Outdoors Guy Blog

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Wildlife Speaker Series this week – Whitetails

Thanks to my pal Gary (Star Whisperer) Boyle for the following information on this week’s City of Ottawa wildlife speaker.

Back in February, the City held another Speaker Series featuring an Urban Coyote expert and I suggested to them  they give me the heads-up next time a speaker comes to town. Evidently the message still never got through!

White-tailed Deer – September 18, 2014

 

Thursday, September 18, 2014
7 to 9 p.m.
Ben Franklin Place
101 Centrepointe Drive

The City of Ottawa will be holding its third Wildlife Speakers Series event on Thursday, September 18 at 7 p.m. at Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive. This session will address white-tailed deer.

White-tailed deer

People and deer have a long history together. White-tailed deer are valued as a game species, and for their grace and beauty, but they can also become a pest to farmers and gardeners. Motor vehicle collisions involving deer are a major safety concern, especially during the fall.

The City has invited experts from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to present information on white-tailed deer ecology and biology to improve our understanding of these wild neighbours.

Michael Gatt is the Ministry’s Senior Wildlife Biologist for our region. He has worked with a variety of public stakeholders to develop key strategies for the prevention and management of conflicts with deer and other wildlife.

Dr. Brent Patterson is a research scientist with the Ministry, and an adjunct professor with Trent University. He has spent many years exploring the ecology of deer and their canine predators (wolves and coyotes).

In addition to the presentation, there will be a nature slideshow and an environmental exposition from 6 to 9 p.m. at Ben Franklin Place for residents to learn more about Ottawa’s wildlife, natural environment and local environmental initiatives. The City will also provide information on traffic safety (Speeding Costs You Deerly) and public health (Lyme disease).

The City will hold one more event in the Wildlife Speakers Series this year. The series is intended to increase residents’ knowledge and appreciation of wildlife and promote coexistence through understanding and respect. All of these events are free of charge.

For more information:
Amy MacPherson
Planning and Growth Management
613-580-2424, ext. 14873
E-mail: [email protected]

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The Reality of Outdoor Reality Television

I’m sure most of you out there watch some sort of reality television, I know I do.

Some of my favourite television shows are, in fact, Reality TV with an outdoor theme. Hunting and fishing reality TV such as; Mountain Men, Yukon Men, Life Below Zero, Kodiak, The Hunt, Wicked Tuna and so on…make-up much of my evening entertainment!

But I always try to keep things in perspective….

Not ALL of what I watch do I accept at face value. I realize that ‘dramatization’ is all part of reality television these days, but what are we to do?

Perhaps the most ‘real’ out there, or a television show that depicts a more true picture of life in the north is, Life Below Zero. Some find the images to be graphic, but subsistence living does involve fish and wildlife being harvested on a regular basis.

The true reality, for most shows of this nature, is to ‘tone down’ the more graphic images so as to appeal to a wider audience. Some shows will even ‘create’ a story that isn’t really there; simply for entertainment value.

Come on, you’ve all seen it!

Nature photography and programming has been dramatizing and creating ‘stories’ for viewers for centuries, and I’m cool with that, so long as you as a viewer keep things in perspective.

When I watch these shows with Mrs. Outdoors Guy, or my kids, I do feel it necessary to explain the ‘true reality’ of certain situations as we watch them. Those more experienced in the outdoors can see right through Network TV’s attempt to gently ‘pull the wool over viewers eyes’.

But again it’s all cool with me..I even follow some of them on Twitter!

I suppose we can’t be too picky about details when it comes to these TV shows, since there is still value and entertainment in watching them.

At least I think there is…

Speaking of which, I have two episodes of the new series The Hunt, sitting in the PVR I haven’t watched yet, although according to Chessy, this one is somewhat on the brutal side!

Outdoorsguy

 

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Fishing the Mighty St. Lawrence with Eric

My buddy Eric Dupuis, Adverting Guru with the Ottawa SUN, and his wife Bridgit headed out on the Mighty St Lawrence River recently for some late summer angling action, and here’s the result:

We launched out of Prescott on the St. Lawrence yesterday and caught a couple nice small-mouth and Bridgit caught a nice walleye.

