The Best Ice Fishing in British Columbia

            British Columbia is known to have mild winters, which is the main reason why it may be the last place any ice fisher would think of going. However, what most people aren't aware of is that B.C is full of ice fishing opportunities and due to their mild winters, don't need to be accessed by snowmobiles or quads.

    This article talks about the many types of fish you can find during your ice fishing adventures and in what lakes you can find them. From Rainbow Trout, to Kokanee Salmon and Lake trout, the article goes in depth about the weight, size, and the different conditions in which each type of fish can live. If you're new to the ice fishing world, this article is a perfect step-by-step guide to maximizing the number of fish you catch!

     Overall, this article has changed the way I view ice fishing and the way I view British Columbia as well. In the past, I always believed that ice fishing was pointless, as I thought it was the same as regular fishing during the warmer months. However, after reading this article, I learned that ice fishing is much more in depth and difficult than it appears to be. It has also opened my eyes to British Columbia in the sense that you can't judge a place by it's surroundings. I now know that it is one of the best places to go ice fishing, with plenty of diverse fish to catch. I don't believe that this article however will make me change my behavior. I don't feel as if I will ever go fishing, let alone go ice fishing in my life simply because I have no interest or patience to do so. If I ever did decide to go ice fishing however, British Columbia would most likely not be the place I would go to do it. Therefore, this article has inspired me to inspire others who may have an interest in ice fishing. With this knowledge I can now convince others to consider going to British Columbia, due to their diverse fish in more than one lake, and the easy access to those lakes without using a snowmobile or quad to reach their destination.


Gruenefeld, George . "The best ice fishing in British Columbia." Outdoor Canada RSS. Outdoor Canada, 20 Feb. 2012. Web. 29 Apr. 2014. <http://outdoorcanada.ca/35135/fishing/ice-fishing/the-best-ice-fishing-in-british-columbia>.

Fishing Algonquin

By: Algonquin Park Staff

***

This article is about the importance of fish in the Algonquin habitat and how we can take care of them properly and not overfish. The first thing I learned is that there are four main types of fish in Algonquin and how they are distinguished. These fish are Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Splake, And Smallmouth Bass. I remember catching these fish when I last when to Algonquin. It is very easy to catch Smallmouth bass but I've never caught any Trout myself. To protect the fish we have to protect there environment this means that you are only allowed to use power boats in some of the many Algonquin lakes. Power boat provide risk to the fish as you can destroy the vegetation in their habitats or hit them by accident. Also, this article explains when the best fishing season is and why. The article says that May is the best season to fish just after the ice has melted this is because trout like the cold water and in the summer they retreat to the depths of the lakes. That's probably why I have never caught any. Furthermore the article talked about is how they tag some fish in order keep an eye on the lakes ecosystems and see how high the fish survival rates are. If you ever find a tagged fish you are to release it and report its location to one of the park staff. Finally the article provides steps for how to catch and release a fish safely. the steps are as shown:
1. Fish with sharp barbless hooks because they are removed easily
2. Use a fishing line with sufficient breaking strength to reduce playing time so the wound in fish is not widened
3. Keep the fish in water as much as possible
4. Handel gently and if you don't have gloves make sure you hand are wet while handling the fish.
5. Remove the hooks quickly
6. Revive the fish by holding it upright in the water until is starts struggling then let it free.
I found this to be the most important part of the article because I love fishing for fun and never really want to hurt the fish. Overall this article was a good read and you can make a lot of connections if you've ever been to Algonquin park.

 Fishing in Algonquin, Algonquin Park Staff, Algonquin Information Guide Spring 2013 to Winter 2014, 2013, Newspaper pp. 14-15.

Fire lighting 101

By Kevin Callan

***

This article speaks about the social value and the importance of having a camp fire.
The article starts by stating that in the rain or colded weather having a camp fire is critical to keep from catching hypothermia. It then explains how to build a good fire by housing what is around you for instance kindeling is easyly found under conifer and canopy evergreen trees the twig are dry Even in rainy weather do to the trees shape and needles. Lager branches must then be gathered but rotten wood will not burn so dry branches must be found. It then explanes the two types of fire building techniques as well as how to make your own fire starters. If you are shopping for fie wood it suggests Oak, Maple or Iron wood.
Lastly it states some thing you can do with a fire such as tell storys, see who can make a fire the fastest or roast marsmelloows.

I found this article interesting because I always have like making fires when camping as a kid. In our cub group my dad was the fire master and we often had a fire around. I think that knowing how to make a fire is important to know because if we are out hiking one day and sprain an ankle we could have to build a fire in order to servive. I also enjoyed that it talked about how to make your own fire starters I can't believe how simple some of them were for instance I never thought duct tape sprayed with bug spray would do the job. All in all the article was a little dull in the begining because I already know how to make a fire but the was enough interesting stuff in their to hold my attention.

