Whos hunting what and when

Oldtimehunters

Although hunting is in our blood and steeped in our family tradition, mid-summer is typically a quiet time in the Great Outdoors for local hunters. 

It is a time of year when fishermen far outnumber hunters and firearms are generally put on the shelf for a period of rest; until the cool weather arrives again. 

But all is not lost, the fall hunting seasons are just around the corner and there must be, at least, some hunters hitting the woods these days?

I mean, much of small game hunting can be done year round but you rarely hear about it at this time of year. 

Drop me a line and tell us what’s on your mind, hunting-wise. 

Outdoorsguy

Outdoors Guy joins Bounder Magazine

Jeffcamo 

Ok folks, I want you to be honest, have you ever said to yourself: I wish I could get more Outdoors Guy, because I just can’t get enough? (I know wife says it all the time) 

Have you ever thought our region could use even more of that special ‘grass roots’ hunting and fishing coverage? 

How about more of that special brand of ‘conservation to socially conscious’? 

I know this city could use expanded hunting and fishing updates and local conservation news, that’s a defenite!

And it would be great to have that in print too, would it not?

Well, thanks to Brian Warren of the new men’s magazine Bounder, that dream has become a reality! 

I will be joining some great local talent featured in Bounder such as Randall Moore of CHEZ 106 FM, Delmer and Cecil, Mark Papusak of Y101 and even the duct tape king himself Red Green! 

It will be a great honour and pleasure to bring my Outdoors Guy column to this fine up-and-coming local publication. The first issue, I’m told, has been flying off news-stands and things really look promising. 

Bounder magazine covers, but is not limited to, subjects of interest to men in the Ottawa-area: hunting, fishing, fast cars, health, travel, adventure and so on.

But don’t get me wrong, Bounder will also be a publication of interest to the ladies as well.

Oh, and don’t worry about the Outdoors Guy Blog, it won’t be going anywhere. I am actually hoping to bring even more readers to my Ottawa SUN Blog with the new column!

Do yourself a favour and pick-up a copy of this fine local publication. Of the 30,000 Premiere Edition copies distributed, I’m told there are still a few to be found around town.

My new “Outdoors Guy” hunting & fishing column will appear in the next issue of Bounder due out early fall.

I forgot to mention the best part about Bounder Magazine, it’s FREE!

Outdoorsguy

Wanted one trained Wildlife Officer for Ottawa

tranqmoose1

Do you have experience with large mammals?

Can you respond quickly to wildlife incidents around town?

Do you know how to administer tranquilizers and use a rifle? 

Can you go shirtless and rugged to take down a bear in a lake or river? 

If you have answered yes to the above questions, the City of Ottawa may have a position for you!! 

Tranqbear1

A meeting yesterday between the City of Ottawa, National Capital Commission and the Ministry of Natural Resources came up with a plan whereby the City would hire a private company or individual to handle all big-game situations within city limits.

In the interim, the MNR has said they will provide assistance in this regard until a dedicated wildlife officer can be hired by the City.

“They are going to get some chemical immobilization training so they will be ready as of Monday should anything happen next week.” MNR Minister Linda Jeffrey told CBC news.

 Tranqbear2

A rash of what can best be described as bumbled wildlife encounters around town have prompted criticism towards the City of Ottawa, but according to MNR Minister, the Mayor and the City are now taking responsibly for it. 

The situation is Ottawa was only exacerbated this week by a Montreal moose takedown and relocation that went very smoothly. Montreal police we given immediate assistance by Quebec Wildlife officials. 

My guess is that many folks here at the Outdoors Guy probably have enough big-game experience, and with a bit of training would do quite a fine job as a Wildlife Officer for the City of Ottawa. 

tranqmoose2

Any takers??

Outdoorsguy

New MNR Committee spells out Eastern Ontario’s deer situation

buckbed

Ok folks, we all knew it was coming but now that the newly formed Eastern Ontario Deer Advisory Committee (EODAC) have spelled it out in black in white, the deer situation in Eastern Ontario may be even more serious than expected.

A major cut-back is in order!

MNR data shows that deer densities in Eastern Ontario, once as high as 12 – 14 deer/KM2, plummeted to an average of 2.5 deer/KM2 in 2009 following two treacherous winters. 