Bridgit - Walleye - St

 

Had to go deep to get them. Caught the first bass in 25′ on a tube and the 2nd one in 50′ on a drop shot.

Smallmouth Bass - St

 

Bridgit caught the walleye in about 40′ on a worm harness.

Caught them all around the marina and fort area. Caught a bunch of Gobies too. 

Hoping to make it out again in 2 weeks.

Eric Dupuis

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Trail camera preparation in comfort & style

TC8

Oh, the beloved trail camera, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!

Perhaps the most exciting part about fall and hunting season is getting to play with my favourite toy; the wildlife surveillance camera, otherwise known by hunters simply as the ‘trail cam’.

TC1

Here I’m adjusting the settings on my trusty Bushnell Trophy Cam – Bone Collector. This particular trail cam has been in that same tree for more than a year now, and I’ve only changed the batteries once. Once!!

Not bad for an estimated 15, 000 photos.

TC2

Certain trail cams like this one, which gets lots of action, I set to low  res. image (3 MB) to allow for the 300 -350 photos it captures each week. Other cams I may opt for ‘HD Video’ instead, keeping in mind the amount of space an HD vid occupies on the SD card.

TC3

These little Trophy Cams are not only reliable, they’re about as user friendly as it gets. Scrolling through the menu and changing settings with this model can be done with ease, and Bushnell remains consistent with their new models as well; keeping menu options and layout pretty much the same across the board.

TC4

Trail cameras with Invisible/Black LED’s like these two models are great for those ‘camera shy’ critters who don’t enjoy being photographed at night.

Since the LED Glow is obscured, they also make a better ‘surreptitious surveillance’ system for around the house, or to monitor your hunt camp for break-ins.

TC6

Checking-on already established trail cams or setting-up new ones is about as close to actual hunting as it gets.

SM1SM2

(Warning – blatant product plug coming…)

 

Wow, what fantastic looking footwear! Do I look good, or what?

These new Merrell’s I courtesy of Shoeme.ca, made this week’s trail camera set-up an even more enjoyable experience. I felt like I was floating on air!

Thanks to the good folks over at Shoeme.ca for the opportunity of trying-out a fantastic pair of new shoes. I’ll be wearing these puppies to hunt camp next weekend when I set-up another series of trail cameras.

For more information on the latest in trail cam footwear: http://www.shoeme.ca/collections/merrell

 

TC7

Happy trail-camming one and all – may your SD cards runneth over with big game images!

Outdoorsguy

 

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2014 Toyota Tundra Adirondack adventure

My two weeks spent this summer with the 2014 Toyota Tundra 4 X 4 – TRD off-road package included an outdoor jaunt through New York’s incredible Adirondack mountains on a 5-day camping excursion to Lake George.  

LGcamping1

After having reviewed several pick-ups in this size class, I can honestly say the new Tundra is about as comfortable a truck I have ever had the pleasure of driving. From front to back and from side to side, the new Tundra exudes class, comfort and luxury.

As a pivotal ‘re-design year’ for Toyota’s entry into the full-size truck market, inspected the truck for changes and improvements over previous models. Upon first glance, the redesigned Tundra doesn’t appear a lot different than its predecessors; until you analyze the subtleties.

DSCN8276

Among the changes in the 2014 model  include an all-new gauge cluster and center stack, which have been reconfigured and are quite sporty-looking indeed.  The interior layout is also greatly improved over previous designs. My father owns a 2012 Tundra and perched inside is a bit more bland feel than the new, more convenient layout of the 2014 model.

More cup holders, slots for holding gadgets and an expanded center console make for the perfect cockpit for any outdoorsman. I found the seats on this new truck to be more snug and form-fitting with improved lumbar support.

