Climate Change and Wildlife Habitat

These days we often here talk of climate change and the potential impact that global warming will have on our society. But what about the affect of climate change on wildlife and wildlife habitat.

According to Dr. Paul James, Director of Environmental Monitoring for the Province of Saskatchewan and a research fellow at the University of Regina, many of our wildlife species are completely dependant on a very narrow band of acceptable climactic and environmental conditions in order to survive. Serious study of the effects of climate change on habitat must be undertaken and planning models must be tuned to reflect the new reality.

In short, when an ecosystem undergoes a dramatic change it can no longer sustain resident and migratory wildlife populations. New species of plant and animal life take over and indigenous species disappear.

So why don’t animals and birds simply move as their habitat changes? The fact is that they do, and much can be learned by the studying the slow migration of species into regions where they were previously unknown. But what happens if they can’t move? Take the animals and birds of the northern tundra for example. They rely on food sources that are only produced in regions of permafrost. As the permafrost vanishes due to sustained periods of higher than normal temperatures new types of vegetation will take over. These species simply cannot move further north to find food sources because it will simply cease to exist.

Species like the ptarmigan, arctic fox, and polar bear will simply cease to exist. And guess what? It is very likely to happen in our lifetime. Many scientists firmly believe that this is a “when”, rather than an “if” scenario.

There are other fragile ecosystems like the prairie pothole region that runs from the north central US through Southern Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and into Southern Alberta. This ecosystem provides a stopover for almost every migratory bird along the Mississippi flyway accounting for 80% of the waterfowl in North America. This ecosystem is already at risk due to improper farming and development practices. Over the next 50 years the potholes that provide a safe secure stopover for a wide variety of waterfowl will simply cease to exist.

Don’t take my word for it! Do your own research and form your own opinion, but you will find that in spite of government rhetoric many of these changes are inevitable. Dr. James stated “Wildlife studies must now focus on how to plan for the new reality and forget about sustainable management models of the past.”

While governments dither, wildlife habitat disappears!

Visit Southern Ontario Outdoors. Your source for news, information, and destinations related to your favorite outdoors activities throughout Southern Ontario.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

5 Important Pre-season Tips for Hunters

Even though hunting is one of the safest outdoor activities you can participate in, every year we hear lots of media hype about gun related accidents. What we don’t hear are reports about the hundreds of hunters that will suffer a heart attack, stroke, or other preventable injury.

Why; because too many of us are complacent about the physical demands of hunting. An early morning trek into a duck blind or tree stand, carrying decoys, guns, ammo, a pack, and dressed in clothing that is better suited for sitting than walking can raise the heart rate of unconditioned hunters to dangerous levels in a very short period of time. If you’ve done little other than cut the lawn over the summer you are susceptible to pulled muscles, strained black, or a sprained ankle.

As a martial arts and fitness instructor that specializes in programs for older adults I know how to help you ease into better physical condition that will drastically reduce the odds of you becoming a hunting statistic this fall. Now is the time to get your body in shape for the coming hunting season.

The extent to which you need to do some pre season training largely depends on the type of hunting you do and the distance you need to haul yourself and your gear. Here are a few muscle groups to pay attention to and some exercises that will help make your hunt safer and more enjoyable.

1. Abdominals
Crunches are a great strengthening exercise for your upper abs. Lay flat on your back with your knees bent and you hands on the side of your head near your ears. Keep your eyes focused on a point on the ceiling as you raise your shoulders about 8” off the floor and lower again. Work up to about 5 sets of 20 reps.

For the lower abs leg raises are very effective. Lay flat on the floor and support your lower back by placing your hands under your lower back; then with your legs straight raise your legs about 1 ft off the floor. Work up to 5 sets of 10 and remember, don’t let your feet touch the floor until you’re finished a complete set.

2. Back Muscles
Back muscles are a key component of core strength and yet the most overlooked. Strong abs and weak back muscles can cause poor posture and walking form. To strengthen your back muscles, lay on your stomach with your arms and legs extended in front of you. Keep your arms and legs straight; lift your arms and legs off the floor at the same time. Work up to about 5 sets of 10.

