Hot summer secrets

Do you sometimes struggle to find and catch fish during the so-called doldrums of the hot summer months? Make those dreaded slowdowns a thing of the past with these detailed tips for catching more summertime walleye, bass, northern pike and muskies. Once you understand how fish behaviours change during the dog days of summer—and learn how to change your strategies accordingly—you’ll discover that hot weather also means hot fishing. This how-to feature explains it all. outdoorcanada.ca/hotsummersecrets

Fishing

Mouse Flies

If you’re looking for a fly to excite the biggest fish in the river, summer is the perfect time to try a mouse pattern. These tips reveal how mouse flies are both easy to fish and exciting.

outdoorcanada.ca/mouseflies

Windy Walleye

The walleye bite often picks up when it gets windy, but only if you know how the fish behave in these changing conditions. Here’s how to take advantage of the wind when trolling, drifting or jigging.

outdoorcanada.ca/windywalleye

On The Water Online

Outdoor Canada fishing editor Gord Pyzer regularly posts fishing tips, gear reviews and much more on his blog, “On the water online.” Check in often to stay on top of the exciting world of angling.

outdoorcanada.ca/blogs

Hunting

Dangerous Hunt

Somewhere in the dense brush of the harsh Namibian landscape, a wounded leopard lurks. Danger, drama and excitement ensue in this this wild true tale of a dream African hunt.

Connect With Us

Follow editor-in-chief Patrick Walsh on Twitter & Instagram @OutdoorWalsh

Follow associate editor Scott Gardner on Twitter @OutdoorGardner outdoorcanada.ca/dangeroushunt

Hunting Fitness

Hunting often entails strenuous activity, and staying fit both improves your shooting and helps you avoid injury. These pointers will boost your fitness level, and lead to more success afield.

outdoorcanada.ca/huntingfitness

Bow Cameras

A bow-mounted camera can capture exciting footage, as well as help you become a better hunter. Our primer on cameras, mounts and techniques shows how to start recording your hunts.

outdoorcanada.ca/bowcameras

Peeved About Poilievre

I’ve been a subscriber for more than 20 years and I’ve always respected the professionalism of the content. What I read on page 22 has left me stunned, disgusted and very disappointed (“Firearms fiasco,” May/June). What in God’s name possessed your editors to allow an opposition party MP, Pierre Poilievre, to write an incredibly politically biased article attacking our government? The content is complete BS. For the first time, your magazine has become tabloid-quality fire starter. Do better.

RICHARD LYON

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, ONTARIO

As a long-time subscriber, I generally look forward to reading the articles on gun control that I strongly believe is not in the best interest of hunters. With growing crime, the calls for gun control will continue to grow, and likely have sufficient momentum to make real changes. Not everyone will like this, but it is almost certainly a reality. The position pushed by Mr. Poilievre and many contributors to your magazine lumps responsible hunters in with those who wish to possess guns catering to macho egos that are absolutely not necessary for hunting. More and more people recognize this, and they’re looking for some form of control so we don’t get completely out of hand like the U.S. Responsible hunters and media promoting hunting should recognize this, and work to promote laws that will appease these concerns. and border control, there will be a real and noticeable reduction. Hopefully, hunting will still be around when that happens, but it will likely only be the case if we soften our position and distance ourselves from those who don’t want any form of gun control. Your decision to print this has pushed me too far. I’ve cancelled my subscription.

CHARLIE FRASER VIA E-MAIL

Editor’s note: We received a few more letters (and social media comments) criticizing us for publishing the guest opinion column by Official Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre. We make no apologies for presenting divergent viewpoints from across Canada’s broad political spectrum on matters of importance to anglers and hunters. You when I was very young. Trying to identify the different songs, chirps, squeals and howls is important when learning how wildlife communicate. Like Ken, I’ve also watched a brazen red squirrel chipping at me, then suddenly get picked up by an owl. I’ve also watched a chipmunk bury acorns, only to then see a red squirrel come along, dig them up and take them away. Everyone should engage youth in hunting, angling or trapping, and share their fondest memories with them.

BLAKE CORBIN KANATA, ONTARIO

of my big cats. Also, note my Outdoor Canada hat!

BRIAN BURRIDGE WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

Red River Pride

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the 38 trophy hot spots (“Go big!” Fishing Special). I was also happy and proud to see the Red River included for its trophy cats. When I launch at Selkirk Park, Manitoba, I see cars that have brought anglers from all over the U.S. to fish the river in the hopes of catching a monster. I appreciate how lucky I am to be less than an hour’s drive from this fabulous

Stretched Thin

The article “Manitoba: More Enforcement” (January/February, West edition) reveals that Manitoba’s total number of natural resource officers (NROs) is currently less than 70. A full complement should be in the range of 126. In April 2016, there were approximately 91 NROs in Manitoba. During that year’s provincial election campaign, Brian Pallister, then leader of the official opposition, promised he would downsize the civil service by some 30 per cent if elected. That would translate to the loss of some 27 NRO positions. It appears Pallister’s commitment was met after he became premier.

In 2016, Manitoba NRO salaries averaged $4 per hour less than those of Saskatchewan NROs. The gap widened dramatically as the Pallister government then froze public employee salaries. Now comes the announcement that Manitoba has earmarked $300,000 to deploy helicopters to combat night hunting. This is not new money—it is money taken directly from Manitoba NRO salaries over the past six years. To add further insult to injury, I recently became aware of a government proposal to expand NRO mandates to include general law enforcement duties—that’s fewer people doing more work for less pay.

FRED TAIT

ROSSENDALE, MANITOBA VISITATION REQUESTS

Further to our feature on Ontario’s Middle Island (“Gangster getaway,” January/February), the Lake Erie bird sanctuary may only be visited these days with the written permission of Point Pelee National Park. The park’s visitor centre also offers information about the island. OC

BY PATRICK WALSH