Seasons Greetings from the Sleeping Dog

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my outdoors friends. Thanks to all who are following this blog; your comments and suggestions will help me provide you with even better items throughout 2009.

All I can say is “man what a year”! It seems that any conservation initiatives have been steamrollered by the economy. Hopefully some of the federal infrastructure initiatives will include habitat restoration and outdoors recreational efforts.

With the election of an new, and hopefully forward thinking, President in the US and a Prime Minister in Canada the is starting to realize that he’s there to support the will of the people and not his own personal agenda, perhaps…just perhaps…environmental issues will make their way back onto the front page.

The technologies exist today to make a tremendous change in the way all North Americans interact with our environment. All that has been missing from the equation is political will. Our collective politicians have shown that they are able to make tough decisions where the economy is concerned; perhaps they will show just as much common sense where the environment is concerned.

Detailed study of wildlife is one of the most important barometers to gage the impact of climate change. This is not the place to cut funding, rather it is a place to increase funding and create jobs that will provide our elected officials with the hard data that’s necessary to make the tough decisions.

Well enough ranting for now…we can only hope.

If your planning a trip to Southern Ontario or if you live here and are looking for the best source for outdoors information be sure to check out www.sooutdoors.ca. Within the next month I will be adding a huge interactive database to the site that will allow visitors to quickly zoom in on a broad range of outdoors information. Read the blogs, check the calendars and join our outdoors forum. “We’ll get you So…Outdoors!”

“Peace on earth; good will toward men.”

SD

Preserving the Waters of the Great Lakes

ONTARIO APPLAUDS U.S. RATIFICATION OF
GREAT LAKES WATER COMPACT

On October 3, United States President George W. Bush signed the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. His signature followed the ratification of the compact by eight Great Lakes states - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin - and the U.S. Congress. This step enacts in U.S. law a historic cross-border partnership among Ontario, Quebec and the Great Lakes states to protect the waters of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin.

In 2005, Premier Dalton McGuinty, Quebec Premier Jean Charest and the governors of the eight states signed a good-faith agreement protecting the waters of the basin. The states also endorsed a companion interstate compact.

The agreement and the compact:
• place a virtual ban on removing or transferring water out of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin;

• establish a common, basin-wide standard for managing the resource;

• set goals and objectives for conserving water; and

• commit the parties to creating a science strategy for critical issues facing the Great Lakes, such as the impacts of climate change and the cumulative effects of water use.

The terms of the agreement were incorporated in Ontario's 2007 Safeguarding and Sustaining Ontario's Water Act. Quebec’s National Assembly voted to endorse the agreement and tabled legislation in June. With the U.S. ratification of the compact, the terms of the agreement and compact will apply throughout the Great Lakes states.

This international partnership is a landmark in cooperation among governments and across borders. In addition to this partnership, the advice and input of a multi-party advisory panel, Ontario First Nations and the public was critical in helping Ontario pursue a strong agreement.
The Great Lakes are of vital importance to Ontario, and we look forward to collaborating with our neighbours. Most Ontario residents get their drinking water from the Great Lakes Basin and it supports more than half of Canada’s manufacturing output, a quarter of the country's agriculture and $300 billion annually in trade between Ontario and the U.S.

The Great Lakes agreement and compact are part of Ontario's long-term plan to work with other governments and partners to protect, restore and sustain the Great Lakes for the benefit of Ontarians now and in the future.

Students Pawns in School Board Politics

O.F.A.H. calls refusal of outdoor club donation blatant hypocrisy

In an unprecedented move, and apparently based solely on his personal opinion, the Education Director of the Thames Valley School Board has refused to allow a high school to accept a donation of five thousand dollars from a local outdoor association. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) is appalled at the action taken against its member club, the East Elgin Sportsmen’s Association, and is calling the move highly offensive and hypocritical.

“Education Director Bill Tucker has unilaterally decided, after the fact, and after an established history of carrying out this event, that the legal, sanctioned provincial shooting competition doesn’t follow his personal moral compass,” said Jack Hedman, President of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. “Mr. Tucker’s decision, on behalf of the school board, to refuse the generous donation from the East Elgin Sportsmen’s Association implies that its members are not valued or respected within the community, and frankly, that attitude is deeply offensive to the club, the O.F.A.H., and every law-abiding firearms owner in this country.”

The East Elgin Sportsmen's Association was established in 1955, and runs a family sporting club near Springfield. For the past three years it has hosted the provincial competition of the International Practical Shooting Confederation (I.P.S.C.) as a fundraiser for the East Elgin Secondary School drama program. In exchange, several students have volunteered at the five-day event, for which they have received community service hours.

Mr. Hedman noted that the O.F.A.H. delivers a mandatory hunter safety education program that includes firearms safety training, and that the province has a long history of safe hunting. The timing of Mr. Tucker’s newfound opposition to target shooting is no doubt connected to the misguided and uninformed campaign by Toronto Mayor David Miller to ban handguns in Canada.

“Handguns are already classed as prohibited firearms in Canada. Banning their legal use will not fix the real problem, which is illegal guns in the hands of criminals,” added Hedman. “What a ban may do is encourage more of the same kind of knee-jerk reaction taken by Mr. Tucker, which is to unfairly discriminate against Canada’s law-abiding hunters, target shooters and collectors.”

With 82,000 members and 655 member clubs, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is the largest nonprofit fishing, hunting and conservation organization in Ontario. For more information visit www.ofah.org.

For up to date information about outdoors activities in Southern Ontario visit Southern Ontario Outdoors at www.sooutdoors.ca . Southern Ontario, the best place for hiking, camping, cycling, fishing, hunting and paddling.

The Race is On

Well like it or not Canadians are heading to the polls on October 14. That's right, the day after Thanksgiving. As users of our great Canadian outdoors heritage it is important for all of us to pay attention to the views of politicians and especially their positions - individual and collective - on the sustainable use of our wild resources.

