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Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Easthill Outdoors Spring Sale April 4-6 2024

 Easthill is having its spring sale April 4-6th, 2024. Be sure to check out the savings and the new product availability. This is a full service outdoors store for the avid outdoors person. They carry, Yeti, Catching Deers Merchandise, full gun store, bow shop, accessories, scents, feed, stands you name it Easthill has it.

https://www.easthilloutdoors.com/





Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Camping Hacks

 

1. MAKE A LANTERN OUT OF A HEADLAMP AND A JUG OF WATER

All you need is your headlamp and a gallon water jug or a large water bottle. Any translucent bottle will do, but the coolest effect comes from the type of plastic that is not entirely transparent but rather a slightly cloudy color allowing you to see water sloshing around inside.

When it gets dark, strap the headlamp to the side of the jug so the beam is facing inward. The water container transforms into a glowing orb that casts light in all directions! This effect works because the water in the jug spreads the glow, which is dispersed further by the milky plastic of the container.

This makeshift lantern works great anywhere you need ambient light. Whether you need to look for something inside your tent, clean up the picnic table or start a campfire, your night just became a lot easier.

2. GLUE SANDPAPER INSIDE THE TOP OF YOUR MATCH HOLDER FOR EASY LIGHTING AND WATERPROOFING

Matches are an indispensable item when camping, but it seems all too often, things go wrong with them. They get wet, the case gets soggy or the strike pad wears down until it is smooth. This camping hack ensures your matches will be ready to strike when you need them.

Buy fine-grained sandpaper, preferably with adhesive on one side, to stick it to the matchbox. If not, some glue will do the trick. Attach the sandpaper inside the lid of a small waterproof container that will hold your matches.

The sandpaper will provide a large, coarse surface for striking, and the waterproof container will protect it. No more soggy matches or wet or worn-out strike pad!

Colored garbage bag rolls

3. LINE YOUR BAG WITH A GARBAGE BAG TO KEEP THE CONTENTS DRY

Weather is everything when camping, and a seasoned camper knows you can never be too prepared for Mother Nature’s fickle moods. Once you are warm and dry inside your tent, there is nothing to worry about — unless you struggle to get warm or dry because your bag and all of its contents got soaked in the rain.

This trick offers the ultimate cost-to-benefit ratio: a single trash bag in exchange for warmth and dryness. Line the inside of your backpack with a trash bag before placing all your items into it. For the cost of a trash bag — somewhere between a nickel and a dime — you have dry clothes and a dry sleeping bag for your trip, guaranteed.

Avoiding wet clothing is crucial for your comfort and safety. Wet clothing can cause you to get chilled very quickly, which can lead to illness, so take this simple step to avoid this issue!

4. USE SILICA GEL PACKETS TO KEEP YOUR CAMP COOKWARE RUST-FREE BETWEEN USES

You know those silica gel packets that seem to appear in every product? They are quite useful for sucking up moisture, especially in items that tend to rust. Buy a pack of them, or collect them from whatever packages you buy, as they may save your cookware.

In an ideal world, you would dry your cookware completely and store it in a moisture-free environment between uses. But weather changes, basements grow damp, and sometimes dishes must be dried in a rush before you stuff them in your bags — and that is where silica gel packets come in.

Using these packets keeps moisture from rusting away your cookware between uses. It is disappointing to pull out your favorite bowl or skillet and find it spotted with rust, and this little trick will prevent that altogether.

Sleeping bags inside a tent

5. PACK LIGHTER BY USING A SLEEPING BAG CASE STUFFED WITH CLOTHES AS YOUR PILLOW

Pillows are a matter of personal preference. You may prefer yours soft or firm, feather or fluff, Tempur-Pedic® or light foam.

However, pillows take up a significant amount of space in packing. Companies have developed inflatable pillows that roll into impressively small spaces, but rolling around on air is rarely very comfortable. This situation often leaves you stuffing a pillow into your bag that takes up as much space as your clothing.