Hunters are advised to get their Antlerless Validation Tag (doe tag) applications in by the June 30th deadline for the 2010 deer hunt.  Not only will there be fewer doe tags available this fall, there will be no additional seals issued for the Wildlife Management Units in south eastern Ontario. 

In early May, MNR biologist Scott Smithers met with the recently formed Eastern Ontario Deer Advisory Committee (EODAC) to present data, share initial recommendations and solicit feedback.  The EODAC is made up of about 20 members from eastern Ontario.

The membership includes hunters, farmers, former politicians, retailers, wildlife control agents, hunter safety instructors, conservation authority staff, stewardship councillors and members with ties to the naturalist community.  The purpose of the EODAC is to encourage the responsible management of deer in eastern Ontario.

“I’ve received plenty of feedback from hunters concerned about low deer numbers”, said Smithers.  “Our data confirms that deer numbers have dramatically declined in eastern Ontario.  We find it most meaningful to use deer densities when discussing deer population trends”, explained Smithers.  “Deer density refers to the average number of deer per square km (km2) of forested habitat within a WMU.  Not all WMU’s are the same size, so deer density estimates are a better way to compare one WMU with another. 

When deer populations were at their peak in eastern Ontario, deer densities got as high as 12 to 14 deer/km2 in suitable habitat.  The 2009 data shows that deer densities have declined to an average of 2.5 deer/km2 in the WMU’s in eastern Ontario.  Our target population is from 5 to 8 deer/km2.  This target comes from the province’s Cervid Ecological Framework, a provincial policy document that guides the management of deer, moose and elk in Ontario. 

“The EODAC unanimously agreed with MNR’s recommendation to reduce the number of doe tags for 2010”, said Larry Smith, vice chairman of EODAC.  “I hunt deer an average of sixty days each fall and I am out in the woods many days year round”, added Smith.  “There is no doubt that deer numbers have dropped dramatically.  We see deer as a valuable natural resource.  We estimate there is over forty million dollars in revenue generated by deer each year in eastern Ontario.  We certainly would like to see an increase in the deer population.  There are approximately 24,000 deer hunters in the Kemptville District”. 

“What I like is that the MNR has a clear, well defined population target for deer”, said Bill Franklin, a member of the EODAC.  “I love to hunt deer, but I also farm 400 acres near Alexandria.  I grow soybeans and corn and the last thing we need is to allow deer numbers to get too high”.  I can live with a modest increase, but I expect the MNR to use its management options, such as additional seals to keep the population within its projected target”. 

The MNR uses data from deer hunter post card surveys, hunt camp surveys, winter snow data and herd reproductive rate as inputs into a deer computer model.  Staff will be closely monitoring the population and the results from the 2010 hunt.

doefawns

PETA Pie another sorry attempt

During her presentation in support of the Seal Hunt, DFO Minister Gail Shea was administered one ‘tofu pie’ to the face, courtesy of yet one more loser PETA member.

 

“It did certainly strengthen my resolve to defend Canadian sealers, the Canadian seal hunt and Canadian coastal families that depend on it,” Shea commented at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters.

 

More and more, I witness the once Not-for-Profit organization pulling childish stunts like this and it makes me chuckle. Surely anyone who needs to pie someone in the face, or spray a fur coat with red paint to garner attention, has nothing at all useful to say.

 

It made me chuckle even more the day – a few years back – when PETA was stripped of their Not-for-Profit status, when it was determined they had, in fact, been pocketing poor ‘misguided’ member donations. Yeah, that was a knee-slapper if I ever heard one!

 

I am glad to see that Gail Shea took the pie in stride, though, showing no apparent sign of weakness or lack of resolve. That is true strength of character, if you ask me.

 

So long as the ‘People for the unethical treatment of humans’ (PUTH) pull their childish pranks, the further into the ridiculous and sublime they spiral. 

 

The armpit organization of the world needs to take a long hard look at themselves for what they truly are – a bunch of ignorant, childlike do-gooders with too much time on their hands, and clueless as to how to run a fair fight.

 

Each pie or can of spray paint only serves as confirmation to the general public that these people have no merit what-so-ever, and evidently no taste either!

 

Who the hell eats Tofu pie?

