Shrine Circus shows over the weekend, handing out literature and holding signs (all materials will be provided, but feel free to make your own sign). Our approach will be friendly and informative.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

Outreach times are as follows:

Friday, August 7, at 2:30PM and 6PM

Saturday, August 8, at 11AM, 2PM and 6PM
Sunday, August 9, at 12PM and 3PM

Such a lame public plea for support with a strong emphasis on NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED, only goes to prove that defending rights of circus animals is more about shit disturbing than it is the well-being of animals.

Not surprising that these misguided animal rights do-gooders would prefer their new recruits be ignorant and ill-informed. I believe they would fit-in better that way and, of course, are easier to brain wash too.

Trust me, I’ve had my dealings with these people at previous Shrine Circuses and its quite apparent they have little experience and no common sense; straight out of a Kijiji ad no doubt!

The protest approach will be ‘friendly and informative’ they say, now there’s a good one. These people’s main objective is to make children cry (as they did to my daughters) in an attempt to block access to events which raise MILLIONS of dollars for an organization that runs charity hospitals for sick children.

What happens when the day arrives and one of their kids requires spinal surgery, and the Shriner’s Hospital is their only option?

Who’s children will be crying then?

Outdoorsguy

July 2, 2015

FORE! Moose spotted at Rideauview Golf Course in Manotick!

(This rare close-up shot of the moose was captured not far from the Rideauview Golf Course where it was spotted last weekend!)

(Photo showing moose hoof print in the grass)

(In the centre of this image (between the trees) to left of the golf bag, the moose can be seen on edge of the fairway)

Thanks to Edward for sending-in this report of a moose spotted this weekend running across the Rideauview Golf Course in Manotick:

“I wasn’t aware there was an “Outdoors Guy” out there, but thought you would be interested in knowing we spotted a MOOSE just South of Manotick at the RideauView Golf Course, on Sunday, June 28th . We were putting out on the 16th hole and this “MOOSE” came running past the three of us, galloped across the 12th and 18th fairway, and jumped to the nearby woods. (honest.. I’m a Newfoundlander.. It was about 800 pound moose.. and I was no where near the 19th hole ;-)) Before this, I had no idea where or how a moose could have gotten to the course.. ( Hwy ? Across the river ? ) .. Shocking in any case.. In the pic included, you will see a last shot of the moose before he jumped into the woods. “

If you’re in the area please keep an eye out for Bullwinkle! Thanks to Edward for sending in this report.

Outdoorsguy

June 30, 2015

Anglers gearing up for most important week of year

(Avid angler Don with an ‘Outdoors Guy-class’ largie he caught up the Valley – too bad he took a bite out of the fish before releasing it – note teeth marks near tail)

With the most important fishing week of the year kicking-off this Saturday, anglers are being reminded of what this great sport is all about.

National Fishing Week & ON’s Family Fishing Weekend are about educating and informing the public on the merits of sport-fishing in Canada. During NFW, veteran anglers are encouraged to lend their support – offering those new to the sport a chance to cast a line and discover the fulfillment of fishing in this great country of ours.

In celebration of National Fishing Week, all walks of life -young or old – are encouraged to plan a fishing day at the nearest stream, pond, river or lake. More than 1.3 million licensed anglers participate in recreational fisheries and contribute approximately $2.5 billion to the Ontario economy each year.

Take note that no fishing license is required in Ontario between July 4 – 12, so regardless of what you have planned this weekend, try to include some time on the water. I know I will!

For more information on NFW: http://www.catchfishing.com/

For more information on Family Fishing Weekend:http://www.ontariofamilyfishing.com/

Outdoorsguy

June 19, 2015

Bass season just around the corner…

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

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

Each year, the Valley bass season in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15 gets underway the forth Saturday in June; two weeks later than most other sport fish. From a conservation standpoint, a later start allows for smallmouth and largemouth to complete the spawn and for young bass to mature so they may fend for themselves. Other species like walleye and trout play no role in guarding of the eggs so their seasons always open earlier in the spring. Anyone who fishes the Ottawa River, otherwise known as the Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 12, may begin bass fishing next Friday, one day before the rest of the FMZ 15. If anyone’s looking for me next weekend, I’ll be in Cobden trying to beat my personal bass record of 7 pounds.

Deer tags up for grabs!

Valley deer enthusiasts are watching the calendar closely as the antlerless deer tag validation draw closes on June 30. There are three application methods available although your chances at a tag remain the same, whether you apply by telephone, Internet or at a Service Ontario outlet. To apply over the phone dial 1 (800) 288-1155, but remember that if you have already purchased your regular deer license, you’ll not be permitted to enter the draw this way, and must apply either online or visit a Service Ontario outlet. For more information: http://www.ontario.ca/travel-and-recreation/apply-big-game-draw

Testing testing

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

BAIT tourney a success!

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