3. Quadriceps and Hamstrings
The quads are the large muscle group on the upper front of your leg while hamstrings are the large muscles at the back of the upper leg. Both are a key component of your forward motion and must be kept strong and flexible. Squats are a great way to work your quads and hamstrings. Stand straight with your feet a bit more than shoulder width apart. Keep your back straight and squat down until your thighs are parallel with the ground (or as far as you can comfortably manage) then return to a standing position. Work up to 5 sets of 20 and remember to do these slowly.

4. Calf Muscles
Even if you’re just strolling a groomed rail trail calf muscles can take a real beating. Strengthening your calf muscles is an important aspect of your overall hiker’s workout. Stand flat with your back straight. Lift your heels off the floor and lower. Work up to about 5 sets of 10.

A more advanced exercise would be to place your toes on a step and lower your heels as far as you can, then rise up on your toes for one complete rep. This exercise provides the added benefit of stretching the Achilles tendon as well.

5. Arms and Shoulders
Although there are many exercises that target specific muscles you just can’t beat the simple push-up for overall arm, shoulder, and upper body strengthening. Lie on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders (palms down). Keeping your back and legs straight push up with your arms until they are fully extended. Lower again until your chest is about 2” off the floor and repeat. Work up to about 5 sets of 10. For a less strenuous push-up you can keep your knees on the floor.

6. Bonus Tip
Turn your preseason scouting into a workout. Take the long way to the bush and carry a pack with you. Emulate the weight you’ll need to carry when the season starts. Get out a few times a week and walk at a pace of 2 – 3 steps per second for a half hour. You’ll really feel the difference on opening day.

Start a simple exercise routine now and you’re muscles will be in prime shape for the rigors of this year’s hunting season. You may have the added benefit of improving your overall fitness and health in the process.

Drop by http://www.sooutdoors.ca/ for information about all your Southern Ontario outoors activities. If you want more information about overall fitness and health visit http://www.waterloofit.com/.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Why You Need a Range Finder

Gauging distance is an art that few really master. Things like backdrop, terrain, and sunlight will all affect depth perception and judging the range of a target becomes a best guess situation. This applies to all firearms, the only difference is that you are generally working with longer distances with a rifle; the principle is the same.

For all but the most experienced bow hunters a shooting range of 20 to 30 yards is optimal. At 300 feet per second a well aimed arrow can experience a drop of about six inches over 30 yards; this will diminish slightly if you are shooting at a higher velocity. If you are a proficient shooter the net result for the animal at this range will be the same…it will be dead. But what happens if your estimate is off by 10 yards. The additional drop between 30 and 40 yards can be over a foot. This is not the time for guesswork. You risk missing the target, or even worse, wounding the animal.

If you hunt the same place all the time you will be familiar enough with the terrain and landmarks that, with a bit of practice, determining distance is not as big an issue. But let’s say that big buck wanders into the clearing just as the morning mist is lifting. You’re pretty sure it’s a 30 yard shot, but maybe not.

Once again technology comes to the rescue and you no longer need to guess. Modern range finders are compact, light, accurate and fast. There are a wide range of models available to address even the most demanding hunting conditions and environments.

A laser range finder uses advanced laser technology to calculate the distance to your target with an accuracy of +- 1 yard. Look through the eyepiece like you would a scope and when you acquire your target simply press the button and the exact distance to your target will be displayed. Some models will even allow you to compensate for rain or snow and even help you gauge elevation – something that is a real advantage when shooting from a tree stand.

Another trick is to sit in your stand or ground blind and range some objects within your shooting circle and tie a bit of orange tape to a tree or mark a rock. I do this at 10, 20, 30, and 40 metre distances in a T pattern with my stand or blind in the middle. That way you don’t need to worry about ranging your target when you really want to concentrate on making the shot.

The range finder won’t improve your shooting ability, but it will certainly remove the guesswork. After all a clean, quick, humane kill should be the goal of all hunters. A good quality range finder should be one of those “must get” items for your hunting toolbox.

