Tag: Hunt & Ride

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Bass fishing season arrives in the Ottawa Valley

Submitted photo</p><br /><br /> <p>Ed Puddephatt, owner of Paddletale's in Winchester, with a hefty bass caught during the Renegade Bass Classic on Seeley's Bay.

Submitted photo Ed Puddephatt, owner of Paddletale’s in Winchester, with a hefty bass caught during the Renegade Bass Classic on Seeley’s Bay.


Bass might be the last fishing season to open each year but with a huge following it remains one of the most popular sport fish in Canada.

The bass season in the Ottawa Valley – Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15 – gets underway this Saturday, the fourth Saturday in June, two weeks later than most other fish species. From a conservation perspective, the later season allows smallmouth and largemouth bass time to spawn and for young bass to mature. Other fish species like walleye and trout play no role in guarding of the eggs so their seasons always open earlier in the spring. Anyone who fishes the Ottawa River, or Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 12 as its known, may start bass fishing this Friday. If anyone’s looking for me this weekend, I’ll be in Cobden hoping to hook a biggie!

Take note that Canada’s premiere bass fishing series; Renegade Bass, also launches its 2017 season this weekend with the first qualifier event on Newboro Lake. For info on Renegade Bass visit http://www.renegadebass.com/

Ontario Family Fishing Week

The goal of Ontario Family Fishing week is introducing new anglers to the special activity we call sport-fishing. Between July 1 and 9 anglers are encouraged to plan a fishing day at your nearest stream, pond, river or lake and be sure to bring along ‘the fam’! As a way of reminding folks the recreational value of our freshwater fishery, the Ontario government waves the fishing licence requirement for this period each summer. Anglers without a licence must still abide by the limits set out in the Conservation permit and all other regulations remain enforced; including size limits and protected sanctuaries. Watch for kid’s events planned for Arnprior and Douglas. For more information: http://www.ontariofamilyfishing.com/events/

Deer tag draw

Valley deer enthusiasts are watching the calendar closely as the antlerless deer tag validation draw closes on June 30. There are three application methods available although your chances at a tag remain the same, whether you apply by telephone, Internet or at a Service Ontario outlet. To apply over the phone dial 1-800-288-1155, but remember that if you have already purchased your regular deer licence, you’ll not be permitted to enter the draw this way, and must apply either online or visit a Service Ontario outlet. For more information: http://www.ontario.ca/travel-and-recreation/apply-big-game-draw

Big money event

The Lefaivre Lions Club is holding its annual bass tournament on the Ottawa River this Saturday, June 24 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. With thousands in cash and prizes up for grabs, the town’s Open Bass Tournament has garnered the attention of anglers from across the region and beyond. The Lions Club hosted its first Annual Open Bass Tournament back in 1993, and here we are more than two decades later and the event is bigger than ever. Registration is $200 per boat (teams of two) plus $20 for the big fish prize. For more information: http://www.en.lefaivrelions.com/General-information.page

Big bears are us!

A big congratulation goes out to three members of the Fish, Hunt & Ride Team on their recent Ontario black bear hunts! While stalking his quarry, Brian Houle took an impressive 300 pound bruin at a scant 15 yards. While filming an episode of Canada Hunts in Alberta, Amanda Lynn Mayhew harvested a once-in-a-lifetime black bear from 17 yards. The entire hunt will be televised as part of the 2018 season of Canada Hunts on WildTV. Another FHR team member “Uncle Ted” Nugent also took a trophy black bear last week during his annual Ontario bear hunt at Rick Dickson’s camp near Wawa, Ont. Congrats to Amanda Lynn, Brian and Ted on their successful spring bear hunts.  For more info on Amanda Lynn’s new TV show: https://www.facebook.com/Canadahunts/?fref=mentions

Check out more on Uncle Ted’s at TedNugent.com and on his popular Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/tednugent/posts/ 

You can read Brian Houle’s Spring column in the latest issue of Fish, Hunt & Ride: https://view.joomag.com/fish-hunt-ride-spring-2017/0510083001496149656?short

Ontario’s spring bear hunt was reinstated last year on a trial basis, after an almost 20-year cancellation.

