Tag: Bounder magazine

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Celebrating Family (Ice)Fishing Weekend!

(Avid ice-fisherman Grant Bailey with a nice winter walleye)

 

Ice-fishing enthusiasts are busy gathering their tip-ups and ice-augers for perhaps the most exciting weekend of the season.
This weekend, Feb. 17-19, residents of Ontario will be out (on the ice) in full force, enjoying the merits of Family Fishing Weekend – a province-wide initiative celebrating the sport of winter angling, and without the otherwise mandatory fishing license. The province decided about a decade ago that a festive winter fishing weekend would be adopted to mirror National Fishing Week events during the summer.

Let’s take a glimpse at a few of the winter fishing events in our region this weekend. For more info on Family Fishing Weekend; http://www.ontariofamilyfishing.com/

Arnprior Kids Derby
The Arnprior Fish and Game Club is pleased to present its 4th Annual Free Kids Fishing Derby, this weekend at McLean Park. The club supplies all equipment and bait and even takes care of the holes! To top it off, a free pizza and hotdog lunch is provided to all participants. For more information contact: [email protected] or check-out Arnprior Fish and Game Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arnpriorkidsfishingderby/

WCFGC event in Constance Bay
As part of Family Fishing Weekend festivities, the West Carleton Fish and Game Club’s (WCFGC) fishing derby is set for this Saturday at Constance Bay. Registration will take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. with fishing starting at 10 a.m. and running until 2 p.m. Registration for adults is $5 and children, 13 and under, $2. Holes will be provided and a $20 entry gives participants a chance at winning a gas ice-auger. Bring your own bait and rods. For more information Warren Backler via email: [email protected] or by phone: 613-859-9217 Check out their website: http://www.wcfgc.com/

Harbour Harvest Tournament
Harbour Harvest is a family-friendly ice-fishing event this weekend at the Nepean Sailing Club. Check-in gets under way at 7:30 a.m. at the main entrance of the Nepean Sailing Club. Ice-fishing bait and tackle is provided or feel free to bring your own. There is a $300 cash prize and trophy for 1st place (longest live fish), and $200 for the angler with most species caught (if a tie, the club will use total length of fish – must be alive and only one of each species). Qualifying species include northern pike, walleye, perch, catfish, crappie and sunfish. Every registered participant also receives a door prize ticket. Organizers have adopted a new system of “reserving your spot” this year, with fishing holes spread throughout the harbour. If you require gear, you can add a fully rigged up “Harbour Harvest kit*” for $20, and if you return the kit at the end of the event, the club offers a $10 gift card for Bridgehead, Canadian Tire or Cabela’s. For more info contact: Dan Dubeau: 613-355-0735 or via email: [email protected]. Check-out: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/harbour-harvest-2018-tickets-41510942346

QC Outfitters Association
Anyone not ice-fishing this weekend and looking to plan a hunting or fishing trip in Quebec this year, should check-out the Quebec Outfitters Federation website. With a full array of camps, cabins and lodges throughout the province, the Quebec Outfitter’s site makes short work of researching suitable vacation destinations for whatever outdoor pursuit you’re into. Just across the river, in the Outaouais region-alone, are 36 hunting and fishing outfitters catering to your hunting and fishing needs. I have visited a few over the years and they’re awesome: https://www.pourvoiries.com/en/

Bounder magazine – spring issue
With spring just around the corner, keep an eye out for the spring issue of Bounder Magazine. The popular men’s magazine is available at Stinson’s in Pembroke and many other locations around the valley. My spring outdoors column will include highlights on my upcoming trout adventure, as well as other hot hunting and fishing news! For more information on Bounder magazine: http://bounder.ca/

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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.

 

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May long weekend in The Great Outdoors

Regardless of what you have planned this May long weekend be it fishing, cottaging or camping, I wish you all the best in The Great Outdoors!!

What’s new? Where have I been, you ask?

I just returned this week from my annual trout fishing adventure in Temiscaming and will be blogging(not bragging) about that next week. Also, keep an eye out Thursday for the latest Outdoors Guy column in the Pembroke Daily Observer.

My 6th book release; The Canadian Berry Cookbook will be on the shelves in the next few weeks, and the summer issue of Bounder Magazine is due to hit local stores by end of May.

HOWEVER!!!

The ABSOULUTE BIGGEST news to hit the Ottawa-Gatineau hunting and fishing world THIS YEAR has yet to be announced!!!! 

Have I piqued your curiosity?  Official announcement to come in the next week or two. (maybe, if you behave yourself..hehe)

All the best this weekend, drive safe and enjoy all the Great Outdoors has to offer.

 

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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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