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Sharp teeth and an aggressive eating habit earned the northern snakehead the name 'frankenfish.' As if that weren't bad enough, it also has a lunglike organ that allows it to [...]

Like the call of the loon, the sound of a ruffed grouse's drumming echoing through woodlots has an almost mystical quality that speaks of wild places. Starting slowly at first, [...]

This article from Ontario Out of Doors provides tips and advice for hunters targeting ducks and geese on public land. The article emphasizes the importance of concealment, with experienced hunters using additional camouflage to blend in with the surroundings. Calling is also highlighted as a crucial skill, with hunters advised to practice and sound like a duck to attract birds. Decoys are recommended, with foam decoys considered more natural-looking than plastic ones. The article also suggests hunting during rainy and windy days for increased success. Overall, the article provides insights from experienced hunters to help others improve their hunting skills on public land. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Ontario Out of Doors warns hunters to be cautious of rabies following the first human case in Ontario since 1967. A child from Brant-Brantford contracted rabies from a bat in Gowganda, leading to a fatal outcome. Hunters are advised to vaccinate their dogs against rabies, avoid pursuing animals showing abnormal behavior, and consider pre-exposure immunization if in close contact with certain wildlife species. Despite efforts to eliminate rabies in terrestrial wildlife, the article highlights the ongoing risk posed by bat populations. [Extracted from the article]

9 Savage's Model 555 Trap single-barrel (12 and 20 gauge) features a Turkish-walnut stock, tang-mounted safety, 30-inch vent rib barrel, adjustable comb, silver-alloy receiver, chrome-lined barrel and manual extractor. Features 1 CZ's 457 American Left- Hand is a fantastic rim-fire rifle for southpaws. MSRP: $589 US www.cz-usa.com 2 CZ's 600 Alpha is an all-round rifle with a sub-MOA guarantee and modern styling. MSRP: $749 US www.cz-usa.com 3 Mauser's M18 Savanna is a rugged rifle backed by a sub-MOA guarantee and 10-year warranty. [Extracted from the article]

Financing has been secured for various measures to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River system. The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, which connects Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River system, is a concern as it could serve as a pathway for the invasive fish. The US Army Corps of Engineers conducted a study in 2016 and identified sound barriers, bubble barriers, and an enhanced electric barrier as potential solutions. The total cost of the project is $1.15 billion, with $400 million already approved. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and take six to eight years to complete. [Extracted from the article]

The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) is transitioning from paper applications to online applications for firearms licenses. First-time applicants, including individuals, businesses, carriers, shooting clubs, and ranges, can now submit and track their license applications online. The MyCFP inbox allows for secure communication between applicants and the CFP, and safety course instructors can also report results online. However, paper applications and client phone calls will still be accepted to accommodate the diverse needs of clients. For more information or to access the online service, visit www.rcmp.ca/en/firearms. [Extracted from the article]

According to RCMP statistics, Canada has experienced a significant decline in the number of gun ranges, with nearly a third of them closing since the end of 2020. The exact reason for this decline is uncertain, as shooting clubs and ranges operate as private entities. However, it coincides with the tightening of restrictions on centrefire semi-automatic rifles and handguns. The president of the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association attributes the decline to a combination of new regulations, increased red tape, and higher ammunition costs. This decline is notable considering the growing number of firearms license holders in Canada. [Extracted from the article]

Increasing evidence suggests that flathead catfish have become established in southwestern Ontario's Thames River. This invasive species, popular in the southern US, can reach sizes of over 100 pounds and poses a threat to the ecosystem due to its size, appetite, and aggressiveness. University of Toronto researcher Nicholas Mandrak warns that the catfish's large mouth and diet of native species, including endangered ones, should be a cause for concern. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is also worried about the impact of flathead catfish on biodiversity and encourages anglers to report any sightings to the Invading Species Hotline. [Extracted from the article]

New regulations will be implemented at the end of the year to prevent the transportation of aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes. These regulations will require vessels entering the Great Lakes to use modern ballast water systems that cleanse the water of organisms before it is released. There will also be a program to transition vessels that only travel within the Great Lakes to these new ballast water systems. Prior to 2006, a new invasive species was introduced to the Great Lakes approximately every eight months, and the new regulations aim to address this issue. [Extracted from the article]

ColumnsThe Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is hoping more successful bear hunters will voluntarily submit two pre-molar teeth from their 2024 harvest.Information derived from teeth contributes to assessments of the bear harvests and informs scientists on bear ecology and management.In 2023, only 75 resident hunters submitted bear teeth. Non-residents were more diligent, with 1,415 submissions.To learn more, see page 81 in the 2024 Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary. [Extracted from the article]

