Dogs a hazard for wintering deer

Winter weather(regardless how severe) is tough on white-tailed deer populations and domestic dogs on the loose will only exacerbate the situation. (Don’t get me wrong I am a huge dog lover, but I agree that man’s best friend has no place in the wild pestering the whitetail herd)

You may recall my story from a few winters past where a barking howl of a animal in my back field broke the early morning silence. At first I thought it was a coyote but the distinctive domestic canine sound reverberated.

Dammit!!

One of my neighbour’s dogs had apparently gotten loose and was chasing deer through my backfield!! My heart sank as I knew the implications.

The deer I was feeding at the time included an orphaned fawn and a buck with a bad leg (pictured above) were not seen again for more than a week.

I never did locate that pestering dog, but evidently it really put the run on my deer, as the lame buck finally returned to the feeder limping worse than I’d ever seen. He could barely walk at this point.

Less than 3 weeks later that same buck could walk no more and the Ottawa Police were called-in to have it put down.

The incident is a reminder of why we MUST control our pets, especially during wintertime.

Pet owners who allow their animals to run wild -regardless of the breed – are NOT ONLY breaking the law, their actions can be devastating for deer at a fragile time of year. MNRF Conservation Officers deal with belligerent pet-owners every winter and are authorized to destroy any dogs seen chasing or injuring deer in areas where herds gather for the winter.

Penalties for allowing your dog to be at large during the closed season for deer, range from $155 up to $25,000. 

Both domestic and feral dogs can create undue stress for whitetails as they gather in yards for protection. At this time of year, when deer subsist largely off fat reserves, the simple act of running through deep snow for long periods can drain much needed energy reserves, and leave the animals unable to cope with cold winter temperatures.

Winter stress is also directly proportional to the health of fawns born in the spring.

Should you witness any dogs on the loose in your area, please call 1-877-TIPS-MNRF (613) 847-7667 toll-free any time.

Outdoorsguy

Ice fishing safety for if/when it freezes

This weeks outdoors column in the Pembroke Daily Observer:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2015/12/17/safety-first-when-ice-fishing

 

Safety first when ice-fishing

 Photo courtesy of Jeff Morrison<br />
Avid winter angler Grant Bailey with a nice walleye pulled through the ice.
Avid winter angler Grant Bailey with a nice walleye pulled through the ice.

With ice fishing season presumably just around the corner, winter anglers are reminded that safety must always come first.

Winter anglers who venture out on the ice this winter, should always advise someone where they will be fishing and when they plan to return. Seasonally-appropriate clothing and equipment are also vital for safety and comfort. Some winter fisherfolk prefer to wear survival suits and carry a set of safety ice picks, while others go so far as constructing modified ‘ice cars’ with all the doors removed and the roof cut-out, in the event of an untimely plunge. Remember that ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers; especially at the start of the winter season when near-shore ice is always thicker than ice further out.

The Pembroke Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry wishes to advise anglers that not only is ice hut registration a requirement by law, it goes a long way to preventing wayward huts later in the season. Abandoned ice huts which end up in waterways after the thaw create havoc for boaters and early season fishermen. Registration numbers on all huts should be at least 2 1/2″ inches in height for improved visibility. You do not need to register tent-style huts made of cloth or synthetic material provided the base measurement is less than seven square metres. (75.4 square feet) To register your hut in Pembroke District, please call the MNRF at 613-732-3661

Supplemental deer feeding

Winter deer feeding is not just an enjoyable winter pastime it can be of great benefit to these animals as snow depth increases and temperatures drop. I currently have a half dozen, or so, whitetails feeding at my place which is about average for this time of year. I have had as many as 16 deer feeding at one time in the boom years. Remember that if you begin distributing feed in early winter, as I have, it is imperative to continue until spring as the animal’s digestive system will adapt to the supplemented diet. Ritchie’s Feed and Seed sells a terrific pelletized deer feed I’ve been using for years with good success. I’m sure other feed stores up the Valley produce a similar blend. Another less expensive way to help out our ‘deer friends’ during winter months is through increased access to natural winter forage, by creating hard-packed trail with snowmobile, ATV or even snowshoes. With deer numbers down in many areas it wouldn’t hurt to provide a helping hand this winter.

