Tag: Kenauk Nature

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Hunting & Fishing in God’s Country

Summer is meant to be enjoyed leisurely with family and friends in an outdoor setting and the Ottawa Valley is the best place I know.

Camping, cottaging and fishing are a few of the activities I enjoy during the summer months. What about you? One day, we could be casting for pike and bass at our trailer in Cobden, and the next I might be scouting the deer woods or doing work on the hunt camp. Holiday season is all about getting back to basics and enjoying things that really matter.

Plan a tour in your beautiful Ottawa Valley this summer, it truly is God’s Country.

Renegade bass opener

This past weekend, pro bass anglers of the Renegade Bass tour ascended on Muskrat Lake in Cobden. As the officially launch of Renegade’s 2018 season, Muskrat was a logical starting place and, by all accounts, it was a great weekend. Located in the town of Cobden, Muskrat has long been a favourite spot of the pro circuit. Renegade Bass Tour’s 150 and under events are restricted to max 150 horsepower and include water weigh-in and a live release boat.

There is a 50 team maximum size with 100 per cent cash payout. For more information on the next event: (www.renegadebass.com»)

Kenauk Nature for trout

For those trout fishing fanatics out there, my favourite home away from home – Kenauk Nature in Montebello, Que., is offering copious trout opportunities this summer.

The newly renovated hatchery produces 25 tons of rainbow, brook and brown trout each year, providing Kenauk with a renewable supply of fish stocks. That translates into about 100,000 adult trout and ensures that each and every lake will offer a unique angling experience.

I’ve fished many of the lakes on the territory over the years and, as an avid trout guy, they are top notch. Ask for my pal and expert trout guide Jamie Pistilli for your enjoyable day on the water. Kenauk Nature is endorsed by the Quebec Outfitters Federation and is one of the oldest private hunting and fishing preserves in North America.

For more info: (kenauk.com) more info on the Quebec Outfitters Federation: (www.pourvoiries.com)

Observer, end of an era

Someone, please wake me up when July ends! The idea that our beloved Daily Observer (in its current format) will say goodbye forever still makes me so sad. What a state of affairs our modern day newspaper industry has become, with so many cuts of late. We plug away, nevertheless undaunted, and despite media turmoil I encourage and support my daughter as she heads off to Carleton University’s Journalism program this fall, full of vim and vigour.

I must admit that lingering questions do remain. What will our local media situation be like in four years when she graduates? Will any opportunities exist for that fresh batch of eager young reporters? I say yes! As a freelance writer with numerous publications over the past 20 years, I have seen and felt the effects of newspaper shrinkage, with full-time staffers always the hardest hit. My thoughts are with all the fine contributors of this paper who will no longer be here once the dust settles. Seeking new employment is perhaps the most stressful of any of life’s changes, and though I am not a full-time resident of your beautiful valley, I have spent enough time here to feel entrenched. Even this adopted son feels the pain, and I wish each and every one of you happy trails. The faithful readers who’ve followed this publication day in, day out for decades will also feel a void.

Time will tell if my Outdoors Guy column finds another temporary home here amidst the remaining scribes. If I should be so fortunate to stay, I embrace the challenge of sharing more stories and news about hunting and fishing with all you fine folks and, if not well, the pleasure was all mine. Please keep in touch: [email protected].

Yours in the Great Outdoors, Jeff Morrison

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Another exciting deer season

My annual deer hunt at Kenauk Nature in Montebello is the highlight of my year and this fall was no exception. The famous Quebec deer woods, with its majestic old growth stands of oak, brings me back every time.

Climbing the peaks each November in pursuit of a trophy whitetail buck is about as exciting as it gets, and this year was no exception. On one hand, I am in a paradise living a hunter’s dream of pursing whitetails in one of our region’s most scenic woods. Then on the other hand my Montebello trip is the last kick at the hunting can for the year.

This deer season, I was not presented with the opportunity to harvest a buck and that’s okay with me, it is why we call it hunting after all. My partner Jim and I climbed many miles of clean hardwoods and exposed bedrock chasing a particular buck we found good sign of, but could never catch up to. We were encouraged this fall to see increased whitetail activity overall, both here and back home around our family camp near Mont. Tremblant. Though we left Kenauk’s Muskrat Chalet empty-handed, I feel completely fulfilled as a hunter and fortunate to have experienced such an amazing deer woods. Perhaps next year I will have the chance to harvest a mature whitetail but until then, I am left with the memories of another great season. Thanks to Bill Nowell for facilitating my annual trip to this little slice of heaven.

