Thunder Bay Motorcycle Ice Racing Exciting To Watch!
Loch Lomond Equipment Sales Grows Sales GREAT SNOWMOBILING AT CHARLEVOIX, QUEBEC POLARIS FOUNDER DAVID JOHNSON STILL RIDES SNOWMOBILES
Ontario Proposing to Expand Black Bear Hunting Pilot
Lots of New Technology On 2016 Polaris Snowmobiles!
POLARIS FOUNDER DAVID JOHNSON STILL RIDES SNOWMOBILES BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors It was an absolute honour to sit down and have lunch with one of the three founders of the Polaris snowmobile, David Johnson a few years ago. Mr. Johnson is over 90 and is still active as a snowmobile rider I think at his home in Roseau, Minnesota. “ We began working on the snowmobile in 1954. The name Polaris was there from the start as a partnership with Hetteen Hoist and Derrick in the site of the current liquor store in Roseau,” said David Johnson who had Alan and Edgar Hetteen as his partners in the business. “ We were the northern most manufacturing firm in the US at that time and made all types of machinery for farming and then started playing with snowmobiles. We were mainly interested in making something to play around with in the snow ourselves. We were lazy and didn’t want to walk too long.” smiled David Johnson. At that time the small company had about 40 employees starting in 1948. “ In 1954 to 1955 we made a small snowmobile like those of today. Today at Polaris there are about 2000 employees. They are always trying to hire 200 more but they are hard to get. People don’t want to work anymore. We did not have any idea it would be this big when we started. Then it was the outdoors people wanting to get outside and ski, snow shoe or hunt and the snowmobile helped get them out in the
winter,” said Johnson. “ At the beginning the sleds broke quite a bit. There is a lot of difference in making a snowmobile for your own use but when the public get on it you have to keep going and make it better and better which has been done well by Polaris.” The first person to buy a Polaris snowmobile was named Harley Jenson. He bought No 2 Polaris for $ 425. Jenson was
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from Northwest Angle. He cut wood out on the Lake of the Woods and had to walk 3 miles on the ice to get out there and 3 miles back so used the Polaris to eliminate the walk. The No 2 Polaris snowmobile is now on display( see picture front cover) at the Polaris Experience Centre next to the plant location in Roseau. The company started in an old dance hall with about 1000 square feet of space and right now there is 800,000 square feet in the plant. David Johnson was in the navy and sent $ 11 of his $ 20 pay each month back to partners Edgar Hetteen and Alan Hetteen to help run the business. He was in the business before he even got home from his service. It was struggle at first according to Johnson. You needed good backing and money. In those days the employees made 75c to $1 dollar per hour. The partners would sit down then and give them 25c cent more. To this day David and his wife Eleanor Johnson ride snowmobiles especially to their camp some 70 miles away. This year the couple will get a 2013 Polaris Switchback 600 and 2013 Polaris Widetrack. “ We can go to our camp there and back and ride some 200 miles. We have Nexus and a remote area bordercrossing pass so can go into Canada. I still love the sport,” smiled David Johnson who can put over 2000 miles on in a season. The Johnsons have 4 children and two of their youngest sons have worked at Polaris. “ I am waiting for the snow to come this year. We only made one trip to our camp at Northwest Angle last year because the snow conditions were so bad.” “ I think the snowmobiles of today are very good and don’t break down. I don’t go 70, 80 or 90 MPH anymore. 50 MPH or so is what about I like. Last year crossing the lake going to our camp I tipped over a couple of times because we came back in a snowstorm. I couldn’t see beyond the windshield. I would not recommend anyone riding in a snow storm on a lake because you can’t see anything.” laughed David Johnson. Johnson and his company started in the ATV business in 1983 with what they called a Trail Tractor. Today the Polaris Company has two models of motorcycles and David Johnson enjoyed riding motor-
cycles in the past. “ In the beginning if there was something to do we did it so worked long hours and 6 days a week,”said Johnson whose health is good. “ I will continue to ride snowmobiles and ATV’s although we like snowmobiles better because it is cleaner with no mud. Our life has been good through all of our history.” The Johnsons live about 2 miles from the Polaris manufacturing facility and David