Visit http://www.sooutdoors.ca/ for all your Southern Ontario hunting destinations and information.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Communication in the Field

With continuous advances in technology our ability to communicate with one another in the field is better than ever. Whether you’re calling home to say you’ll be late for dinner, or keeping in touch with a fellow hunter in the bush we are certainly less alone than in times gone by.

In more populated areas like those we typically encounter in Southern Ontario, taking your cell phone with you on your hunt, particularly if you hunt alone, can be a life saver. Just remember to keep it turned off when you’re hunting. And for those remote hunts, if your budget allows, a satellite phone will keep you in contact with civilization from just about anywhere on the planet.

Another affordable option is to buy one of the two basic types of portable radios that are available to the general consumer; GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) or FRS (Family Radio Service).

Two-way radios operate at ultrahigh frequency (UHF) between the ranges of 462.5625 and 467.7125 MHz. There is no license required for GMRS units up to 2 watts in Canada, but be careful if you intend to use them in the States, because an FCC license may be required. Many GMRS units have a range of nearly 12 km making them ideal for a variety of outdoor activities.

FRS units are less expensive and do not require a license in Canada or the US, but have a shorter range, often less than five kilometers, and a fewer number of useable channels. Both types have a typical talk time of 8-10 hours without recharging, or replacing batteries.

The ability to keep in touch is not only convenient it can potentially be a lifesaver. But remember the range of your GMRS of FRS unit is greatly reduced in hilly terrain or dense cover. Always…always know your device and its limitations.

Modern communication devices are just one more tool to add to the hunters backpack and used responsibly they can add a whole new level of safety to your outdoor pursuits.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Toronto Sportsmen’s Show Reacts to Misguided City of Toronto Gun Policy

Several weeks ago I posted about the change of venue for the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show. I was a bit confused as to the reasons behind the move, but a conversation this week with CNSS (Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows) VP Ray Sriubiskis certainly cleared the air.

CNSS prides itself on their promotion of sustainable multi-user practices and the inclusion of all outdoors stakeholders in their shows. This includes fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, paddling, dog training, ATV, boating, and many others. They recognize that regardless of our preferred outdoor activities we all share a common resource.

The problem is that the City of Toronto and in particular Mayor David Miller has a problem with guns. Now nobody will discount the fact that Toronto really does have a serious gun problem, but Mayor Miller likes to paint that problem with a very wide brush. He has enacted a policy that roughly states that the display, promotion, or sale of firearms is not allowed on city property. He seems to think that enacting bylaws and policies that only affect law abiding citizens will curb the illegal use of guns within city limits.

Exhibition Place and the Direct Energy building are owned by the City of Toronto and so, even though they had a 63 year relationship with CNSS, the show organizers were told that firearms could not be displayed, sold, or promoted in conjunction with the show. Now when 35% of your visitors hunt you might just want to take a step back and look at your options at this point and that’s just what CNSS did.

After carefully weighing various options, the decision was made to move to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre – which is located right in the heart of downtown Toronto. Are you confused? Well I certainly was. Remember that the promotion, display, and sale of firearms is only a “policy”, not a law, and it only applies to city owned property. Ray explained to me that it all comes down to a matter of ownership. You see the Toronto Convention Centre is owned by the Province of Ontario who fully understand and appreciate the economic contributions of hunters to the provincial economy.

Because the Toronto Convention Centre is located right in the heart of downtown Toronto one of my initial concerns was access for those of us coming from out of town. When I asked Ray about this he was very quick to respond that the improved proximity to public transit will prove to be a windfall for the show. The show is only a few steps from Union Station and within walking distance of many major hotels. Ray says that the overall quality of the venue is superior and the available space is comparable to the Direct Energy Center.

So who had the last laugh? Well it certainly wasn’t the City of Toronto who, according to Sriubiskis, will lose $750,000.00 in direct revenues and likely close to three times that amount in indirect revenues (parking, vendors, utilities, etc.). Well Mr. Miller, in my books that calculates to well over two million dollars down the toilet because of a ridiculous cosmetic, feel-good policy. Ontario doesn’t end at the Toronto City limits; it starts there!