Over the next several weeks I will report on some issues of concern and where possible the perspectives of both local candidates and national leaders. Whether you hike, camp, hunt, fish, canoe, boat, cycle or enjoy recreational power sports like ATVing and snowmobiling there are issues of concern to us all.

Be sure to visit www.sooutdoors.ca, you're best source of information related to outdoors activities in Southern Ontario. The site is still under construction but new content is being added daily. Post a comment on one of the blogs or visit the forum to discuss issues related to your favorite outdoors pastime.

Whatever your political leanings do your part by discussing the issues and above all get out and vote on October 14. If you don't vote; don't complain. The biggest threat to democracy is complacency!

SD

Southern Ontario Outdoors

We’ll it’s been too long since posting to this blog but I should be back in writing mode very soon. You see this has been the summer of development and anything not directly involved in that development got sidelined.

The development I’m talking about is an exciting new venture and website called Southern Ontario Outdoors. Although not quite ready for a formal launch you can view the site and concept at http://www.sooutdoors.ca/ .

This site is designed to promote outdoor activities in Southern Ontario and will initially offer where to, when to, and how to advice related to hiking, camping, cycling, fishing, hunting, and paddling in Southern Ontario. The site is designed to help you find the activity related information you need for any geographical location in Southern Ontario. And, you will be able to find what you want with just a few mouse clicks.

For the purpose of the initial launch the eastern geographical boundaries run from Parry Sound to Bancroft and south to Belleville. That area will be expanded as demand increases.

The new site includes a blog for each theme section, an event calendar for each theme section and regional specific information related to each theme section. The site will launch with a fully functional forum for each of the specific theme sections so visitors can exchange tips, ask questions, and talk about their recent outdoors adventure in Southern Ontario. Future plans include a newsletter and additional theme sections.

Content is being added daily and should be at the 90% mark by the end of September.

“We’ll get you SO…Outdoors!”

I hope you visit soon and visit often. I’d love to hear your feed back and/or suggestions for improvements or enhancements.

Lloyd

Find Sick or Orphaned Wildlife; What Should You Do?

If you find juvenile wildlife that appears to be orphaned, sick or injured, avoid contact to prevent bites and scratches. Some species can carry diseases and parasites that are harmful to humans.
Injured wildlife also requires specialized and immediate care to recover and return to the wild.

Signs of orphaning, injury or illness may include:

...Blood, wounds or swelling on the body
...Lethargy
...Body covered in fleas
...Unusual or uneven loss of fur or feathers
...Vocalizing and/or following humans around
...A fawn that is wandering around
...Contact with a domestic cat
...Difficult or raspy breathing or sneezing
...A dangling leg or wing
...Closed eyes
...Head tucked under wing

Orphaned Wildlife
It is normal for some species to leave their offspring temporarily alone, especially during the day.
For example, deer and cottontail rabbits spend much of the day away from their well-camouflaged offspring to minimize the chance of predators finding them.

To determine if young wildlife is truly orphaned:
▪ Check the animal periodically for 24 to 48 hours to see if it is still around, but keep your distance.
▪ Keep cats and dogs away from the area where the young animal is; the adult will not return if it is noisy or if predators or people are close by.

Care Necessary To Help The Animal
▪ If you find an injured, sick or orphaned wild animal, contact a wildlife custodian who can provide the specialized and immediate care necessary to help the animal.
▪ If you must handle it, seek the advice of a wildlife custodian to minimize risk of injury to yourself and to the animal.
▪ Wear protective clothing and equipment, such as leather gloves, to avoid bites or scratches, and wash hands well after handling the animal.
▪ Under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, a person may only keep wildlife for 24 hours to transport it to a veterinarian for treatment or to a wildlife custodian for rehabilitation or care or to relocate it following capture as a problem animal.

Contact information:
▪ Ontario Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Network (OWREN):
- call 905-735-9556, or
- contact info@owren-online.org
- visit www.owren-online.org

▪ Local Humane Society or local branch of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA):
- call 1-888-668-7722 or the Ontario SPCA Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at 705-534-4350
- visit http://ontariospca.ca/.

Diseased or Dead Wildlife
▪ If you suspect there is a public health risk from a sick wild animal, such as rabies, or you or your pet had contact with a suspected rabid animal, contact your local Public Health Unit immediately.
▪ Rabies is fatal for humans and animals if not treated.
▪ Symptoms of rabies and several other diseases in animals can include tremors, aggressive behaviour, partial paralysis, convulsions, and loss of fear of humans.
▪ To report a dead crow, raven or blue jay, contact your local Public Health Unit.
▪ To report other dead animals or birds contact the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/toce.shtm).


Wild animals that have been live-trapped or acquired by other means must be released no further than one kilometre from the point of capture for adults and no further than 15 kilometres for juveniles (although not on private property without landowner’s permission) and within 24 hours.

Contact Information:
· Public Health Units:
o call 1-866-532-3161 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday
o visit www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/phu/phuloc_mn.html for a list of offices.

· Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre:
o call 1-866-673-4781
o visit http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/toce.shtml.

This information was provided by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/ and proudly sponsored by www.DistinctNorthernArt.com where you will find the most unique Canadian Wildlife Art.

Ontario's Family Fishing Weekend

Children are the focus of Ontario Family Fishing Weekend
Province-wide licence-free family fishing – July 4 through 6, 2008

From Adolphustown to Wheatley, and in dozens of Ontario communities in between, plans are well underway for Ontario Family Fishing Weekend, running July 4 through 6, 2008.

For the fifteenth consecutive year, the Ontario Family Fishing Weekend Committee, led by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.), will offer a full weekend of free fishing at family-friendly events hosted across Ontario. Canadian citizens do not require a licence to fish in Ontario waters during this weekend, however all other fishing regulations apply. The province-wide event runs during National Fishing Week (July 5 through 13).

"Fishing connects kids with the outdoors,” said O.F.A.H. Executive Director, Mike Reader, “and through the generosity of the many conservation-minded clubs that host Ontario Family Fishing Weekend events, thousands of families will share a great day together in the fresh air.”

