| Outdoor Spot Jan. 16/07 |
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Here’s a rundown of major sportshows across Southern Ontario and Lower Michigan in 2007. You might want to clip and save this one! |
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| Outdoor Spot Jan. 14/07 |
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At the recent Bluewater Anglers meeting in Point Edward, about 200 people attended and Brad Armstrong opened with a fishing report that started off with “ice fishing has been slow”. He was joking and it got plenty of laughs. He also added some serious reports. Rainbow fishing from shore in and around the Point Edward area has been steady with the colder weather. Float fishing from shore is your best bet right now. Also walleye are still being caught from shore with curly tail jigs. Guys who haven’t put their boats away yet are finding good walleye in the rivers drops and are jigging for them. American anglers boast of decent catches of walleye form shore and boats downriver as well. |
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| Outdoor Spot Dec. 29/06 |
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The Ministry of Natural Resources recently approved a few fishing regulation changes to take effect in 2007. A couple of them affect our region in SW Ontario . The walleye season will open year-round on all of Lake Erie. The catch and possession limit for walleye in the eastern basin of Lake Erie will increase to six fish from four. This will provide increased angling opportunities and will bring the limit for walleye in the eastern basin in line with the rest of Lake Erie, the Detroit River , Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River. |
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| Outdoor Spot Oct. 22/06 |
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The fishing is still going strong especially in the Sarnia area. I spoke with Steve Paulovics president of the Bluewater Anglers and he reports that many fish are being caught and some are just starting to speed up. |
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| Outdoor Spot Oct. 15/06 |
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I announced earlier in the year that the OMNR was planning a closure of the Ringwood hatchery facility. The OFAH moved in to take over the hatchery from the province and a more recent event adds a better light to Ontario ’s sport fishery. |
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| Outdoor Spot Sept. 26/06 |
2006 Duck Hunting Forecast
Hunters are busy preparing for the 2006/07 duck hunting season. This year, duck season opened Sept 23 and runs through to Dec 20. |
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| Outdoor Spot Sept. 3/06 |
There’s been a lot of dialogue recently on the streets, in the coffee shops and in the news media regarding the issue of Sunday hunting. I really wish that the media would be more specific and get all the facts before announcing government press releases because uneducated announcing only allows for more confusion. Here’s the real word.
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| Outdoor Spot August 20/06 |
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The early Goose hunting season is fast approaching and will be open from Sept 5 to 16 with an 8 bird daily limit in Lake St Clair and Lambton County regions (WMU 93 and 94). There has been a few changes to the unit 94 hunt including an opening of Sept 23 to October 21 and closure until reopening on Nov 29 to Jan 4. There is a two bird per day limit in the later seasons. Unit 93 will also see a special Feb goose hunt in 2007. |
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| Outdoor Spot August 13/06 |
Wow, a couple cool evenings and I cant help but think about fall hunts. As well, it is that time of the year for me to start planning.
I am in the midst of setting our 911 Hunt Club's outing to Pelee Island in October for the annual pheasant hunt. This is one of North Americas greatest pheasant hunting opportunities and participation level has been slipping over the last couple years. Only 470 of 700 licences were sold for the first hunt last year. This is a moderately affordable trip and you can get more details at 519 724 2931 or at the Pelee website www.pelee.org. |
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| Outdoor Spot August 6/06 |
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How long will Ontario Conservation Officers pursue a criminal? Answer: until justice is done! Here's a case below involving a local man that took CO’s over two years to break. |
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| Outdoor Spot July 30/06 |
New Walleye Management in Ontario
Ontario is protecting its biodiversity and valuable fisheries by making interim changes to walleye regulations in southern Ontario, according to Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay.
"Walleye populations are down in Ontario's inland lakes for a number of reasons, particularly increased fishing pressure in the south," said Ramsay. "The changes we're making will help address that decline." |
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| Outdoor Spot July 23/06 |
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The 26th Annual YMCA Erie Salmon & Pickerel Hunt wrapped up last weekend and the winners were presented with their prizes. First place in the Salmon/trout category was John Anderson of Harrow 18.63lb Rainbow trout. It measured 34 inches in length. In the Pickerel division Bridget Asoklif of New Baltimore Michigan took top honours with a 10.52 lb fish that measured 28 1/2inches. Both competitors were awarded $3000 in cash prizes. The largest Sheephead went to Rich Carmack of Trenton Michigan with a 9.91 lbs, 27 inch fish. He was awarded a $50 prize. Junior Winners were Jesse Anderson of Erieau with a 15.39 lb, 32 ½ inch Salmon and Joel Jackson of Rondeau Estates with a 9.15 lb, 30 Pickerel. Congratulations to all participants for making this community fundraiser a success! |
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| Outdoor Spot July 17/06 |
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Some people believe that present bear populations are high in Ontario and that black bears are spreading their range further south and into urban areas. |
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| Outdoor Spot July 9/06 |
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The Bluewater Anglers is hosting their first ever Walleye Derby on August 12, 2006. Any person is eligible to enter, providing they have purchased their entry by 4:30pm on Aug 11th, and hold a valid fishing licence. Entry fee is $10.00 per person. If you are fishing from a boat, all persons on the boat must have purchased an entry for this derby. Tickets can be purchased from Sarnia RV Centre, Bucks Baits, The Outdoorsman all in Sarnia and Lambeth Rod and Tackle. Total weight of up to 6 walleye will win. |
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| Outdoor Spot July 2/06 |
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The Chatham- Kent YMCA kicked off its Lake Erie Great Salmon and Pickerel Hunt on July 1. The 26th annual event was originally hosted by the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club. The derby will run through to noon on July 16. This years fish fest offers prizes in the two fish species categories with $3000 cash being allocated for the winner of each division. Daily weigh in of fish will be at Barneys Boats in Erieau along with a licensed food and beverage tent on the weekends. Entry fees are 25 single and $50 for a family. Derby tickets are available at the Chatham YMCA, Barneys Boats in Erieau, Ed’s Baits in Wallaceburg, Lil Joes in Shrewsbury, Last Chance Tackle in Wheatley and the Summer Place in Rondeau. |
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| Outdoor Spot Jan 22/06 |
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There will be a One-Stop Canadian Firearms Safety and Hunter Education course at the Kent Cloverleaf Conservation Club scheduled for the weekend of March 24, 25 & 26. Club members, spouses, and the immediate family of members receive the course for free. For non-members the fee is $60. Minimum age to take the course is 12 years. Another course Is being hosted by the Lambton Sportsman Association on Bickford line in Lambton County on March 3, 4 and 5. If you would like to sign up for this or any of the later courses then please contact Jim Jackson at 437-9449. |
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| Welcome to 2006 |
A quick look back at 2005 plus a look ahead at the various Sportsmens' shows in the area in for 2006.
As we ponder our next move outdoors and watch the ice come and go and come and go, lets take a look over our shoulders and review some of the more interesting highlights of 2005!
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| Xmas Gift Ideas |
Listen up ladies, and men too. Need a little last minute help buying something for your outdoors-person? Please take note of the following.......... |
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| Deer populations boom |
There seems to be something awry with the controlled deer hunts in SW Ontario. Despite the more deer tags that the MNR hands out and the more deer we shoot...... |
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| Provincial News |
The Ontario government is providing better customer service by modernizing and streamlining its hunter education program, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay recently announced......... |
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| MNR Busts! |
Here’s some recent charges from around the province that came through the courts. |
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| Caution! Animal Crossing! |
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Many folk like to blame hunters this time of the year for the increased incidents of vehicle/ deer collisions. Educated people know that deer are on the move this time of the year as are Moose in the north........... |
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| Hats For Hides |
HFH is an Ontario-wide network of hide drop off depots operated in partnership by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal collectors. Since 1969............ |
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| Handling Game Meat |
Nasty things can happen to you if you don’t properly preserve your game meat after it is knocked down. Those who handle animals, fish and birds in the field are often unaware of the risks involved in contaminating meat with foodborne pathogens while dressing, handling and transporting it. |
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| New Record Trout |
the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters recently verified that a 40.68 pound rainbow trout, caught off the shores of Little Current on September 21, is now an official Ontario record fish. The monster rainbow trout surpasses the previous Ontario record ................. |
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| Safe Hunting Reminders |
Deer gun hunting season is about to get under way in Aylmer District and the local OMNR wishes to remind hunters of the following the rules, and to take necessary safety precautions............ |
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| New Wolf Hunting Regulations |
Deer and moose hunters should be aware of changes to wolf and coyote hunting in WMU’s 1 through 42, 46 through 50 and 53 through 58.
Effective September 15, 2005................ |
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| Reporting Road Kills |
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The Aylmer district MNR wishes to inform motorists who accidentally kill and keep deer that they must report it. The MNR says................ |
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| Full Moon Folklore |
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It’s interesting to learn some of the folklore and beliefs behind the moon. I suggest that you get a copy of the Old Farmers Almanac or visit their site at http://www.almanac.com. Its one of those web sites that you can get lost in for hours! |
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| 2005 WATERFOWL FLIGHT FORECAST |
The Canadian Wildlife Service and US Wildlife officials are reporting significant increases in waterfowl populations throughout the southern Prairie region this past spring, primarily due to improved wetland habitat conditions. Results from the 2005 waterfowl breeding population survey indicated that there was a significant increase of ponds as well in the Prairies. This is up 56 percent from 2004................ |
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| 2005 FALL GOOSE FORECAST |
Production of broods is expected to be higher that last year and much improved over last so expect a larger fall flight of.....................
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| Big Smallie! |
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Dave Demers is a resident of Dover Centre and enjoys competitive bass fishing. He has been fishing local events on Lake St Clair for the past 5 years. While fishing a recent Essex County Bass Anglers event, Demers caught himself the Smallmouth Bass of a lifetime! The fish weighed in at 6.8 pounds........... |
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| DU Banquet, more deer tags and a LSC report |
Folks may have been anxiously awaiting the ever-popular Lake Erie St Clair Chapter of Ducks Unlimited fund raising banquet.........
Here’s an update for hunters wishing additional deer tags in the province!...............
Dennis Shaw of Bass Haven in Mitchells Bay notes that water temperatures in Lake St Clair have dropped 9 degrees F in the last week............... |
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| Best Deer Season Ever |
This may very well be one of my best deer seasons ever. Favorable winter conditions have given way to good deer populations in my traditional hunting area of south of Lake Nipissing in the Port Loring region. It’s a northern fringe area that sees deer populations rise and fall throughout the years with most of the prevailing factors being predation and how harsh the winters are. Numbers of deer are up across that region suggesting a good hunt for my group............ |
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| 45,000 Additional Deer tags |
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Deer hunters should note that additional deer tags will be available again this year for a number of areas. According to the MNR, White-tailed deer are abundant in many parts of Ontario and to better manage the deer population where densities are high, a limited number of additional tags will be available this year........ |
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| OFAH Record Fish Registry |
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The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters maintains a record fish registry of Ontario. Fifty game and non-game fish categories are recognized in the registry. A few of the rules include................. |
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| Chantry Classic, Bears |
the CFPS Chantry Chinook Classic fishing derby..................
To report bear problems call 1 866 514-2327............... |
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| Invasive Species, Jumping Carp, Turkey update |
Eastern Ontario is becoming concerned with the prospects of invasive species such as round Gobies.....
Why do fish jump?............
Biologist Fred Johnson of Chatham called me with the final tally of harvested Wild Turkey............
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| Aboriginal Commercial Fishery to Expand |
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The Ontario government and the Saugeen Ojibway Nations recently announced the signing of a five-year agreement that will manage the commercial fishery in the waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay around the Bruce Peninsula.............. |
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| Walleye Boom 2005 |
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Walleye fishing has been great this spring and it shows no sign of slowing as we head into the summer months............. |
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| Night Fishing Tips |
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The Walleye are still at it after dark in the local waters and here’s a few tips to make your outing more enjoyable. I see a few fellows taking some awful tumbles down the steep riverbanks and falling in the waters. Walking around in waders isn’t the easiest thing especially after dark. Tread easy, the fish are there and they will wait............ |
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| June Events |
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Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass season opens on waters across southern Ontario the last Saturday of June. Lake St Clair and Western Lake Erie have become one of North America’s top destinations for Smallmouth Bass. Bass and Musky are so common in the Lake St Clair that it is hard not to catch one. Big Smallmouth in excess of 4 pounds have become a large tourist attractant............................ |
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| Cormorants |
In news from OFAH, the group is furious that the Ontario Liberal government botched the cull of about 5,000 cormorants at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, in Brighton. Recently, the OFAH learned that government officials have been ordered to abort the cormorant cull, an urgently needed wildlife management tool that could have helped save what's left of a fragile ecosystem now being destroyed by too many cormorants.
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| Mayflys |
Fishing on Lake St Clair or watching the street lights at night, will both tell you that the Mayfly hatch is in full swing. Water temperatures reached optimum hatch points early this year and the flights are on!
There are about 2000 species of Mayflies and the one that we see in the Lake St Clair region is the Hexagenia Mayfly. The Hexagenia is also known as the Burrowing Mayfly because as a larva, it burrows itself into the sandy and muddy bottoms of our rivers and lakes. The two greatest interests of the Hexagenia Mayfly are its high importance as a food source for fish and as an indicator of clean water.
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| UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Things to do Outdoors......... |
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| Wallaceburg Conservation Club 1968 - 1995 Remembered |
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The old Wallaceburg Conservation Club on highway 40 south of Wallaceburg is undergoing some major renovations. Unfortunately, it will never be seen as the Conservation Club again but is in fact being resurrected as a single family dwelling. |
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| Turkeys and Walleye |
Wild Turkey hunting season opened April 26 and hunters in WMU 93 (Lambton County) took 65 birds. In the small area of WMU 94B in the extreme southwest of the province, 3 birds were taken and in the brand new hunt on Pelee Island, 9 birds were taken on opening day.
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| BLUEWATER ANGLERS SALMON DERBY KICK OFF |
The Bluewater Anglers Salmon Derby is set to kick off on April 29 and will run through to May 8. Weather conditions have been superb this spring as waters are warming rapidly and the lack of rain has kept the waterways gin clear.
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| ELECTRONIC DOG COLLARS |
Electronic collars, training collars, shock collars, or as I like to call them "hydro collars" are becoming very popular with dog owners. The colars are available in most hardware stores, sporting goods stores, chain stores and pet stores. There are a wide variety of prices on the market and the come in a huge array of styles and sizes.
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| Wild Turkey |
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Wild Turkey hunting season is just around the corner! Changes this year include extended hunting times. In the past hunting took place until noon of each day, except Sunday. Starting in April 2005, wild turkey hunting may take place from half an hour before sunrise to 7 pm. Hunters will also have until noon the day following a successful hunt to register their birds, rather than the same day. "The popularity of wild turkey hunting continues to grow in Ontario," says David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources. "By extending turkey hunting hours to a full day, we're giving hunters more convenience and flexibility, and contributing to the success of a sustainable recreational hunt." Ontario joins other provinces and American states in offering full-day turkey hunting. |
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| TUNDRA SWANS |
The TUNDRA SWANS have begun showing up in local skies, fields and waterways of Southwestern Ontario. It's a big deal! It's the talk of the town... everybody mentions seeing them and they don't stick around very long. They are just passing through. As they pass do through this area, those majestic, big beautiful white ladies sure demand attention... typical of gracious femmes! Having a little insight on their lifestyle, habits and personalities makes their brief appearance just a little more interesting.
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| THE WILD TURKEY IN CHATHAM KENT |
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The single largest factor why fish and wildlife disappear from our countryside is the destruction or elimination of their habitat. When we introduce wildlife and fish back into our lives, its not only a point of putting those critters back into the landscapes but it is imperative to enhance or increase the type of habitat that they need to survive. |
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| THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR FOR FISHING! |
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Its March and we are still holding good ice on Lake St Clair and parts of the upper Sydenham River. That can only mean one thing. the fishing should be great! |
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| Mar 2005 - Bluewater Anglers |
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Spring is in the air and the Bluewater Anglers sport fishing club is a bustling flurry of activity! |
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| Mar 2005 - Stewardship Kent |
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The single largest factor why fish and wildlife disappear from our countryside is the destruction or elimination of their habitat. Developing land for wildlife is a very tough task. |
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| Feb 2005 - Late Ice Fishing... THE BEST! |
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Its March and we are still holding good ice on Lake St Clair and parts of the upper Sydenham River. That can only mean one thing… the fishing should be great! |
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| FEB 2005 - Moose Watch and Turkey Seminars |
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The 2004 “Moose Watch” program was said to be a success..............Wild Turkey hunting season is just around the corner! |
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| Feb 2005 - Lead Ban |
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Last year, the Minister of the Environment announced his intention to develop regulations to prohibit the import, manufacture, and sale of lead sinkers and jigs used in fishing. |
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| Feb 2005 - Outdoor Winter Activities |
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I spent one of the most fantastic weekends outdoors recently with family and friends. Unbelievably, the two days did not include hunting or fishing but could well lead to some greater productive hunts and fishing outings in the future. The weekend included a day of snowmobiling and a day of snowshoeing in Grey County. |
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| Feb 2005 - In the courts |
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In Chatham courts recently, a man has been fined a total of $1500 and has been banned from hunting migratory birds for one year after pleading guilty to illegal hunting. |
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| Jan 2005 - Confiscated property |
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Every year in Ontario, Conservation Officers confiscate thousands of outdoor items used by poachers. What happens to them? |
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| Jan 2005 - Sportshows 2005 |
Here’s a rundown of major sportshows across Southern Ontario and Lower Michigan in 2005. You might want to clip and save this one!
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| Jan 2005 - Looking Back @ 2004 |
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There were some very memorable moments in the 2004 outdoors… some happy and some sad. |
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| SportShows 2004 |
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Here’s a rundown of sportshows across Southern Ontario and lower Michigan in 2004. You might want to clip and save this one! |
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| Early Ice Report! |
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First ice is upon us and anglers are taking advantage of what must have been a Christmas wish! Dennis Shaw of Bass Haven reports that walking ice is present from St Lukes to the Middle Grounds off Bass Haven. There is four to six inches of good ice in that area. Water clarity could be a bit better as it is a bit milky but it is still very “fishable” and getting cleaner by the day! |
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| E Licencing System Online! |
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The Ministry of Natural Resources has already sent out reminders and instructions to almost everybody whose outdoors card, fishing and hunting licences will be up for renewal at the end of this year. Check the expiry date on your outdoors card and if it is expiring at the end of this year, call 1 800 288 1155. Have your old card and VISA or Mastercard ready to purchase anew. You can also renew at numerous service Kiosks around the province. |
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| Renew your Card/ Wild Game Dinners |
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Your Outdoors Card is likely set to expire at the end of this year! For many Ontarians like moi, who have always selected the 3-year option on their card, you will be expiring this December. The OMNR has already sent out reminders and instructions to almost everybody who will be up for renewal at the end of this year. If you have received the notice, act on it now! To everyone else: check the expiry date on your outdoors card and if it is going defunk at the end of this year, call 1 800 288 1155. You can also renew at service Kiosks around the province. If all else fails, contact the MNR local office in Chatham at 354 7340. If you do not have a new Outdoors Card come Jan 1 2005, you aint going ice fishing or bunny hunting. Act quickly because the government doesn’t! |
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| Christmas Turkey Shoot/ Watch for DEER! |
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Motorists are cautioned to keep an eye out for deer this time of the year as the recent full moon and cool conditions have sent the does into heat and the bucks are travelling day and night in search of them. I seen a fine pair of adult deer run across the road in front of me this past week. A big doe came out of the brush and had her tail up and over her back signaling a buck that she was “ready”. I picked up on this tell tale signal and slowed the truck enough to cause a near miss on a big 10 point buck that was hot on her trail with his neck swelled about 4 times its original size and his nose buried in the air. He never seen or was concerned with the speeding traffic around him. He was on a mission! |
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| Big BUSTS! |
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Acting on complaints of trespassing and road hunting in eastern Townships of Ontario during the regular gun season for deer, MNR conservation officers placed a deer decoy on private land behind "no trespassing" signs. |
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| Reel Maintenance Tips |
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Are you mainly a warm weather fisherman? If so, I can assume that most of your equipment has been tucked away in some corner of your garage. Your rod and reel may have a better resting spot somewhere in your basement or closet but according to amateur reel repair enthusiast Frank Turnbull of Sarnia, “most guys abuse their reels when the fishing season is over”. |
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