My June Outdoors Guy column in the Pembroke Daily Observer was out in print this week, and is now available online: http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/
Bass may be the last fishing season to open each summer but with a growing list of devotees, it remains one of the most popular sport fish in Canada.
Each year, the Valley bass season in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 15 gets underway the forth Saturday in June; two weeks later than most other sport fish. From a conservation standpoint, a later start allows for smallmouth and largemouth to complete the spawn and for young bass to mature so they may fend for themselves. Other 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, otherwise known as the Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 12, may begin bass fishing next Friday, one day before the rest of the FMZ 15. If anyone’s looking for me next weekend, I’ll be in Cobden trying to beat my personal bass record of 7 pounds.
Deer tags up for grabs!
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 license, 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
Testing testing
I recently had the opportunity of trying-out a pair of Kamik’s new Bushman hunting boots and was very pleased that I did. Truth be told, I was not a huge proponent of old-school Kamik boots from the 1980’s. They were big and clunky and after a long day of lugging them around the bush, your legs were more fatigued than would be expected. Thank goodness things have changed greatly from a design standpoint, with this long-running Canadian boot manufacturer. The new Bushman boots are more form-fitting and snug around the ankles for improved comfort and support. These Kamik’s are 100 per cent waterproof with 7mm 4-way stretch neoprene uppers and a waterproof synthetic rubber shell. Part of reason they’re so lightweight is the company’s patented synthetic rubber material, which is 50% lighter than natural rubber and 30% lighter than other synthetic rubbers in its class resulting in a terrific lightweight, waterproof combination. I tested the new Bushman on uneven terrain while setting-up some new trail camera locations in the forest behind my house, but I could see these boots serving well during the first week of deer season. Kamik has succeeded in producing a solid pair of waterproof boots that weigh-in at a scant 34 ounces! For more information, check-out Kamik hunting boots online: http://www.kamik.com/b2c_int_en/men-boots-elements-S15.html
BAIT tourney a success!
The 27th annual Blind Anglers International Tournament (BAIT) hosted by Nangor Resort in Westmeath on May 29-30th was another big success and set a record for the most fish caught, with 11 walleye and 107 pike weighed-in, for a total of 287.6 pounds! The Catch of the Day prize went to the team of Pro Angler Rick Klatt and Blind Anglers; Darrell & David Furgoch. Biggest Pike prize was taken by team of Pro Rick Martin and Blind Angler Gord Wilson, with a nice 9.36 pound pike. The Biggest Walleye award went to Pro Angler Dan Fanning and Blind Angler Bill Rizzo. Number of Pike prize was taken by Pro James Vaillant and Blind Angler Madelaine Peters with 6 pike, weighing in at 24.52 pounds. The Number of Walleye prize went to Pro John Podlesny and Blind Angler Tad Skalski, for their 3 walleye weighing 3.57 pounds. A special thanks to Lions Club Chairman Al Page for the update and a huge round of applause to all the volunteers and Nangor Resort for another fanatic BAIT tournament!
