The Manitoba Wildlife Federation fully supports the Manitoba government’s recently introduced Waterfowl Modernization Strategy, which includes sweeping new regulation changes primarily affecting foreign resident hunters. That’s the word from the MWF’s managing director, Carly Deacon, who participated in several stakeholder meetings about the regulation changes. Starting this fall, foreign resident hunters will now have to enter a draw to receive a waterfowl licence. As well, they will only be allowed to hunt for a maximum of seven consecutive days. According to Deacon, the changes were introdu ..read more

Photo: Ron Schaal LOCH LEVEN Located in southwestern Saskatchewan’s Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Loch Leven is home to phenomenal trout fishing. In addition to being stocked with brook, cutthroat and rainbow trout, the small, 14.3-hectare lake also supports natural reproduction thanks to an artificial spawning reef. Angling educators Jeff and Jason Matity can provide more local fishing info. Learn more: www.getfishing.ca —Gord Pyzer The post Looking for new fishing and hunting getaways? Check out these 3 great Canadian destinations appeared first on Outdoor Canada ..read more

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) was first identified in Canada at a Saskatchewan elk farm in 1996, and since then it has infected wild deer and elk in the province, as well as in Alberta. The fatal disease has also found its way into Manitoba, as well as a game farm in Quebec. Caused by deformed proteins known as prions, the highly infectious disease spreads through cervid populations via bodily fluids. And as with the COVID-19 pandemic, no one can agree for certain where it originated. CWD was first found in captive cervids in the U.S. in the late 1960s, followed by wild deer starting in 1981 ..read more

For the millions of people who love the outdoors, Canada is nothing short of utopia. Our country is a paradise of lush woodlands, crystal-clear lakes and landscapes that have inspired Canadians and visitors from around the world. Over the years, the abundant natural beauty of our great nation has been admired and enjoyed by millions of proud and decent hunters and anglers, and you have persistently worked to preserve this bounty for future generations. Unfortunately, the current Liberal government has targeted hardworking people like you—hunters, in particular—with its blatantly ideological po ..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 adventure. And to all the moms across the land, thank you for providing us with joy, strength and inspiration. We truly appreciate it! FACET 75 MID OUTDRY SHOE This new sleek, mid-height waterproof hiker from Columbia Sportswear blends comfort, protection and versatility, proving that tough outdoor footwear can also be cute. The durable mesh upper uses Colum ..read more

835 ULTRA-MAG If you’re planning to advance to a 3½-inch platform, this Mossberg pump shotgun (US$693) boasts a reliable, powerful punch and tight patterns. Learn more: www.mossberg.com The post The best new gear for turkey hunters, including calls, decoys, accessories apparel and more appeared first on Outdoor Canada ..read more

When it comes to hunting black bears, you’d be hard pressed to find better opportunities anywhere in the world than in Canada. From Vancouver Island’s tidal flats to Newfoundland’s rugged terrain, the Canadian wilderness is teeming with thriving bear populations. Along with my brothers, Kevin and Paul, I’ve been fortunate to hunt all across this land, whether spotting and stalking in the open country of B.C. and the Prairie provinces or putting out bait in the thick boreal forests of Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. My brothers and I have also been fortunate to head afield with s ..read more

Most of us hunters grew up as nature lovers. We were the kids who came home with seashells and bird’s nests in our pockets. We assembled home menageries of whatever wild and wacky animals we could convince our moms to allow through the door. And we spent our summers camping and hiking when other kids our age were consumed by more urban activities. The drive to explore the natural world is in our DNA, which led us to evolve into hunters. Far too often today, unfortunately, I encounter hunters who’ve lost their zeal for the broader natural world they once embraced. They’re singularly focussed on ..read more

When crippled ducks hit the water, they impulsively dive to avoid capture. Retrieving these elusive birds is challenging, even for experienced gun dogs, but it can be especially confusing for young pups. That makes it important to teach dogs to spot and outsmart subsurface swimmers before the hunting season begins, using training gear such as the Dokken Diver dummy to simulate a lively downed duck. THE CHALLENGE Survival is priority number one for a wounded duck. When a retriever closes in, the duck will dive, then resurface a short distance away. If the retriever persists, the duck will swi ..read more

The resonant throaty thunder of the tom’s opening gobble sent a familiar electrical tingle up my spine, straight to that special receptor deep inside my turkey-hunter’s cranium. Cranking up the voltage, the tom then began his stately procession, gobbling and strutting closer to my set-up through the post-dawn sunlight. My rising anticipation soon changed to frustration, however, when he stopped advancing 200 metres out, refusing to close the gap. A gobbler will hang up for a variety of reasons, living as he does in a world of constant risk from coyotes, hawks, humans and other predators. It ..read more