Sea lamprey, an invasive species from the Atlantic Ocean, have caused significant damage to Great Lakes fisheries. In the 1960s, their predation led to a drastic decline in commercial fisheries for lake trout, lake whitefish, and cisco. However, the sea lamprey control program implemented by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission has been successful in reducing their impact. Measures such as using lampricide to kill lamprey larvae and preventing adult lamprey from reaching spawning areas have helped restore the balance. Sea lamprey are ancient creatures without bones, and they rely on their sense of smell to find mates. They only feed on cold-blooded fish and do not pose a threat to humans. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the escalating costs of a gun buyback program in Ontario, Canada. Despite spending $42 million, no guns have been bought back yet. Conservative Senator Don Plett has raised concerns about the program, comparing it to the controversial gun registry. The Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association (CSAAA) has also expressed concerns about the costs and the impact on the industry. They have highlighted the issue of buying back components of AR-15-style guns and the challenges faced by smaller companies and gun shops. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Ontario Out of Doors discusses the delay in implementing measures to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes due to disagreements between the state of Illinois and the US federal government. The state of Illinois has not signed the Project Partnership Agreement, leading to funding issues and concerns about responsibilities for hazardous waste sites. Construction is not expected to begin until 2025. The article also mentions a significant harvest of invasive carp from the Illinois River, which highlights the urgency of addressing the issue. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study found that consumption advisories for fish in the St. Lawrence River vary greatly between Ontario, Quebec, New York, and First Nations communities. For example, in Ontario, perch can be consumed up to 32 times per month, while in New York, the advisory recommends only four meals for the general population and none for children and women of childbearing age. The study also found differences in the chemicals analyzed and the level of detail provided. The study calls for more coordination between jurisdictions in producing advisories and suggests packaging advisories with fishing regulations. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the poor ice fishing season on the Great Lakes due to warmer temperatures. Areas that typically have ice at the end of February were largely ice-free this year, resulting in the lowest amount of ice on record for the Great Lakes. This trend of decreasing ice coverage has been observed in recent years, with two consecutive seasons without ice. The lack of ice not only affects ice hut operators and fishing revenue but also has negative impacts on the lakes and their ecosystems, such as increased erosion and potential harm to fish eggs. [Extracted from the article]

The Town of Minto in southwestern Ontario has become the 192nd municipality in Ontario to approve Sunday gun hunting. The decision was made after a presentation by local hunters and with support from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH). The council also received a petition and letters of support from other citizens. The OFAH Policy Manager, Mark Ryckman, spoke about the history of Sunday gun hunting in southern Ontario, emphasizing safety and the regulations that would be put in place. [Extracted from the article]

According to an article in Ontario Out of Doors, the number of Canadian firearms owners increased in 2023. As of December 31, there were 2,352,504 Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) holders, compared to 2,264,755 in 2022. Ontario had the highest number of licences, with 667,726, and there was a small increase in the number of licence holders in the province. However, there is concern among some gun owners that the number of older shooters who are retiring or passing away is not being offset by new gun owners. The RCMP spokesperson stated that there has not been a significant change in any particular demographic in recent years. [Extracted from the article]

Challenge the dominant hen that's paired up with the gobbler, and bring her in with the tom in tow. Jack Crotta of Grind 'Em Outfitters in southwestern Ontario believes the key to outwitting a gobbler with hens is triggering the gobbler's territorial instinct. When Crotta sees the tom, he pulls the string so it appears the jake is looking at the tom and then returns it so it's facing away from the tom again, like it's ignoring him. If Hudak hears hens roosted near a gobbler, he switches his calling to be more aggressive, irritating the hen to get her attention. [Extracted from the article]

According to an article in Ontario Out of Doors, the recent pause in the export of civilian firearms and ammunition from the US will not affect Canada. Wes Winkel, president of the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association, confirmed that Canada has an exemption for NATO countries and there will be no change in daily procedures for Canadian manufacturers, importers, and retailers. Winkel also urged people not to panic buy or stockpile firearms and ammunition, as this could result in shortages in Canadian stores. Despite this, there has been panic stockpiling of .410 ammunition in Canada. [Extracted from the article]

The American Ornithological Society (AOS) is leading an effort to rename bird species that are currently named after individuals, which will also affect three species of waterfowl. One of these species is the Ross's goose, named after Bernard Rogan Ross, a fur trader and naturalist who worked for the Hudson's Bay Company in the mid-1800s. The Barrow's goldeneye and the Steller's eider are the other two waterfowl species that will be renamed. The renaming process will begin in 2024, with a committee overseeing the process and considering public input. The scientific names of these birds will not change. [Extracted from the article]

New York With its shared border with Ontario stretching all the way from Quebec to the Niagara peninsula, New York is a natural destination for turkey hunters looking to branch out. Features A dilemma facing successful turkey hunters is that it's game over once their Ontario tags are punched. Public land info: www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/where/state-wildlife-game-areas-list Hunting info: www.michigan.gov/dnr/-/media/Project/Websites/dnr/Documents/LED/digests/Spring Turkey Digest.pdf?rev=d8a3dd3c6fb044a99331f49604a62ca9 In addition to public land, Michigan leases private lands for hunting. [Extracted from the article]

When close to birds on the roost, Hare likes to give one tree yelp and if the tom gobbles back he won't call again until it's ready to fly down. If hens led the roosted tom away, a hunter can stay put, hoping the tom will return, or another bird will come in. Veteran Ontario turkey hunter and Quaker Boy pro staffer Adrian Hare has found when you get too close (within 40 yards) the bird will bust out of the tree 80% of the time. [Extracted from the article]