Tundradash

My first impression with the new Tundra 4 X 4 TRD was the power and torque, and there’s good reason for that. Every Tundra comes equipped with a standard 4.6 litre V8, or the man-sized iForce 5.7L V8, as the one I tested, which produces a formidable 381 horsepower with 401 pounds torque.  I am told there is also a ‘supercharged’ version available with a whopping 504 horsepower which sounds to me like an exercise in excess.

The iForce 5.7 L V8, in my opinion produces more than enough power and torque than most truck owners would ever require.

Tundraengine

The ride quality of the new Tundra is very nice; firm and solid with smaller bumps soaked up like a sponge in the vehicle’s ample suspension. Hauling my small tent trailer was no challenge for this beast, and there was scant little drop in fuel economy with my 1200 pound pop-up in tow, which was a long stretch from the truck’s 10,400 pound towing capacity.

DSCN8310

Engineers at Toyota put some effort into the suspension for this redesign year with changes to the springs and the TRD package; which included high-performance Bilstein shocks. Evidently meant for hauling much heavier loads than mine, the TRD package also offers several great options that cater more to towing & off-road enthusiasts.

DSCN8309

As I motored up Lake George New York’s famous Prospect Mountain, the Tundra made short work of the ascent like an eager mountain goat!  Several look-outs along the way offered a great vantage point over the Adirondack’s scenic lake known as the ‘100 mile view’.

DSCN8287

The TRD package includes not only high-end Bilsteins, but other off-road necessities like skid plates, off-road-tuned suspension and back-up camera. The TRD upgrade will set you back around $6000, but is worth every penny to those who spend more time in God’s country than the urban jungle. The back-up camera, which I initially thought to be extraneous actually proved quite handy when hooking or unhooking the trailer; like having eyes in the back of your head.

Fuel consumption with the truck hovered, on average, between 15 – 16.5 liters per 100 km’s which is not what I would describe as fuel sipping, however in-line with other full-size pick-ups in its class. Interesting observation was how fuel-economy actually improved while driving in the US, and dropped-off slightly running on Canadian fuel.

No explanation for this just an interesting observation.

DSCN8286

For those who aren’t used to a full-size half ton pick-up truck, the 2014 Tundra does carry a Sasquatch-sized footprint and requires extra caution when parking and maneuvering into tighter spaces. The new front grill profile and stance is actually closer in size and appearance to 3/4 ton trucks like Ford’s F-250.

As far as a camping vehicle goes this new truck fit-in quite nicely, although I see it to be even better suited to a big-game hunting trip in the mountains.

In the end, the 2014 Toyota Tundra TRD provided a great family camping and travelling experience. Anyone looking for top-of-the-line luxury in a full-size pick-up combined with some of the best off-road capability on the market, this is the vehicle for you.

DSCN8277

For those who do not plan on hauling a 24-foot cabin cruiser; however, I would opt for the standard 4.6 L V8 and benefit from improved fuel economy.

For more information on the Toyota Tundra: http://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/language#/toyota/en/vehicles/tundra/overview

 

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Preseason scouting time is upon us

For hunters out there not currently chasing black bears or gearing up for moose, just a reminder that it’s nearing that time of year when pre-season deer scouting is in order.

Man, I don’t care who you are, just setting one foot into your hunting territory at this time of year is exciting!

I’ll be heading up to my deer woods over next couple of weeks to do some scouting and put up some trail cams. Cant wait!!

Has anyone else done any pre-season deer scouting?

Outdoorsguy

 

 

 

 

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Outdoors Guy – Ice Bucket Challenge Video with spin-offs

I completed my Ice Bucket Challenge over the weekend and may have attracted a few deer as well…

I challenged Doc from CHEZ 106 FM’s Doc & Woody Show, Ed Hand of 1310 NEWS Talk to the Hand, and Anthony Dixon, Managing Editor of the Pembroke Daily Observer!!