To form the ultimate camping pillow, take the case for your sleeping bag and stuff it full of your softest clothing. Make sure the sleeves are unrolled and socks are not too tightly balled up so there are no pressure points, and shape the pillow to your liking. If you desire more support, add more clothing! You will love the fact that you have saved so much space in your bag.

6. BRING BREAD TAGS TO USE AS CLOTHESPINS

Bread tags are one of the most underappreciated products around. They diligently hold bread bags closed but rarely see any other purpose before being cast away. So next time you finish a loaf of bread, try them as clothespins on your next camping trip.

This tip is one of the best family camping hacks since bringing enough clothespins for a family’s laundry can steal a good amount of real estate inside a bag. Bread tags are not only cheap, but they also take up minimal space in your pack.

So set a little dish aside and start collecting those bread tags. They will soon be doing their work in the sunshine, drying your clothes and keeping them securely fixed to the line.

7. MAKE A MAKESHIFT GROMMET BY TYING LINE AROUND A ROCK WRAPPED IN A TARP

Bread tags are one of the most underappreciated products around. They diligently hold bread bags closed but rarely see any other purpose before being cast away. So next time you finish a loaf of bread, try them as clothespins on your next camping trip.

This tip is one of the best family camping hacks since bringing enough clothespins for a family’s laundry can steal a good amount of real estate inside a bag. Bread tags are not only cheap, but they also take up minimal space in your pack.

So set a little dish aside and start collecting those bread tags. They will soon be doing their work in the sunshine, drying your clothes and keeping them securely fixed to the line.

8. USE GALLON JUGS OF WATER AS ICE PACKS IN YOUR COOLER

Bringing ice on a camping trip can be difficult. It melts quickly and becomes a watery mess, meaning any nonplastic food packaging will soon become soaked and soggy.

As an alternative to pouring ice into your cooler, freeze gallon jugs of water and put them in instead. They will not crack when frozen, and these jugs have built-in room for expansion in freezing. As the ice warms and turns into water, you will have drinking water ready without having to haul extra. Have smaller space? This hack works with individual bottles too!

There are two things to remember when packing water for a camping trip: water is essential, and it is also heavy. Therefore, pack more than enough drinking water, but try not to pack water that will go to waste — like ice that will soon melt and become undrinkable. This hack addresses both points simultaneously by allowing your ice to become extra drinking water after it has done its job of keeping your food cold.

9. BURN SAGE IN YOUR CAMPFIRE TO HELP REPEL MOSQUITOES

Mosquitoes can dampen an otherwise excellent camping experience. Knowing how to repel them, even without slathering yourself in hazardous levels of bug repellent, is a great skill when camping.

Take along a few bundles of sage the next time you go camping. When the sun is setting and the campfire is going, burn a bit of sage with your fire. For a longer-lasting effect, set the sage on fire and let it smolder and smoke by the edge of the campfire. Mosquitoes are naturally repelled by sage smoke, and you will find fewer buzzing around you.

Remember that mosquitoes, while present at all times of day, are typically most active at dawn and dusk. It is best to prepare by having some burning sage ready at those times.

10. CORN CHIPS AND DORITOS MAKE GREAT KINDLING INSTEAD OF SMALL STICKS

There are times when good kindling just is not easy to find, and you eye those poor, undeserving items in your camping arsenal as flammable candidates. But there is good news — a handful of Doritos will do a beautiful job of starting a fire.

You may wonder how a food like Doritos could burst into flame when lit. It turns out the starches, chemicals, oils and flavors comprising this snack make it a prime candidate for combustion, and it will work wonders at starting a fire.

While Doritos work the best, most corn chips will suffice in a pinch. The corn oil in these chips is flammable and provides a steady burn allowing you to start your fire.

11. MELT AND SEAL STRAW SECTIONS TO STORE SPICES AND OTHER SMALL INGREDIENTS

This one takes more preparation than simply throwing some ill-fated Doritos into your bag, but it is an immense space saver and makes camping trips easier in packing and unpacking.

Culinary skills are often limited in the woods by a lack of seasonings and spices. No one sells travel pouches of curry powder, chili powder or rosemary, so you might settle for bottles of salt and pepper.

