Spring trout, off the beaten path
Winter fishing, Bounder magazine, coyotes and more!!
Local ice fishing fanatic; Grant Bailey’s portable ice hut at an undisclosed lake.
With our region’s ice-fishing season well under way, winter anglers are being reminded that safety is of utmost importance.
Ice anglers who venture out on area lakes and rivers should always tell someone where they will be fishing, and when they plan to return. Appropriate clothing and equipment are also important for safety and comfort. Some ice-fishermen prefer survival suits and carry a set of ice picks, while others go to the extent of using modified ice vehicles with the doors removed, in case of an untimely plunge. Remember that ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across a lake or river, especially now at the start of the winter season where near-shore ice is undoubtedly thicker than ice further out. Catch the big ones and for goodness sake, be careful on the ice!
Dogs and deer
A reminder to dog owners who allow their pets to run feral in the deer woods during wintertime, their actions may be devastating for whitetail populations at a fragile time of year. Conservation officers deal with dogs on the loose each winter and, in case you did not know, are authorized to destroy any dogs observed chasing or injuring deer in areas where herds gather for the winter. Penalties for allowing your animal to be at large during the closed season for deer range anywhere from $155 up to $25,000. With the high density of coyotes in our region it is also in your dog’s best interest to have Rover under wraps during the winter months.
Coyote woes continue
If feral dogs weren’t enough of a concern for wintering deer, marauding coyotes seem to be hiding behind every tree. The deer at my place stopped coming to the feeder over a month ago and there is little wonder why they left. Copious trail camera images and coyote tracks observed across my lawn indicate to me that the predator population is alive and flourishing. Public opinion maintains that coyotes are simply ‘doing what comes naturally’ and that is just the way things are. Is it really?
Predator control
Those who subscribe to principles of wildlife management know that conservation includes predator control; namely what is referred to as North America’s Urban Coyote Epidemic. In my case living within city limits, a ‘no discharge zone’ for firearms means I am left to watch ‘yotes run rampant across my property and my hands are literally (and figuratively) tied. The Ontario Government’s Algonquin Coywolf initiative last year made it so eastern coyotes fall under the same umbrella and are protected as well. I hope the ‘coyote huggers’ are satisfied when deer populations are decimated beyond repair since, contrary to popular belief, during harsh winters it is not just the old and weak that are preyed upon.
Back with Bounder Magazine
Following a two year absence, I am pleased to announce the return of my Outdoors Guy column to Bounder Magazine! Bounder is a long running men’s magazine published by Stittsville native Brian Warren and is a huge local success story with fans from across the region. Bounder readers are treated, four times per year, to everything from rock n’ roll, to fine food and drink, fast cars, men’s health, hunting and fishing of course, and much more. Check-out the latest issue featuring a cover story on CHEZ 106 FM, including my pals Doc, Woody, Randall and Eric. Randall Moore is also a long-time Bounder columnist with his classic One Minute Moore in its usual spot on the last page. Other columns by the likes of Red Green, Delmer and Cecile as well as radio legends Mark Papousek and Jim Hurcomb are also regulars. For more information on Bounder: http://bounder.ca/ Check out the winter issue still available in some stores and online: http://online.fliphtml5.com/tdses/etwr/
Ice-fishing hot spots!
Do you have a favourite winter fishing hotspot you wouldn’t mind sharing? Drop me a line at [email protected] and I will include your ice fishing tips right here in my February column.
Ottawa Valley deer feeder serves ‘trophy’ guest!
Ottawa valley resident -who I will simply refer to as ‘John’ – has been blessed to have this impressive whitetail buck show-up at his backyard feeder this winter!
This magnificent ‘old timer’ was captured on film by a trail camera located just outside John’s living room (anchored to a birdfeeder) at his home near Clayton.
I would estimate this old boy at minimum 6.5 years old; based on antler configuration: beam length, beam diameter and presence of sticker points.
Though his actual age cannot be determined without analyzing a tooth cross-section in a lab.
All signs point to an older buck and he certainly carries himself like a KING!