still visits the plant about twice a week. Rob Miller is a snowmobile-manufacturing engineer for Polaris and on the trail Committee of the Roseau County Trailblazers that has 180 members. “ We have the largest club in the state of Minnesota and about 350 miles of trail to look after. We have a large ditch trail and a large bush trail so have a pretty good variety and connect to the other clubs in the area. You can cross the border into Canada just north of Roseau. We have a lot of Polaris riders and many travelling riders. We have two groomers. The trail permit is $45 for three years here in Minnesota.” said Rob Miller Lyle Grindy is the Director of Promotions for the City of Roseau which has a population of 2600 people. Major employer, Polaris employs over 2000 here. “ We have some employees that live in Thief River Falls and commute everyday 140 miles 12 months of the year. A few years ago the city was under water and Polaris made every effort to not flood with dykes etc. Roseau is a hockey town with three sheets of ice. In the trails system in the state of Minnesota there are more groomed trails than 4 lane highways. This is an outdoor community. www.roseau.com and www.goroseau.com
www.golfingnews.ca GREAT SNOWMOBILING AT CHARLEVOIX, QUEBEC BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors The people of Quebec have a certain positive outlook on life it seems to me and snowmobiling is one of their favourite winter activities. The region of Charlevoix is a group of smaller towns to the east of historic Quebec City and is a very special setting. For the avid snowmobiler it certainly is a paradise.
There are easy air connections to Quebec City with Porter, West jet and Air Canada. When you arrive at the new Quebec City airport you will experience a very modern and well laid out facility that is one of the nicest you will find. Quebec City is an historic city in North America and offers much to see and explore.
You snowmobile trip to the Charlevoix region could begin with a special train ride on Le Massif de Charlevoix, along the St Lawrence River where you can enjoy a beautiful breakfast, catered by Fairmont Hotels. Le Massif is a ski area and accessible by the train. The former manager of the Cirque du Soleil, who was born in the town of Baie - Saint Paul, decided to come back and develop a ski resort with the train and a new hotel. It will be become a major ski destination. “ We are like a gem not well known and have mountains, the St. Lawrence River and pretty forests. Snowmobile is not well known here yet but you will discover a different type of country with varied terrain and a nice view. There are some very nice outfitters here to welcome you as well,” said Sylvie Marquois Dandurand General Manager of Tourism Charlevoix.
They have excellent cuisine and can be off in the middle of nowhere with their electricity generated by the water. It is very different from other parts of Quebec. Everything is small, charming and very secret. There are snowmobile rentals here more and more and we are at the beginning of something. We want the people to discover Charlevoix by snowmobile because it is very different.” Your snowmobile trip could begin at the famous 405 room Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu that has everything you need to begin your adventure. “ We are 112 years old and located right adjacent to the St Lawrence River. The resort was founded by a boat company that was traveling on the St Lawrence Seaway bringing rich Americans and Canadian to the hotel in the summer time only. They tried in the winter but in 1986 opened 4 seasons after the hotel was insulated,” said Eric Quesnel, Director of Sales & Marketing for the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. “ We have beautiful winters here so want the people to come and enjoy that here. The property became a Fairmont 12 years ago after it was shut down for 6 months to renovate the entire building as well as adding a banquet room, indoor parking lot, outdoor sports facilities including swimming pool, fitness centre and kids play area with a $140 million renovation. The casino on property was expanded then as well. “ “ This weekend were able to fit 113 snowmobiles with inside parking and had over 250 sleds outside for the snowmobile events. The snowmobilers are welcome at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu a 5 star resort. We have great rates all season long starting from Sunday and Thursday at $139 per night. There are rental snowmobiles on site with all the clothing as well and a guide if you need one. We have a spa here and a casino for the evening. We are right on the trials and you can access the hotel and underground snowmobile parking. We are a luxurious snowmobile hub and welcome snowmobilers here to do their favourite sport.”
