Category: Outdoors

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Bring on a flurry of pike and walleye!

This month’s Outdoors Column in the Pembroke Daily Observer just out in print today:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2014/05/22/bring-on-a-flurry-of-pike-and-pickerel

 

Bring on a flurry of pike and pickerel

By Jeff Morrison

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

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

 

Anglers in search of the province’s top game-fish need wait no further as Ottawa Valley walleye and northern pike are now fair game in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15.

FMZ 15 is an immense region covering much of Northeastern Ontario; extending eastward to the Ottawa River, south to Arnprior, north to Deux Rivieres and west across all of Algonquin Park to Parry Sound. The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds all walleye and pike anglers that they must have a valid fishing license, and should abide by the daily limits for your area. Where length limits apply, anglers should measure their catch carefully, and any fish caught while angling must be kept whole so the length can be measured by conservation officers. If you should accidentally catch another species for which the season is still closed, it must be immediately ( and safely) returned to the water. Best of luck on your pike and walleye endeavors!

Scribe tickled about trout conservation

Still recovery from my annual trout trip to Témiscaming earlier this month, I am pleased to report that the brook trout in that region are alive and well. With much cooler water temps this year than is usual, the brookies were out in full force and feeding heavy. In recent years, we have been practicing catch and release on one of trophy trout lakes to help ensure the future of this fragile fishery. Of the 40 trout we caught on this particular lake, 30 were live-released without a scratch. To catch and safely release brook trout requires patience and a soft touch at canoe-side. Barbless hooks and a good set of long-nosed pliers are a must. Of the trophy-sized ‘specs’ we released, one measured a whopping 24.5″ and would easily tip the scales at over five pounds. To see a trout of this stature swimming away is an incredible feeling. Sure, we did keep enough smaller fish for two good meals and a couple to bring home, but the majority of fish were live released. If you had asked me 15 years ago about letting a five-pound brook trout go, I probably would have laughed. Practicing conservation of the species requires self-control, but offers copious long-term reward.

Blind Anglers International Tournament

The Blind Angler’s International Tournament (B.A.I.T) will once again “lure” legally blind men and women, along with top professional sport anglers, to the Nangor Resort in Westmeath, for a fun filled weekend on May 30th – June 1st. This year’s event kicks-off with a dinner at the Westmeath Community Centre in an event that aims to demonstrate abilities rather than disabilities. The opportunity to learn a new skill, or to re-kindle an old passion, serves as a mechanism of rehabilitation for the participants. The Arnprior Lions Club is hosting the tournament this year under the Lions’ B.A.I.T. project.

‘Bear proof’ the cottage or trailer

While spending time at the cottage or trailer this summer, it’s wise to remember that you’re in the natural habitat of black bears – omnivores easily attracted by human food and garbage. Cottagers are reminded to put waste out on the morning of garbage day, and not the night before, and never leave pet food outdoors. Make sure to thoroughly clean outdoor barbeque grills after use, and fill bird feeders only during the winter months. Do not put meat, fish or sweet food in your composter or in open garbage areas. These are just a few small precautions to make your property bear free this summer.

Next time at Outdoors Guy

Be sure to tune-in for the June Outdoors Guy column right here in the Valley authority on ‘The Great Outdoors,’ The Outdoors Guy in The Daily Observer and at www.thedailyobserver.ca. I’ll be launching my coveted 2014 Trivia Contest with some terrific prizes, featuring another great product field-test and news on my next book -Canadian Wild Game Cookbook, published by Canada’s most beloved cookbook producers Company’s Company. All this and more right here next month!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ontario's moose population in peril?

In my latest Outdoors column in SUN Media’s Pembroke Daily Observer, I discuss several springtime activities such as; wild turkey hunting, fishing for brook trout, being bear safe and perhaps most important, sifting through details and implications of the Ontario moose tag draw.

Thanks to our pal Keebler for sharing his thoughts and information on the 2014 Ontario Moose season draw which, by some accounts, may indicate a population be in peril.

 

You be the judge…

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2014/04/28/area-sportsmen-busy-gobbling-up-wild-turkeys

 

Area sportsmen busy gobbling up wild turkeys!