This hack involves cutting plastic straws into short segments, melting one end with a candle and filling the straw piece up with a spice of your choice. If you want more of the ingredient, cut a longer length of straw. Seal the other end, and voila — you have a waterproof, ultra-portable selection of spices at hand in the woods.

An adult cracking an egg into a bowl.

12. CRACK EGGS AHEAD OF TIME AND STORE THEM IN A WATER BOTTLE FOR AN EASY BREAKFAST

Bringing eggs on a camping trip is risky business. If they crack, you lose the eggs and have a mess to contend with.

Try this campfire cooking hack instead. Crack eggs beforehand and store them in a water bottle. Do this in many different ways. If you know everyone will prefer scrambled eggs, whip the eggs and store them in a large water bottle — even add milk, cheese and seasonings if you would prefer.

If you have a water bottle with a slightly larger opening, you could gently crack eggs into it for fried eggs with intact yolks. Take several bottles for different meals, or use a larger bottle to pour repeatedly.

Be sure to store these in your cooler so they will not spoil, and enjoy the ease of not toting fragile eggshells with you.

13. FILL A BOTTLE WITH HOT WATER AND PUT IT IN THE FOOT OF YOUR SLEEPING BAG

This trick takes advantage of the heat-storing capabilities of water — this time, to bring some heat to your most remote extremities: your feet.

Feet seem to be the last part of the body to warm up when snuggling into a sleeping bag. To combat this, fill your reusable water bottle with hot water just before you retire for the evening. Toss it into the foot of your sleeping bag and enjoy its long-lasting warmth.

Use a good-quality water bottle, as waking up to a wet bag is no fun. Furthermore, if the hard plastic of your water bottle distracts you from falling asleep, try burying it in a couple of shirts to soften its presence in your sleeping bag.

Woman sleeping in a tent with an amazing view.

14. KEEP A PAIR OF SOCKS FOR SLEEPING ONLY

It is hard to explain the mental and emotional comfort of a clean pair of socks. Putting one on can lift your morale tremendously. If you prefer to sleep in socks, try keeping one pair at hand for sleeping only. They do not have to be thick hiking socks — even thin ankle socks will do.

Even if you can’t shower, having a clean and dry pair of socks on while you sleep will help your body differentiate between the day’s activities and the nighttime solace. Wearing them will not only be more comfortable, but it will also keep the dust, dirt, bark, splinters, pine needles and whatever else is attached to your socks from entering your sleeping bag.

15. DRY YOUR SHOES OVERNIGHT BY REMOVING THE INSOLES AND INSERTING DIRTY CLOTHES INTO THEM

Wet shoes cause serious discomfort while camping. If you are anywhere humid, drying them out can also be challenging.

Try removing the insoles from your shoes and setting them aside, then stuffing some dry, used clothing into the shoes themselves. Remember that moisture naturally spreads from wet to dry places, meaning the water from your sneakers will transfer into the dry clothing.

In the morning, dry the wet clothing by hanging it by the fire or strapping it on the back of your backpack to air dry.

16. USE FRISBEES AS PLATES

Did you or a camping companion forget a plate? Fear not — give your Frisbee a quick wash, flip it over and pile on the helpings. The lip of the Frisbee will keep any sauces in your food contained,  and at the end of your meal, it returns to its original purpose.

In fact, why not bring several Frisbees instead of hauling disposable plates? They may not be quite as space-efficient, but they can be a lot more fun, and they serve dual purposes. Each member of the camping trip can carry their own Frisbee to balance out the load.

17. USE A VEGETABLE PEELER TO SHAVE STRIPS OF SOAP FOR SINGLE USES

A bar of soap is wonderful until you have to put it back in your bag. This situation usually ends with something in your bag getting soapy that was not intended to be. If you keep it inside a separate plastic bag, you get a lot of soapy bubbles and wetness.

A convenient fix for the problem is using a vegetable peeler to slice off strips of soap to use each time you bathe. Store these in a single bag and grab one before heading off to shower. Also, grab one to wash your hands.