Also at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu there is great skiing nearby, dog sled riding, snowshoeing and their own horses at the hotel where you can have a carriage ride for free. In the summer the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu have a 27-hole golf course with all the holes facing the St Lawrence River. They also have whale watching which is very popular in the region along with tennis courts, volleyball and two adjacent national parks with walk-
ing trails. There is a large kids play area and baby sitting available. After suiting up at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu you are on the trials immediately and off to your next destination. The trails are very pretty to ride with great scenery and snow conditions. The area offers elevations of up to 3000 feet and some great snow conditions you might find in more western locations like BC. Another popular resort destination might be theL’Auberge du Ravage, which is a very unique large log cabin that features 12-second storey rooms complete with their own bathrooms. The main floor is a very luxurious setting with fireplaces and a fantastic dining area. The 5 star resort reminded me of watching an episode of the TV series “ Northern Exposure” set
in Alaska where Dr Fleischman and Maggie stumble on a luxurious oasis in the middle of nowhere on their search for the lost city. You can have blizzard conditions outside but be enjoying some fantastic wine and food in this special place. It is always fun to have a guide on a trip like this who are very familiar with the area and can take you off trail to experience some beautiful country sites. The 47 Nord Expeditions compaany owned by Christoff and Paul will provide an excel-
lent experience for you. These riders are absolutely avid snowmobilers themselves. Christoff runs a 2012 Arctic Cat Pro Climb 1100 Turbo sled and Paul a 2012 Ski Doo Renegade 1200, both decked out will GPS, left gas controls, extra lighting, many decals etc, etc. They love their sport! The Charlevoix region is one of the most beautiful you will encounter on a snowmobile. It offers great-varied trails with good elevations and views. The snow conditions are excellent and make for a great snowmobile experience you should try. See: www.charlevoixtourism.com www.fairmont.com/richelieu www.lemassif.com www.47nordexpeditions.ca www.lacmoreau.com
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Thunder Bay Motorcycle Ice Racing Exciting To Watch! BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors It was snowy and then rainy kind of day late March, 2015 in Thunder Bay but the atmosphere was fun at Wildgoose Bay on Lake Superior near the Lakeview Lodge. A hard core group of motorcycle racers and fans were out for the final Thunder Bay Motorcycle Ice Racing event of the year. “ Ice racing motorcycles in Thunder Bay has been going on since the early 1970’s. I personally have been involved since the late 70’s so for a long time. The racing has mostly been held at Wildgoose Bay on Lake Superior near the Lakeview Lodge. Each year we usually start at Bruely Bay just past Chippewa because the ice freezes quicker there in that bay. After starting there we move to Wildgoose Bay with a larger track. This year we have raced every weekend since the second week in January with the last race being held today, March 28th.” said Terry Kosolowski, Race Director
Thunder Bay Motorcycle Ice Racing. The ice was solid at 36 inches and the group have Pro, Semi Pro and Women classes each weekend.The motorcycles are usually motocross bikes that have been studded and have other tubular protective pieces over the tires for safety. They are 250, 450 and
500 2 strokes usually. They run special tires that have 700 to 800 studs in two tires. “ The traction is amazing with these new tires we are buying out of Quebec. Previously we built our own tires but these tires are better than what we could build. The traction on good clean ice is better than slicks
on asphalt. The speeds are approaching 90 MPH on the straights. There is no sliding anymore. We used to slide dirt track style but there is no more sliding now.” said Kosolowski. At Wildgoose Bay the track is a 3/8 mile on the inside and they also have a 1/4 mile track to mix things up. Last weekend 17 riders came. There is a core group of 10 always
racing with some new riders coming out periodically as well. “ We raced at the Canadian Power Toboggan Championship recently in Manitoba which is a 53 year old race. This year they added motorcycle races and 7 of us from Thunder Bay and 10 to 12 people in total were there. In the Pro class we went 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6 th so did well. What’s not fun about riding motorcycles- it doesn’t matter when and where.” smiled Terry Kosolowski. Robbie Powell of Thunder Bay races as often as he can. His parents own the Lakeview Lodge. “ I got a Kawasaki KX 500 2 stroke with 65 HP. We stud the left side of the tires as we only turn left. Today we are doing about 130 km a hour on the straight and around the corners around 100 kph so are moving. This sport is so fun and you just want to win. We have a good group of fast guys. Every Sunday I ride motorcycles all year round.” Be sure to check out the Thunder Bay Motorcycle Ice Racing Facebook page for more information and attend their races this season!