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Pike and walleye season has arrived

Avid angler from Arnprior, Chad Riopelle, with a pair of nice early season walleyes!

Chad Riopelle, of Arnprior, with a pair of nice early season walleyes

 

Anglers in search of northern pike and walleye have been out in full force with both species now fair game in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15.

Be sure to check the rules and regulations before hitting the water this weekend. If you should accidentally catch another species for which the season is still closed, it must be immediately (and safely) returned to the water. FMZ 15 is very large zone 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. Best of luck in your northern pike and walleye endeavours, I am hoping to land a few myself this weekend in Cobden. Early season northern pike offer great table fare with four to five pound specimens being the best eating size, in my opinion.

Blind Anglers International Tournament

The 27th annual Blind Angler’s International Tournament. (B.A.I.T) is coming to Westmeath this weekend. The region is a fitting spot for such an event in a most beautiful part of the province. Legally blind men and women along with professional anglers will converge at Nangor Resort for a fun-filled weekend of angling. This year’s event kicks off with a dinner at the Westmeath Community Centre and runs from May 26 to 28. The opportunity to learn a new skill or to re-kindle an old passion, serves as a mechanism of rehabilitation for participants in this well-respected event. For more information, http://www.a4lions.ca/bait-tournament. Lion George Burton is this year’s event chairman. Check out beautiful Nangor resort: http://nangorresort.com/?cfid=14694&cftoken=94689391

Conserving trout

In my early days it was always felt that ‘a fish caught was a fish kept’, but it doesn’t need to be that way anymore. To safely release a fragile brook trout requires patience and a soft touch at canoe or boat-side. Barbless hooks and a good set of long-nosed pliers are a must. To witness a beautiful brook trout swimming away after a nice battle is an incredible feeling. Sure, you can catch enough smaller fish to bring home but doing your part for conservation will surely payoff in the end. My family trout trip earlier this month up to valley to Temiscaming, Que. was a hoot. We caught loads of big trout and released 80 per cent of our catch while still enjoying some tasty meals. Practising conservation of the species requires self-control but offers copious long-term reward.

Bear hunt across the river

With all the excitement around pike and pickerel, don’t forget about the spring bear hunt across the river which also got under way this past weekend. Hunters need bear in mind that in certain sectors of the Outaouais the season closes on June 15, two weeks earlier than for rest of the province which allows bear hunting until June 30. With the month of June fast approaching, the once cautious animals will have become accustomed to feeding regularly at bait sites, and with the onset of mating season adult males travel extensively in search of a mate. Both of these factors will have a positive effect on hunter’s success rate. For more information on the bear hunting across the river and the many lodging opportunities, contact the Federation of Quebec Outfitters: https://www.pourvoiries.com/en/

Fish, Hunt & Ride – spring issue

Thanks to FHR team member and Pembroke native Jordan Durocher and his dad, several upper valley and Pontiac stores and shops are currently being stocked with Fish, Hunt & Ride Magazine’s spring issue. This issue is all about black bears, gobblers, walleye, trapping, trout fishing and cooking, Uncle Ted Nugent, an exclusive interview with rising Canadian country starlet Meghan Patrick. All this and tons more hunting, fishing and riding action is included. For more information on Fish, Hunt & Ride: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca/

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Ontario wild turkey season, coming right up!

Fish, Hunt & Ride magazine columnist Brian Houle with a nice springtime gobbler.

Fish, Hunt & Ride magazine columnist Brian Houle with a nice springtime gobbler.