Over 60 events are already planned, with details posted on the event website. More host groups are invited to get onboard, and the O.F.A.H. is offering tools to help them get started. To receive a free Ontario Family Fishing Weekend information package, call Mark Cousins at 705-748-6324 ext. 233. The package includes volunteer and participation certificates, flyers and posters, Take-A-Kid Fishing and Catch Fishing booklets, and tips for event planning. To add a new event to the growing list, or to find an event near you, visit www.familyfishingweekend.com.

Ontario Family Fishing Weekend is delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association, the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Foundation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters.

Visit www.DistinctNorthernArt.com where you can buy the most unique original wildlife art available anywhere. Each piece is hand crafted and painted by Ontario wildlife artist Angus Burns.

July 5 – 13 is National Fishing Week

A great time to explore our great Canadian fishing heritage. Log on to www.catchfishing.com to check on events in your area, including several license free fishing weekends across the country. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_Nj3BEttuc .

Your Never Too Old to Start Fishing!

The Grandfather teaches the father, who teaches the son. Perhaps true at one time but times have changed; we have become an urban society. Our food comes from the grocery store shelf and our entertainment comes from TV, videos, and computers. Our fathers likely didn’t grow up on the land or simply may not have been interested in the outdoors. Then there are all of the new Canadians that have arrived over the past couple of decades, who may never have even dreamed of having leisure hours, let alone spending them by a quiet stream or drifting down a secluded lake.

Newcomers to fishing can be intimidated by their lack of knowledge and often don’t know where to start. Rods, reels, tackle, waders, boats; plugs, spinners, poppers, divers, rattlers; nymphs, muddlers, dry, wet…no wonder people are intimidated. But fear not; the art of angling is an evolution you don’t have to know everything to get started. Believe me when I tell you that hidden deep in the past of every pro angler there is a story of that bumbling, fumbling first cast. Fishing is about the experience, even more than about catching fish. It might sound cliché, but it is true.

So just how does someone get started? First of all there are the rules; some legal and other based on etiquette.

The very first thing to do if you are considering a venture into the world of recreational fishing is to pick up a copy of the annual fishing regulations available from most stores that sell fishing equipment or directly from the provincial ministry responsible for hunting and fishing (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/LetsFish/index.html - other provinces have similar links). Take some time to read it. Failure to understand the seasons and catch limits of various species can be a costly mistake. Next, buy your fishing license. These are usually available at local tackle shops, marinas, etc.

Now, assuming you’ve read the rules for your area, you are legal, but, there are also some unwritten laws; the ones that will get you into trouble with your fellow fishermen. Everyone is out for a good time and there is an air of respect and camaraderie amongst the fishing fraternity. Newcomers are quickly welcomed, but just as quickly shunned if basic rules of etiquette are not followed. There is one all encompassing rule from which everything else flows: “Show respect for others and for the environment”. There are few things more irritating than drift fishing a short run and having someone walk right in beside you and cast over your line. Or, to see someone toss trash into a lake or river with no thought of the consequences.

Now that you’re legal and know the basic rule of fishing etiquette, where to start?

Don’t worry about costly equipment, most of the waters flowing into the great lakes, the waters of reservoirs, streams, and even town ponds contain healthy fish populations. A hook, line, rod, reel and a can of worms is really all you need to get started.

Different types of fish prefer to live and eat under different conditions. That includes things such as water temperature, depth, and clarity as well as the type and amount of bottom structure available. There is a wealth of information, in all types of media, to assist the novice angler acquire basic knowledge about fish habitat and structure. Your chance of success is greatly enhanced if you take the time to learn the habits of the species you are seeking. http://canadianbiodiversity.mcgill.ca/english/species/fish/index.htm

Today most people own or have access to a computer. A couple of clicks will put you in touch with all the expert advice you will ever need. All you need to do is go to your favourite search engine, type in the word “fishing” followed by the location you want to fish (fishing+Toronto ON). You’ll be amazed at the amount of relevant information that unfolds before your eyes.

Another consideration is your proximity relative to the type of fish you have chosen to target. There is no point getting your heart set on fishing for grayling if you live in Southern Ontario, unless you can afford to spend a few thousand dollars to catch one. Consider the amount of free time you have, the amount of money you can afford to spend and then explore the type of fishing available in your area. I’ve spent some of my most memorable fishing hours sitting in a lawn chair beside a lazy river, fishing for the “lowly” carp with a big gob of worms on my hook.

Just remember that you’re never too old to begin the enjoyment of recreational fishing in Canada. It’s part of our heritage! Nearly every province in Canada offers a free fishing weekend and every angler started sometime, so don’t wait…just do it!

©Lloyd Fridenburg, 2008 – all rights reserved

This article is proudly brought to you by

www.distinctnorthernart.com . Visit us and browse our wide variety of original wildlife art and fishing art.

Letters to Smed – “The Purist” (conclusion)

It was a great day on the river. Too bad you couldn’t make it. I didn’t manage to hook anything but I did have some huge swirls at my fly. I remember when all you could catch here were bass, pike, and carp; Smed you’d be amazed at the number of absolutely huge browns lurking behind the rocks and in the pools now. And, it sure makes a difference when you have a bit of one-on-one instruction…

"Sorry for loosing my temper, Jim. I should have just persevered like you said." "I had done it." I was now a true flyfisherman! I could hear Jim saying, "Pull your line gently, giving it the occasional twitch."

Slowly I pulled in line. Foot by foot, giving the odd twitch. And then with a suddenness that almost put me back in the water, a two pound bass leapt to take my fly. I leaned back arching my 10 foot rod, as I had done countless times before and, you guessed again, my two pound test leader snapped with the sound of a dry twig.

"Don't loose your temper. Just tie on another fly and try again." I said out loud, while all I surveyed took on a reddish haze.

After my latest battle with the flyline, I moved further down stream to the fast water where I had caught the occasional trout. Once again I began my hypnotic, rhythmic motion.