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Lots of New Technology On 2016 Polaris Snowmobiles! BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors When you walk into the bright showroom of long time Polaris dealer in Thunder Bay, J & J Sports you will first see a bright orange 2016 Polaris SKS mountain sled. In some ways it shows the changing snowmobile market in Northwestern Ontario with deep snow riding here and farther afield becoming more popular. “ Polaris has concentrated on the mountain segment this year as it has grown so much,” said Dustin Krezonski, Sales at J&J Sports Thunder Bay. “In the Thunder Bay area many riders are going to Montana for 10 days twice trips per year and putting on the same amount of mileage as they would here every weekend. There are many packages they offer there including hotel and even lunches at the front “ The ice fishing consumer segment is huge for us as well with the Indy LXT 550 fan being very popular. It comes with a
two up seat, wide skiis, electric start, high windshield and carry rack with a great price,” said Dustin. We anticipate another
very good year in snowmobile sales this season as we had last year.”
desk for you each day. It is easier to do it. There is also lots of snow in our area especially near Beardmore and Nipigon.” The new RMK sleds for 2016 are built on the new AXYS chassis which makes it very light at 409 pounds with an 800 cc engine.The Pro Ride Switchback was the first Polaris sled to have the AXYS chassis but now it has been placed in the mountain segment minus the Pro Ride on the rear suspension. The front is the AXYS chassis and will hold the new 800 HO engine while last years RMK could not hold the new motor. “ The new 800 HO engine is much better. I went to the Polaris show in Orlando last March and they had a couple seminars for us just on the new motor. They had cutaway ways, splits and really focussed on how the new motor works. The testing was very extensive before it was placed in the line up. They are so pleased with the new motor.” said Dustin. The direct belt system was a major innovation for Polaris recently and continues for 2016 with more options available as well. “ It is a low enertia system not as much for the trail but for the mountain on the PRO RMK. Some riders didn’t want the direct drive so Polaris has offered the chain case if ordered. The direct drive is lower weight but made for deep snow and thin air, not as big a benefit for the trail sled.” says Dustin. The 2015 Switchback PRO S was snowmobile of the year by many national magazines last year and had great reviews, including an effortless ride. When you get on the sled in the showroom with AXYS the whole sled bounces so you can see the front and rear work together to take the impact better as a unit. The suspension works well with a different radical look states Dustin.
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HUNTING By Sherry Aalto You can smell it in the air…that fresh scent of hunting season! The Rutting Season spurs on the primal instincts of our two footed animals! At one time, hunting was the way to survive and provide for the family. The art of hunting was passed down from generation to generation, not only as a means to survive but also as a showmanship of courage and wit! Hunting in Northern Ontario offers three types of hunting. There is small game, water fowl and big game. The first sign of the leaves turning to colour, along with the first snow fall, fills the atmosphere with excitement, like shockwaves. It is not just that hunting is an anticipation, but for many people it remains necessary when it comes to adding to the horn of plenty on the dinner table for the family. Hunting has been around since life on earth. It is the natural food chain process. All animals are instinctual hunters, including humans. Today, hunting is considered more of a sport than a method of survival. So, when one thinks of hunting, there is are entire seasons dedicated to the sport! In preparation for the event, one must adhere to a few rules. First one must obtain a hunting license and a firearms license. Then one must wear the proper safety attire. That would include a safety jacket or vest with Hunter Orange reflectors. Hats, gloves, socks, underwear, and overhauls are all part of hunting attire.