Fish, Hunt & Ride magazine – now available!

By now, sporting enthusiasts in the Valley have caught a glimpse of my new hunting and fishing magazine – Fish, Hunt & Ride (FHR) – distributed this past week to more than 100 outlets across Eastern and Northern Ontario and Western Quebec. My writing team not only includes regular material from Pembroke native (and trapper extraordinaire) Jordan Durocher, as well as a team of other great local writers, you have surely been enjoying Ted Nugent’s first FHR column. Uncle Ted will be with the magazine each and every issue. Feel free to send comments or suggestions on this new local publication and be sure to check out our Fish, Hunt & Ride (FHR) website: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca/

Great Outdoors Trivia Contest

Every year I hold a Great Outdoors Trivia Contest, in some form or another. They are always well received and include a generous price package courtesy of Tinks Scents and Brecks/Williams fishing tackle. This year I decided to kick the contest off right here with my good friends at the Pembroke Daily Observer! Everyone knows there are more hunters, fishermen and trappers per capita living in the Ottawa Valley than almost anywhere else in the world! You will need to be sharp and stealthy for this array of trivia questions, as they will require not only a vast knowledge of the great outdoors, but a keen eye as well. Stay tuned in January for Question #1.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all and I’ll see you right here next month!

FISH, HUNT & RIDE MAGAZINE – Fall/Winter Launch finally here!

FHR - LaunchCover JPG

Well folks, the long wait is nearly over…..

I am very proud to introduce the inaugural issue of FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine available in newsstands, sports stores and various assorted outlets throughout Eastern ON, Northern ON and Western QC, later this week!

I’d like to take this opportunity of thanking our faithful publisher Mr. Dave Brown, who had the brilliant foresight to expand on success he already enjoyed with Ottawa Outdoors Magazine these past 15 years. If not for Dave’s forward thinking and the idea of ‘completing the outdoor picture’ FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine would never have come to fruition.

I would also like to officially thank my Editorial staff – the best damn team of columnists I could have assembled under one magazine cover:  

Amanda Lynn Meyhew, Grant Hopkins, Doug Phillips, Brian Houle, Grant Bailey, Sheila Ascroft, Don Wilcox, Ed Hand, Jordan Durocher and last but certainly not least everyone’s favourite uncle, the Motor City Madman himself,  Mr. Ted Nugent!

Without this incredible team of highly-skilled and accomplished writers, hunters, guitar players, anglers, cyclists, scientists, trappers, talk show hosts, ATV’er, conservationists, journalists and Spirit Bloodbrothers, NONE of FHR would ever have been possible!

Thank you, thank you and thank you!!!!

We look forward to hearing from you (the reader) with ideas and suggestions on future issues. Check out our website: fishhuntandride.ca and look for us(& like us) on Facebook!

Yours in the Outdoors,

Jeff Morrison

Editor-in-Chief – FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine

 

 

White-tailed deer in need of urgent overhaul

For hunters, fishermen and conservationists up the Valley, my Pembroke Daily Observer Outdoors Column is out today; in print and online:

http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2015/11/19/white-tailed-deer-herds-in-eastern-ontario-in-need-of-urgent-overhaul

 

White-tailed deer herds in Eastern Ontario in need of urgent overhaul

White-tailed deer
(White-tailed deer family group gathers at lake-side – photo taken at Kenauk Nature in Montebello 2012)

Our region’s once burgeoning deer population appears to be in peril and, in this writer’s opinion, urgent game management is required.