"Yes this would be the cast to end all casts." I thought "This is truly what fishing was meant to be."

"Mooo-ahhh-yeee" came a sound like brakes squealing on the expressway, as I once again sank my hook into something solid. This time it was not me seeing red, but a big mean bull that looked to be the size of a freight car. And this bull had no sense of humour at all as he suddenly realized the source of the pain in his rump.

"Scrape, snort...Scrape, snort" came the sound as he pawed the ground. It felt as if the gates of hell had opened and this demon was sent to bring me in.

My perfectly balanced rod and ultra precision reel no longer mattered as they quickly sank to the bottom of the river. My only thought was of reaching that knurled old apple tree before the demon could reach me. I'm sure an Olympic sprinter couldn't have passed me at that moment, as I ran towards the tree, listening to the fast closing freight train. Tripping, slipping and all the while cursing the heavy chestwaders, I finally made it to the tree. I climbed with the agility of a chimpanzee and was out of harms way just as the bull ran, head-long, into the base of the tree.

"So here I am, sitting on this branch, ripping up my Jerkwater Jim notes, watching the sun go down, waiting for the 'bull from Hell' to get bored and leave so I can climb down and go pick some dew worms.

"By the way, if you happen to find a perfectly balanced rod and an ultra precision reel at the bottom of the Grand River, you're welcome to it." "But if your smart you'll throw it right back and go dig some worms, lest the 'bull from hell' set his sights on you."

Well it looks like a few years and a bit of grey hair and a bit more patience certainly was the ticket. Now I know were to go, I know some simple techniques all I need is a good ole fishing buddy by my side. Why don’t you throw your stuff in the car and we’ll head on up. Have a good one Smed.

This series was proudly brought to you by www.distinctnorthernart.com . Visit us and browse our wide variety of original wildlife art and etched glass wildlife mirrors. We feature the original wildlife art of Ontario wildlife artist Angus Burns.

Letters to Smed – “The Purist” (cont’d)

We got picked up about 8:00 and drove to the far side of Fergus. This is a part of the river I’ve never fished before and our guide was very gracious with his information and even before we left the car I had picked up more tips than I ever did on my own. Maybe this time will be different afterall…

I sat quietly at the edge of the still, deep, pool by the bend in the river. The same place I had caught countless bass and pike in the past. The past, that is, before I 'saw the light' and became a fly-fisherman.

"Sit quietly." Jim had said softly. "Watch the water for surfacing fish. You'll be able to tell by watching, which insects they're feeding on." "Then select a fly from your box that resembles the ones the fish are feeding on. Tie the fly onto your leader. Carefully and quietly cast to a spot where the fish are actively 'rising' and hang on." Jim said with confidence. And sure enough, right at that moment, Jim caught one of the nicest trout I had ever seen.

After watching the water for nearly 20 minutes, and still not being able to tell what in blazes the fish were feeding on, I gently pulled a brown, fuzzy looking, fly from my fishing vest and tied it to the leader, as Jim had instructed.

The sun was just beginning to peek over the far ridge as I eased my way, noiselessly, into the placid, misty water.

I'm not sure at which point it was that I lost control of the situation, but instead of a throbbing bass on the end of my line, I had sunk my hook solidly into a tree branch about 25 feet off the ground.

"Be prepared for the odd frustration" I had coached myself the night before, "Just break the leader and tie on a new one and start again."

After the occasional 'spicy' conversation with the maker of the seemingly untieable fly-line, and the invocation of assistance from 'on high', I was finally ready to try again.

The greater wisdom of my subconscious mind was over active today as it suggested, "Turn over that big rock and see what type of bugs are there. Pick a fly and 'match the hatch' just like Jim told you."

I should mention that I'm a big sissy when it comes to anything that slithers through the grass and, you guessed it, just as I began to move the rock, out slithered a 2 foot garter snake, sending chills up and down my spine. The same kind of feeling you get when an unexpected letter from Revenue Canada arrives. I jumped back; slipped on something long dead and foul smelling did a perfect pirouette and wound up sitting in two feet of water. I'm sure I could hear that snake chuckling as it slowly slithered to find a less exciting venue.

I had, however, managed to keep my perfectly balanced rod and ultra precision reel out of harms way, over my head.

"To Hell with matching the hatch! Just put on a damn fly, throw it out, and see what happens." I thought, beginning to allow just a bit of frustration to show through, as I emptied the water from my waders.

Looking behind to make sure the fly-grabbing tree was out of harms way, I began my rhythmic motion. Back and forth...back and forth...back and forth, and then one final cast and my fly drifted gently to the water in the middle of the pool.

Got someone at the door Smed ole buddy, so I’ll fire this off and get back to you later…

©Lloyd Fridenburg, 2008 – all rights reserved

This series will be continued and is proudly brought to you by www.distinctnorthernart.com . Visit us and browse our wide variety of original wildlife art and etched glass wildlife mirrors

Letters to Smed – “The Purist” (cont’d)

Well Smed, I’m nearly ready for the big day. I pinched the barbs on the few flies that I owned, tucked them in a nice box and managed to make a few casts across the back yard…without getting hung up on the fence. Still I’m a bit nervous about getting into this again…

"Off to the tackle shop I sped hauling my reams of notes and diagrams along with me.

One hour later and $250.00 lighter (Jim failed to explain the initial cost of this venture) I emerged from the store grinning like the proverbial Cheshire Cat. I could almost feel the throbbing fish on the end of my carefully weighted line as it made a wide, sweeping, bow in my perfectly balanced rod and was being slowly drawn closer to the net by my ultra precision reel.

After a few minor frustrations I finally had my prize assembled and trundled off, notes and diagrams in hand, to the backyard.

"Let about 8 feet of line extend from the tip of your rod and peel off as many yards of line as you intend to cast and let it fall at your feet." I could hear Jim saying. "Now swing your rod back in a sweeping arch and let several more feet of line slip through your fingers on the forward stroke. Continue this motion until your fly has reached the place you want it to land. Then with one final cast, let it float gently to the water."

