Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Feb 23, 2011, 12:14 am
Just a reminder for subscribed RSS visitors that our blog has moved locations. Please update your RSS to the following: Subscribe in a reader To visit the new site follow this link
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Jan 17, 2011, 1:09 am
It is time for something new... The Muskoka Outdoors Blog has landed at its new home! With a shiny new Content Management System (CMS) at the helm, it is my hope that I will be better able to promote the pursuits of fishing, hunting and conservation to a local and worldwide audience. Consider ta...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Jan 13, 2011, 11:41 pm
The Ontario Conservation Officers Association has recently published the second edition of their $20 wild fish and game cookbook. If you are looking for some unique tastes for your next wild game meal-consider supporting the OCOA’s fundraising initiative. The non-profit organization will use port...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Jan 11, 2011, 12:47 am
From my early days as an angler, I have always been intrigued by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) fishing records. To be honest, they always seemed to be out of reach for a local angler like myself. The what was until a recent announcement by the IGFA to open an ‘All-Tackle Length Ca...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Jan 7, 2011, 1:14 am
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario MNR) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) have jointly announced that the Bancroft-North Hastings area of Ontario will be open to a one week elk hunt in 2011. There has not been an elk hunt in Ontario for over 100 years, but the...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Jan 6, 2011, 11:55 pm
Al and Jeff after a successful hunt Living in Huntsville offers a little shorter hunting season compared to most deer hunting to the south of us. Once Dec 15/ 2010 had passed, I thought that was it. I had come to grips with the fact that 2010 just wasn’t my year. Well, that would all change after...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Jan 4, 2011, 3:59 pm
Over the next few days, I will be moving my blog to a new location. We will be staying on the same domain – just a new spot. The look and feel of the site will change as well. I will post here when the changes are completed and updated. My apologies to my regular and faithful visitors for not pos...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Jan 1, 2011, 11:03 pm
Congratulations to Toni and Jeffrey who won our Most Wanted Photo Contest. Their two photo entries were randomly selected to each win a $25.00 gift certificate from Bass Pro Shops. I will be contacting them individually to let them know when they can expect their prize. Here are the winning photo ...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Dec 31, 2010, 2:30 pm
The crew at the MyNature app company have created 2 very handy apps that could help anyone, with a smartphone, to identify the things they see in the wilds of the great outdoors. Specifically, consider purchasing the MyNature Animal Tracks App and/or the MyNature Tree Guide App. Both applications m...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Dec 30, 2010, 8:58 am
Here is an opportunity to win some prizes with one of your ice fishing pictures. The administrators over at the Maine Fishing Forums are running an ice fishing photo contest.  Your photo can be of fish that was caught through the ice during the 2010 or 2011 fishing season. Details like the followin...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Dec 28, 2010, 12:40 am
The snow quietly fell on the evergreens that lined the short trail I was walking to reach camera #2. Familiar smells of pine, spruce and balsam helped my mind forget the cold and remember that some hunting memories are made on the walk to your tree stand. It’s a scene you won’t find in a grocery...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Dec 26, 2010, 1:20 am
Find some time during the winter break to visit Canada’s largest marine marketplace in the Direct Energy Centre located at Toronto’s Exhibition Place. The 53rd annual boating event starts January 8 and ends on January 16, 2011. What particularly stands out about this event is that it is also on...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Dec 20, 2010, 11:00 am
Speaking without thinking got me into some trouble this past fall. The story is short, but I still get a ‘kick’ out of it when I reflect on the incident from time to time. It all started (innocently, I should add) when dad and I were taking our deer to the butcher. When we walked into the fron...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Dec 16, 2010, 12:40 am
If approved by Montana Wildlife Officials, 40 Sage Grouse could be relocated to the Province of Alberta to help boost a declining provincial population. A recent Winnipeg Free Press article states that, “If the first group of relocated birds thrives, wildlife managers intend to ship 60 more sage ...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Dec 15, 2010, 11:30 pm
An 18th deer has been added to the Muskoka Outdoors ‘Most Wanted’ list  photo contest. This Ohio buck was shot in South Vienna, Ohio. This photo is a submission from, Trent, and he shares the story behind this elusive buck: “His 26 1/2 in inside spread made him hard to miss when he appeare...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Dec 15, 2010, 1:55 am
In case you are a last minute Christmas gift shopper, like myself, here is a list of fishing Christmas gifts ideas that could keep you focused in the fishing product aisle. 1. Koppers Live Target Frog – $10 to $15 Koppers Frog This newly released soft-bodied, top-water lure should be shattering...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Dec 12, 2010, 10:12 am