As a passionate conservationist and hunter for the past 35 years, I have studied big-game management, counted pellets groups for the MNR and managed winter deer yards. I have been called a biologist, outdoor writer and a highly dedicated deer enthusiast. During the winter months, as many of you know, I operate a small backyard feeder where I monitor behavioural patterns on a small local herd, while photographing the majestic animals that venture into my back field.

What I witnessed this year firsthand and following several reports from hunt camps across eastern Ontario and western Quebec, our deer friends are evidently not in good shape!

Deer population in decline

Over the past few years things in my Quebec deer woods appeared to be on the rebound, however, numbers this fall are noticeably bleak. Predator levels continue to soar in most regions and whitetail populations are in obvious need of assistance in order to rebound correctly. As I continue to micro-manage my own deer, it is discouraging to see a herd in such a state of disarray. My family territory serves as a grim reminder of how bad things really are.

Following five days of solid hunting, which includes some proven deer drives and not a single whitetail was observed.  Folks, there is no longer room for ‘meat hunters’ under the current condition of our whitetail woods. From what I witnessed this fall it will take several years of controlled harvests, improved winter deer yard management and wise management choices from both Quebec and Ontario wildlife agencies to get back on track.  Better still, close the season down completely for a year or perhaps two, but of course governments would never go for that.

Shades of 2008

Moving through the new millennium was a turning point in Central Canada as deer herds were blossoming big time. By the fall of 2006 and 2007 whitetail numbers and annual harvests where highest they had ever been. Deer populations in eastern Ontario reached densities as high as 14 deer/km2 and Quebec saw their highest annual harvest in 2007 with an impressive 75,000 animals. Hunter success rates continued to soar and all seemed right in the deer world. Then the record-breaking snowfall of 2008 was upon us like a cloak of darkness – spelling doom and disaster for ungulate populations. Whitetail numbers in some areas plummeted by more than 1/3.

It has been a very slow rebuild since that time and now whitetail numbers appear to be faultering again back to levels seen in 2009 – 2010. We need hunters and government agencies on-board in order to properly address this issue, and for goodness sake let’s hope it isn’t too late!

Ice-fishing safety

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 .

New local hunting and fishing magazine to launch this fall!

Following my announcement of the new hunting and fishing magazine – Fish, Hunt & Ride (FHR) featuring yours truly as editor-in-chief, there have been more exciting developments. When FHR is distributed early December, sportsmen up the Ottawa Valley and throughout Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec will be given a real treat.  FHR Mag not only includes a regular column by Pembroke native Jordan Durocher (and a selection of other great writers from QC & ON) but the one and only ‘Uncle’ Ted Nugent will also be a HUGE part of FHR with his own regular column. Check out our website: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca/

 

Outdoors Guy interview with FHR Columnist Ted Nugent – Part 1

Mr. Ted Nugent, FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine’s latest columnist, was gracious enough to leave his tree stand briefly to participate in a frank and informative Q&A session.

It’s not every day a small-town boy has the good fortune of conversing with someone like the NUGE and I really took it to heart; coming up with questions I feel would be of interest to the hunting & rock ‘n roll communities, and of personal interest as well.

 

PART 1 of my Uncle Ted Interview:

 

Outdoors Guy:

“Ok Ted, I realize your hunting prowess has spanned the globe over several decades, but would there be one hunt in particular that stands out from the rest as the most meaningful? “

 

Ted Nugent:

“All my life’s passions run very deep and amazingly after nearly 67 years of nonstop hunting, it is impossible to pinpoint a #1 hunting experience above all others. That being said, I will say however that those many times I have been so humbly blessed to be thought of and invited to take a terminally ill child on their last hunt request in life may very well represent the greatest gift a person can receive from another. To say that it is life changing and spiritually fortifying does not come close to the powerful impact it has had on me and my family. Those moving experiences will stay with us forever.”