With next Monday’s kick-off to the province’s wild turkey season, hunters from across the region are gearing-up for another exciting spring. April 25 has become the new standardized date for launch of the coveted annual spring gobbler season. Thanks to reintroduction programs dating back more than three decades, wild turkey populations across the province have exceeded expectations. Yes, the glorious gobbler has evolved into one of the most prolific (and tastiest) game species around, so you had better get used to them. Hunters need be aware that it is illegal to pursue turkeys within 400 meters of bait that has been deposited, unless the location 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. Crops stacked in accordance with normal farming practices and grain scattered as a result of normal farming operations, are not considered bait. New this year, turkey hunters are permitted to use shot size #7 along with the standard #4, #5 and #6 size shotgun shot. For more information on Ontario spring turkey hunting along with other changes to the spring season: https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-hunting-regulations-summary

Scribe heading for trout In three short weeks, I depart on my annual trout fishing adventure with my dad and brother-in-laws, so my mind is currently filled with visions of north wood’s serenity and behemoth brookies. It doesn’t really matter how far you travel so long as you bask in Mother Nature’s springtime spectacle. Playing cards and horseshoes, walking the woods, portaging the canoe and scouting backwoods trails are all part of the experience. For all the avid trout anglers out there, here’s to tight lines, bent rods and monster ‘specs’ as far as the eye can see. Remember to catch your limit but also limit your catch. Fish, Hunt and Ride spring issue on the way! Hunters, anglers and off-road enthusiasts await the arrival of everyone’s favourite magazine with baited breath. The spring issue of Fish, Hunt and Ride is just around the corner and, trust me, it’s bigger and better than ever. Now available at over 200 outlets across eastern Ontario and west Quebec, our exciting spring issue features black bear, spring trout, turkey, ATV events, shed antler hunting, Ottawa fly-fishers, Uncle Ted, an informative interview with Canadian country starlet Meghan Patrick and much more.  Thanks to everyone who showed-up for the FHR Sportsmen’s Show early this month.  It was a huge success and we’re already looking ahead to our next show! For more information on where to find FHR near you, check us out online at http://www.fishhuntandride.ca

Be bear safe While fishing, hunting or camping in bear country this spring, be sure to keep your wits about you. During the trout season I always carry a can of bear spray and though I’ve never used it, it is there at the ready. Statistics show that there are a dozen or so bear attack in North America each year, some of which end in a fatality. Bear spray can be  purchased at local hunting and fishing stores and will provide a bit of extra insurance when travelling in bear country.

Sportsmen Bragging Board Have you gone on a recent hunting or fishing trip and taken some great images? I am looking for some of the most original photos, captured in the great outdoors, for a Readers’ Photo Section here in the Pembroke Daily Observer and for FHR mag as well.If you have some neat pics you would like to share with thousands of like-minded individuals, send them by email to: [email protected]. Be sure to send along a caption as well.

 

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Fish, Hunt & Ride Sportsmen’s Show – THIS weekend at EY Centre!!

Spring has finally arrived and this year’s most exciting show is near and dear to me heart and will have hunters, fishermen and ATVers heading to Ottawa in droves!

It’s hard to believe this time last spring I had just introduced readers to a new local publication – Fish, Hunt & Ride, and now this year our magazine has its very own sportsmen’s show. Talk about cool! Sharing space at Ottawa’s EY Centre with the Outdoor Travel & Adventure Show next weekend (April 1-2) I am proud to present the 1st annual Fish, Hunt and Ride Sportsmen’s Show. Organized by the team from this region’s two best magazines – Ottawa Outdoors and Fish, Hunt & Ride, our show features tons of outdoor services, gear and apparel, exhibitors, hunting/fishing lodges and more ATVs than you can shake a stick at. Come check out the Adventure Stage for informative seminars by sporting experts and FHR team members Amanda Lynn Mayhew, Ashley Rae, Jamie Pistilli and Lawrence Gunther. Even muskie Guru John Anderson will be on-hand.

And if that lineup isn’t enough to entice come visit the Fish, Hunt & Ride booth where yours truly and a handful of FHR columnists will be stationed, my FHR team and I will be handing-out mags and chatting with readers about all things fishing, hunting or riding-related. We look forward to speaking with dozens of avid local sportsmen and women who will (hopefully) stop-by to say howdy. For more information on next weekend’s Fish, Hunt and Ride Sportsmen’s Show. http://www.fishhuntandride.ca/

I look forward to seeing you all! !