Here’s my video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp5-GCCFn5g

 

Here is CHEZ 106 FM’s Doc doing his Ice Bucket Challenge (at my request):

https://www.facebook.com/Chez106#!/photo.php?v=10152229670537234&set=vb.83715487233&type=2&theater

 

Also, be sure to check out Randall Moore of CHEZ 106’s IBC:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ2FDpJKghc&feature=youtu.be

 

Here is Eric the Intern’s challenge if you haven’t seen it yet(Not for the faint of heart):

http://youtu.be/1rF_1IhU0vM

 

Anthony Dixon, Managing Editor of  the Pembroke Daily Observer, completed his challenge (At my request) on beautiful Round Lake:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ipKNyQ4iuM

 

Stay tuned for Woody’s challenge and Ed Hand of 1310 NEWS just around the corner!!

 

Outdoorsguy

 

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Outdoors Guy – Ice Bucket Challenge – stay tuned!

This morning I was challenged by Eric the Intern, of CHEZ 106 FM’s Doc & Woody Show, to the Ice Bucket Challenge in support of ALS.

Thank you Eric, I gladly accept this challenge!!

Although he did his Ice Bucket Challenge completely nude (no mental image please) I have no plans of doing the same. Perhaps a camouflage loincloth ala Uncle Ted Nugent, but nothing less than that.

Stay tuned to the Outdoors Guy for a glimpse of Eric the Intern’s ass video, I mean ALS video, and my own Ice Bucket Challenge to follow!

Also, be sure to listen to the Doc & Woody Show on CHEZ 106 FM tomorrow(Friday) morning for more details.

 

Outdoorsguy

Follow me on twitter: @ThatOutdoorsGuy 

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SeaWorld invests $10 Million in Killer Whale Conservation

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. recently announced its plans to build new, first-of-its-kind killer whale environments and that it will fund new programs to protect ocean health and killer whales in the wild.

The new projects will build on SeaWorld’s legacy of providing state-of-the-art, innovative homes for its animals, and will offer park guests unique and inspiring killer whale encounters for generations to come.  As part of its vision for the future, the company also pledged $10 million in matching funds for killer whale research and is embarking on a multi-million dollar partnership focused on ocean health, the leading concern for all killer whales and marine mammals.

“For 50 years, SeaWorld has transformed how the world views marine life. The unprecedented access to marine mammals that our parks provide has increased our knowledge of the ocean and inspired generations,” said Jim Atchison, Chief Executive Officer and President of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. “Our new killer whale homes and research initiatives have just as bold a vision: to advance global understanding of these animals, to educate, and to inspire conservation efforts to protect killer whales in the wild.”

Transformational New Environments

The first of the new environments will be built at SeaWorld San Diego where the killer whale environment is planned to have a total water volume of 10 million gallons, nearly double that of the existing facility. With a planned maximum depth of 50 feet, surface area of nearly 1.5 acres and spanning more than 350 feet in length, the new environment will also have views exceeding 40 feet in height, providing guests with the world’s largest underwater viewing experience of killer whales. 

Named the Blue World Project because of its size and scope, the new environment will allow for increased engagement with SeaWorld experts through new enriching experiences and other interactive programs. The environment will enhance the educational experience for guests, foster deeper knowledge of killer whales and their ocean environment and inspire them to celebrate and conserve the natural world.

Expanding on SeaWorld’s legacy of leading-edge animal environment design, the enlarged environment will provide killer whales with even more dynamic opportunities.  It will support the whales’ broad range of behaviors and provide choices that can challenge the whales both physically and mentally. 

Among other things, it is planned to include a “fast water current” that allows whales to swim against moving water, thus functionally increasing speed and diversity. Innovative features focused on husbandry and animal care will offer SeaWorld’s animal health professionals and independent scientists unique access to the whales that can lead to a better understanding and care of the animals both in the parks and in the wild.

The San Diego environment is expected to open to the public in 2018 with new killer whale homes to follow at SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Antonio. 