"Why am I standing here with a hook in my pant leg and the rest of the line twirled around my rod?" I wondered. I stopped to read my notes and check my diagrams again. "Everything looks right. Lets give it another try."

As darkness began to fall, I finally seemed to be getting the hang of it. I could cast all the way across the yard, and only occasionally did I get caught on my neighbours clothesline. My, long cold, supper waited on the kitchen table as my lovely wife, who was no longer speaking to me, retired to the living room to snuggle up with a book on male psychology and mid-life crisis.

The sky was showing the first signs of brightening as I donned my chest waders, while sitting on a picnic table beside the car. The scenic Grand River, that I had fished for years, unfolded in the valley below and seemed to take on a new and more mature beauty now that I was able to, finally, wander it's banks as a fishing 'purist'. The mist hanging low over the water gave an air of surrealism to the scene. I sat for a moment and watched, with near reverence, this scene of early morning beauty.

I slipped on my fishing vest, that held all equipment necessary to catch the huge bass waiting below. (Of course those 'big' fish that had eluded me for years would be jumping out of the water when presented with the proper fly. Everyone knows a truly huge fish would never stoop so low as to eat worms and minnows.)

I lifted my rod with the gentleness of a mother holding her new baby, as I started off down the steep path leading to the rivers edge. Cattle were gently grazing in a nearby field and in the distance I could hear the first rooster crow. The air was fresh with the scent of mid-summer, while at the same time, cool and damp with the early morning dew. The sight and feel was enough to send shivers of ecstasy down your spine."

Catch ya later Smed…I’m off to pack up my stuff.

©Lloyd Fridenburg, 2008 – all rights reserved

This series will be continued and is proudly brought to you by www.distinctnorthernart.com . Visit us and browse our wide variety of original wildlife art and etched glass wildlife mirrors.

Letters to Smed – “The Purist”

Well Smed ole buddy I may have lost my mind but I’m going to try it again. Yep, I was rummaging through my fishing stuff and came across my old box of flies. I know what you’re thinking; I said I would never pick up a fly rod again after my last adventure, but maybe I’ll take some lessons this time…it sure brings back memories though:

"And the next time we meet, I hope it's at my house for Sunday dinner."

“Sorry! I suppose you are wondering why I'm sitting on a branch in this old apple tree speaking in such a fashion to a big, mean, snorting bull. Let me turn back the clock a few weeks to a rainy Saturday afternoon when I had nothing to do but relax on my favourite chair, in front of the TV. While randomly switching channels, a habit that is always sure to drive my dear wife crazy, I happened upon a new fishing show dedicated to the art of fly-fishing.

What luck, I thought to myself "The first in a series for the beginning fly fisherman:" an art that always seemed to intimidating to try in the past.

Being an educational TV 'junkie' I jumped at the chance to learn anything new about the fine art of wetting a line. I should explain that I have been a dedicated worm drowner and minnow killer for years, but now Jerkwater Jim, the worlds foremost authority on fly-fishing, or so the station claimed, was ready to show me the error of my ways and teach me how to fish like a true fishing 'purist'.

I watched religiously, for a total of three hours over several Saturday afternoons. This soon became a bigger irritant to my wife than switching channels. Jim taught me how to pick the proper type of line to use for all the various kinds of fishing I would now be able to experience. I learned how to select the proper fly rod and reel. Most important of all I discovered how to choose the perfect fly to 'match the hatch'. I took notes, watched every movement and cast, with the enthusiasm of a young boy anticipating his first fishing trip.

"Look how the line floats through the air, landing with the grace and gentleness of a willow leaf on a quiet mill pond” said Jim. "Believe it or not you will be casting just as effortlessly after a few practice casts."

"Yes!" I thought to myself, "I will cast with all the grace of a bird gently, dipping to taste the cool water. This is what fishing was really meant to be. "

I was already beginning to feel disdain towards those less fortunate fishermen who had to resort to drowning worms. I had become a “purist”!

Catch ya later Smed…I’m off to the tackle shop.

©Lloyd Fridenburg, 2008 – all rights reserved

This post will be continued and is proudly brought to you by www.distinctnorthernart.com . Visit us and browse our wide variety of original wildlife art and etched glass wildlife mirrors.

North American Wildlife Conservation Model (cont’d)

So what now? We know that the North American Wildlife Conservation Model exists; we know that it was (and still is) a visionary initiative; we know that most, if not all, of today’s conservation laws, acts, and international wildlife treaties have used this model as a basis for decision making; and we know that North American wildlife survives and thrives as a direct result of this conservation model.

But we also know that our politicians, who are ultimately our lawmakers, are being increasingly seduced by vote buying rhetoric that is based on misinformation and emotion rather than science and objectivity. Because they have little or no understanding of conservation issues and especially where the funding comes from they tend to take the easy path of creating “feel good” legislation to appease equally misinformed urbanites.

A case in point is legislation passed by Switzerland (soon to be followed by Germany) that will ban catch and release fishing and all forms of competitive fishing. This is typical of a decision that was made in spite of overwhelming scientific evidence that supports catch and release fishing. It also shows a complete lack of understanding of the financial consequences of their decision. I expect that in a few years – after funds for resource management dry up and resources begin to deteriorate – they will have a change of heart. I only hope that governing bodies adopt a more objective perspective before it is too late.

News & Info: Press Releases – May 2008
SWISS GOVERNMENT TO BAN ‘CATCH AND RELEASE’ FISHING
Catch and Release fishing will be banned in Switzerland from next year, it was revealed this week. And anglers in the country will have to demonstrate their expertise by taking a course on humane methods of catching fish, under new legislation outlined by the Bundesrat - the Swiss Federal Parliament.

The new legislation states that fish caught should be killed immediately following their capture, with a sharp blow to the head from a blunt instrument. Under the new regulations, the use of live bait and barbed hooks is also prohibited except in certain situations.