PETA made some headlines (and I guess this blog) recently when they released a press statement indicating their disgust of Sarah Palin’s caribou hunt on Sarah Palin’s Alaska TV Show. The anti-hunting and fishing organization also said that they would help Kansas ease some budget stress by payin...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Dec 5, 2010, 11:12 pm
This unique game cam photo captured the moment before (and quite possibly during) a crossbow bolt stopped a huge Renfrew County buck. The successful hunter was not only fortunate enough to harvest a great buck, but has a unique photo associated with the event. Whether, it was the bolt or the deer t...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Dec 2, 2010, 10:28 pm
A 17th deer has been added to the Muskoka Outdoors ‘Most Wanted’ list  photo contest. This massive-tined buck was arrowed in Renfrew County. This photo is a submission from, Allen, after some brief emails, he shared portions of this deer’s story, “I was lucky enough to see that deer agai...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Dec 2, 2010, 10:02 pm
A sixteenth deer has been added to the Muskoka Outdoors ‘Most Wanted’ list  photo contest. This Alberta bruiser was shot in Eckville. This photo is a submission from, Brian, and although the smiles in the photo speak for themselves, Brian shares that, “He is the biggest deer I have harvest...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Nov 29, 2010, 11:03 pm
A fifteenth deer has been added to the Muskoka Outdoors ‘Most Wanted’ list  photo contest. This huge-racked, Michigan buck was shot on North Manitou Island. This photo is a submission from, Jeff, and he shares this brief story about his buck, “Shot on special north manitou island michigan...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Nov 29, 2010, 10:22 pm
A fourteenth deer entry has been added to the Muskoka Outdoors ‘Most Wanted’ list  photo contest. These piebald fawns, from Quebec, started a google search for me to find more details about this genetic condition. This photo is a submission from, Mitch, who is from the beautiful province of Q...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Nov 28, 2010, 9:26 pm
It’s funny how you come across fishing tips. Quite often fishing tips can double as life lessons. I was sitting with my friend, Darrell, in my dad’s living room when he shared this personal story of one of his fishing trips from years ago… The story goes that, Darrell, and a friend had been ...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Nov 26, 2010, 12:34 am
National Geographic’s newest TV series, Wild Justice, is the kind of show that brings an exciting mix of CSI and Miami Vice to a California wildlife and forest setting. A show that puts poacher’s on notice and documents the adventures of California Game Wardens. Wild Justice starts in a Wednesd...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Nov 20, 2010, 12:15 pm
You may laugh when you see this treestand. It was an early prototype and design variant that dad used when he started building tree stands on our acreage. This particular stand watches a thick section of evergreens and cedars that we call, ‘The Cedar Posts’. Only the ‘new’ guys attempt to cl...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Nov 18, 2010, 9:05 pm
A thirteenth deer has been added to the Muskoka Outdoors ‘Most Wanted’ list  photo contest. This Barrie, Ontario buck lost his throne to the winds of fate. This photo is a submission from, Chris, in Barrie, Ontario. The story surrounding this buck is very interesting. By ‘all rights’ it s...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Nov 17, 2010, 2:05 am
Win 2 Tickets From Muskoka Outdoors Getting access to the Great Outdoors and DIY Show in Toronto on November 26 – 28 could be easier than you think. Over the next 4 days (Wednesday – Saturday), Muskoka Outdoors will be giving away 2 tickets to the show each day. How could I win free tickets? ...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Nov 14, 2010, 11:50 pm
A twelfth deer has been added to the Muskoka Outdoors ‘Most Wanted’ list  photo contest. This Cobden, Ontario doe shares her meal with several turkeys . This photo is a submission from, Jenn, in Cobden, Ontario. Jenn  attached, with her entry, the following: “Just thought this was a cool p...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Nov 10, 2010, 11:21 pm
Live the adventures you read about in Outdoor Canada Magazine on November 26 – 28, 2010. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet, and learn, from the magazine’s outdoor celebrities and exhibitors at the International Centre in Mississauga (6900 Airport Road). The Outdoor Canada Show is one ...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Nov 10, 2010, 12:31 am
If you asked me what person inspired my love for fishing, I would answer with two names. The first was my father and the second was Bob Izumi.  I would watch, faithfully, Izumi’s Real Fishing Show every Saturday morning and imitate his ‘one-liners’ while fishing from my old aluminum fishing b...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Nov 9, 2010, 11:32 pm
An eleventh deer has been added to the Muskoka Outdoors ‘Most Wanted’ list  photo contest. This Michigan 10-point was captured on film while ‘bunkered’ down in a hidden location! This photo is a submission from, Quinn, in Beaverton, Michigan. Quinn shared on our photo submission form that...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Nov 4, 2010, 9:10 pm

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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Nov 2, 2010, 8:16 pm

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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Nov 1, 2010, 9:11 pm