Cited
Fire-Lighting 101, Kevin Callan, Explore/Live the Adventure Canada, 2014

The Value of a Sherpa Life

Author: Grayson Schaffer
Rating: ****

When considering an adventure such as climbing Mount Everest, the idea of not making it back down the mountain is always a lingering factor. A Sherpa -- a "guide" for the groups climbing -- must face this reality each day. On April 18, an avalanche plowed down the west side of Everest, killing 16 Sherpas. The controversy over this situation is that the industry can not be shut down, due to the above-average revenue brought to the country by this industry. The article goes on to discuss how the lives of the Sherpas are not as valued as they should be, which is reflected in their pay, and how the government deals with such tragedies.

This article proves how many people put their lives in danger to be able to feed themselves and their families everyday. I am privileged to not have to worry about if my parents will be home at the end of the work day and know that we will still have enough money to afford luxury items. It also allows me to understand the precautions of such a dangerous adventure. Before starting an adventure or journey, you should always pay extra attention to any warnings put out by the communities, locals, and companies/guides. The problem with this is the amount of locals who will lose their jobs if paying clientele decide not to go because of these warning. Of course, allocentric travellers will take the risks and go on these journeys anyways, but let this article be a warning that even the most familiar with these exotic places can't control the wondrous powers of the mountain's natural forces. 

Schaffer, Grayson. "The Value of a Sherpa Life." Outside Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. <http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/climbing/mountaineering/The-Value-of-A-Sherpa-Life.html>. 

How can I go about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

Author: The Editors

Rating ****

Planning a trip to someplace down in the states may take a few days of planning and a couple hours of packing. Now planning a trip to a place that is more than 8000 miles away may take a few extra days to plan out and probably a lot more time researching. The article specifies the different routes that are offered when climbing up the mountain and how they are at different heights and prices. It explains the differences between the landscape, animals and the scenic views you see between each of the routes. It also gives the reader an idea of the living conditions, such as living in tents instead of lodges or the amount of danger (animals) that each route contains.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro would be a great adventure and now being aware of the different ways to experience the climb I am more interested in this trip. I think that even though there are dangers with some of the ways that you can go about on the trip, the time you spend in a risky area is more daredevil like and you end up with a better experience. I feel like after your trip ended you’d up with a stronger bold and courageous attitude. The article has inspired me to add climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to my bucket list, as I have learned of the many scenic opportunities I have to see. I also think that I would end up taking the more dangerous route, even though it is something that I usually would not do. Overall the article had a lot of information and has made me want to go climb a mountain.

 Outside Online. "How can I go about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?." Outside Online. N.p., 5 May 2009. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. <http://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/escapes/travel-agent/How-can-I-go-about-climbing-Mount-Kilimanjaro-.html>.

3 Essential Camping Skills

Author: Not listed
Rating: ****
March 27th 2014


     There are many camping skills that you may already know.  Some skill are more useful than others.  After reading this article I learned 3 very important camping skills that will be very useful when I go camping.  The first essential skill is knowing how to fly fish.  Fly fishing is very important because it is a great way to acquire food very quickly.  It may take a while for you to learn how to master this skill but once you know how to fly fish, it will help you out tremendously.  The second essential skill is being able to stay warm in your tent.  Nobody wants to try and fall asleep in a cold tent.  Eating a Cliff Bar will help your body stay a lot warmer when in the tent.  Also put some warm water in a water bottle and put it by your feet.  This will help keep your feet and sleeping bag very warm.  Store the next day's clothes in your sleeping bag with you.  This will make them warm for the next day and will also keep you warm throughout the night.  The last and final skill the article mentions is being able to make a matchless fire.  This is very important because this skill will work in both wet and dry conditions.  To be able to have a matchless fire, you must have cotton balls, steel striker, and a Light My Fire Firesteel 2.0.  With these items you will be able to have a matchless fire.  After reading this article, I totally agree with all the skills that were mentioned.  All of these skills are imperative to know when traveling into the outdoors.  This article was very helpful and now I know 3 essential camping skills.                



Cited:

• Url: http://www.explore-mag.com/3-essential-camping-skills-2
• Title: 3 Essential Camping Skills
• Website title: Explore Magazine
• Accessed on: 2014-04-26

By: Eric Boehling

How to Hunt Deer in the City – by Rocky Crawford

Rating **** - Excellent

            This basically sums up the complex and lengthy process of being able to hunt deer in the city. This is quite extensive since the process of being able to hunt in the suburbs is just as equally lengthy, however it’s quite thorough. It includes such things as where and how you should set up hunting, the ways of which to approach in regards to wind, and most importantly the rules of engagement and citizen cautions. It specifically explains too, that you should get written permission from land owners (the ones of which you are hunting on) and keep it one you, warn any families that if you are hunting anywhere nearby their houses, as well as conservation officials, and police. It even tells you to only take shots you know you can take and be successful with, since it may offend someone to have a dead deer in their yard. Also if you make a successful kill, then load it into your vehicle promptly as it may be unsettling to other bystanders.

             

           I was quite amazed that ‘suburban hunting’ was even a thing that people do, nevertheless legally. It is also something becoming more common due to some animals coming into expanding human suburbs more and more. It’s kind of made me have mixed feelings. I’ve heard of hunting accidents in the past (part of the reason hunters now generally need to wear a certain surface area amount of bright orange) and I feel kind of worried about suburban hunting. Let’s leave making sure the animal has a quick death out of the picture and talk trigger control, or I guess string control perhaps in this case. A very important lesson that seems to have one stupid hunter who doesn’t remember it is 1. Know your target. 2. Know what’s behind your target. With a bow it isn’t quite as big a deal to know what’s behind your target as most arrows shouldn’t go through what you’re shooting at unless it’s a squirrel or something similar. What is very important in suburban hunting is knowing your target. I cannot stress this point enough, because you are hunting in or near suburbs it is inevitable that you will have human contact and must be very aware that the moving thing that looks kinda like a deer, isn’t a tanned human on their hands and knees, playing with their kid. However, provided they have the discipline (and of course everybody’s ok with this) it should be alright to hunt in a suburban environment. In fact I might even be tempted to try this one day.

http://outdoorcanada.ca/1649/hunting/bow-hunting/hunt-deer-in-the-city

How to Make Waterproof Matches - by Colin Field

**** - Excellent

     This article is about creating waterproof matches using simple tools and includes easy step by step information on how to do it. I have to say as a lover of the outdoors as well as a cadet, and person devoted to survival research I have to say that although this article is short and simple that may actually be a good thing. Far too often I’ve read an article that’s included far too much information and confused me for a little while. So if the article confuses me, how badly will it confuse somebody who’s completely new to the outdoor experience but wants to learn? I appreciate that although it contains information it’s not necessarily targeted for say a scholar to write a five thousand word report, but rather speaks (both in language and volume of information) to the average joe, just casual language one might use to talk to another person. I may even use this due to how easy the items are to obtain (you may even already have all the items in your house). I would highly recommend this article and, provided the author uses the same format, recommend further articles from him. 

http://outdoorcanada.ca/31904/skills/articles-skills/how-to-make-waterproof-matches

What to do if you encounter a bear.

What to do if you encounter a bear – Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Rating: ***

With the upcoming Outdoor Ed Portaging Trip, I’m sure there are many people that are worried about bears. Thin tent material will not stop bears from getting to you at night, but there are precautions that are taken to make sure that bears don’t come near your campsite during your trip. However, while walking through the forest in search for a good “pee tree” or while portaging your heavy pack along a path, there is still a chance of coming across a bear.

Black bear attacks are extremely rare, but knowing what to do in case of a bear encounter could be the difference between a cool experience and a traumatizing one. One thing I didn’t know about bears is that the noisier the bear is, the less dangerous it is. Bears usually want to run away when you come across them, and they usually only attack when they feel threatened or if they are a predatory bears. Getting between a mother and her cubs will make her defensive, so watch out for this situation. Predatory bear attacks are also very rare and typically only happen in remote areas. If you come across a bear, stay calm, DO NOT RUN or scream, and slowly back away from the bear. Remain facing the bear, and calmly talk in a monotone voice, without making eye contact. If the bear doesn’t leave or starts to come towards you, make yourself big and make as much noise as possible-try to persuade the bear to leave. In the extremely rare instance that a bear does attack you, use pepper spray if you have some on you and fight back as much as you can. Don’t play dead unless you are sure that it is a mother bear trying to defend her cubs.

I have always been told to make a lot of noise as soon as you come across a bear. I think I would be too scared to talk in a calm voice while slowly backing away, but if I come across a bear I would rather leave slowly than try to intimidate the bear. It is important for everyone to know what to do in case of a bear encounter, which is always possible in the Canadian wilderness. Bear cubs are adorable to see from afar, but being between a bear and its cubs must be a terrifying experience. I hope that I will never come close to a bear attack, but I still hope to see bears and other wild animals in nature.

"What to do if you encounter a bear." - Ontario Government, Ministry of Natural Resources. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. <http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Bearwise/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_167730.html>.