To experience a wilderness at its best and top notch accommodations, check out:  http://kenauk.com/ If you’re considering deer hunting in the province of Quebec, visit the Québec Outfitters Federation:  https://www.pourvoiries.com/en/hunting-quebec/species/white-tailed-deer/

Backyard deer feeding
Winter deer feeding can be a controversial issue in this part of the country, even though I continue to do it almost every year. When carried out properly, supplemental feeding not only serves as a great past-time, but can be of benefit to these animals once snow depth increases. Once you begin distributing feed in early winter; however, it is imperative to continue throughout the winter, as the animal’s digestive system will adapt to the supplemented diet. Game management agencies usually discourage backyard feeding, for the fact that most people are not familiar enough with white-tailed deer diet requirements. Another way to help is by increasing access to the deer’s natural winter forage by creating trails with a snowmobile or ATV or even snowshoes, to offer our deer friends improved access to winter browse.

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.

Ice-fishing safety
With ice fishing season just around the corner, fishermen should consider registering their hut this winter. Not only is ice hut registration a requirement by law it goes a long way in preventing wayward huts later in the season.   Abandoned huts which end-up in waterways after the thaw will create havoc for boaters and early season fishermen. To register your hut in Pembroke District, please call the ministry office at: (613) 732-3661

Next time
Check out next month’s column for your Valley ice-fishing primer. Drop me a line anytime with your hunting and fishing news and let us know where you plan to fish this winter: [email protected]

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Kenauk Nature, a Quebec deer hunting tradition

White-tailed deer hunters everywhere are joining in the annual pursuit of North America’s most sought after big-game animal, and the province of Quebec has some of the most underrated deer hunting in existence.

Deer season is a special and sentimental time I have enjoyed immensely for the past 37 years. From my first deer hunt back in 1980 when my father brought me to the family hunt camp near Mont Tremblant, I was immediately hooked. Of course I lucked-out that year when a big eight-point buck ran straight out to me on opening morning. It was an exciting time for a green-horn hunter and I believe most hunters, young and old, still share this child-like enthusiasm for the deer season and Kenauk Nature has always been my favourite place to pursue whitetails.

 

Deer hunting at Kenauk’s 65,000 acre private paradise is time I look forward to year after year. The famous Montebello, Quebec Preserve 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 in pursuit of a trophy whitetail buck is always exciting and I have been fortunate to take some truly magnificent whitetails at Kenauk over the years.

Getting out to enjoy Quebec’s crisp, cool fall air each fall is what I 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 is ok with me, there have been more than enough successful years to make up for it. One year in particular, I enjoyed the most exciting deer action in recent memory and Kenauk is where it all unfolded.

From the very start of the 2012 deer season I had a feeling I was in store for something marvelous…

First hunt of opening day and a dandy (but not legal) 4-point yearling strolled out to me at the end of a lake I was watching. (Kenauk practises QDM and has a 6-point or better rule) The scrappy little buck got to within 10 feet of where I was sitting and never even knew I was there. I knew this little guy well from photos I had on my trail cam, and I had no intention of raising my rifle on him even if he was legal.  I sat there quietly and enjoyed the sight of this young lad as he disappeared over the hill. As the days went on, my Kenauk deer sighting went sky-high. On one chase alone I had 8 deer coming to me including two bucks; one a spike and the other a forkhorn. I already had 3 bucks appear at close range and I still hadn’t raised the rifle.

By the final day of the season, I promised my then 81-year old father that HE would sit in the location where the 8 deer had appeared the day before.

As I watching the knoll in front of me with another watchful eye over in my father’s direction, my finger’s were crossed. Surely if the big buck which had been making all the rubs and scrapes was around, he should appear and practically run my father over in his hotspot. My poor Dad had seen but 1 whitetail all season and deserved this chance at a nice buck. But alas, as irony and my fate as deer magnet won out, I heard the rustling of leaves on the hill above me and the glimpse of antler caught my attention.  Sneaking down the ridge in front of me was one of the biggest set of ivory white antlers I’d ever laid eyes on!  

“How could this be?” I thought. “This isn’t the hotspot, the oldman is supposed to see this deer over there!!”

A small but persistent wave of guilt come over me. Finally, instinct took over as I picked out a semi-clear window in the brush I figured this majestic beast would step into. And as my continuous knack for doing everything right won out, the deer stopped into the very spot I had chosen; as if on cue. Within seconds it was all over and a marvelous 10-point king was mine.

As I walked up to this magnificent beast I knew this had to my destiny and I couldn’t fight fate any longer. This Kenauk deer was a very special animal indeed and not your run-of-the-mill whitetail. He sported an almost perfectly symmetrical 5X5 crown with long sweeping main beams and even showed signs of “piebald” pigmentation along his lower legs and hooves. Two hooves were half white and half brown almost like a pair of white slippers!