18. LOOP YOUR BELT AROUND A TREE AND HANG SOME HOOKS FROM IT TO DRY YOUR COOKWARE

Nighttime is for sleeping and recharging for the next day. If you are a camper, you know the evening is also for drying stuff out — shoes, clothes, bags and, yes, cookware. Silica gel packets wick water away from your pots and pans between uses. This nifty little camping hack will allow those pots and pans to dry overnight, making rust an even less likely scenario.

Take your belt and loop it around a tree. Attach several pot-hanger hooks — some larger S hooks work wonderfully — to the belt. Buy these almost anywhere that sells pots and pans or at your local hardware store. Hang your pots from the tree to dry overnight. Note that you should hang pots with the cooking surface facing away from the bark, as this will discourage any bugs from making a temporary home inside them.

19. BUY A DOUBLE SLEEPING BAG

If you share a tent with your partner or someone you do not mind being in the same sleeping bag with, a duo sleeping bag is an excellent investment. Body heat keeps you warm at night, and a sleeping bag reflects and retains body heat. Therefore, one bag with two furnaces inside it is much better than two separate bags.

Sleeping bags are generally synthetic fluff or down feathers, and each has its respective perks and disadvantages. Synthetic is cheaper and dries quickly but takes up quite a bit of room. Down sleeping bags are costlier and retain moisture but can compress into tiny shapes for packing and are generally warmer. A twin sleeping bag filled with down will keep you warmer and can be stuffed into a small, portable sack to make transporting it a breeze.

Dutch oven pot cooking over an open campfire.

20. APPLY SOAP TO POTS AND PANS BEFORE COOKING

If you plan to cook on a grate over the fire, your pans might get quite dirty. The burning logs often produce lots of soot, unlike your stove at home. Rather than spending all your time scouring pots clean, coat the bottom and sides with a layer of soap before cooking. The soap will keep soot from sticking to your pans during meal preparation.

After you enjoy your delicious meal, rinse the soap from the outside to reveal a clean, shiny pan. This tip is one of the best camper hacks for reducing cleaning time.

21. MAKE DIY FIRE STARTERS FROM EVERYDAY HOME ITEMS

Getting the first flame is the most challenging part of starting a campfire. This camping DIY hack makes it easier. Stock your camping supply kit with a few fire starters to ease the process. One method for creating firestarters involves dryer lint. Start collecting a bag of it from your dyer a few weeks before your next camping trip. Throw it into the fire as is, or place it in an egg carton with melted wax. Another method involves stuffing lint into empty toilet paper rolls.

Cotton balls also make excellent fire starters. You probably have plenty in your bathroom cupboard. Rub a few in petroleum jelly to create a batch for your next trip. Store them in a plastic bag once coated and grab one whenever you need to ignite some kindling.

22. CRAFT A SIT-UPON WITH OLD GROCERY BAGS

When out in the woods, you may find it challenging to locate a clean, dry place to sit. A sit-upon is a simple and versatile option that gives you a place to sit wherever you go, from the campsite to a hiking trail. Begin by collecting a supply of plastic shopping bags. Once you have enough, grab a tablecloth or a large cloth grocery bag.

Stuff the plastic bags into the tablecloth or grocery bag until you have enough padding to stay comfortable when sitting down. Seal the cushion with duct tape to keep water, mud and dirt out. Choose fun duct tape patterns to create a unique style. Once you seal the sit-upon, you have a long-lasting camping solution allowing you to sit anywhere without bringing a camping chair.

Hands of a young child washing with soap.

23. USE AN EMPTY DETERGENT BOTTLE AS A HAND WASHING STATION

When camping, you may not always have easy access to a sink. Sometimes it is impractical to run to the nearest bathhouse to wash your hands, especially in the middle of a task like cooking. Add convenience to your camping trip by making a handwashing station. Begin by collecting a detergent bottle with a spigot. If you can’t find one, use a milk jug and add a spigot.

Wash your detergent bottle thoroughly to remove any remaining cleaner. Fill it with water once you reach your campsite and place it in an accessible place, like a picnic table, with a bucket underneath to catch the water as it falls. Place some soap nearby, and you have a convenient place to wash your hands at your campsite.