The laws come into effect in 2009 but while the Swiss government does not mention Catch and Release specifically, it does say that "it is not permitted to go fishing with the 'intention' to release the fish." EFTTA lobbyist Jan Kappel has been in contact with Martin Peter, Vice President of the Swiss Angling Federation, to see whether a joint approach to the Swiss government could persuade them to amend the legislation - which forms part of a much wider animal welfare program.

The law on the protection of animals was passed by the Swiss parliament in 2005 and officials have spent three years refining the details, taking into account the comments of interested parties. Said Jan: "Catch and Release is one of the most difficult issues we have to deal with, and one of the most important in my opinion. “The new Swiss law doesn't make use of the term 'Catch and Release', which is the same as in Germany – but I don't see how governments can enforce legislation which makes 'intent' illegal.
“And demanding that people kill the fish they catch gives no thought to the conservation benefits from releasing them."

Angling Codes of Conduct with regards to proper handling and releases can be found for practically any fish species caught by anglers in Switzerland and the rest of the world. The new Swiss law makes it obligatory for anglers to take lessons before being granted a fishing license. So there is absolutely no need for an outright ban on the release of fish in Switzerland.” It’s believed that the legislation could affect as many as 275,000 anglers in Switzerland, who generate around 30 million Euros in annual tackle sales.

EFTTA acting president, Pierangelo Zanetta, said: "EFTTA does not believe that forcing anglers to kill their catches is either good for nature or for recreational sport fishing - which makes a significant financial contribution to the EU economy. “Making the killing of fish obligatory will simply reduce fish population and, at the same time, run the risk of having a negative impact on sport fishing. "Anglers and the sport of angling invest time and money to improve water quality and create larger and healthier fish populations. We believe is it far better for the fish if the fisherman decides, according to the situation, whether to keep and eat the fish or to release it."

Think it can’t happen here? Just watch politicians during the next election campaign. “Feel good” legislation is much easier to deal with than science based objective legislation. And we know that, at least in Ontario, we have a government that loves “feel good” legislation.

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North American Wildlife Conservation Model (cont’d)

In the last blog we looked at the first two principles of the model. Today we will continue with the next five principles of the model.

3 Democratic Rule of Law

Today all users of our wild resources are governed by the democratic rule of law. All stakeholders in our wild resources have access to those resources within a framework of laws, rules, and ethics. Imagine how things would look today if the decision had been made to follow the European model where a select and elite few made the rules; often to the detriment of the public at large.

4 Hunting Opportunity For All

One option available to our forefathers was to ban hunting on any scale to allow wildlife to re-establish naturally. That tact would have ensured the endangerment of many species that we all enjoy today. Without the billions of dollars pumped into conservation efforts by hunters and fishermen wildlife conservation in North America would collapse.

Indeed it is this tenant that has encourages wholesale participation and financial contributions to wildlife management throughout North America.

5 Non-frivolous Use

Although somewhat subjectively interpreted in was the intent of the model to define non-frivolous use of wildlife as anything other than harvesting for food or fur, or for self-defense or protection of property. This ensured that wild animals could not be harvested on a speculative, for-profit basis by market hunters and that migratory birds could not be killed for a handful of feathers to festoon women’s hats.

6 International Resources

Wildlife doesn’t recognize borders: state, provincial, or national borders simply don’t exist in the world of wildlife. Those that developed the model realized that developing conservation concepts and practices in one region or country would have little impact once wildlife crossed a border into another jurisdiction. This understanding formed the basis of legislation like the Migratory Bird Protection Act of 1916. Without this international legislation many species of waterfowl would likely now be extinct.

7 Scientific Management

Fish and wildlife ministries throughout North America follow a methodology for wildlife and habitat management based on scientific research. This eliminates the potential for resources to be guided (or misguided) by emotion, rhetoric, and private agenda. Management of resources is, for the most part, objective and decisions made based on scientific study and evaluation.

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North American Wildlife Conservation Model (cont’d)

The model is built around seven guiding principles:

1. Public Trust
2. Prohibition on Commerce of Dead Wildlife (market hunting).
3. Democratic Rule of Law.
4. Hunting Opportunity for All.
5. Non-frivolous Use.
6. International Resources.
7. Scientific Management.

These seven principles conceived over 100 years ago underpin all of our modern day wildlife management and conservation laws, and guide the conservation ethics of all users of our wildlife resources. As we dig deeper you will see how these principles provide for the unbiased use and conservation of all North American wildlife and their habitat.

Shane http://www.conservationforce.org/directorsmahoney.html speaks eloquently and passionately as he discusses the “Seven Sisters (or Pillars)” of the wildlife model. So let’s examine each principle in more detail.

1 Public Trust

Because ownership of wildlife in North America is for the most part vested in various levels of government – who were elected as the direct representatives of you and me (the public) – all residents have a right to unfettered access to, and enjoyment of, wildlife.

The principle of “public trust” was adopted to ensure that wildlife on the North American continent did not fall into private ownership as was the tradition in most of Europe. In Europe most of the land and wildlife was (and often still is) owned by the aristocracy or very affluent. The average person was denied the right to hunt, fish, or even to enjoy the presence of wildlife.

I guess this denial of access to the public did serve as a form of conservation, but our forefathers were determined to establish a model that would ensure access to all.

2 Prohibition on Commerce of Dead Wildlife

Uncontrolled market hunting fueled by an insatiable public appetite for wild game is what, more than any other single factor, nearly led to the eradication of many wildlife species on the North American continent.

The adoption of stringent conservation laws, including the banning of “market hunting” ensured survival of the many wildlife species we enjoy today.

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What do you know about the North American Wildlife Conservation Model?

I attended a gathering of outdoor writers on the weekend and was privileged to have a chance to listen to a lecture given by Shane Mahoney; wildlife biologist; and crusader for sustainable wildlife management and conservation throughout North America http://www.conservationforce.org/directorsmahoney.html .