If a memorable whitetail hunt is what you’re looking for this fall, keep Kenauk Nature in mind or one of the other great Quebec Outfitters. For more information on deer hunting at Kenauk Nature: http://kenauk.com/activities/hunting/

If you’re considering the deer hunt of a lifetime this fall, visit the Québec Outfitters Federation: https://www.pourvoiries.com/en/hunting-quebec/species/white-tailed-deer/ for all the hunting and lodging information you will ever need.

Happy hunting and I hope to see you in La Belle Province!

 

 

 

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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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Whitetail season is upon us

For those who missed my October Outdoors Guy column in the Pembroke Daily Observer, here you go:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2015/10/08/canadian-whitetail-hunters-celebrate-annual-tradition

 

This one is dedicated to the legend of Rick Whitetail Guru Poulin:

 

Canadian whitetail hunters celebrate annual tradition

The Outdoor Guy, Jeff Morrison, poses with a fine whitetail buck taken at Kenauk Nature in Montebello, Que.

The Outdoors Guy, Jeff Morrison, poses with a fine whitetail buck taken at Kenauk Nature in Montebello, Quebec

With the scent of this country’s whitetail season wafting down from the north country, deer hunting enthusiasts are getting ‘hopped-up on goofballs’ for the most anticipated time of year.

Every year around this time a deer hunter’s thoughts transcend everyday consciousness to become ‘at one’ with nature. It is often difficult to put into words what whitetail season means to those who participate annually.  As I celebrate my 35th year in God’s Country with my 84 year-old father and a handful of close hunting companions, I am constantly reminded of some of my most cherished memories from the past 3.5 decades, and they’re numerous.

Behold the dark ghost

I was an impressionable young hunter back in November 1983, the time a truly giant whitetail buck slipped through the Quebec hardwoods like a ghost and appeared before me, larger than life. So large in fact and dark in colour, I was convinced it was a moose and lowered my rifle. By the time this inexperienced 16-year old realized the so-called moose was actually a 300 pound rut-swollen whitetail buck, the beast had already moved down the ridge and melted from view. My uncle, the late Alfred Morrison, was perched over the next hill and put his experience to work. It is memories like this which remain etched in a hunter’s ‘grey matter’ and return to the forefront each fall when they pass that same spot in the woods. I believe each and every hunter shares this childlike enthusiasm along with a full comprehension of the importance of time spent afield.

Testing, testing

Since warm outerwear and cool weather go hand-in-hand like conservation and Canada’s trapping heritage, I recently field-tested some apparel from Canadian company – Canada Goose, in preparation for deer season.  Famous for their luxurious winter parkas adorned with coyote fur collars, the Canada Goose Expedition Clothing Company has been making quality outerwear since 1957. Today, the company offers some of the most sought-after coats and jackets on the market, used by many of the country’s law enforcement agencies. Unfortunately their products have been targeted of late by animMy Sitesal rights groups that take offence to the use of coyote fur in some of the collars, even though animal fur is recognized as probably the most organic and self-sustaining material known to man. The Hybridge Lite model jacket I tested on a scouting and trail camera expedition recently was as comfortable and warm as any jacket I’ve used yet.

Awarded the Best Backcountry Jacket by Outside Magazine, I knew there must be something special about the product.  This ‘lightweight down’ as it’s known in the industry, fit like a glove and stood up to some pretty heavy bush travel. Weighing in at less than 1 pound, the Hybridge Lite was more of a second skin than it was a jacket. The product combines 800-fill goose down with a 10D rip stop nylon shell and stretchy Tensile-Tech fleece side panels. Designed with cuff bindings and thumb holes to keep snow out, the Hybridge Lite is also easily rolled up and stowed away. Be prepared for the slim fit as the product is designed snug with the intention of layering as weather gets cooler. All in all, I was more than satisfied with quality and functionality of this product making for the perfect pre-season outerwear! For more information on this or other Canada Goose Products: http://www.canada-goose.com/

Hunt safely with Rick’s spirit

Statistics show that serious accidents are quite rare during the hunting season, however mishaps do occur. Perhaps our greatest concern apart from falling asleep in the tree stand, would be muscle strain and body fatigue. After trekking five miles or more up and down the mountains each day, aches and pains are part of the deal and injury a possibility. Simple stretching exercises in the morning helps your body get loosened-up and ready for an enjoyable day in the backwoods. Good luck this fall and may the spirit of local legend Rick ‘Whitetail Guru’ Poulin be with you in your travels.