24. COOK FOOD IN AN ORANGE PEEL

Campfire cooking often presents challenges. Sometimes, you must get creative when preparing food. One way to cook food in a fire is using an orange peel. Begin with a whole orange and cut it in half. Eat the delicious slices inside, leaving behind an empty peel.

Once it is empty, use it to hold various items, from muffins to cinnamon rolls. Keep it simple by buying tubes of cinnamon rolls or a box of muffin mix. Fill one half of the peel with your filling and place the other half securely on top.

Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in the coals. Leave it there for 5 to 15 minutes, rotating once during the process. Once it is ready, take it out of the fire and unwrap it. For cinnamon rolls, top with frosting and enjoy.

25. TIE YOUR TRAVEL MUG LID AND CONTAINER TOGETHER

Your travel mug is a reliable companion for camping trips, carrying everything from your morning cup of coffee to late-night hot chocolate. However, filling your mug requires you to remove the lid and place it aside. Sometimes, you may end up with a cover in the dirt. During a camping trip, you may find it difficult to clean the lid if this happens.

Ensure both pieces stay together by tying a string from your mug handle to your lid. Each time you fill the mug, the top stays nearby, preventing it from getting dirty. This hack also works well if you tend to lose lids — you will always have both close together when filling your mug.

Family camping by a lake at sunset.

26. MARK TENT STAKES AND LINE WITH COLORED TAPE OR FLAGS

When camping in a tent, the lines and stakes holding up your shelter can quickly create tripping hazards or stubbed toes. Tent lines and stakes are hard to see, especially during late-night bathroom trips. Bring colorful tape or flags to add to each tent line after you set it up. These markers will remind you to watch out as you walk around your tent. Mark tent stakes with ribbons or place rocks around them so you know where you placed each one.

How to quickly tell if a battery is dead

 Here's a little trick to assist you in finding out if your battery is dead. Take a AA, AAA, D or C battery, drop it on a table or hard surface if it bounces it's dead, if it doesn't bounce it's good. Here's a video to demonstrate. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8Hro4Ud7-I



Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Eco Log Homes

EcoLog Homes is comprised of passionate and dedicated people who enjoy what we do. We are devoted to supplying a top-quality product at an affordable price. Because of this commitment, EcoLog Homes is always working towards design improvements and material savings, all of which directly benefit our customers. EcoLog Homes combines traditional features with modern interior design.

Our framework allows customization, within some key parameters to allow for efficient production and construction.

With over 20 pre-defined kits, from the small footprint of 672 sq ft to a double-wing floor plan of more than 2,000 sq ft, as well as the ultimate flexibility of design with our custom plans, your dream can be a reality with an EcoLog Home kit.

EcoLog kits mainly use Eastern hemlock from Haliburton Forest, a 100,000-acre sustainable forest. Haliburton Forest owns and operates four sawmills, and it is the single largest employer in Haliburton County. This means that when you buy an EcoLog kit, you are buying locally grown and locally-manufactured wood, supporting local jobs and the local environment.

To take a look at some of their layouts click here, https://www.ecologhomes.ca/build-your-own-log-home-plans, they also build micro cabins and bunkies https://www.ecologhomes.ca/micro-log-cabin-kit




Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program

Learn how you can contribute to healthy forests in Ontario and get a property tax reduction when you follow an approved Managed Forest Plan for your property.The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program encourages good forest management by giving a property tax reduction to eligible landowners who prepare and follow an approved Managed Forest Plan.

When your forested area is enrolled in the program, it is:

  • classified as managed forest
  • taxed at 25% of the municipal residential property tax rate

The regular tax rate still applies to any other part of the property that is not managed forest, such as your house.

You must hire a Managed Forest Plan Approver to prepare or approve a Managed Forest Plan for the forest on your property. This plan describes how you will manage your forest responsibly over a 10 year period.

To enroll in the program, your Managed Forest Plan Approver submits your plan to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).

You need to follow your Managed Forest Plan and submit a progress report in the fifth year of your plan.

After 10 years, you can renew your participation in the program with a new approved Managed Forest Plan.