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

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

 

With the start to the annual Ontario wild turkey season, gobbler enthusiasts across the Valley will be out hot pursuit of trophy beards and spurs.

For thousands of wild turkey hunters, April 25 marks the kick-off to another coveted spring gobbler season. Thanks to successful reintroduction programs dating back 30 years ago, wild turkey populations across the province have reached sustainable levels. As we have witnessed over the past few years, there are more bird sightings than ever in the valley and around eastern Ontario, and the hunt is improving each spring. The glorious gobbler has evolved into one of the most prolific and tastiest games species around, so you had better get used to them!

Although most hunters are aware, it is illegal to hunt turkeys within 400 meters of any place where bait has been deposited, unless the place has been bait-free for at one week. Bait is described as corn, wheat, oats or any other feed that may attract wild turkey or any imitation of such feed. Standing crops, crops stacked in accordance with normal farming practices and grain scattered as a result of normal farming operations are not considered bait. Following the rules is part of the game and it would be a shame to ruin a great hunt by pushing your luck. I wish local turkey hunters all the best and feel free to drop me a line with news from your area!

Moose tags way down!

Bullwinkle enthusiasts are scrambling to take part of the moose draw which runs until June 2. The province recently announced a substantial reduction in adult moose tags for 2014. The reduction, said to be approximately 18 per cent overall, is in response to a declining moose herd in northern Ontario, as noted by Ministry of Natural Resources winter aerial surveys. Some areas of Northwestern Ontario will see upwards of 88 per cent fewer tags this fall; which comes as a shock to moose aficionados. Hunters like Brian Houle, of Stittsville, are very concerned indeed and left with more than a few questions.

“Why didn’t the MNR implement measures a few years ago?” says Houle, who hunts WMU 37. This hunter wonders what effect predators have had on the province’s moose.

“Bears have been unregulated for 15 years since they took the spring hunt out,” Houle adds. “North of the French River you need a tag for wolf/coyote and only a maximum of 2, what is the impact of those packs on moose?”

With the current state of Ontario moose, Brian Houle is considering Quebec this year to give our province’s moose population a chance to rebound. For more information on the tag draw: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/OC/2ColumnSubPage/STDU_131065.html

Scribe heading for trout

In a couple of short weeks as I head off on my annual trout fishing adventure with my dad and brother-in-laws, my head will abuzz with visions of tall trees and behemoth brook trout. It doesn’t really matter how far from town you travel, so long as you bask in Mother Nature’s eternal glow. Enjoying the peacefulness found in a delicate call of the white-throated sparrow, or the courtship ritual of the common loon. Playing cards and horseshoes and scouting the backwoods trails on ATV are part of the experience. For all the avid trout anglers in the Valley, here’s to tight lines, bent rods and brookies over three pounds!

Being bear safe

When travelling in bear country this spring, be sure to keep your wits about you. When portaging up north during the trout season I always carry a can of bear spray and, although I’ve never used it, it is always at the ready! Statistics show there are a dozen or so bear attacks in North America each year, and some of which don’t end well. Bear spray can be purchased at local hunting and fishing stores and, keep in mind, that there may be some paperwork to fill-out. Bear spray provides a bit of extra insurance in bear country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Spring, a breath of fresh air

My ‘One year anniversary’ Outdoors Column  is now available in the Pembroke Daily Observer. If you’ve never read the Pembroke paper, do yourself a favour and check it out!

Here is the Daily Observer online:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2014/03/21/spring-a-breath-of-fresh-air-for-area-sportsmen

 

Or read it here:

 

Spring, a breath of fresh air for area sportsmen!

By Jeff Morrison

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

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

 

With scant few hunting or fishing opportunities at this time, Valley sportsmen are dealing with the calm before the storm.

