Moose hunting, Ford Fishing Expedition, Waterfowl, Outdoor Trivia and more..

The Ontario moose season is in a bit of peril, of late, especially in areas to the north and many Valley residents are considering Quebec as a viable option this fall. Moose hunters are a highly-motivated group of individuals always on the lookout for new and exciting locales to pursue this Canadian icon and though the province of Ontario still boasts good opportunities in many regions, dwindling moose numbers in the north, and a red tape-laden tag draw has some hunters shaking their heads in frustration. On the Quebec side, an alternating year harvest system has maintained solid population numbers in most regions offering non-resident hunters (like me) a good second option.

Quebec moose season

For anyone considering Quebec this fall, the province’s moose management is simple to figure out. Over the majority of zones, harvesting of cows is prohibited every second year. During those years when cows are protected, only bulls and calves are allowed. Some outfitters operate differently so do your homework before booking a hunt. Many areas of the Outaouais offer superb moose hunting just a short drive across the river, and I have hunted several spots in this region myself. The cost of a non-resident permit does come at a premium for Ontario hunters, although not having to enter a draw or squabble over tag availability is more than worth the price if you ask me. I will be joining my hunt gang in early October for a ‘combo’ moose – deer crossbow hunt at our camp in the Laurentians.

For more information on Quebec moose hunting opportunities, contact the Quebec Outfitters Federation:

https://www.pourvoiries.com/en/

Valley waterfowl salute

Did you know there are hundreds of duck and goose enthusiasts out there each fall rain or shine, crouched motionless inside a camouflaged boat or duck blind? The age-old tradition of calling and decoying is one that rarely makes the pages of most hunting journal let along the local newspaper, and with migratory bird season now afoot, we pay tribute to the die-hard waterfowlers. Not everyone has ambition for this sport, but those who do are rewarded with the sights, sounds, and smells of hinterland during early fall. For information on waterfowl season and opening dates: http://www.ec.gc.ca/rcom-mbhr/?lang=en&n=99FDEC59-1

Petawawa Archery Club

I had the good fortune of meeting Chuck Omdal of the Petawawa Archery Club, during a visit of Petawawa last weekend. As someone new to crossbow hunting myself, I listened intently as Chuck had a lot to say in just a short visit. His club welcomes all skill levels and even offers lessons. Chuck was kind enough to invite me to their indoor and outdoor shooting ranges, set up at the South Side Community Centre. Sadly, I will not have time this fall but plan to next summer for sure. The Petawawa Archery Club’s 2018 3D archery season culminated in a big Ontario Association of Archers (OAA) Triple Crown shoot at the end of August, and they have tons of other activities throughout the year. Thanks again to Chuck Omdal and his fellow archery enthusiasts of Petawawa, I look forward to seeing you soon. Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Petawawa-Archery-Club-105116149553716/

Ford Fishing Expedition
Coming-off their best August sales on record, Ford Canada could not have picked a better time for its Ford Fishing Expedition in Montebello, Que. I was honored to be a part of this coveted event, on assignment for Outdoor Canada magazine, hosted by the dedicated marketing team at National Public Relations and held at my favorite haunt; Kenauk Nature. A small group of eager journalists and bloggers teamed-up for a day of fine dining, off-roading and trout fishing extraordinaire, and our time could not have been more fulfilling! Reps from Ford Canada were onsite to demonstrate the Expedition’s fancy new features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and a sophisticated 4WD System with seven preset modes. I chose “Grass/Gravel/Snow” for climbing the hill to our guide’s secret trout lake, and it proved to be a formidable beast! My pal Jamie Pistilli, Kenauk’s head fishing guide led us to bragging size rainbow trout with the help of some fly-fishing gear, sinking line and awesome deep streaming flies known as ‘boobies’. Several trout in the 1-3 pound range were hooked and released with one injured specimen being retained as part of a luxury meal at Chateau Montebello, later that evening. Thanks so much to Ford Canada, National Public Relations, Kenauk Nature and Chateau Montebello for a wonderful day in the great outdoors! For more information on the 2018 Ford Expedition: https://www.ford.ca/suvs/expedition/?gnav=header-suvs

Great Outdoors Trivia Contest – Question #1

Put your thinking caps on, all you wise hunters and fisherfolk, here is question # 1 in the 2018 Great Outdoors Trivia Contest. The first one to correctly answer all three questions wins a prize package courtesy of Breck’s fishing tackle, as well as a signed copy of my Canadian Wild Game Cookbook. Question #1: What 4-legged feline has been spotted, with some regularity in eastern Ontario, and is responsible for at least one attack on local livestock? Is it A) Lynx B) Bobcat C) Cougar or D) Eastern Coyote. Keep track of your answers and send them via email: [email protected]