New Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris dishes on family pasts and presents, as well as a few of his favourite things.
OOD: Who lit your passion for the outdoors?
MH: I would have to say my family. Growing up in North Bay, I really fell in love with nature, the outdoors, and exploring what Ontario has to offer each season. My father taught me a lot of what I know today, and I am so lucky to be able to share my knowledge with my kids.
OOD: What have you learned from your dad that has helped you most about being a public figure?
MH: My dad being a former Ontario premier really prepared me for what I do now. Growing up in Queen’s Park, I was around politics from a very young age, which allowed me to understand the travels, trials, and tribulations that come with the role. I am grateful for how eye-opening it was for me.
OOD: What’s your favourite way to fish?
MH: I love casting artificial lures from a boat with my kids. I really enjoy teaching them and watching them teach each other. Some of my favourite memories are with them out on the water.
OOD: We know you don’t have a lot of time to hunt, but what do you like most about hunting?
MH: Nothing beats the solitude and fresh air out in the bush, then getting a chance to enjoy the comraderie back at the camp.
OOD: What is a favourite Ontario family vacation spot for your family?
MH: It’s hard to beat Lake Nipissing for us, we have a family cottage and try to get there any chance we get. The entire area has a lot to offer, skiing, snowmobiling, great restaurants, and of course, spring and summer on the lake offer incredible boating and fishing.
OOD: What does conservation mean to you?
MH: Protecting and preserving the natural beauty and resources of our country while ensuring a strong and sustainable economy. Conservation means safeguarding our forests, wildlife, and water sources, but also allowing industries and individuals to innovate solutions that promote sustainability. By empowering local communities and businesses, we can create lasting conservation efforts that respect both nature and economic growth.
OOD: Describe if you could, a perfect day outdoors.
MH: A day fishing with my family would have to be number one, followed by a cold beer on the dock watching the sunset.
Q: Favourite fish to target?
A: Smallmouth, walleye, and muskie
Q: Favourite fish to eat?
A: Freshwater: Walleye and perch.
Saltwater: Mahi mahi and redfish
Q: Favourite lure?
A: Jerkbait
Q: Shotgun or rifle?
A: Shotgun for sure, we have several that have been passed down from grandparents.
Q: Favourite game to hunt?
A: Partridge/grouse
Q: Favourite game to eat?
A: Probably moose and deer
Q: Favourite dish to cook?
A: Definitely one of my passions in life. Japanese and Mexican have dominated my kitchen.
Q: Favourite meat to smoke?
A: Brisket all the way…but don’t ask me when it will be ready!
Q: Favourite burger toppings?
A: Onion rings and ranch
Q: Most recent book?
A: Killer: My Life in Hockey – Doug Gilmour
Q: North Bay Battalion or Kitchener Rangers?
A: Ok, this one is not fair, I’m pleading the fifth! We are very blessed with some incredible minor hockey here in Ontario.
Q: Dallas Cowboys or Denver Broncos?
A: I’ve been a die-hard Broncos fan for 30 years, certainly been some ups and downs but looking forward to seeing the progression of Bo Nix and the team this year.
Q: New or classic country?
A: I like it all, but anything from the mid 90s-2000s.
Q: Go-to Monopoly piece?
A: Always the battleship
Originally published in the Ontario Out of Doors 2025-2026 Hunting Annual
Contact Information
PO Box 2800 / 4601 Guthrie Dr.
Peterborough, Ontario Canada K9J 8L5
Phone: 705-748-OFAH (6324)
Fax: 705-748-9577
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