John’s impressive visitor has a sidekick with him at times – a yearling buck. Funny how whitetail behaviour changes once the rut is over…
Thanks so much to avid reader; John for sharing these awesome winter whitetail images!! Now if only I could get him to use Bushnell trail cams..hehe
If I were John, I would also be watching for those big antlers to drop…ANY TIME NOW! Around my place, all the big bucks would shed end of January.
Outdoorsguy
2018 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition Review(With Photos)
Toyota’s ultra luxurious Tundra 1794 Edition pickup truck, I road-tested this fall, made for one classy deer hunting season indeed. The new 1794 is Toyota’s entry into a small but elite class of western-style pickups, along the likes of Ford’s King Ranch, and pays homage to the Texas ranch founded in the year 1794, where the Tundra plant is now situated.
This classy and rugged pickup features a chrome-surround grille with bright silver insert, a chrome and silver bumper, 1794 Edition badging, moonroof, and a powerful 5.7L iForce V8 engine producing 381 hp. The Tundra 1794 is a beautiful and burly beast to drive and as smooth and firm a ride as any I’ve seen; considering its mammoth 5600-pound size.
The Tundra garners highest marks for reliability and resale, which are both huge in my books. Long-term maintenance and repair costs combined with high residual value make this truck a sound investment and perfect option for anyone wishing to keep their vehicle a decade or more.
The last Toyota truck I owned was 16 years old when I sold it with still lots of life left. Thanks so much to Tina Allison of Toyota Canada for the opportunity of road-testing this great vehicle.
For more info on the Tundra 1794 Edition: https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/tundra/features-benefits
Deer feeding for success
A fawn i called ‘Peanut’ enjoying a snack at my backyard deer feeder in 2012
Backyard deer feeding is an enjoyable winter past-time and of benefit to whitetails as snow depth increases.
It is hard to believe a decade has passed since the infamous ‘winter that would not end’. The record-breaking snowfall of 2007-08 saw more than 13 feet of snow blanket our region by time spring rolled around. It has been estimated that 25-30% of white-tailed deer populations, from Ontario to New Brunswick, perished that year. I know I lost more half the herd of 18 I was feeding at my place that winter.
To anyone considering a backyard deer feeding program, remember that if you begin distributing feed in early winter, it is imperative to continue until spring, as the animal’s digestive system will adapt to the supplemented diet. Ritchie’s Feed & Seed produces a terrific pelletized deer feed I’ve been using for years with success. I am sure other feed stores up the valley make a similar blend. Another way to help white-tailed deer population during winter is by increasing access to natural winter forage by creating trails with snowmobile, ATV or even snowshoes. The Ministry recommends these winter management initiatives over feeding so even if you don’t provide supplemental feed, it’s nice to offer a helping hand.
Ice hut reminder
Before you hit the hard top this winter consider registering your hut. The Pembroke MNR wishes to advise area anglers that, not only is ice hut registration a requirement by law, it goes a long way in preventing wayward huts later in the season. Abandoned ice-huts which end-up in waterways after the thaw will create havoc for boaters and early season fishermen. For improved visibility, registration numbers on all huts should be at least 2 ½” inches in height. 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 call the ministry office at: (613) 732-3661
2018 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition
Toyota’s ultra luxurious Tundra 1794 Edition pickup truck, I road-tested this fall, made for one classy deer hunting season indeed. The new 1794 is Toyota’s entry into a small but elite class of western-style pickups, along the lines of Ford’s King Ranch, and pays homage to the Texas ranch founded in the year 1794, where the Tundra plant is now situated. This classy and rugged pickup features a chrome-surround grille with bright silver insert, a chrome and silver bumper, 1794 Edition badging, moonroof, and a powerful 5.7L iForce V8 engine producing 381 hp. The Tundra 1794 is a beautiful and burly beast to drive and as smooth and firm a ride as any I’ve seen; considering its mammoth 5600-pound size. The Tundra garners highest marks for reliability and resale, which are both huge in my books. Long-term maintenance and repair costs combined with high residual value make this truck a sound investment and perfect option for anyone wishing to keep their vehicle a decade or more. The last Toyota truck I owned was 16 years old when I sold it with still lots of life left. Thanks so much to Tina Allison of Toyota Canada for the opportunity of road-testing this great vehicle. For more info on the Tundra 1794 Edition: https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/tundra/features-benefits
Safety first this winter
Ice anglers who head out this winter should advise someone where they will be fishing, and when they plan to return. Appropriate clothing and equipment are also vital to safety and comfort. Some winter anglers prefer to wear survival suits and carry a set of ice picks, while others go so far as driving modified ice vehicles with all the doors removed, in case of a 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.
