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Summer is over, autumn is approaching, and wildlife is transitioning to the changing seasons.
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Seasonal migrations have already been observed in central Canada’s white-tailed deer population. When the stag’s antlers are almost fully developed, the resident males gather for an annual ‘meet’ with the stag. During this sizing-up period, white-tailed eagles congregate in bachelor groups to compare antlers sizes and establish pecking order. Aquatic life is also feeling the change. Fish species such as snailfish and northern pike that spent most of the summer in deep water slowly begin to emerge in shallow water.
Late summer is one of the best times to observe migratory creatures. Keep your eyes open and your cameras ready. And trophy fishing season isn’t far off, so make sure to jump in the water.
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Preparing for Hunt Camp
As fall approaches, I look forward to heading to hunt camp to work on off-season projects. In preparation for the harsh cold weather and the upcoming hunting season, you’ll need some important restocking of your log coop. Also, the camp itself is thoroughly cleaned and organized to refresh the place. The real fun of visiting hunt camps in the off-season is working on trail he camera setups and starting moose and deer reconnaissance regiments. Having both traditional surveillance gaming cams and new cellular cameras in circulation is just as exciting as the hunt itself. Monitoring the movements and migratory patterns of big game animals is another tool in a hunter’s toolbox.
Coyote Concerns Continue
Anyone subscribing to wildlife management understands that conservation must include predator control, especially when it comes to what is called the Eastern Coyote and North American Urban Coyote Problem. In my case, living within the City of Ottawa’s restricted firearms “no-fire zone” meant that these looting “yotees were rampant across my property with their hands tied.” A coyote strolled my back trail this week watching me make my morning coffee and descend into the fields. Ontario against hybrid Algonquin Coywolf With the recent protection of , the cunning Eastern Coyote is now under the same umbrella and even more protected. Are these predators out of control or is it just me? Please send us your thoughts on the matter: theoutdoorsguy@rogers.com
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Central Canada Cougar Sightings
The ever-mysterious cougar has been sighted regularly in Ontario and Quebec and shows no signs of stopping. As one of the few writers who monitor big cat sightings and report on the region’s cougar mysteries, my “cougar intel” tells us that the sightings certainly won’t stop. Cougar reports weekly roll-ins from people across central Canada via email and my website (www.theoutdoorsguy.com). Northern Ontario and western Quebec are the latest cougar hotspots to report large cat herds. A wildlife researcher at Pukaskwa National Park near Marathon, Ontario. The evidence is mounting as we get closer to determining the origins of these intriguing big cats. Until then, keep an eye out for big cats in your area.
hunt around the corner
Hunting season is approaching, what are your fall hunting plans? Local hunting stories and plans will be featured in the next Outdoor Guys column. Contact me: theoutdoorsguy@rogers.com