Early in his talk Shane mentioned the North American Wildlife Conservation Model and asked who was familiar with the model or the associated story. Now I tend to consider myself well studied in the field of sustainable wildlife and habitat management, but few, including me, had much knowledge of the topic at hand.

There in lays the problem. You see, every one of us benefits directly and indirectly from this model; in fact without it most indigenous wildlife species that we enjoy in Canada and the United States would have been obliterated before the start of the 20th century. That includes elk, pronghorn antelope, bison, deer, and many waterfowl species.

Of even greater concern is that it is very likely that our elected representatives in Canada – federal or provincial – also have no knowledge of the model, its ramifications, or the debt owed to all wildlife conservation organizations; particularly hunters and anglers. They must be educated! I only mention Canadian politicians because this is one place that the Americans are way ahead of us. In fact last August an Executive Order directly from President Bush for the facilitation of hunting heritage and wildlife conservation measures was given to federal agencies to review and enhance hunting opportunities and the management of game species and their habitat: http://6fbd21e64bc817fd097aa54148bd3dab37bc10ee.gripelements.com/documents/whitehouseonhunting.pdf .

In short the model came about as a result of our forefathers concern over the rapid depletion of game throughout the North American continent. Like minded outdoorsmen – primarily hunters and anglers – became concerned over the wanton killing of animals (such as the decimation of buffalo herds on the prairies) and uncontrolled market hunting. At the forefront of this group was none other than Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier and President Theodore Roosevelt, who’s love of wild places ensured that wildlife conservation attained the prominence and importance that it deserved.

Prior to the development of the North American Wildlife Conservation Model there were virtually no laws governing the taking of game. There were no seasons, there were no penalties, there were no conservation officers, and there was an insatiable market for furs, feathers, and wild meat…certainly a bad combination for wild birds and animals.

Even though the model was and is driven by hunting and angling enthusiasts and organizations, every one of us reaps the benefits.

Stay tuned as over the next while I expand upon the model and the importance of drastically elevating the importance of wildlife conservation and sustainable management.

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Ontario Family Fishing Weekend - February 23, 24

Ice fishing is a great way to get the whole family involved in an enjoyable outdoors activity. Minister of Natural Resources Donna Cansfield has once again designated February 23 and 24 to be Family Fishing Weekend in Ontario.

The best thing of all is that for those two days no license is required allowing everyone to experience the thrill of hauling fish through the ice.

Sponsors of the Family Fishing Weekend include the Canadian Sportsfishing Industry Association, the Canadian National Sportsfishing Foundation, the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association, and Fisheries & Oceans Canada.

For more information about events that are taking place in your region check out the Family Fishing Weekend website at http://www.familyfishingweekend.com/ .

Stay warm and happy fishing.

Letters to Smed - The Ice Hut (conclusion)

Hey Smed,

Well I got the gear packed and just sipping a coffee waiting for Sam to show up. I promised him that he can check emails on the way up in return for leaving early...

"Sam arrived later that night and following the light of our lantern slipped his way across the ice to the hut. Being the perpetrator of the scheme to build the ice hut it was no surprise that he would not believe the evil that lurked within the thing and embraced it with open arms. There was an instant bond between man and hut as Sam gently caressed the dented roof.
All in all it was a good weekend although with the sudden drop in temperature the fishing activity followed suit. Memories of our trials and tribulations waned and, with lots of coaching from Sam, we even started to like the damn hut. That is until it came time to leave! You see, in his exuberance Smed had pushed wet slushy snow around the base of the hut when the temperature started to drop and the wind started to rise, to keep the wind out of the hut. Seemed like a good idea at the time but let’s see; -25 plus slush…hmmm…

You guessed it, Red-Green was frozen solid as a rock and refused to budge; again. Off we trundled to the cottage, returning a short time later manned with pry bars, ropes, and axes. The ice chips flew and the wood groaned but slowly the hut was extricated from the icy fingers that seemed determined to hold on until spring. Of course by now we were in the middle of a full-blown blizzard that rolled in suddenly off of Lake Huron. Man, we worked like dogs; pushing, pulling, prying, slipping, spinning our way back to shore. Finally with a final roar from the sled and one great shove Red-Green rested at the top of the slope, near the old outhouse. How appropriate!

The hut could give us no more grief now, yet if you looked closely I swear you could see the small windows narrow with a subtle demonic grin, and with one last puff of smoke we were left wondering what was in store for next year. Maybe we should leave well enough alone and turn it into a sauna."

Here he is now, guess we'll see you in a couple of hours. Is the hut out yet, or dare I ask?

Ed

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Letters to Smed - The Ice Hut (cont'd)

Hey Smed,

I just had the stew simmering and was reading a story about how Tom Sawyer whitewashed the fence and got to think'in about old Red/Green again...

"Now I want you to envision the scene. We’re sitting on top of a slight slope at the edge of the lake. The lake is obviously frozen solid, in spite of the mild temperatures. Remember that it’s been raining all day and there is now a film of water on top of the already slippery ice. The drop-off where we want to drag the hut to is about ½ km from our present location. We are pulling the hut, which is indeed quite solid, with a sled that has a rubber track and no studs. Need I say more?

In hindsight the logical thing would have been to head for the cottage, relax, and decide upon the best course of action. That, of course, is not what men on a mission do. Smed sneered at the hut as he revved the engine of the sled and ever so slowly the damn hut crested the final slope. Getting up a good head of steam going down the slope we surged out onto the ice with Red-Green once again swaying behind the sled. I must admit that it appeared as if our troubles were indeed over as Smed accelerated away from us while we focused all our attention on trying to stay on our feet.

Half way to our fishing hole the damn hut managed to bring the sled to a halt once again. Water was spraying every which way as Smed revved the engine once again, but the hut refused to move. With Don pushing on the hut and me adding extra traction to the sled we must have made a great sideshow for the other cottagers as we managed to inch our way to our destination.

