ONE IS TOO MANY The non-fiction book One is Too Many ($22.99/$34.99) by wildlife biologist Terry Quinney provides a deep dive into the politics and propaganda that fuelled the 1999 banning of Ontario’s spring bear hunt. Quinney’s exhaustive research, including excerpts from Outdoor Canada, offers a cautionary tale about today’s threats to hunting. Learn more: Friesen Press, www.friesenpress.com The post Even more great new outdoor gear for your spring and summer adventures appeared first on Outdoor Canada ..read more

I long believed my wife owned too many pairs of shoes, but for personal safety reasons, I never voiced that opinion. It’s a good thing, too, as I recently learned I was dead wrong. To my complete surprise, I discovered I own at least as many pairs of hunting boots as my wife does shoes. In my defence, no one pair can do it all, and that’s how I’ve amassed quite a collection. Here are the boots I’ve found over the years that meet my specific hunting needs and expectations. Consider them recommendations if you’re looking for some new hunting footwear of your own. The post How to pick the perfe ..read more

When the best fishing and hunting is found in tough-to-reach places, you need a vehicle that can comfortably transport you and your gear, yet still manage tough trails and unexpected obstacles. And that’s where a versatile ATV or side-by-side truly shines, such as these latest models designed for taking on the great Canadian outdoors. Please note that the prices shown here are for the base models. Vehicles are listed in alphabetical order by manufacturer. XPLORER XRT 1000 LE ($15,999) Key features: Four-stroke, 997cc engine; power steering; push-button two- or four-wheel drive; 26-inch tires ..read more

One of the appeals of spending time in the backcountry is being a little more relaxed about your grooming. You still need to maintain some basic hygiene, however—especially if you’re around other humans. Here are a few products and hacks for staying clean when you don’t have access to indoor plumbing. The post 6 easy hygiene hacks for staying fresh & clean in the backcountry appeared first on Outdoor Canada ..read more

Carrying a sufficient supply of drinking water is easy on a day trip, but it’s often not possible on a multi-day adventure. And while freshwater is abundant in Canada, most natural sources are not safe to drink from directly—even pristine-looking water may not be potable. Waterborne bacteria, viruses and parasites can quickly turn a backwoods adventure into a nightmare, so making water safe to drink is an essential outdoor skill. Filtering can remove particles and pathogens, such as bacteria and parasites, but most filters do not remove tiny spores and viruses. Purifying water, on the other ..read more

Looking for outdoor-themed Mother’s Day gift ideas? Check out this cool stuff, including technical fishing & hunting apparel, footwear, tackle, accessories and more, all designed for Canadian women who are serious about their outdoor adventures. And to all the moms across the land, thank you for providing us with joy, strength and inspiration. We truly appreciate it! SOFT COOLER BAG & COOLER CUBE RUX, the Canadian company behind the remarkably clever high-capacity gear hauler we highlighted last December, has now applied its design know-how to coolers. The 25L Soft Cooler Bag is ligh ..read more

Canadian anglers have long had a love affair with trout, seduced by their sleek beauty and the clear, cold waters they call home. Despite their popularity, however, trout can be notoriously finicky. So if you want to consistently catch them, it pays to go with the lures that have proven effective over time. Here are the top 11 trout lures you need to have in your tacklebox… Mepps Aglia More Mepps Aglia in-line spinners have been sold than any other single lure in Canada, and as we know, the consumer is always right. In this instance, they’re absolutely correct that the Aglia is dynamite on t ..read more

The new-product showcase at September’s American Fly Fishing Trade Association conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, may have been smaller than usual, but the attendees were certainly enthusiastic. And with the impressive array of new products on display, it’s clear the fly-fishing industry is still going strong following the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are my picks for 2024’s best new fly gear for Canadian anglers. For a look at more of the year’s best new fishing tackle, also see our round-up of 2024’s best new lures, conventional rods & reels and electronics & accessories. Best Rod WRAN ..read more

For a look at more of the year’s best new fishing gear, also see our round-up of 2024’s best new lures, rods and reels and fly-fishing gear (coming Friday). Best Battery DL+ 12V 135AH BATTERY Lithium batteries keep impressing. This dual-purpose model offers 135 amp-hours of deep-cycle capacity to power your boat’s electronics, plus 1,000 cold-cranking amps to start the big engine. That’s five times the usable power of a traditional Group 24 marine battery, at half the weight and with a lifespan that’s five times longer. Plus, you get an 11-year warranty. Just put it your boat and forget abou ..read more

For a look at more of the year’s best new fishing gear, also see our round-up of 2024’s best new lures, electronics & accessories and fly-fishing gear (coming Friday). Best Affordable Spinning Rods MUSE BLACK II I’m impressed by 13 Fishing’s commitment to making high-quality tackle at affordable prices, and this new line of rods doesn’t disappoint. Featuring Japanese components such as 40-ton Toray Graphite blanks, Fuji K Frame stainless steel guides and Evolve Custom Soft Touch Reel Seats, the six rods come in a length, power and action for every freshwater fishing scenario. They also c ..read more