Toyota Tundra fun

Toyota’s 2017 Tundra TRD Pro pickup truck I road-tested recently, made for an enjoyable week of touring the town. The new Tundra, with its 5,500 pounds of “twisted steel and sex appeal” came equipped with ample 381 hp, 5.7 liter V8 engine. The TRD Pro trim is a slick looking truck, indeed a modern ‘cement’ matte grey colour. Having read other reviews from professionals who gave this truck overall high marks but noted that it was due for a facelift, I take these rumblings with a grain of salt. Having reviewed the 2013 Tundra and several other full-size pickups from other auto makers in past few years, I had others to compare to. For me, the new TRD Pro was solid, comfortable and roomier than the one tested three years ago. As many Toyota aficionados and even the auto-maker themselves would likely argue, why change something when it’s working? This truck is as smooth and supple a ride as any I’ve seen in a pickup and with smooth Bilstein towing shocks all around and TRD coil-overs on the front, varying terrain felt as smooth as butter. The Tundra garners highest marks for reliability and resale value, both huge in my books. Fuel consumption was not stellar as I averaged between 18-19 L/100 KM, which runs a tad thirstier than some competitors. Long-term maintenance/repair costs on these trucks, combined with high residual value make them a sound investment. Thanks to Tina Allison of Toyota Canada for the opportunity of road-testing this great truck. For more info on the 2017 Toyota Tundra: https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/tundra/overview
Column Anniversary

This month marks the four year anniversary of this Outdoors Guy column with your Pembroke Daily Observer, and I wish to thank managing editor Anthony Dixon and news editor Tina Peplinskie. Thanks also to the avid sportsmen, and women of the Ottawa Valley for your support over the years. As many are aware, hunting and fishing newspaper columns have all but gone by way of the dodo bird, so it’s great to keep this one going!
Ice hut removal

Pembroke District’s March 31 mandatory ice-hut removal is coming-up next week and ice-anglers are reminded that huts which end-up in waterways after ice-out are in violation of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, though I suspect the majority of huts are gone by this point. Winter angling remains open on most lakes and rivers although ice conditions would be sketchy and unsafe by this point.

 

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Another exciting deer season!

My annual deer hunt at Kenauk Nature is always the highlight of my year, and this fall was no exception. The famous Montebello, Quebec territory, with its rugged terrain and majestic old growth stands of oak, brings me back year after year.

This particular deer season, as I gazed in amazement at a big mature whitetail buck loping roughshod through the hardwoods in front of me, my entire hunting season culminated in this one brief encounter. The scene was almost surreal as we watched the dark beast break from the comfort of his three does. But this wasn’t the only deer we saw during the deer season. Whitetail numbers, from what we observed, were definitely on the increase in this magnificent land, and back at our family hunt camp too where we spent the first part of the rifle season.

Population on the rebound

The first week of the deer hunt was spent as I have these past 36 years, climbing the peaks around our family camp near Mont Tremblant. I’m happy to report the whitetail population has rebounded swimmingly over the previous fall. We observed several does with twin fawns and the overall deer activity was up from last year. We were encouraged by the amount of deer sign in the way of images on my six trail cameras, as well as tracks in the woods. We chose to pass-up on a yearling buck as we have done in the past, and secretly crossed our fingers that other hunters might do the same. Word on the street is that deer numbers are up in eastern Ontario as well which great news for hunters and conservationists alike

Big buck on the move

As the biggest-bodied buck I’d seen in over 20 years trampled the Kenauk underbrush like matchsticks, my hunting partner Jim and I watched in disbelief.  There was no way in heck we were going to stop this beast and as the reality of the situation sunk-in; we were left scratching our heads. Chalk it up to one more eventful outing in the deer woods. We will be anxious to get back up there next fall with hopes of challenging this old monarch once again. Thanks to Bill Nowell and Celyne Fortin of Kenauk Nature for facilitating another great trip to a ‘little slice of heaven’. To enjoy wilderness at its best and top notch accommodations check out: http://kenauk.com/  For more information on deer hunting across the river, contact Tourism Quebec: 1-877-266-5687