Next time
I invite readers to send in their ice fishing tips and ideas – [email protected]. We will feature your winter angling tips right here in January. Happy ice fishing and be safe out there!
Winter deer feeding is hit and miss
Winter deer feeding has always been a favourite winter pastime, when the deer stick around that is!
In the average winter I’ll have between 7 – 10 deer feeding regularly. My family and I get to watch some great terrific shows out the back window of our house.
One thing I have noticed, over the years, is how territorial and possessive white-tailed deer can be. The does especially!
There is a hierarchy to it and should a fawn from one group feed, or even or walk too close to the doe from the second group, she’ll receive a sharp hoof to the head! The funny part is, all the deer leave and usually bed together in the same area each night…but when it comes to feeding, watch out! Every deer has its place and you will be reminded quickly should you forget!
The Predator Factor
What has been happening in recent years (much to my chagrin) with an influx of coyotes throughout eastern Ontario, winter whitetail patterns have become greatly altered. Some winters I wont have any deer at all, as they are pushed-out completely by marauding coyotes to seek refuge in the upper fields. Take note that the woods around my place is completely private with no hunting allowed.
Besides the main deer feeder you see in the photos, I also disperse feed in the second field; just out of view in top the photo below were I have a second trailcam located. Over past few weeks I’ve captured multiple vids a large female coyote urinating on the feed as if to say; this is MY territory buddy! I will post a video of this territorial behaviour when I get a chance.
(How do I know its a female? That’s simple, she squats when she pees..hehe)
Any deer pushed out of the small woods behind my house usually do ok in the upper fields, so long as they stay one step ahead of predators.
Remains to be seen how many I will have feeding this winter…but they’ll have a snack available should they decide to stop-by.
HUGE Outdoors Guy Christmas Cookbook Sale!!
Ok Folks, for the first time ever I am offering my entire Cookbook Library ON SALE in time for Christmas – $10 per book ($15 for hardcover) (Plus $8 shipping, $15 shipping for 2 or more)
Choose from the many cool titles I have written over the past 8 years. Each cookbook features 100+ tasty recipes, useful tips and personal stories from the great outdoors, published by Canada’s authority on cooking; Company’s Coming.
These Cookbooks will make great stocking stuffers and I’ll personally sign each and every one! (Please note that the Canadian Fishing Cooking and Outdoor Cookbook are nearly sold-out.)
Drop me an email at: [email protected] or by phone (613) 601-7471
Happy cooking and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Campfire Cooking
Everything cooked over a campfire and eaten in the outdoors always tastes better it seems. But when faced with the challenge of cooking something other than hot dogs or hamburgers, many of us seem stymied. In this handy guide to campfire cooking, you will find lots of easy-to-prepare recipes as well as tips and tricks to make the planning and executing of interesting meals and snacks made over a campfire not only easy but fun.
Canadian Fishing Cookbook
Canada’s lakes, rivers and oceans are blessed with an abundance of wild fish, from salmon to trout to mackerel to sunnies and much, much more. After a relaxing day of fishing, there’s nothing better than frying up your fresh catch right there on the spot. Canadian Fishing Cookbook offers up to 150 of the greatest wild fish recipes out there.