 

 

Outdoors Guy:

“How do you balance a music, hunting and conservation career, a home life, recreational hunting, along with the other irons you have in the fire, yet still remain balanced and (somewhat) sane? Does your hectic schedule ever get the best of you, or can you simply take things in stride?”

 

Ted Nugent:

“Being 67 years clean and sober with damn good genetics, with a sensible physical regimen and a killer smart diet of wild game provides me a very healthy, high energy condition to allow me to tackle any and all of my passions and dreams. That I have always surrounded myself with the very best people possible, as you have witnessed working with my personal assistant Linda, my team can move mountains, and we do. Every individual from management, Spirit of the Wild TV production, Sunrize Safaris, and nonstop rock-n-roll mayhem are fulltime master asskickers!”

 

 

Outdoors Guy:  

“In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine rated the Top 50 guitarists of all time and you ranked #4 on the list. Would you agree or disagree with that ranking? “

 

Ted Nugent:

“Music and guitar playing in particular are so very personal and subjective that any such list can only represent those that compile it. I happen to love my guitar playing more than any other while loving and respecting all those amazing 6 string virtuosos out there that provide us the dynamo soundtrack to our lives. The greatest musical honor I could have ever dreamed of was bestowed upon me a few years back when Michigan voted me the #1 Detroit guitarist of all times. Lord have mercy, that feels beyond wonderful.”

 

 

Outdoors Guy:

“Ted, you’ve stated many times that venison is your all-time favorite game meat. If suddenly there were no more deer what game meats would fill its place as #1 on the Nugent table? “

 

Ted Nugent:

“We love all game; deer, elk, moose, caribou, bear, pronghorn, hogs, grouse, woodcock, pheasant, quail, doves, snipe, squirrels, rabbits, ducks, geese, cranes, woodchucks and all the African and exotic game. The way we prepare our game, every meal is so damn good its crazy! I will share many of our recipes in upcoming FHR columns.”

 

 

Outdoors Guy:

“Ok, you have lots of fans up here in the Nation’s Capital, why haven’t you performed here in ages? Each summer in July the City of Ottawa hosts one of the largest musical festival in the world, would you ever consider playing at Bluesfest? And what if the Outdoors Guy promised to bring you hunting while you were here?”

 

Ted Nugent:

“I’ve rocked across Canada for nearly 50 years and have loved every gig. I only tour the summer months these days so I hope to hell to get back up there ASAP. You people deserve me!”

 

 

Outdoors Guy Thank You:

“Hey Ted, thanks so very much for your time and for the terrific and candid responses! Wishing you all the best throughout the hunting season.”

 
Ted Nugent:

“The best of luck to you & yours Jeff! Thank God everyday we are deerhunters! YOWZA! Aim small miss small, go ultra stealthy! kill the beast! cherish this special family spirit time! Ted”

 

Mr. Ted Nugent joins FISH, HUNT & RIDE magazine team!!

TedNugentPic1

It is with supreme honour that I welcome to my FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine writing team, North America’s most prolific and respected hunter/conservationist, the Motor City Madman himself:

MR. TED NUGENT!!!!!!!  (Cue the blistering Gibson Byrdland)

That’s right folks, you heard correctly, THE Ted Nugent!! Let’s just say this past week was one for the history books.

Working with Mr. Nugent’s assistant at TedQuarters in Michigan was a surreal experience. And for Ted to agree to be a part of my humble team of writers (in time for our Launch issue in late November, no less) is truly a dream come true!

The NUGE will share some unique insights on hunting, conservation, wild game, guns, rock ‘n roll and scads of other cool stuff with the FISH, HUNT & RIDE readers each and every issue. You may be surprised to know that the man has actually spent considerable time over the years, pursuing game in many of our provinces and holds a special fondness for his Canadian Spirit BloodBrothers. 