I don’t know about you but the arrival of spring can’t come soon enough! Winter may have its merit but after five long months of its icy grip, enough is enough! Besides, there’s just something unique about spring to get your blood pumping. Perhaps it’s the impending kick-off to trout and turkey season or the aura of rebirth created by seasonal change that rejuvenates the soul of true outdoorsmen, who knows. To hear the thumping drum of that first grouse of the year, or to catch a glimpse of the first wild garlic shoot pocking its head out of the forest floor, are all tell-tail sights that a new season is afoot. I realize spring imagery is difficult to imagine now with two feet of snow on the ground, but at least we’re on the homeward stretch and before you can say, pass the bug spray, we’ll be breaking out the turkey calls and trout tackle like they’re going out of style!

Gobble Gobble

With only a month or so until the province’s turkey opener, hunters are reminded that if you should happen to harvest a gobbler this spring, you only have until noon the next day to report it. Dial 1-800-288-1155, select the Turkey Harvest Reporting option and have your Hunting Card available. You will be asked questions about your hunt and location of harvest, and will need to identify the age and sex of your bird. To purchase a license using the automated phone line, you may call the same 1-800 number until April 30. Your wild turkey license and game seal will be mailed the next business day. From all accounts we should be in-store for another great gobbler season!

Valley Heritage Radio

Be sure to tune into Valley Heritage Radio 98.7 FM, for a new show airing the last Saturday of each month. Hosted by my old pal Brian Corbin of the Arnprior Fish and Game Club, the new radio show boasts copious outdoor action tempered with a touch of local flavour. Brian’s new radio spot will focus on the local service club scene and have features like conservation corner. This month’s spotlight is on birding and bird house construction, followed by turkeys and whitetail food plots in April.

Ferry trouble

Since the closure of the famous Deux-Rivières ferry three years ago, folks in the upper Ottawa Valley wishing to ‘jump the river’ were forced to either cross at Swisha, or travel much further up to Témiscaming. As someone who’s travelled the valley to access Quebec trout waters each spring for the past 25 years, trust me this ferry closure has been a royal pain! But alas, news from our ZEC office across the river indicates that a new ferry is being constructed in Mattawa. If anyone has heard rumblings if this new Mattawa ferry, please drop me a line and I will outline more details in my April column.

Valley fishing Show

Speaking of April, the 14th Annual Valley Fishing and Outdoors Show arrives next month! The brainchild of Valley boy Dave Arbour, this year’s show is set for April 4- 6 at the Carp Fairgrounds and Arena, and will feature everything from casting ponds to archery, shooting and fishing simulators. With more than 100 exhibitors and lots of hunting and fishing equipment, this event is a must do for Valley sportsmen. The awesome thing about this show is you’re bound to run into someone you know. For more information, contact: Dave Arbour at 613)-257-7489.

Huts be gone!

The March 31 ice-hut removal date for Pembroke District seems to arrive too early for hut operators and anglers alike. Folks in Pembroke district have until the end of the month to haul their huts away and remember that MNR law enforcement doesn’t take kindly to anglers who allow huts to end up in waterways after ice out; which poses a hazard to anglers and boaters. Anyone who has not removed their ice hut by March 31 is in violation of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and could face charges. Take note that winter angling remains open on most lakes and rivers after all the huts are gone; however, ice conditions tend to be sketchy and unsafe by that point.

Column Anniversary

This month marks the one year anniversary of my Outdoors Guy column in the Pembroke Daily Observer. I would very much like to thank Managing Editor Anthony Dixon and Publisher Jim Kwiatkowski for the opportunity of contributing to this fine publication on a regular basis. Sharing a passion and love for the Great Outdoors with folks in the Valley is something I am very proud of.

Please feel free to email me anytime ([email protected]) with suggestions or observation from your own hunting and fishing endeavors.

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Maple syrup on the way!

There is nothing quite  like the maple syrup time of year, and I have spent more years than I can recall working the sugar bush. Times I will never forget..not easy work, mind you, but extremely rewarding and tasty!

What a blast it was – running lines, repairing breaks, tapping, watching the evaporator, taking-off the syrup and running the old creaky canner. The whole operation is a hoot right down to the moment when that first batch of syrup comes off…man, it tastes awesome when its warm.

There is a certain science involved in any maple syrup operation; from understanding the sap’s sugar content at various times of the year, knowing the colour, taste and density of different grades of syrup, to skills like understanding how to build and maintain the perfect fire to keep your evaporator going steady. Its not as easy as its sounds!