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Also you must acquire proper clothing for inclement weather, including proper foot wear and outer wear. Then there is the purchasing of a firearm, cleaning solutions and oils to properly maintain your firearm. Carrying cases for the firearm, ammunition, gun lockers for storing firearms and separate storage for ammunition. Maybe
shoot something! Funny! Black bear season begins mid-August. Small game, wild fowl and big game, including moose and deer begins midSeptember through mid-December. With hunting season running into December, expect to see snow on the ground in the middle of November. This makes hunting
a four wheel vehicle is in order, equipped with a lift kit and how about a winch for hauling yourself out of a swamp or hauling in the prize? Then there is planning for time off from your place of employment. Then there is getting just the right party of friends and family together for the event. Next would be the grocery order for when day is done. Don’t forget the cards, emergency kit and how about blankets and pillows and fuel for heating your accommodations? And you thought this was going to be like…just walk out the back door and
and tracking that trophy a lot easier in Northern Ontario! Did you know that many northern resort, lodge, wilderness and fly-in operators easily transform themselves into a hunting paradise. Hunting lodges are important for non-resident moose hunters. All non-resident moose hunters must be registered guests at a tourist outfitters lodge to be eligible for a moose license. BE SURE TO CHECK FOR GAME HUNTING RESTRICTIONS AND SCHEDULES IN YOUR AREA OF
CHOICE BEFORE PLANNING YOUR HUNT. A complete summary of hunting regulations are available from any district office of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Also for hunters, may we present a few gun facts: First and most important is your ‘shot placement’ when shooting game! It does not matter what firearm you are using, if you do not have the correct shot placement or hit the vitals of your game animal, you have failed your mission. Another gun fact is knowing what ‘bullet drop’ is and learning what conditions effect ‘bullet drop’. This is very important for the ‘shot placement’. Each year most hunters fire off a few rounds and hit their game target but, to really become expert at ‘shot placement’, practice shooting is most necessary. A good firearm will last you all of your life and you will be able to pass it down to your children and then onto the grand children. Most people in Northern Ontario would spend $1000.00 on a lap top, but when it comes to rifles for hunting, a lot of them are conservative for the spending on a good firearm. Therefore, a good suggestion would be to invest in a really good rifle when it comes to hunting game. You will not ever regret it. Take the time to go to the sports shops and talk to the knowledgeable sales people who are there to help make your hunting experience safe and successful. Having the right equipment means all the difference in the world in safety, maintenance and confidence when it comes to hunting any game.
Ontario Proposing to Expand Black Bear Hunting Pilot BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors Province Committed to Sustainable Black Bear Management Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Ontario is proposing an expanded spring bear hunting pilot program to gather further information to assess concerns voiced by northern communities about humanbear conflicts, and to support economic growth and tourism in northern Ontario. The proposed spring bear hunt pilot expansion, now available for public comment on Ontario's Environmental Registry, would include: -Extending the pilot by an additional five years, through to 2020 -All 88 wildlife management units that currently have a fall bear hunt -Non-resident hunters Under the expanded pilot proposal, it would still be illegal to hunt bear cubs and females with cubs. Anyone convicted of this offence could face a fine of up to $25,000 and up to one year imprisonment. In most cases, each licensed hunter would only be allowed to hunt one bear in each calendar year. Baiting of bears during all bear hunting seasons would be regulated to help address possible public safety concerns.
Quick Facts Ontario is home to a healthy and sustainable black bear population with up to 105,000 black bears living in the province. Currently across Canada, each province and territory with black bears has a spring and fall bear hunt except
Nova Scotia and Ontario, which only have fall hunts. For 2014 and 2015, Ontario held a two-year bear management pilot program in eight wildlife management units, all of which reported high levels of nuisance bear activities. The hunt was open to Ontario residents from May 1 to June 15. Communities in and around these units include Timmins, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay.