Not only is Ted Nugent rated as one of the greatest guitarists of all time with musical roots dating back to the Amboy Dukes and having sold Millions of albums, he has dedicated much of his life’s work to the wise use, management and harvest of our renewable natural resources. Ted is an extremely clean living, breathing conservation legend, and the fact that he’s chosen to be part of our humble magazine is simply mind blowing. 

So, once you’ve laid down the rifle and bow for a much needed break later this fall, check out FISH, HUNT & RIDE magazine as my team of experienced hunters and fishers (along with our distinguished newest member) take a Stranglehold on sportsmen in Eastern Ontario & Western Quebec.

I hope you’re ready to whack ’em and stack ’em with the man who created, and still lives, the very essence of the Spirit of the Wild on a daily basis!

In the meantime, have a peak at our website and watch for our introductory launch issue, distributed alongside Ottawa Outdoors Magazine to 125, 000 eager sportsmen and women: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca/

 

Jeff Morrison – The Outdoors Guy – @ThatOutdoorsGuy on twitter

Editor-in-Chief  – FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine

 

New local hunting, fishing magazine to launch this Fall!

FHRCoverJPG_Page_1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, I’ve been stringing everyone along for nearly 3 months now regarding some BIG announcement and time has finally come to let the (cougar sized)cat out of the bag!!

Cue the symphony!

Send out a warning shot(or two)!

Let the pigeons loose!

Light the celebratory fireworks because here it is!!

Following several months of (mostly) surreptitious planning and intense toiling, the time has finally come to announce the official launch of FISH, HUNT & RIDE (FHR) Magazine – featuring yours truly at the helm as Editor-in-Chief.  

FHR Mag will be widely distributed this coming November (in print & online) reaching an estimated 125,000 readers throughout Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, and the only publication dedicated to the outdoor pursuits of hunting, fishing and ATV’s!

And the best part is: it’s FREE!

The brainchild of veteran magazine publisher Dave Brown, FHR picks-up logically where Dave’s current publication; Ottawa Outdoors Magazine (OOM) (now entering its 15th year) leaves off. In the words of Publisher Dave himself. “FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine will complete the outdoor picture for me”.

As the ‘next chapter’ unfolds for my new boss and he builds on the success of OOM, Dave feels confident that with me as Editor-in-Chief of this new ‘hard-core’ hunting, fishing and riding mag, we may achieve our objective of providing the most comprehensive coverage of its kind!

This is one exiting time my friends and not just for me and Dave Brown, but for every avid sportsman and woman out there. In a climate where we’re forced to defend the right to enjoy our renewable natural resources in an ethical and sensible manner, in the face of adversity, FHR Mag is a VICTORY for anyone who calls themselves a true conservationist.

I was more than honoured this spring when Dave presented me the offer of the Editor-in-Chief position in this exciting new publication. It truly was/is like a dream come true! Even with my current ongoing hunting & fishing coverage, that material barely scratches the surface when it comes to promoting and defending our hunting and fishing heritage – activities enjoyed by thousands of avid folks on both sides of the river.

As with the big Provincial and National publications;  FISH, HUNT & RIDE will delve into crucial aspects of the hunting, fishing and riding-world such as the latest in techniques, how-to’s, where to’s, product and lodge reviews, reader contests, cooking tips, trophy fish & game bragging boards, outdoor news, hunt camp spotlights and copious other assorted tidbits that make a sportsmen’s heart go pitter patter.

Unlike other publications however FHR will retain a more local charm and flair with a fresh focus on subjects and material that readers in the Upper Ottawa Valley, Outaouais, or say the St Lawrence Valley can relate to. It will be Eastern Ontario & Western QC’s only hunting, fishing & riding magazine.

I have already assembled a crack team of contributors composed of some of the most dedicated and experienced guys and gals in the field – from seasoned outdoor writers & journalists with decades of experience, to contributors who live to hunt and fish and are totally passionate about what they do. Some you may even recognize from right here at the Outdoors Guy Blog! 