Then there’s moment when the ‘webbing starts’ at precisely 7 degrees above boiling point of water, and your pure maple syrup is ripe for the picking, or pouring I should say.

Old school syrup producers have never used modern gauges and I’m sure never worried about it either. They can read more in the webbing off their ladle than a thousand sophisticated gauges could ever read..now that is science in itself.

The final product, well, it is a thing of beauty and there is really nothing in the world that compares to the taste of fresh maple syrup, or taffy on snow.

Canada produces 90% of the world’s supply of maple syrup(majority from QC) – a statistic we should be extremely proud of.  It is a big part of our heritage just like hunting, fishing or the fur industry. 

Now get out there and enjoy some pure Canadian goodness!! The forecast looks good for sap to run over the next few days and lets hope favorable temperatures remain long enough for another great season!

I just heard from our pal Ian MacDonald who will be out in the sugar bush this week!

 

Outdoorsguy

 

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Outdoors Guy alive and well!

Ok folks, please don’t panic!

I have not been cut and my column will be appearing in tomorrow’s paper. Believe it or not, I’ve already received two condolence letters this morning about being an unfortunate part of the recent cuts.

Not to worry, I am still here alive and well!

This week we did hear troubling news from SUN Media regarding publication cuts and job losses and it’s never pleasant news.

Fortunately, though, this time around it affected only the Free papers in many Canadian markets. I say fortunately, however there are still 360 employees across Canada who would strongly disagree.

Make no mistake people, these cuts are a bad thing for the newspaper industry and a sad sign of the times. At least at the Ottawa SUN we were not directly affected this time, I mean things were slashed to bare bones last time around that, really, there isn’t much left that could be cut.

I would like readers to know that the hunting, fishing, trapping and conservation coverage they have come to expect, will still be available. (If I have any say in the matter)

Admittedly I have been a bit more quiet on the Blog of late, and I apologize for that. I recently signed a deal with my Publisher for two more books with the first manuscript due September 1st, 2013.

Let’s just say it’s going to be a busy summer!

I do plan to keep things going here regularly at the Outdoors Guy and with my regular columns in the Ottawa SUN, Pembroke Daily Observer and Bounder Magazine. If you do notice the Blog being a bit quieter, though, not to worry as I will be going strong again come September.

Thanks to all the readers and local outdoor enthusiasts for your support over the past 11 years! Honestly, without you folks we would have ZERO outdoors coverage in this part of the country and we hunters and fishermen NEED a voice!

I invite everyone to write-in with your hunting and fishing reports, news, cougar sightings, big fish stories, pet peeves, etc.

Best regards,

Outdoorsguy

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Great Outdoors Trivia Contest – Question #2

Sorry it has taken so long for the next trivia question, and in case you missed the first one which appeared in May 3rd SUN Outdoors Column,  here it is:

Question #1:

OK folks, put your thinking caps on, here is question No. 1 in the Great Outdoors Trivia Contest. The tarsal, interdigital and preorbital are all types of what? A) Range-finder settings; B) Trail camera settings; or C) Type of deer glands. Watch for question No. 2 coming up in my Outdoors Guy Blog. 

 

Question #2:

 According to the Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, in recent years most Rabies infections in British Columbia and Alberta have been reported in bats; in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, in has been skunks; and in Ontario and Quebec rabies has been reported most in bats, skunks and what other wild animal?

 Is it A) Red foxes; B) Raccoons; or C) Eastern chipmunks.

 

The final question in this year’s Great Outdoors Trivia Contest will appear in next Thursday’s(June 20) Pembroke Daily Observer. (Link to that column will be provided in case you can’t find it, and you don’t live in the Ottawa Valley)

Winner of this year’s contest will receive a nice scent package courtesy of Tink’s!

 

Outdoorsguy

 

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Outdoors Guy Cookbooks featured by Canadian Press

cookbooks1

Ok, I’m not saying I hit the big time or anything, but I am quite pleased with my interview last week with Susan Greer of the Canadian Press.

Susan contacted me to discuss the June 1st release of my Canadian Fishing Cookbook and Canadian Outdoor Cookbook, but specifically focused on the fishing one.