Fish, Hunt & Ride Fall issue

The autumn issue of Fish, Hunt & Ride magazine is now available online; featuring scads of hunting, fishing and riding stories, news, tips and tricks. Fall is about hunting and we really take it to heart in this edition. Fish, Hunt & Ride would also like to welcome a new member of our team; Ashley Rae of SheLovesToFish.com fame. Ashley is a gal who lives and breathes the great outdoors and is as passionate an angler as I’ve ever seen! Be sure to read Ashley’s first column along with great material from our team of experts and specialists. Oh and hey, Ol’ Toothless is celebrating 20 years; read our fall issue for more details: www.fishhuntandride.ca.

Safety first

This time of year with some hunting still on the go, enthusiasts are reminded to be vigilant and take the necessary safety precautions. Remember that hunter orange of a minimum 400 square inches is required and, for Ontario residents, a hunter orange cap as well. Be sure to keep your firearms and ammunition locked away when not in use, and never shoot unless absolutely sure of your target and beyond. It is illegal to shoot from a vehicle or carry a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle, and remember that any hunter who harvests a deer must immediately attach the game seal. A safe hunt is a happy hunt and a careless accident can turn a wonderful day in the woods into tragedy.

Next time

Check out next month’s column for highlights from this year’s deer hunt as well as your Valley ice-fishing primer! Drop me a line anytime with your hunting and fishing news, or stories: [email protected].

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Experience a whitetail hunt this Fall


With moose season drawing to a close, whitetail hunters everywhere are gearing-up for the pursuit of North America’s most sought after big-game animal.

The white-tailed deer rifle season is a special and sentimental time I have enjoyed immensely for the past 36 years. From that first deer season back in 1980 when my dad brought me along to hunt with the men, I was hooked instantly. Of course I lucked out when a big eight-point buck ran right out to me on that first morning. It was an exciting time for a young green-horn hunter and I believe most hunters, young and old, still share this child-like enthusiasm for the deer season. My upcoming hunt at Kenauk Nature is something I now look forward to year after year. The famous Montebello, Que., deer woods is a true hunter’s paradise with its rolling hills, rugged terrain and the most majestic old growth stands of red oak I’ve ever seen. Climbing the peaks each autumn with my hunt gang in pursuit of a whitetail buck is always exciting, and this year is no exception. I have been fortunate to take some truly magnificent whitetail bucks at Kenauk over the years but, as most deer hunters know, it’s not all about the harvest.

Getting out in the crisp, cool fall air with the boys planning out each hunt with a fine-tooth comb is what we live for. Coming together as a team; strategizing and pouring over topographic maps and GPS co-ordinates with hopes of positioning ourselves for a chance at a deer. Many years our best planning does not translate into a sagging game pole and that’s fine with me. The experience is what it’s all about and what an experience it is! For more info on Kenauk Nature: http://kenauk.com/

Fish, Hunt & Ride Fall issue If you have not yet found an issue of everyone’s favourite magazine – Fish, Hunt & Ride, I suggest you find one at our nearly 300 location. The FHR summer edition celebrated Ontario’s reinstatement of the black spring bear hunt with adventures penned by several columnists’ including ‘Uncle’ Ted Nugent. Our fall issue will be bigger and better than ever with scads of hunting, fishing and riding stories, news, tips and tricks.

Fall is ALL about hunting and we really take it to heart in our next edition. Fish, Hunt & Ride would like to welcome a new member of our team: Ashley Rae of SheLovesToFish.com fame. Ashley is a gal who lives and breathes the great outdoors and is as passionate an angler as I’ve ever seen. Be sure to read Ashley’s first column along with great material from other members of our team of experts and specialists. Oh and hey, Old Toothless is celebrating 20 years, read our fall issue for more details. If you have an upcoming hunting, fishing, or ATV event in your area you’d like to mention or advertise, drop us a line. In the meantime check out our website: www.fishhuntandride.ca.