Passion and commitment to conservation and the Great Outdoors are aspects we all share and I cant wait for you to catch a glimpse of our first issue!

Speaking of which:

The coveted inaugural Fall/Winter ‘launch’ issue of FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine will arrive late November in an abbreviated form along with Dave’s winter issue distribution of Ottawa Outdoors Magazine. We’re hoping our FHR ‘teaser’ launch issue will have you all chomping(or champing) at the bit!

In the meantime, tell your family, tell your friends, tell uncle Pete up the valley, tell anyone and everyone about FISH, HUNT & RIDE – an exciting new magazine coming soon to an outlet near you.

Be sure to check out our website: http://www.fishhuntandride.ca/

Yours fully committed to the Great Outdoors, 

 

Jeff Morrison 

Editor-in-Chief – FISH, HUNT & RIDE Magazine
Follow me on Twitter: @ThatOutdoorsGuy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cougar sightings continue across Ontario

My August Outdoors Guy column appeared last week in the Pembroke Daily Observer, and received more interest than any other column this summer.

Everyone, it seems, is interested in big cats!

Check it out: http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2015/08/19/outdoor-columnist-warns-of-the-potential-for-cougar-sightings-right-here-in-the-ottawa-valley

 

The ever-elusive cougar is still being spotted across Ontario with regularity and the Upper Ottawa Valley is no exception.

As one of the few outdoor writers in Canada who monitors big cat sightings and reports regularly on the mystery of cougars in Ontario, I am privy to copious ‘Cougar Intel’ from across the province; including reports of big cats being spotted right here in the Valley. The often misunderstand mountain lion has evidently taken up residence in Ontario yet many folks still choose to turn a blind eye. The evidence is mounting as we get closer to determining the origin of these intriguing large felines.

Big cat theory

The only physical specimen the province has seen since the 1800s was a cougar (sadly) shot by police in Bracebridge area, in summer of 2012, which turned out to be an escaped captive animal. This is not to say that the half dozen or so big cat reports I receive each month are ALL domesticated animals, there is evidence to demonstrate that a West-East Migration may be occurring in Ontario. A cougar killed along a Connecticut highway in 2011, for example, was discovered by an American Wildlife Genetics Laboratory to have a genetic makeup consistent with the Black Hills of South Dakota. This cougar was believed to have travelled more than 1,500 miles in an unfathomable trek eastward. It is my theory that many of our Ontario cats could fall into this category. Keep your eyes peeled and should you catch a glimpse of a large brown or black cat with a long tail, please contact me: theoutdoorsguy@rogers.com

Summer drawing to a close

Seasonal changes are upon us folks! Fish species like Northern pike and muskie which spent much of the summer in deep water will slowly emerge in the shallows. Seasonal movement is observed among white-tailed deer as well, with the buck’s antler development all but complete, resident males travel into open fields for the annual ‘meet and greet’. As the pre-season period approaches, these bucks will congregate to compare antlers size and establish the pecking order. Now is one of the best times to observe critters on the move so be on the look out.

2015 Ford Expedition, a beast in civil clothing

This summer when not out chasing cougars, I had the opportunity of road testing a 2015 Ford Expedition Platinum. The Expedition was a formidable beast indeed and the largest SUV I have reviewed to date. This rugged full-size comes with a new turbo V6 under the hood kicking out a more than ample 365 horses and impressive 420 foot-pounds of torque; propelling me soundly (and safely) down Highway 401 towards Niagara Falls. Had I been towing a boat or trailer, the 9,200-pound towing capacity would have completed the task in spades with the best towing capacity I have seen in a Sport Utility Vehicle.

Considering the Expedition’s mammoth footprint it handled more like a Ford Escape, and I had no trouble manoeuvring in and out of traffic. I enjoyed the MyFord Touch screen which covered all important vehicle parameters such as climate, entertainment and navigation. The acceleration, highway cruising speed and comfort level were excellent, and the Platinum trim came nicely appointed with blind spot indicator (BLIS), neat retractable running boards and large eight-inch MyFord Touch screen and moon roof, among other things.