The whole experience was a tad intimidating since I don’t really consider myself a fabulous cook, but I am happy to not have made a fool of myself!

What can I say…I love brain food!

The article appeared this week in about 15 publications across the country….

http://www.brandonsun.com/lifestyles/breaking-news/hooked-on-fish-and-seafood-author-pursues-passion-travelling-coast-to-coast-209050691.html?thx=y

http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Hooked+fish+Author+pursues+passion+travelling+coast+coast/8440535/story.html

Cookbook2

 

Outdoorsguy

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Convicted killer eaten by bear in BC

 blackbear

 

According to officials in British Columbia, convicted killer Rory Nelson Wager was pulled from the open window of his car and eaten by a black bear. Investigators believe Nelson may have been dead already.

Here’s the story from the Calgary SUN:

CALGARY – The corpse of a man eaten by a B.C. bear was that of a convicted killer, officials have confirmed.

The B.C. Coroners Service identified the man as 53-year-old Rory Nelson Wagner of Kamloops, B.C., whose dismembered and partially consumed remains were found Wednesday on a remote logging road between Merritt and Kamloops.

The National Parole Board confirmed he had fled a halfway house in Kamloops.

He was convicted of second-degree murder and began his sentence on May 31, 1996, according to Correctional Services of Canada. He had recently been granted day parole.

Wagner pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, along with two other men, for the 1993 killing of Langley, B.C., resident Andy Kohlman, after Kohlman had been cleared of sexual assault allegations involving a relative of Wagner’s, according to media reports.

Wagner had been missing since May 23.

“They let people know when they’re expected to return, if they’re going to be late they’re expected to phone and of course he didn’t return,” said Patrick Storey of the NPB Pacific office.

“They were aware that he was missing, however they weren’t aware until recently that he was deceased.”

Hunters spotted his vehicle on a remote logging road and called Mounties, who discovered Wagner’s body hidden beneath some brush.

Officials believe he was already dead when a black bear dragged him out of an open car window to feed on him.

The fact the adult black bear approached the vehicle, then dragged Wagner out to eat is a serious concern for the B.C. environment minister and conservation officers, who are hunting the bruin.

“The concern is once it has lost its fear of humans, then others it comes into contact with would be at risk and this is an area well-used for hiking and fishing and there’s ranching up there as well,” said Minister Terry Lake.

Traps are set and conservation officers are on the hunt.

Acting Insp. Darcy MacPhee, of the Thompson Cariboo Region’s conservation officers, said the bear is likely to return, but might have moved on for now.

While the Coroners Service is confident Wagner was already dead when the bear found him, it’s still unclear what did kill him.

“We should be able to rule a few things out very shortly after the preliminary autopsy … if there was any trauma or any natural disease that caused death,” said Mark Coleman, regional coroner for the interior region.

“If those are ruled out we’d be waiting mainly on toxicology.”

[email protected]

 

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Outdoors Guy Cookbooks coming early 2013

Anyone who’s been following the Outdoors Guy Blog has, no doubt, heard about my cookbook project, and finally I now have some more news. (good and bad)

The three cookbooks I wrote with a ‘wild’ slant last year were due out this spring; however, changes with my Publisher – Lone Pine – and their recent acquisition of another publishing firm – Company’s Company – has caused further delay in their release.

The good news in all this is that the Publisher has committed to a significant format upgrade for the series. Instead of simple paperbacks, each cookbook will measure 8″ X 10″ and feature state of the art Concealed Wiro binding and full colour photos throughout.

Here’s what the Canadian Wild Fish Cookbook and the Canadian Outdoor Cookbook will look like. (The cover for the Canadian Wild Game Cookbook has not yet been completed.)

WildfishcoverOutdoorcookbookcover

Besides a pile of great wild game, fish and outdoor recipes, each book will feature a bunch of great hunting, fishing and camping stories, tips and hints for cooking the best that nature has to offer.

Hey, some of you guys even made it in!

For more information on these books and more, check out the Chapters/Indigo site: 

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/35/search/?sc=Jeff%20Morrison&sf=Author

 

Outdoorsguy