Additional Resources Black bears in Ontario Who to contact if you encounter a bear Hunting Regulations Summary
Quotes
“Managing the bear population responsibly through an expanded pilot program would allow us to gather further information to assess the impacts of an early black bear season on concerns voiced by northern communities about human-bear conflicts, and to support economic growth and tourism in northern Ontario.” Bill Mauro
include the non residents coming in as well. We manage animal population on a broader scale.” “ The previous pilot didn’t include all areas of Ontario and non resident hunters. The non resident population have the biggest impact on bear population. We will now see the connection between the number of human bear interactions more accurately. The regulations will deal with peoples concerns say with cubs being orphaned. It will be illegal to hunt cubs or females with cubs during this spring bear hunt and it has a significant fine and possible imprisonment.” “ We are posting our proposal on our web site for 30 days and looking for comments. I will give serious credibility to these comments. It will be a 30 day posting and we will then take the comments and if we move forward the time line will allow a way for me to get the project in place for Spring 2016 retroactive to January 2016.”
Glenn Rivard, President of Federation of Ontario Anglers & Hunters. “ We have been quite active on this project since 1999 and this is great news- an extension of the pilot project. This is a great step in taking the black bear back to its status as an important game animal that it should be. This hunt will be sustainable and it is sound wildlife management which we need to see with all species. Hunting is a managment wildlife tool, a step in the right direction.” “There are critics to all hunts. Female bear and cubs have always been protected. There has been a increase of bear attacks in Canada. We need to manange all the species.”
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
Bill Mauro, Minister of Natural Resources “ There are people on both sides of this issue, some who don’t think this is the right thing to do and I acknowledge that and don’t pretend to dismiss their positions. I do disagree with their positions when it comes to Northern Ontario specifically. If you look around you see 8 out of 10 provinces are doing this and all three territories. We always had the fall hunt. The five year pilot project we propose will
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Loch Lomond Equipment Sales Grows Sales BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors The desire to reach more remote areas of Northwestern Ontario for recreational activities and business has meant local Argo dealer, Loch Lomond Equipment continues to grow. “We like to think of ourselves as experts in high floatation, low ground pressure, remote access solutions. Argo is being refined and expanded to serve these needs,” said Rick Prior, Managing Director of Loch Lomond Equipment. “Argo has been manufactured since 1967. The average hunter and fisherman well knows its capabilities. In recent years the marketing has been broadened to include more of the industrial commercial sectors. There are new models for fishing and hunting with
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safety and comfort improvements. As well there are other commercial models that are more heavy duty and have features that are safety oriented.” The Argo parent company was founded by a German company in New Hamburg, Ontario near Kitchener- Ontario Drive and Gear. Argo is one half of the business and the other is drive and gear systems transmissions for use by many other manufacturors around the world. The company decided in 1967 to build their own vehicles and that is when Argo was founded. The company was just purchased by an equity firm in the US, a group of investors whom will help with new product development and marketing to increase market share even higher. “ We have machines for the commercial sector and a selection of smaller Argos in 6
and 8 wheel drive for hunters and fishing. The hunting and fishing side is a mainstay for us. The commercial side is more of the growth side of the business with mining activities where there is a need. The starting Argo can range in cost from $10,000 to $30,000 in the hunting fishing area.” said Rick. Lock Lomond Equipment also sells Bombardier groomers. They are used extensively in the building of winter roads.
Most First Nation communities have at least one up to five depending upon their road. There are probably 100 of these grooming machines in use in the North building roads as the lakes start to freeze according to Rick Prior. These machines are still built in Quebec.” “ Loch Lomond Equipment has a full service shop with 5 mechanics, parts people and sales. We are serious at what we do.” states Rick Prior