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Toronto Sportsmen's Show Moving to New Digs

It hit me like a hammer; the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show is moving! That’s right folks after 63 years at the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) grounds Southern Ontario’s largest outdoors show, the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, is moving to the Toronto Convention Centre.

I’m going to give this a while to sink in before wading in with my personal opinions of the move but I’m sure there will not be many fence sitters when it comes to the new venue. For those in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) the Convention Centre is very accessible and convenient for those that use public transit. For those of us coming from out of town it’s nothing more than a logistical nightmare. Oh well, decisions are made and this was likely not a knee-jerk reaction.

For now let’s take a trip down memory lane.

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show has been a part of my life for just about as long as I can remember, so that means that I’m only a few years shy of having been there from the beginning. My grandparents lived in the east end of Toronto when I was growing up so events like the Sportsmen’s Show provided a great, low cost way for my parents to keep us kids amused for a few hours when we made the trip from Wingham to the big city.

Up until a few years ago the Toronto Sportsman’s Show occupied the Coliseum building at the CNE. Although the larger venue provided by the Direct Energy Building was greatly needed, it did in my opinion, loose all of its character and became just another show when the move took place.

Some of my fondest memories are of jostling crowds, the smell of hay in the arena, creaking floorboards, and a multitude of stairways and hidden corridors. And then there was the ever present smell of pipe smoke. Those were the days when Brigham pipes used to sell their factory seconds for a very cheap price and were set up right across the aisle from a tobacco vendor. No, I’m not a smoker and certainly don’t advocate smoking, but that was a different era and like everyone else I became a pipe smoker for a day. To this day the smell of pipe smoke conjures up images of camping supplies, fishing tackle, and creaking floors.

I remember buying my first upscale fishing rod there; it was a Berkley Bionix and when you bought one you got a Berkley Lightning Rod for free. I never did care for the Bionix, but the Lightning Rod has accompanied me on every fishing trip since the mid 70’s and has landed – and lost – tons of fish.

Over the years we have bought tents, backpacks, fishing tackle, and every new gadget on the market. You know, now that I think of it the move to the Convention Centre may not be that much of a stretch. The move from the Coliseum for me was like loosing an old, albeit smoky, friend.

The great outdoors is still very much alive in Southern Ontario and the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, regardless of the venue, will always be a memorable part of it.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Southern Ontario Pre Season Turkey

It really is hard to believe that winter is finally gasping its last few breaths in Southern Ontario. With a constant snow cover ever since mid November I for one was beginning to think winter would never leave. With the sudden temperature change – -25c at the beginning of the week to +16c by the end of the week – my thoughts have turned quickly from ice fishing to turkey hunting.

April 27th marks the opening of our Southern Ontario spring turkey hunt and by the size of some of the flocks that were reported over the winter it seems that the long winter had little affect on turkey populations and hunters can look forward to a productive hunt this spring.

Now is the time to head off to your favorite bush to do a bit of pre season scouting. The ground is soft right now and it should be easy to pick up signs of foraging turkeys. You can often save yourself a lot of time by asking the landowners if they have seen any birds, or sign of birds.

Don’t assume that birds will follow the same trails or roost in the same locations as they did last year. Snow cover, floods, downed trees, etc. may have encouraged birds to seek out a new location. Conversely, don’t assume that because a certain area didn’t hold birds last year that it won’t this year.

A good pre season turkey tactic is to follow the edges of the bush until you find tracks or other sign of turkey, then sit and quietly watch and listen. Look at the base of hardwoods for telltale signs of roosting birds and plan your ideal ambush location. Don’t use a turkey call to check out an area. Stick to predator calls like crow or owl. You don’t want to make birds wary before opening day.

Once this is done mark your location so you can easily find it on opening day and then leave the birds alone and don’t keep checking back.

Make 2009 your best Southern Ontario turkey hunt ever and remember that time in the field in March will mean birds in the bag in May.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Long Gun Registry Revisited

Southern Ontario hunters need to get active. At long last a private members bill was introduced into the House of Commons this week that would effectively eliminate the long gun registry and return some semblance of sanity to our gun control laws. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not at all opposed to common sense gun controls, just the ineffective long gun registry.