Day 1 (Monday) The frosty, cold morning provided dad a glimpse of a couple of moose and a noisy encounter with some grunting bucks that were just out of sight. Our afternoon watches were the most productive. Kyle saw 4 deer while ground blind hunting on a hardwood ridge. None of them were shooters...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 31, 2010, 9:16 pm
Recent deer cam intel has created some intense discussion around the camp stove tonight. Old Coleman lanterns, dusty paper mats and written game journals were pushed clear of the dinner table and replaced with laptops, smart phones and memory sticks. We were trying to determine if the game came pic...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 31, 2010, 8:13 pm
It is the big dance for deer hunters in Muskoka.  For the next 2 weeks (November 1 – 14) the woods will come to life as hunt camp stoves and dusty lanterns are re-united with big-dreamed hunters. To confirm the deer rifle season in your region of Ontario, follow this link from the Ontario MNR. ...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 29, 2010, 8:34 pm
Not very far from the lair of the Swamp King on Grandpa’s property, there is a dense cluster of nebula evergreens. I came across the elevated tree grouping on a deer drive this past rifle season. It is now flagged on my navigational charts. I marked it not because of it’s unique location nestled...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 29, 2010, 12:27 am
A tenth deer has been added to the Muskoka Outdoors ‘Most Wanted’ list  photo contest. This Ontario doe was caught mid-jump while going from zero to mach 1! This photo is a submission from, Rod, in Alfred, ON. He self-titled this game cam photo, Ditch Jumper, and feels that this is, “Probab...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 27, 2010, 11:13 pm
If deer could ‘trick or treat’ they would probably want some Rackstacker corn and oats with a pinch of McIntosh apples. I spent some time ‘teasing’ the deer on our acreage this past weekend. What is working for you? If deer could trick or treat...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 21, 2010, 1:00 am
Tom successfully harvested this nice moose over in Nipigon this week. He contacted me about an opinion on how to score the moose’s expansive rack. The antlers measured 67 3/4 inches across, with the measuring tape not being at 90 degrees. This created the conundrum for Tom. A ‘straight...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 18, 2010, 10:10 pm
One of the secrets to a great venison recipe is not found within the walls of the kitchen. In fact, it begins shortly after a clean, ethical shot in the field. According to Wild Game Chef and Author, Georgia Pellegrini, “The key to good venison is aging it properly. Just like a good 12 ounce ...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 18, 2010, 12:14 am
Often seen as a warm-up to deer season, moose season begins in Muskoka on October 18, 2010. The five day season ends on October, 23, 2010.  Muskoka Outdoors would like to remind hunters to be sure of their targets, to respect the animals they are hunting by taking ethical shots, to shoot safely by ...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 15, 2010, 12:17 am
A ninth deer has been added to the Muskoka Outdoors ‘Most Wanted’ list  photo contest. This is a picture of a 3-legged Indiana whitetail doe This photo is a second submission by, Devin, from Indiana. I would think it is no small feat for this doe to survive in the cruel reality of the wilds. ...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 13, 2010, 10:40 pm
An advocate for Temagami’s ‘wild spaces’ known as, The Friends of Temagami, is presenting their Annual General Meeting and Dinner at Smoothwater Ecolodge on November 6, 2010. This event is open to paddlers and conservation minded individuals who value the Temagami wilderness. This...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 11, 2010, 8:57 pm
An eighth buck has been added to the Muskoka Outdoors ‘Most Wanted’ list  photo contest. It is another night shot of an Indiana buck with a wide, long-tined rack. This photo was submitted by Devin from Indiana. Devon mentioned this about his photo, “Nice tall wide big rack. Every hunters dr...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 11, 2010, 8:40 pm
The seventh buck has been added to the Muskoka Outdoors ‘Most Wanted’ list  photo contest. This is a great night shot of a Michigan buck with a high, thick beamed rack. This photo was submitted by Jeffrey from Clare County, Michigan. His thought about this most wanted buck was simply, “...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 11, 2010, 7:01 am
Happy Thanksgiving From Moose Lodge and Muskoka Outdoors There is a spot or two open if you can find our cabin. It’s somewhere west of the ‘wilderness’ in Huntsville.
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 10, 2010, 9:16 pm

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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 8, 2010, 9:49 am
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is providing a unique opportunity for educators and students to learn about native Ontario fish and promote the importance of fishing conservation through fish art. 2009's Fish Art Winner - Mary Elizabeth Campo The fishing art contest is open to Ontario...
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Bill A. posted an article on Muskoka Outdoors - Oct 5, 2010, 2:35 am
With tank-like shielding and and a flight pattern that gets updated from a broken GPS, Ontario’s ruffed grouse can quickly become a hunter’s fall season nemesis. The perfectly camouflaged game bird helps Ontario hunters pass the time between big game seasons and the ‘down’ ti...
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