This beast came dressed in civil clothing too as a sharp-looking and admirable ‘sportsmen hauler’ to say the least, available in both seven and eight-passenger with more than enough clout to get any hunter or fisherman safely off the grid. The four-wheel independent suspension had a lot to do with the Expedition’s superior ride quality, quite noteworthy for a nearly 6,000-pound vehicle. Average fuel consumption ranged from approximately 13-15 L/100 km, which isn’t too shabby given the magnitude of this SUV. Enthusiasts in this size-class don’t usually purchase based on fuel sipping capabilities. My time with the 2015 Ford Expedition was enjoyable from start to finish. For more information, check out the Ford of Canada site: http://www.ford.ca/

Next time!

Tune in next time for more exciting news from the back-40 including another informative product field-test report and the official kick-off to moose season.

2015 Toyota Highlander takes on Temiscaming

My two weeks this spring testing-out the 2015 Toyota Highlander XLE included a wild and woolly jaunt through the Northwestern Quebec forests, on a 5-day trout fishing excursion to Temiscaming.

High1

The 2014 year was a pivotal re-design benchmark for Toyota’s star Crossover Utility, marking the Highlander’s 3rd generation entry with noticeable changes and improvements over previous generations. I was the proud owner of a first generation Highlander (2005 model) but found few seminaries to this modern 2015 offering.

Upon first glance, the new Highlander doesn’t appear a lot different than its Gen 2 predecessor until you analyze the subtleties.

highfull

The XLE model, I had the opportunity of piloting for spell, came equipped with such upgrades and creature comforts as a sunroof, all-leather upholstery, upgraded driver display, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, roof rails, retractable second-row sunshades, large 8-inch central touchscreen, navigation system and a voice amplification or Driver Easy Speak system, for communicating with passengers in the back.

Of all add-ons included in the XLE package, the sizable driver display, large touchscreen and solid comfortable leather seating was most appreciated. As far as the Driver Easy Speak goes, I can see it being useful for parents with younger children however I personally had no need for it. On the other-hand, I really enjoyed the SeriusXM Satellite radio. 

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I found the seating on this new Highlander to be roomier, more snug and form-fitting with improved lumbar support than its predecessors, making a 7 hour road trip into God’s Country seem like a walk in the park.

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My first driving impression, from a performance standpoint, was very positive and there’s good reason for that. The Highlander I tested came equipped with a smooth running 6 speed automatic with a 3.5-liter V6, rated at 270 hp with 248 lb-ft of torque. It had plenty of get-up-and-go.

Highengine

Safety-wise, the 2015 Toyota Highlander boasts a 5-Star Safety Rating based on Government crash tests, and it comes standard with rear-view camera, anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat-cushion airbag as well as side curtain airbags.

The ride quality of the new Highlander is most impressive; firm and solid with smaller bumps being soaked up  in the vehicle’s ample suspension. Hauling a full load of fishing and camping gear was no challenge for this beast, as the vehicle handled no differently with a full compliment of anglers and tackle.

highoutside

Developers at Toyota have evidently borrowed a page from the Lexus design manual when it comes to quietness and interior noise. The Highlander is extremely quiet with a recorded sound level of a scant 69 dBA at 110 km per hour.

The overall size of the new Highlander was impressive too, compared to my old Gen 1 model, at 191.1 inches in length and wheelbase of 109.8-inches, the 2015 model has stretched by three inches over the prior version.

The XLE Model I tested came with third row seating with room for 8 passenger. The smaller 3rd row is geared more towards smaller passengers.

high3rd

The Highlander’s braking and traction control system was put to the test early-on, when a surprise wash-out at the foot of a blind hill, forced me to brake hard and swerve to one-side in order to avoid and tremendous pothole. The vehicle held its ground perfectly with no sliding or loss of control. I was relieved.