 

Outdoorsguy

Fur Harvesters Auction Results a positive sign

Scanning through the recent fur auction results from North Bay, it would appear that things may be on the rebuild for the Fur Industry.

 

As some of you may, or may not know the bottom had fallen out of the fur industry several years ago in many areas. Fisher, Otter, Beaver, Mink and other furs were hit hard by poor demand and bitterly low average prices.

 

According the January 9th Auction results, however, it would appear that the market is headed for a slight rebuild. The Beaver average is up to $18.30 for the eastern section, with encouraging 100% sold. Although not huge compared to $60 averages in the beaver hay days, it is still a far cry from an early season average of around $8.

 

Fisher and Otter are still seeing relatively low averages ($33.50 & $40 respectively) yet are a slight improvement over previous sale.

 

So, what does this mean to the layman on the street?

 

Well, the fur auction prices are, in my opinion, a good indicator of world climate and fur industry outlook. Prices reflect world demands for different Canadian fur, so when demand is down – for a multitude of reasons – Canadian trappers and the Fur Industry as a whole certainly feel the crunch.

 

According to Fur Harvesters of North Bay, January’s buying strength came from China and Greece, and they expect the market will continue to strengthen as most of Europe and Asia is experiencing very cold weather, combined with the growing Chinese economy which is also driving sales!

 

This is all positive news for the fur industry.

 

The next major auction offering of wild fur at Fur Harvesters is on February 19th, and I cross my fingers that prices and interest continues to see improvement!

 

Outdoorsguy

Smiths Falls Game Club Shotgun Raffle

The Smiths Falls Fish & Game Club is holding a raffle for a 12 Gauge Mossberg model 835 Shotgun in Camo with Slug, Turkey & Waterfowl barrels.

The gun accepts 2 3/4 – 3 1/2 inch shells

Draw date: April 21, 2010 at 8 pm @ 354 Hwy. 15 , Smiths Falls , Ontario

Price: $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00
Raffle limited to 3000 tickets.

Winners have 1 year to get a PAL if they do not currently have one.

Proceeds go towards the Clubs Youth program and upgrades that the CFO has required the club make to stay in operation. Lotto License #: 644834

Please contact Dugald Souter – Director Smiths Falls Fish and Game Club:    [email protected]

End Long Gun Registry once and for all!

Just when you thought the long gun registry was all but on the way out, it looks like citizens will need to chip-in to help place the final nail in the Registry’s coffin!

 

Please read the below letter from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation:

 

Dear Supporter:

When you told them to, they did. In November, opposition leaders let their MPs vote freely on Private Members Bill C-391 to end the long gun registry. Twelve NDP MPs and eight Liberals joined with Conservative MPs to pass the bill on second reading. But the process to make the bill law is far from over, and now a new twist means we need to speak up again.

Because Parliament was prorogued, the committee of MPs that must examine the bill has been dissolved. With your help, this can work to our advantage. Formerly, the Public Safety and National Security Committee was stacked with opposition MPs opposed to Bill C-391. But when Parliament resumes in March, party leaders can appoint new MPs to committees.

Our goal is to have the committee made up of a majority of MPs that support the bill so it can be passed back to Parliament for final reading in a timely and unfettered manner.

There are twelve seats on the committee, the Conservatives will appoint six; the Liberals, three; the NDP, one; and the Bloc Quebecois, two. If any opposition party appoints a single MP who supports C-391, the balance will tip towards the bill’s quick passage.

This is where you come in. CTF Federal Director Kevin Gaudet has written Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff and NDP Leader Jack Layton asking that they each appoint one MP who is in favor of C-391. We need you to do the same.

Email Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff at [email protected] and NDP Leader Jack Layton at [email protected]. Encourage each to appoint to the Public Safety and National Security Committee one MP who supports Bill C-391. More contact info is available here.

Pass on this e-mail along to others and regularly check our “End the Long Gun Registry” campaign page for updates.

–Kevin, Lee, Troy, and the rest of the CTF team

Want to support our work? The CTF is entirely funded by free-will, non-tax deductible donations — no large corporate, union, or government sources. Our small staff ensures that every donation goes a long way! Chip in here.

Osgoode Club Official Statement on Coyote Cull Contest!