Safety always comes first! Statistics show that firearms-related accidents are rare during the hunting season, however there are other health and safety concerns to be aware of. Perhaps our greatest hazard, apart from falling asleep in the tree stand, would be muscle strain and body fatigue.

For many hunters, deer season can be one of most strenuous activities of the year. After trekking five miles or more up and down the mountains, aches and pains are part of the package and injury a possibility. Simple stretching exercises in the morning can help get the old body loosened up and ready for an enjoyable day in the woods. For those who do a lot of walking like we do, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Waking up at camp in the middle of the night with excruciating leg pain from muscle spasms can be avoided if you don’t let yourself get dehydrated. Trust me on this one. Good luck, happy hunting and be safe out there this fall!

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Late Season in the Great Outdoors


Seasonal changes are upon us, you can just feel it in the air and our fish and wildlife are greatly influenced by it.

Fish species like northern pike and muskie, which spent much of the summer in deep water, slowly begin to appear in shallower more ‘fishable’ water. Seasonal movement is observed among the white-tailed deer population as well. With the buck’s antler development all but complete, resident males will travel into open fields for the annual meet and greet with the boys. As the pre-season sizing-up period approaches, bucks congregate in groups to compare antlers size and establish the pecking order. Late summer can be one of the best times to observe critters on the move so be on the look-out, and have your camera ready!

Fish, Hunt & Ride magazine

I trust by now you have all found the summer issue of everyone’s favorite magazine, Fish, Hunt & Ride? Our summer edition celebrates, among other things, Ontario’s reinstatement of the spring black bear season with hunting adventures by several columnists’ including ‘Uncle’ Ted Nugent. Add to that more fishing, riding and hunting than you can shake a stick at and you’ve got Ontario and Quebec’s most comprehensive publication. Special note of thanks to Pembroke native and FHR columnist; Jordan Durocher for his work organizing the 1st Annual Upper Ottawa River Kayak Fishing Derby held Aug. 6. With a total of 28 participants, it was a darn good turn-out for its first year and Jordan tells me the event was tons of fun too! If you have upcoming hunting, fishing, or ATV/watersports events in your area you’d like to mention or advertise, drop me a line. In the meantime check-out our website: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca.

Lexus RX-350, luxury at its best

The completely redesigned 2016 Lexus RX-350 SUV I tried-out recently came with a 3.5-liter V6 under the hood kicking-out a more than ample 295 horses; and launching me soundly (and safely) up the Ottawa Valley to Cobden. Road-testing a luxury SUV is a new experience for me and I savoured the task to the very end. The new RX-350’s interior was very well-appointed with a high-end quality feeling throughout. The gauges were nicely laid out and quite user-friendly. This RX featured a joystick controller, which is much like a computer mouse and took some getting used to. Lexus is about quality and safety and the new RX-350 is rated as the safest luxury SUV on the market. Through the Enform App Suite located on the large centre console, you can stream music or listen to live radio once the app has been installed. Perhaps the most interesting feature I discovered; however, was the colour heads-up display where important parameters such as current speed, gear and RPM are projected onto the lower part of your windshield. I referred to it as the ‘hologram.’ This neat safety feature keeps the driver’s eyes on the road at all times and I found it absolutely succeeded. Oh, and the Mark Levinson Premium surround sound system is by far the best automobile sound system I have ever heard! It was much like sitting front row at a Guns & Roses concert and trust me I’ve been there. My time with the 2016 Lexus RX-350 was short but sweet and I was sad to give it up. For more information on the RX-350, check out: http://www.lexus.com/models/RX/technology

Arnprior fundraiser dinner

It was great this week to hear from my old pal Blake Corbin, host of Outdoors in the Valley Radio Show on the awesome Valley Heritage Radio (FM 98.7) in Renfrew. Blake wanted to give me the heads-up on the annual Arnprior Fish and Game Club fundraiser dinner being held on Sept. 10. For more information on Blake’s show on Valley Heritage Radio: http://valleyheritageradio.ca/meet-our-djs/blake-corbin/

Next time

Be sure to check-out my next column when I discuss the upcoming moose season.

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Fish, Hunt & Ride Magazine – Summer issue now available!

