Mike Harris Mike Harris was named Minister of Natural Resources on March 19 as Premier Doug Ford unveiled a new cabinet following the Progressive Conservative government’s Feb. 27 election to a third consecutive term. Mike Harris, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga, will Continue reading Mike Harris new MNR minister
Subject: March 7, 2025 Firearms Prohibition On March 7, 2025, the Government of Canada amended the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted (commonly referred to as Continue reading March 7, 2025 Firearms Prohibition
Firearms The federal government announced additional prohibitions on what it deems “assault-style firearms,” adding another 179 firearms to the list of those banned in May 2020 and last December. In total, since 2020, more than 2,500 firearms have been banned. Continue reading More firearms banned, yellow flag laws introduced
Research A University of Waterloo researcher’s ground-breaking research has found a way to alter bacteria so that they consume microplastics. One of the sources of microplastics is wastewater plants as the plastic particles are not able to be removed in the treatment Continue reading Researching microplastics-eating bacteria
Crowd Funding A crowdfunding campaign has raised some $5,875 towards a $10,000 goal to aid the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association after excessive snow caused a roof cave-in at its Owen Sound-area fish hatchery number three on Feb. 25. The community response to help the Ontario Federation Continue reading Roof cave-in prompts crowdfunding
Not only is the Fishing Friendzy Foundation introducing kids and their parents to ethical angling, it’s helping youth become better human beings and further their understanding of how their actions today will affect the future. “That type of thinking can make huge Continue reading Fishing Friendzy fostering responsible youth
https://oodmag.com/foraging-chaga/?mc_cid=0e8f82f885&mc_eid=60393b8d07 Finding what grandma called “Indian medicine mushrooms,” or chaga, is a bonus. Today, I know these irregular-shaped fungi that thrive on birch trees, by their rightful name, chaga (Inonotus obliquus). Grandma said it was good for anything that ails Continue reading Foraging chaga
Five more southern Ontario townships have been added to the list of municipalities that permit Sunday gun hunting. The list, which is updated annually on the first of April and September, now includes the Townships of Amaranth, Mapleton, Minto, Oro-Medonte, and Scugog. Including these additions, Continue reading New Sunday gun hunting opportunities added
Ask An Expert: Splake eggs – Ontario OUT of DOORS Q: I was fishing in a lake stocked with splake. When cleaning our catch, we noticed a few of the fish had eggs in them. My understanding was that splake don’t Continue reading Ask An Expert: Splake eggs
Working with vegetation – Ontario OUT of DOORS Finding lush aquatic vegetation when ice fishing can be like striking gold. Get on the right veg at the right time, and you can experience stellar catches of yellow perch, crappie, walleye, Continue reading Working with vegetation
Hunter reporting penalties increase – Ontario OUT of DOORS The financial penalty for failing to submit a mandatory hunter report two or more times for a species in Ontario is increasing. The changes, made through amendments to the Fish and Wildlife Continue reading Hunter reporting penalties increase
Trapping seasons for various furbearers are opening across the province. Whether you’re a seasoned trapper or just getting started, it’s time to gear up! #DYK? Trapping plays a crucial role in managing wildlife populations and reducing human-wildlife conflicts, such as Continue reading Trapping Season is Underway
OWA Ice Fishing Weekend for Women (Parry Sound) Join us for a weekend of ice fishing for crappie and pike on a private lake just south of Parry Sound. Includes two or three nights accommodation, potluck dinners and a fun Continue reading OWA Ice Fishing Weekend for Women (Parry Sound)
While the risk to humans is low, caution should always be taken when handling wild birds and mammals to reduce the potential for exposure to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). What you should know. All bird species can carry avian Continue reading Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
Safety first! Be cautious when driving snowmobiles or vehicles over frozen lakes or rivers and always check that the ice is thick enough. Remember: • snowmobiles: minimum 20 centimeters of clear blue ice • light vehicles: minimum 30 centimeters of Continue reading Safety first! Be cautious when driving snowmobiles or vehicles over frozen lakes or rivers and always check that the ice is thick enough.
Salt harming watersheds – Ontario OUT of DOORS Much effort is put into keeping our roads, sidewalks, and parking lots safe when winter storms bring snow and ice. We obviously need to limit vehicle collisions and slips and falls. The Continue reading Salt harming watersheds
Wild pigs may spread CWD – Ontario OUT of DOORS A peer-reviewed study, released in the January 2025 issue of the Emerging Infectious Disease Journal, has found evidence that wild pigs may be able to spread chronic wasting disease (CWD). That disease, Continue reading Wild pigs may spread CWD
Wolves are always hungry – Ontario OUT of DOORS An apex predator, wolves are a valuable component of a healthy ecosystem. Wherever they’re found, weed out the old and the sick and keep the population in order. Wolves — which in the Continue reading Wolves are always hungry
Following camouflage fashion – Ontario OUT of DOORS As a kid, I was absolutely fascinated with my grandfather Ora Ellis’ hunting clothes. Gramps was a keen deer and moose hunter and dressed the part. He had thick, red wool pants Continue reading Following camouflage fashion
Report details status of Canada’s birds – Ontario OUT of DOORS The State of Canada’s Birds 2024 report, released in early October by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada, provided an interesting overview regarding Canada’s birds. Though the report showed many Continue reading Report details status of Canada’s birds