Designers at Toyota installed a clever built-in shelf on the dash of 2015 Highlander’s interior, which became the perfect catch-all for my cell phone, two way radios, sunglasses, fishing lures and even a small flashlight – a convenient touch, which came in handy on such an adventurous trip, where gadgets tend to run amok.  The new shelf takes over where the center console storage and glove box leave off.

The gauge cluster I also found to be straight forward and clean.

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As my father, brother-in-law’s and I meandered our way through rustic backwoods trails, over hill and dale, I couldn’t help but feel I was behind the wheel of Toyota’s classic 4 Runner; however, the Highlander’s smooth and quiet ‘unibody ride’ reminded me I was not in a ladder-frame truck-based SUV.

Certainly not touted as a hard-core ‘off-road’ vehicle by any means, the new Highlander still had more than enough ground clearance and sure-footed AWD traction, which made short work of some less than hospitable northern logging roads.

hightop

Fuel consumption with this vehicle hovered, on average, between 11.5- 12.5 liters per 100 km’s, which I found good but not what I would describe as fuel sipping by any means. It still ranks near top of the pack in fuel economy compared to others in this class, and greatly improved over its first two generations. The Highlander hybrid actually took top honors this year as most fuel efficient SUV/CUV for 2015. 

 highview

After having reviewed several SUV’s and CUV’s in this size class over the years, I can honestly say the 2015 Highlander is as comfortable and convenient a ride as any I’ve had the pleasure of driving. 

Anyone looking for a roomy 7-8 passenger Crossover with more sporty appeal and utility than your old minivan; combined with some pretty decent ‘off the beaten’ capability to boot, this is the vehicle for you.  From front to back and from side to side, the 2015 Highlander exudes class, comfort and above all utility.

I’m not sure the Highlander enabled me to catch more fish, but it certainly made getting to our camping spot a more enjoyable experience.

High3

For more information on the 2015 Toyota Highlander:

http://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/highlander/overview

 

Northern pike and walleye flurry begins!

My Outdoors Guy column for May is now out in the Pembroke Daily Observer.

Shout-out to my pals Anthony Dixon and Tina Peplinkie who bring the daily news to folks in the upper Ottawa Valley!

Check it out online:  http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/

 

                            

Walleye

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 CO. 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 northerns offer great table fare too with 4-5 pounders being the best eating size.

 

Blind Anglers International Tournament

I had the good fortune of touring Westmeath-area this past weekend; checking out the location for the 27th annual Blind Angler’s International Tournament. (B.A.I.T.) This region is a fitting location for such an event in a most beautiful part of the province. In two weeks’ time, legally blind men and women along with professional anglers will converge on Nangor Resort, for a fun filled weekend of angling! This year’s event kicks-off as usual with a dinner at the Westmeath Community Centre and runs from May 29th – May 31th. 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. The Arnprior Lions Club will be hosting the tournament under the Lions’ B.A.I.T. project, and are justifiably proud of the benefits offered by this special program. For more information, please contact the Bait Hotline at: (613) 699-8412. Check out beautiful Nangor resort: http://nangorresort.com/?cfid=14694&cftoken=94689391

 

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. On my recent trout trip to Temiscaming, we live-released 70 per cent of the trout we landed. 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 catch 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 2-3 pound brook trout go, I probably would have laughed. Practicing conservation of the species requires self-control but offers great long-term reward.

 

Quebec bear hunt

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 15th, two weeks earlier than for rest of the province which allows bear hunting until June 30th. 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 Québec bear hunting, contact Tourism Quebec: 1 877 BONJOUR (266-5687).

 

Next time at Outdoors Guy

Be sure to check-out my next Outdoors Guy column where I’ll be launching the coveted Outdoor Trivia Contest with terrific prizes. Also on tap is another informative field-test as well as a huge announcement the hunting and fishing world will surely want to hear!