Much thanks to Gordon Atkinson of the Osgoode Fish, Game and Conservation Club for providing me with an official statement on the Great Coyote Cull Contest:

 

OSGOODE  TOWNSHIP  FISH, GAME and CONSERVATION CLUB: A Proud Affiliate Club of the OFAH

 

The Osgoode Township Fish, Game and Conservation Club (OTFGCC) is a volunteer organization which exists to promote an interest in the outdoors.  Over the past 20 years the club has been actively involved in the community of Osgoode Township raising funding and hosting community projects such as the Annual Kid’s Fishing Day, a Family Ice Fishing Day, the funding of local children’s sports teams, the installation of new lighting and a dock at Taylor Park, Big Buck Contests and the building and running of a Club Ice Fishing Shack.  Conservation projects have included things such as erecting Osprey nests along the Rideau River and constructing wood duck boxes throughout the township.

 

Over the last few years, the Township of Osgoode has seen a dramatic increase in its coyote numbers. The growing coyote population is not only a local problem, but also a provincial-wide problem that the Ontario Government doesn’t seem to want to address.  The costs of ignoring the problem are, however, starting to add up.  In 2008, coyotes killed 4829 (reported) livestock in Ontario resulting in $965800 in compensation paid by the Provincial Government to farmers.  Ontario is not alone with regard to the ‘nuisance’ coyote problem.  The Saskatchewan government currently offers a $20 bounty as part of their Coyote Control Program to help farmers and ranchers who are having trouble with coyotes killing their livestock.    

 

To support our local farming community and to address the local problem of coyotes that are killing livestock, pets, and endangering the rural public, the OTFGCC initiated “The Great Coyote Cull Contest”.  Culling is the process of removing animals from a group based on specific criteria. This is done in order to either reinforce certain desirable characteristics or to remove certain undesirable characteristics from the group. For livestock and wildlife, the process of culling usually implies the killing of animals with undesirable characteristics.  In accordance with the definition of the word ‘cull’, we are hoping that the coyote contest will help to reduce the number of ‘nuisance’ coyotes in Osgoode Township.     

 

In the September 2009 O.F.A.H. News Update, O.F.A.H. Biologist Ed Reid “suggests that the increase in coyote-human conflicts reflects two things: when prey is abundant, coyote numbers increase.  Reid also thinks coyotes and ‘brush-wolves’ appear to be losing their natural wariness in areas where they are not hunted.”  Reid is then quoted as saying that “[t]he greatest benefit of hunting coyotes may not be the reduction of their numbers, but the impact hunting has on their ‘education’.  Hunted coyotes are more wary of people and our enterprises and livestock.” 

 

Stringent laws regulate what, when, where and how a person can hunt. Only people who have completed an Ontario Hunter’s Education Course Exam, a Canadian Firearms Safety Course Exam and who have purchased an Ontario Small Games License may participate in the contest.  The season for coyotes in Osgoode Township is open year round and there are no limits on the number of coyotes that can be harvested.  Hunters need to be aware of the City of Ottawa Discharge of Firearms By-law no. 2002-334 and its boundaries before going hunting.  Furthermore, licensed trappers can also harvest coyotes for the contest. 

 

To enter “The Great Coyote Cull Contest” licensed hunters and trappers are to bring their coyote and $2.00 to The Old Co-op in North Gower.  Participants will be given a ballot to be entered into the draw.  First prize is a Mossberg model535 AP shotgun. Second and third placed prices are also geared towards coyote hunting. Contest winners will be announced Monday March 15, 2010.  For further information regarding the OTFGCC and our activities please see our website at http://www.ofah.org/ZoneF/Clubs.cfm?A=Osgoode

 

Sincerely,

 

Gordon Atkinson

President

Osgoode Township Fish, Game and Conservation Club

Spring Bear Hunt – 11 Year Anniversary

Well Folks, since we’re getting all wound up, here’s another doozy for you!

This month we ‘celebrate’ 11 years since the then Ontario Conservative Government caved to pressure from a small, but powerful activist group, and cancelled the Ontario spring bear hunt.

How has the cancelled spring hunt affected you, and what should be done now after more than a decade since the hunt’s departure?

Drop me a line!

Outdoorsguy