Canadian Berry Cookbook
150 delicious recipes all featuring Canadian berries at their finest
Canadian Wild Game Cookbook
From the field to the table, the author presents 150 delicious recipes all featuring Canadian wild game at their finest
The Essential Guys’ Cookbook
A great gift for any guy! Essential recipes that celebrate the wonderful enthusiasm men have for cooking their special cuisine: – Classic recipes that taste like Mama used to make – Date night dinners: three secrets to win their hearts – Quick fixes – Late-night snacks – Game day cooking – Desserts to wow
The Canadian Outdoor Cookbook
Food simply tastes better when you’re outdoors. Canadian Outdoor Cookbook helps you take your outdoor meals from ho-hum to fantastic! With 150 recipes for brunches, lunches, dinners and campfire snacks, the possibilities are practically endless for your next adventure in the wilderness. Make-ahead tips throughout also simplify your preparations so you can get part of the work done from your kitchen before you leave. The whole family will love cooking with Canadian Outdoor Cookbook.
Another exciting deer season
My annual deer hunt at Kenauk Nature in Montebello is the highlight of my year and this fall was no exception. The famous Quebec deer woods, with its majestic old growth stands of oak, brings me back every time.
Climbing the peaks each November in pursuit of a trophy whitetail buck is about as exciting as it gets, and this year was no exception. On one hand, I am in a paradise living a hunter’s dream of pursing whitetails in one of our region’s most scenic woods. Then on the other hand my Montebello trip is the last kick at the hunting can for the year.
This deer season, I was not presented with the opportunity to harvest a buck and that’s okay with me, it is why we call it hunting after all. My partner Jim and I climbed many miles of clean hardwoods and exposed bedrock chasing a particular buck we found good sign of, but could never catch up to. We were encouraged this fall to see increased whitetail activity overall, both here and back home around our family camp near Mont. Tremblant. Though we left Kenauk’s Muskrat Chalet empty-handed, I feel completely fulfilled as a hunter and fortunate to have experienced such an amazing deer woods. Perhaps next year I will have the chance to harvest a mature whitetail but until then, I am left with the memories of another great season. Thanks to Bill Nowell for facilitating my annual trip to this little slice of heaven.
To experience a wilderness at its best and top notch accommodations, check out: http://kenauk.com/ If you’re considering deer hunting in the province of Quebec, visit the Québec Outfitters Federation: https://www.pourvoiries.com/en/hunting-quebec/species/white-tailed-deer/
Backyard deer feeding
Winter deer feeding can be a controversial issue in this part of the country, even though I continue to do it almost every year. When carried out properly, supplemental feeding not only serves as a great past-time, but can be of benefit to these animals once snow depth increases. Once you begin distributing feed in early winter; however, it is imperative to continue throughout the winter, as the animal’s digestive system will adapt to the supplemented diet. Game management agencies usually discourage backyard feeding, for the fact that most people are not familiar enough with white-tailed deer diet requirements. Another way to help is by increasing access to the deer’s natural winter forage by creating trails with a snowmobile or ATV or even snowshoes, to offer our deer friends improved access to winter browse.
Safety first
This time of year with some hunting still on the go, enthusiasts are reminded to be vigilant and take the necessary safety precautions. Remember that hunter orange of a minimum 400 square inches is required and, for Ontario residents, a hunter orange cap as well. Be sure to keep your firearms and ammunition locked away when not in use, and never shoot unless absolutely sure of your target and beyond. It is illegal to shoot from a vehicle or carry a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle, and remember that any hunter who harvests a deer must immediately attach the game seal. A safe hunt is a happy hunt and a careless accident can turn a wonderful day in the woods into tragedy.
Ice-fishing safety
With ice fishing season just around the corner, fishermen should consider registering their hut this winter. 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
Next time
Check out next month’s column for your Valley ice-fishing primer. Drop me a line anytime with your hunting and fishing news and let us know where you plan to fish this winter: [email protected]
Kenauk Nature, a Quebec deer hunting tradition
White-tailed deer hunters everywhere are joining in the annual pursuit of North America’s most sought after big-game animal, and the province of Quebec has some of the most underrated deer hunting in existence.