The bill was introduced by Garry Breitkreuz, M.P. for Yorkton-Melville. Mr. Breitkreuz has been a champion of this cause since the seriously flawed and horrendously expensive registry was first introduced by then Justice Minister Allan Rock. I had a chance to meet him at a writers meeting a couple of years ago and was excited by his commitment and depth of knowledge on the subject.

The bill proposes a number of changes to the Firearms Act, including: 1) Elimination of the costly, badly flawed and ineffective long gun registry; 2) Streamlining the licensing system; and 3) calling for a cost/benefit of the Firearms Program every five years to ensure that Canadian taxpayers are receiving benefit for money spent.

“We are strongly supportive of the legislation introduced earlier today by Garry Breitkreuz, who has worked tirelessly to help create a rational and cost effective firearms program that focuses the government’s efforts on the prevention of crime, not the over regulation of law abiding firearms owners”, said O.F.A.H. Executive Director Mike Reader. “Mr. Breitkreuz and the Harper government should be applauded for their ongoing attempts to focus the firearms debate on the real problem, the acquisition and use of illegal firearms by criminals, not the responsible use of firearms by hunters and recreational sport shooters”.

Will the bill pass and the long gun registry be eliminated? With a minority government in Ottawa I’m not optimistic, but Ontario hunters and shooters can and should make their voice known. Contact your local MP and ask where they stand on the bill. Voice your concerns and ask that they support the bill in the House of Commons.

Just imagine how many more illegal guns would be pulled off the street if the $2 billion spent on the long gun registry had been pumped into front line law enforcement. You know that the anti gun lobby will be active on this issue so it’s more important than ever for hunters to get active as well.

Lloyd

Southern Ontario Winter Pheasant Hunt

Well deer season is over and we’re into the last few weeks of rabbit season here in Southern Ontario, but if you’re still itching for some upland action you should check out the Galt Sportsmen’s Club.

Located on the outskirts of the City of Cambridge, the club is now over 50 years old and offers a full range of activities from hand guns to trap, sporting clays, and archery. They are also licensed as a “game farm” allowing them to offer this great winter pheasant hunt.

The hunt takes place every Saturday from November until March and offers both morning and afternoon hunts for groups of up to 4 hunters. Dogs can be provided, or you can bring your own. Birds cost $15.00 each and all profits are re-invested into the club.

Note: Please bring your hunting licences as the club is a "Game Farm". Bird transfer papers will be issued.

While your there be sure to check out all the facilities that are offered to members.

For more information you can contact:

The Galt Sportsmens Club
6542 Gore Road
Cambridge, Ontario
Club Phone: (519) 621-4104
Email: info@galtsportsmensclub.com

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Bonus for Ontario Deer Hunters!

Due to the overpopulation and low harvest rates in many regions of Ontario the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is acting on a recommendation from the Fish and Wildlife Heritage Commission that would result in additional seasons, enhanced seasons, and modifications to the licensing and tagging system http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Newsroom/LatestNews/263525.html

One of the most significant changes being proposed is the addition of a winter “archery only” season for many WMUs with a high deer population. Another very significant change would be the addition of a “Hunters Choice Deer Tag”. That would allow hunters the flexibility to hunt multiple WMUs with the same tag.

I’m not sure that sitting in a treestand in the depths of our Southern Ontario winter at -20 c is at the top of my list of preferred outdoor activities for that time of year, but I am really excited about the proposed change that would allow me to hunt several wildlife units with the same tag.

I am very encouraged to see the MNR taking this proactive approach to sustainable management. These changes will benefit hunters while reducing the potential for vehicle / wildlife accidents in regions of overpopulation.

You are invited to review the proposed changes and offer comments. Read the proposals posted on the province's Environmental Registry and send in your comments:

New and Enhanced Seasons – Registry Number 010-5338 – until February 6, 2009
Hunter's Choice Deer Seal – Registry Number 010-5337 – until February 11, 2009
New Winter Archery Season in southwestern Ontario – Registry Number 010-5648 – until February 13, 2009.

Lloyd