Category: Outdoors

This is completely off-topic here,  but I am hoping someone out there might be able to help?

My wife and I just returned from a trip to Cayo Coco Cuba with our kids and unfortunately have forgotten Mrs Outdoorsguy’s wedding ring at our resort Laguna Krystal. I am totally impressed with the Cuban people for actually finding the ring and being honest enough to hold onto it for us!

The problem now is, there is no viable Courier service in Cuba that will provide insurance for packages they send, so basically shipping is at your own risk.

Really, the safest way to have the ring brought back to Ottawa is with a Canadian traveller.

Sorry again for straying off the beaten path, but if anyone knows of a reliable friend or family member heading to Cayo Coco Cuba over the next week or so, please let me know as it would sure get me out of a jam!

 
Outdoorsguy

LeGrand from Alymer has recommened a site that specializes in wildgame dishes.

 
Check it out, I’m going to:

http://www.foodnetwork.ca/ontv/shows/epi….pisodeid=1203

 

Outdoorsguy

I must apologize for being out of the loop on this issue, as I have been down south for the past week.

 

I would appreciate it if someone in ‘the know’ would spell out the Osgoode Coyote Cull issue for me in a nutshell? At face value, I see this initiative as a good one, but will need to look into it a bit further.

 

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist, however, to realize that we need to control predators in our region, and specifically south of town in the Osgoode-area. Coyotes have devastated deer in a number of regions over the years – nearly wiping them out in some areas.

It is also a little-known fact that the wile e coyote is responsible for the downfall of the magestic timber wolf.  Years of evolution, competition and hybridization has left the beleaguered grey wolf as a somewhat threatened species.

Some folks may have you believe it us responsible for the wolf’s demise, when really the biggest culprit has been the coyote.

Gone are the days, when these beasts stood a foot tall on the prairies and weighed about 20 pounds. The coyote we have today are 50 pounds-plus, every bit as ferocious as any Arctic Timber Wolf and a hell of a lot more adaptable!

Coyotes or ‘brush wolves’, as they are known in some areas, hunt in packs like wolfs, and have even established a wolf-like pack hierarchy.

 

But don’t be fooled – coyotes are NOT wolves and have become a serious problem not just in Osgoode.

 
With at least one reported attack on humans in our region, and countless numbers of pets falling prey to these marauding ‘yotes’, a cull would be a much needed last resort at this point.

 
Politically correct, it is not, but we all know in some circles when any wild animal is harvested near town, it’s a problem. That will never change.

 

Trapping and snaring use to be a viable option for controlling predator numbers, but we all know how much those activities are going on these days.

Animal Rights groups like PETA, as much as I despise them, have done one heck of a job at pummelling the trapping industry. If only we had been as efficient at protecting the industry, perhaps we would have our predator numbers under control, and an Osgoode coyote cull would not be necessary.

In the meantime, though, it sounds like a controlled hunt or cull would be a good idea.

I will be doing my research on the Osgoode issue, and will get back to you with a more informed opinion.

 

Outdoorsguy

If you get a chance, check out the great website put together for the benefit of all east-end ice fishermen:

 

http://www.petrieisland.byethost32.com/

 

Thanks to my old pal Bob Presland for the heads-up! Bob is one damn fine winter angler and one of the nicest retired postie’s I know. A few years back, he pulled a walleye through the ice that would make most folks drool!

 

I am told the website was created by Al McIntyre, another avid ice-angler from the Orleans-area. His very comprehensive site features everything you’d ever want to know about winter angling around Petrie, and includes updates on the latest ice conditions and even a link to the Petrie Island webcam.

 

Times have sure changed, haven’t they? Who can remember the days when Petrie was just another Island, with no marina, no bait shop, no ecological area or boasted the city’s largest beach?

 

Outdoorsguy

Not too shabby, by the end of December the east-end ice-fishing Mecca that is Petrie Island already saw a smattering of ice huts!

 

 
As is the norm, the first huts to be set-up are located in shallow water where the ice is the thickest – and safest.  As the winter moves on, though, these huts will slowly migrate outward toward deeper water, hoping to intercept with schools of foraging walleye.

 

ASIDE:  Man, I need to stop watching Ice Road Truckers on History Channel, or I’ll be too paranoid to drive on the river this winter!

 

If you happen to be one of the early bird ice-anglers out there, please drop me a line so we can put together an early season report on ice and fishing conditions. Its something I’ll be keeping an eye on all winter long.

 

The only river report I’ve heard is the Polar Bear Dippers at Britannia – now we need to hear from the fishermen!

 
Outdoorsguy

Have you given your hunting & fishing New Year’s Resolutions any thought?

 

My list consists of four resolutions, and man I hope I can pull them off!

 

Quality time – spending more time afield this year is a must..there just never seems to be enough time for hunting and fishing, as real life commitments always get in the way of enjoying the Great Outdoors..I just need to try harder to make it happen!

 

Question everything – I also plan to take less things for granted this year…when I should be questioning everything…our resource managers, politicians and those who’s work directly effects on our renewal natural resources.

 

Crossbow hunting – I’ve always wanted to learn the crossbow, and try a crossbow hunt for moose..its just one more of those activities I’ve never done, and always wanted to.

 

Be more vigilant – The other day someone asked about a tag draw for Eastern ON deer hunters..and I was at loss for info…I really need to get back on the scene so that hunting and fishing info is more readily available in this town.

 

Ottawa may be the town that fun forgot, but we do have some of the greatest outdoor activities right at our doorstep, and for God’s sake, people need to know about it!

 

What are your New Year’s hunting and fishing resolutions? Drop me a line!

 

 

Outdoorsguy

Ok, the cold weather is finally here…so where is everyone heading when the ice thickens-up?

I actually saw three fishermen out on the Ottawa River last week near Masson..they had apparently found a section of ice strong enough to support them, or one would hope so.

I predict the fishing season could still be very good..as cold temps and little snow is the perfect receipt for solid blue ice.

I’ll be heading down to Petrie Island in no time, to tour the huts..and check out where all the fish are being caught..perhaps I’ll see you there!

Hey, what don’t ya sign up for the Blog and ‘drop me a line’ with your winter ice-fishing plans

Outdoorsguy

Well, after taking the year off to work on my first book and some other projects..I’m finally ready to get back on the local outdoor scene!

As most of you already know, my Ottawa SUN outdoors column was given the old chopperoo last January..not due to lack of popularly or interest..It just happen to be one more victim of a dreaded economic downturn!

But hey, the past is the past, things are looking up and its super great to be back!

I sure hope everyone will sign-up to be part of my Blog experience…there are a few minor hoops and hurdles, but I’m told it’s not too difficult to join-in and respond.

I really hope to pick-up where we left off last year – featuring hunting and fishing club news, conservation issues, product updates, government programs, hunting and fishing general interest stories, trivia…and whole lot more!

And now, the best part is you guys and gals get to go along for the ride, which is incredible..so hold on, it could be a bumpy one.

Well, I’ve  gotta go feed my deer, but I’ll be back real soon…in the meantime, why dont you start by signing up on Canoe.ca

Yours in the outdoors…

Outdoorsguy