Deer season is a special and sentimental time I have enjoyed immensely for the past 37 years. From my first deer hunt back in 1980 when my father brought me to the family hunt camp near Mont Tremblant, I was immediately hooked. Of course I lucked-out that year when a big eight-point buck ran straight out to me on opening morning. It was an exciting time for a green-horn hunter and I believe most hunters, young and old, still share this child-like enthusiasm for the deer season and Kenauk Nature has always been my favourite place to pursue whitetails.
Deer hunting at Kenauk’s 65,000 acre private paradise is time I look forward to year after year. The famous Montebello, Quebec Preserve is a true hunter’s paradise with its rolling hills, rugged terrain and the most majestic old growth stands of red oak I’ve ever seen.
Climbing the peaks each autumn in pursuit of a trophy whitetail buck is always exciting and I have been fortunate to take some truly magnificent whitetails at Kenauk over the years.
Getting out to enjoy Quebec’s crisp, cool fall air each fall is what I live for. Coming together as a team; strategizing and pouring over topographic maps and GPS co-ordinates with hopes of positioning ourselves for a chance at a deer. Many years our best planning does not translate into a sagging game pole and that is ok with me, there have been more than enough successful years to make up for it. One year in particular, I enjoyed the most exciting deer action in recent memory and Kenauk is where it all unfolded.
From the very start of the 2012 deer season I had a feeling I was in store for something marvelous…
First hunt of opening day and a dandy (but not legal) 4-point yearling strolled out to me at the end of a lake I was watching. (Kenauk practises QDM and has a 6-point or better rule) The scrappy little buck got to within 10 feet of where I was sitting and never even knew I was there. I knew this little guy well from photos I had on my trail cam, and I had no intention of raising my rifle on him even if he was legal. I sat there quietly and enjoyed the sight of this young lad as he disappeared over the hill. As the days went on, my Kenauk deer sighting went sky-high. On one chase alone I had 8 deer coming to me including two bucks; one a spike and the other a forkhorn. I already had 3 bucks appear at close range and I still hadn’t raised the rifle.
By the final day of the season, I promised my then 81-year old father that HE would sit in the location where the 8 deer had appeared the day before.
As I watching the knoll in front of me with another watchful eye over in my father’s direction, my finger’s were crossed. Surely if the big buck which had been making all the rubs and scrapes was around, he should appear and practically run my father over in his hotspot. My poor Dad had seen but 1 whitetail all season and deserved this chance at a nice buck. But alas, as irony and my fate as deer magnet won out, I heard the rustling of leaves on the hill above me and the glimpse of antler caught my attention. Sneaking down the ridge in front of me was one of the biggest set of ivory white antlers I’d ever laid eyes on!
“How could this be?” I thought. “This isn’t the hotspot, the oldman is supposed to see this deer over there!!”
A small but persistent wave of guilt come over me. Finally, instinct took over as I picked out a semi-clear window in the brush I figured this majestic beast would step into. And as my continuous knack for doing everything right won out, the deer stopped into the very spot I had chosen; as if on cue. Within seconds it was all over and a marvelous 10-point king was mine.
As I walked up to this magnificent beast I knew this had to my destiny and I couldn’t fight fate any longer. This Kenauk deer was a very special animal indeed and not your run-of-the-mill whitetail. He sported an almost perfectly symmetrical 5X5 crown with long sweeping main beams and even showed signs of “piebald” pigmentation along his lower legs and hooves. Two hooves were half white and half brown almost like a pair of white slippers!
If a memorable whitetail hunt is what you’re looking for this fall, keep Kenauk Nature in mind or one of the other great Quebec Outfitters. For more information on deer hunting at Kenauk Nature: http://kenauk.com/activities/hunting/
If you’re considering the deer hunt of a lifetime this fall, visit the Québec Outfitters Federation: https://www.pourvoiries.com/en/hunting-quebec/species/white-tailed-deer/ for all the hunting and lodging information you will ever need.
Happy hunting and I hope to see you in La Belle Province!