FHRSUmmer

Hey all you hunters, fisherfolk and ATV enthusiasts out there, the Summer issue of Fish, Hunt & Ride is finally here, fresh off the press and it’s bigger and better all the time!

Now available at more than 200 Outlets across eastern Ontario, Western Quebec and the Laurentians, our exciting new edition features all the summertime action you can shake a stick at.

FHR Magazine celebrates the return of Ontario Spring bear hunt with cover story featuring our columnist ‘Uncle’ Ted Nugent’s trip to Wawa earlier this Spring! We also welcome our new Columnist, well know angler and professional fishing guide; Jamie Pistilli!

You can pick up your copy of FHR in such places as; Barry’s Bay, Killaloe, Forrester’s Falls, Golden Lake and Madawaska up the Ottawa Valley, and across in the Pontiac at Fort Colounge, Gracefield, Low and all points in-between. We even have FHR Magazine available at a number of roadside boxes around town.

For more information on where to find an Outlet near you or to read the latest issue online, check out our website; www.fishhuntandride.ca

Please stop by our Facebook Page as well and let us know what you think of the new issue: www.facebook.com/fishhuntandride

I hope everyone is enjoying a great summer so far?!

 

Outdoorsguy

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Anglers excited about pike and walleye

Jeff Morrison with a decent early-season northern pike he caught in Cobden.
Valley anglers in search of northern pike and walleye have been out in full force with both species now fair game in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15. Be sure to check the rules and regulations before hitting the water this weekend! Where length limits apply, anglers should measure their catch carefully, and any fish caught must also be kept whole so it can be measured by a conservation officer. If you should accidentally catch another species for which the season is still closed, it must be immediately (and safely) returned to the water. FMZ 15 is a very large Zone 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. Best of luck in all your northern pike and walleye endeavours. I am hoping to land a few myself this weekend in Cobden. Early season northern pike offer great table fare too with four to five pounders being the best eating size in my opinion.

Conserving trout

When it came to brook trout, in my younger days it was always felt that ‘a fish caught was a fish kept’ but it doesn’t need to be that way anymore. To safely release a brook trout requires patience and a soft touch at canoe or boat-side. Barbless hooks and a good set of long-nosed pliers are a must. To witness a beautiful brook trout swimming away after a nice battle is an incredible feeling. Sure, you can keep enough smaller fish to bring home but doing your part for conservation will surely pay off in the end. If you had asked me 15 years ago about letting a two to three pound brook trout go, I probably would have laughed. Practising conservation of the species requires self-control but offers copious long-term reward.

Bear hunt across the river

With all the hubbub around pike and pickerel, don’t forgot about the spring bear hunt across the river which also got under way this past weekend. Hunters need ‘bear’ in mind that in certain sectors of the Outaouais the season closes on June 15, two weeks earlier than for rest of the province which allows bear hunting until June 30. With the month of June fast approaching, the once cautious animals will have become accustomed to feeding regularly at bait sites, and with the onset of mating season, adult males’ travel extensively in search of a mate. Both of these factors will have a positive effect on a hunter’s success rate. For more information on bear hunting across the river, contact Tourism Quebec: 1 877 BONJOUR (266-5687).

Fish, Hunt & Ride magazine spring issue

The spring issue of Fish, Hunt & Ride magazine is now available at over 130 outlets across eastern Ontario and Western Quebec FREE of charge. Our exciting new issue features black bear, spring trout, steelhead, turkey filming, ATV events, shed antler hunting, fly-fishing tips, an interview with ‘Uncle’ Ted Nugent and more. Pick up your copy of FHR in such towns as Barry’s Bay, Killaloe, Forresters Falls, Golden Lake and Madawaska up the Ottawa Valley, and across in the Pontiac, at Fort Colounge, Gracefield and Low. In Pembroke, look for copies available at Pembroke Esso, Suny’s, Bee Line Wreckers and more, or in Petawawa at Petawawa Guns and Petawawa Pizza. For more information on where to find an outlet near you, check out our website: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca.