The Outdoors Guy: yours in the outdoors
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It is my pleasure to be a contributor of the Pembroke Daily Observer; you may have read my outdoors column in the Ottawa SUN or checked out my Outdoors Guy Blog. As a part-time resident of your region with a seasonal RV in Cobden, I have grown to love everything the amazing Ottawa Valley has to offer. The majority of my weekends in the summer are, in fact, spent on the water in search of the elusive northern pike or largemouth. There is no greater joy than spending time outdoors with family and friends.
With this weekend’s mandatory hut removal, Valley ice-anglers need take heed and pull their shacks in for the season
The sad truth of the matter, though, even with the regulated removal date a handful of shacks will remain stranded; creating undue havoc during ice break-up later in the spring. There was this one hut in particular I remember seeing on the river years ago that really irked me. Even with ample warning, the lowly little hut was left abandoned for some boater to run over. The ‘slanty shanty’ as I called it, reminded me of an injured moose stuck in the mud the way it was canted off to one side. With some luck, most ice-fishing enthusiasts are on the ball and huts will be gone by the end of the weekend. As with most of life, good things eventually do come to an end.
Critters on the move
With the arrival of spring and a virtual cornucopia of wildlife in transition at this time, it is a period of exodus in the Great Outdoors. It is also happens to be one the most dangerous times on the road for motorists. Moose and deer are particularly active during spring - especially at dawn and dusk - as they wander in search of food and summering areas. Deer rarely travel alone, so when you see one there are likely more nearby. If you should see any large mammals along the road, slow down and take extra care especially where roads cross creeks or rivers, in wooded corridors, or where field-edges run perpendicular to the road.
Valley Show
The Valley Fishing and Outdoors Show draws sportsmen out of the woodwork each spring. Celebrating its 13th anniversary, the brainchild of Ex CO Dave Arbour, this year’s show runs from April 5th - 7th at the Carp Fairgrounds and Arena. With more than 100 exhibitors on hand and enough hunting and fishing equipment to make your head spin, the Carp Show is one of the sure signs that spring is finally here. For more information, contact: Dave Arbour at (613) 257-7489.
Spring melt upon us
Please note that localized flooding in areas adjacent to streams may occur over the next few weeks. With a considerable volume of snow still on the ground, there is potential for issues. The severity of flooding is determined by how quickly the snow melts and how much rain is associated with that melt. Take note that streams and rivers up the valley can very dangerous at this time of year, and residents should stay clear of riverbanks.
MNR Stocking Program
Thanks to Darwin Rosien of Pembroke MNR for keeping me informed on the District’s Fish Stocking Program, over the years. Since the Ministry cannot conduct stocking assessments on every lake, anglers are encouraged to complete a diary of the water they fish. Enthusiasts are also encouraged to email Mr. Rosien the results of any fishing trips they do to lakes in the program. The data provides a clearer understanding of stocking requirements in certain areas. For more info: http://www.web2.mnr.gov.on.ca/fish_online/fishing/fishingExplorer_en.html or contact Darwin at: darwin.rosien@ontario.ca