Killer Whale Research

 As part of the Blue World Project, SeaWorld has committed $10 million in matching funds focused on threats to killer whales in the wild, especially those identified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration related to the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale.  That includes new projects already funded this year: one that will help to understand the hearing ranges of killer whales and the other that will provide insight into nutritional status and reproduction of the Southern Resident Killer Whale.  The matching funds will be in addition to killer whale research conducted by SeaWorld’s scientists, which includes nearly 50 studies to date. 

 Recognizing that ocean health is a leading concern for killer whales and all marine mammals in the wild, the company also announced it will be embarking on a major multi-million dollar partnership focused on protecting the ocean.   

Advisory Panel

SeaWorld will also engage an Independent Advisory Panel to bring new perspectives and ideas to the project. The panel will focus on the creation of an environment that maximizes the health and wellbeing of the animals. Given the particular expertise of current panelists and those expected to join, the panel will further advise on integrated research projects that can be conducted within the new environment and foster partnerships within the science and academic communities working in the wild. 

 

Current Advisory Panel members include:

  • Dr. Paul Boyle, Senior Vice President for Conservation and Education, Association of Zoos & Aquariums
  • Dr. Heidi Harley, Professor of Psychology, New College of Florida
    • Dr. Dorian Houser, Director of Conservation and Biological Research, National Marine Mammal Foundation
    • Dr. Linda Lowenstein, Professor Emeritus Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
    • Dr. Shawn Noren, Associate Research Scientist, Institute of Marine Science, University of California Santa Cruz
    • Mr. Tom Otten, Chief Executive Officer, Reef Experience
    • Dr. James F.  Peddie, DVM, Distinguished Faculty Chair, Exotic Animal Training and Management Program, Moorpark College
    • Dr. Paul Ponganis, Research Physiologist, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
    • Dr. Kwane Stewart, Chief Veterinary Officer and National Director, Film and Television Unit, American Humane Association
    • Dr. Pam Yochem, Senior Research Scientist and Executive Vice President, Research, Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute

For more information on the Blue World Project, please visit www.seaworld.com/blueworld

 

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Another summer of Urban Coyotes in Ottawa!

Another summer is here and my trail cameras have once again snapped into action!

I am always interested in monitoring the white-tailed deer situation in my area, but of course the marauding coyotes always seem to steal their thunder; showing up on all my cameras with great regularity!

Then the missing cat signs start popping-up around town. Two such signs have gone up near my place since June. No, not every missing pet in Ottawa is the work of wile-e-coyote, but these predators do have a hand(or paw) in many of those disappearances.

I received a sad letter this week from a distraught lady out in the Bridlewood area of Kanata who’s beloved cat disappeared without a trace, so she decided to Google ‘Ottawa Missing Pets’ which brought her to the Outdoors Guy Blog and a previous post about coyotes in our region.

Of course her worse fears were all but confirmed!

She told me she felt that Ottawa may be experiencing a ‘coyote outbreak’ and that residents should be ‘warned’ of the potential dangers these animals pose in the suburbs.  I explained to her that this isn’t really an ‘outbreak’ per say, but that managing and controlling ‘urban coyotes’ has been an ongoing problem here and in many other metropolitan areas.

I am thankful that, out my way at least, a handful of famers located outside the ‘no discharge zone’ are helping control the coyotes through hunting and trapping, whereas most residents like myself are forced to stare out our back doors while these four-legged killing machines run-off with our pets, if we’re not careful.

But then the animal rights people would say this is ‘their land’ and ‘they were here first’, so we should leave well enough alone.

Blah blah blah

Go tell that to the lady from Bridlewood who’s cat was ‘undoubtedly’ snatched-up by a yote. Or the two families down the road from my place who just lost a beloved family pet! My neighbour witnessed her own cat being torn apart by a coyote in her backyard about 6 years ago. Not something that anyone needs to experience!

Yep, another summer is here and the fear of coyotes in Ottawa continues- on unabated with no real solution in sight!

Welcome to the National Capital Region – enjoy the scenery but watch out for yotes!

Outdoorsguy

Follow me (as I learn how to use) twitter: @thatoutdoorsguy