It always amazes me how quickly adversity becomes nothing more that a good laugh once the adventure ends. A few drams of Scotch helped us realize that it was all just a calamity of errors and not worthy of much additional thought. Or was the damn hut merely getting its second wind.

As the temperature dropped suddenly that evening—from +5c in the afternoon to -25c by 9:00 that evening-- Red-Green did provide us with the necessary heat to thaw our frozen fingers and toes. In fact it was down right balmy. No, I should rephrase that, “The damn hut was damn hot.” It seemed as if the stove was proving to be as temperamental as the hut. It was either too cold or too hot, but never the right temperature."

Well I better get back to stir'in before the stew starts to smoke. I wouldn't want you boys to have any complaints.

Catch ya later,

Ed

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Letters to Smed - The Ice Hut (cont'd)

Hey Smed,

Just came up from checking my gear. Found out why my reel stopped working last winter. Seems that plastic gears don't like -30 degree temps. We should give Sam a call to remind him to pick up his license...

"Little more was said as we packed our belongings onto the remaining sled and filled our hands with the rest. We were at a place where the road narrows even farther and becomes uneven, when we first laid eyes on Red-Green. Its windows peering like two defiant eyes as it teetered on top of a ridge of snow at an awkward angle. There was a sharp bend in one corner of the roof. When I asked Smed what happened, all he said was, “Hit a dam tree!” I jokingly queried as to whether the sled broke before or after he hit the tree. “Right after,” he said. We all stared at the hut but didn’t say another word.

Deciding that further discussion might prove hazardous and that discretion might be the best option at this point, we blasted off toward the cottage, unloaded our luggage and then back down the road we plodded to see if we could convince the dam hut, as it was now affectionately known, to follow us to the lake.

Smed manned the remaining sled and slowly took up the slack as we sunk in our heels and pushed at the back. After a slight protest it was off again, swaying from side-to-side down the road. I’m not sure, but judging by the way that he was driving, Smed seemed determined to turn the dam hut into firewood. He rounded the final bend near the cottage, and with the lake was only a few meters away Red-Green slammed the brakes on once again.

Snow had piled so high at the front of the hut that it brought the sled to a grinding halt. The challenge was now personal. The hut had already ruined Smed’s favorite machine and elevated his blood pressure to unimaginable heights, but the battle of wills continued. Normally calm, calculated and collected Smed’s eyes glowed and became almost demonic. Blue smoke belched from the sled as Smed was clearly determined to win the battle. Those of us that were still somewhat grounded in reality rushed to the sled and convinced him to concede this one to the hut before we had no sleds to use at all.

Out came the shovels and soon we were ready to edge onto the ice. Smed was convinced by this time that the hut was alive and hated him. Even though the ice was a good foot thick he was sure it must be doomed to sink."

Well Smed ole' buddy I'm off to pick up some supplies...won't be long now!

Ed

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Letters to Smed - The Ice Hut (continued)

Hey Smed,

Back at ya again. Well I got to thinkin' that good ol Red/Green must be just about out of surprises but I do have to chuckle when I think back to that first trip...

"Don and I arrived later that afternoon, after navigating backroads that looked more like rivers than roads, and were looking forward to relaxing in a nice, warm ice-hut, that would of course by now be sitting on the ice over a school of Walleye. Now I should point out that this location is not one where you just drive up and walk out onto the ice. The cottage is a good ½ hr. walk from where we park the cars. But thanks to the virtues of modern technology we were able to call Smed and arrange to have him meet us at the parking lot with his snow machine. He usually has two machines with him, one that’s left at the parking lot for us to follow him down the cottage road while our luggage and copious fishing equipment and supplies are packed around us and tied to the sleds. There was to be nothing usual about this trip…..

Smed was waiting for us at the parking lot when we arrived. At first glance it was clear that he was not a happy camper. When I asked where the second sled was the floodgate opened.

“I think I wrecked the $^%#*& thing when I was trying to pull that $%^&*?? hut down the road,” he replied.

Now Smed is not known for being the most patient type and was not about to wait for help before dragging Red Green down the road, a trait that seems to be more common amongst the male population than is evident with the opposite gender. I guess that’s why our wives never join us on these trips. They would never understand our inflexibility and need to act on impulse with no real plan or rational. Now believe me, I have nothing against, and even encourage, women to accompany their men on outdoor adventures, but think of how many good stories would be lost if we always acted in a rational manner."

Well I better head out to clear the driveway before the missus gets home. I don't want to wind up with a sprained wrist again...oh yeah, another ice hut story...

Ed

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Letters to SMED - The Ice Hut

Hey Smed,

I just got through reading the 2007 "Darwin Awards" (http://darwinawards.com/ ) and got to thinkin about our annual ice fishing trip. Man I can remember the first time we laid eyes on that ol' shack like it was yesterday:

"The ice-hut was conceived from thoughts of frozen toes and a runny nose. And, according to Sam, it would be a nice place to relax and read a good book if the fish weren’t biting. It became a living, breathing thing on a cold January day in a carpenter’s workshop, several hours drive from its final destination. Isn't an ice-hut, something that's designed to give warmth and shelter to cold weary fisherman, a thing that should be crafted lovingly with ones own hands? Could it be that it resented being traded for a couple of maple logs cut from Sam’s woodlot?

Perhaps even inanimate objects have feelings and require an element of respect. Sometimes that respect is inherent, like when you gaze upon a well-crafted fishing rod or reel. Other times it must grow over time, like a new pair of boots. In rare circumstances the object blatantly demands your respect, something that may take years to realize.

Red-Green, affectionately named after the fictitious TV handyman, arrived at the lake in late January, the biting depths of the Southern Ontario winter, during the worst thunderstorm I’d seen in years. Fields were flooded and took on the appearance of small lakes. Streams turned to raging torrents and gnawed through the constraints of their banks at every opportunity. Was it coincidence, or omen of things to come?"

...Well Smed ol' buddy we need to make some plans. Talk to ya soon.

Ed

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