What land is eligible

To be eligible, land must:

  • be owned by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or a Canadian business, trust or conservation authority
  • have at least 4 hectares (9.88 acres) of forest on a single property in Ontario on one municipal roll number
  • have a minimum number of trees per hectare (read the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program Guide for details)

Residences, landscaped areas and land used for residential or other purposes are not eligible.



Thursday, March 21, 2024

Bird Watching, Raptor Migration

 One of Southwestern Ontario's best kept secrets for bird watching and the fall Migration of Raptors is Holiday Beach Conservation Area. https://www.essexregionconservation.ca/conservation-areas This Conservation Area is located along Lake Erie, just east of Amherstburg. If you find yourself fighting the crowds at Point Pelee, make the short half hour drive to this park. During the fall the migration of Raptors is a spectacle to be witnessed by anyone. The peak season is September 15-25 for Broad wings, however other species can be observed also. The Holiday Beach Migration Observatory operates their own website which can be fond here https://hbmo.ca/  Be sure to visit this park spring or fall, you won't be disappointed.

http://hbmo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018-2-pgs-version-Eastern-Migrant-Raptor-Flight-Guide-4.0.pdf



Tuesday, March 19, 2024

How To Make A Pine Scented Candle, The bushcraft Way

 If you ever find yourself out in the bush with no light, you can make a simple bushcraft candle with very little in the way of tools or supplies. This video shows you how to get it done. https://www.tiktok.com/@woodsboundoutdoors/video/7346390588717157675?_r=1&_t=8koTPo9RQ5m



Make a map of your property

 Wanting to make a map of your property and surrounding area? Visit this website https://www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/Natural_Heritage/index.html?viewer=Natural_Heritage.Natural_Heritage&locale=en-CA

Choose the appropriate layers you wish to be shown on the map; and be sure to toggle or
move the cursor at the bottom left of the layers to show the imagery. 



Monday, March 18, 2024

What fish are in what lakes in Ontario?

Headed out fishing and not sure where you want to go fishing in Ontario? Not sure of what you may catch in which lake? Looking for fish stocking information for your favourite lake? Be sure to check out the Ontario Provincial Governments website Fish On-Line https://www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/fishonline/Index.html?viewer=FishONLine.FishONLine&locale=en-CA Here you can zoom in on the map to quite a few lakes and find the species you will encounter, fish stocking information , GPS coordinates etc. I have found that some lakes I've fished not all species were listed. Have fun and explore some new fishing spots this year.




Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Sale at Sail , hunting and fishing equipment...

Sail Outdoors Stores in Ontario are having a sale on hunting and fishing equipment; 15% off quite a few items. If you're looking for turkey gear, decoys, rods reels, trolling motors, fishing reels, be sure to get in before inventory is gone and the sale is over. For hunting clearance click here https://www.sail.ca/en/clearance/hunting fishing clearance click here https://www.sail.ca/en/clearance/fishing




Tuesday, March 12, 2024

UTV, ATV, Truck, Jeep off road recovery

When you’re in the back country with your utv, atv, truck or jeep you want to be prepared for any emergency that comes along. Stuck in the mud, can’t make it up a hill, or worse yet you rolled your vehicle on its roof. You want a snatch block recovery system with you. This will not only allow you to get out of that situation, it will also give you the ability to redirect the direction of pull, and give you a mechanical advantage; and also save the life and strain on your winch. There are many snatch blocks available for different weights etc, I have provided a link to a good package here https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07Q5J3JSD/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07Q5J3JSD&pd_rd_w=IyvNJ&content-id=amzn1.sym.d8c43617-c625-45bd-a63f-ad8715c2c055&pf_rd_p=d8c43617-c625-45bd-a63f-ad8715c2c055&pf_rd_r=PM8F02Q55ACM2CTFE1BS&pd_rd_wg=KIoP0&pd_rd_r=80e99fbe-0319-4bd6-82ce-a6dff5491da1&s=automotive&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw A search online will provide many options for you. I have also provided a link to a video of how to connect and use a snatch block properly here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2uc4Ahp0zQ.  





Monday, March 11, 2024

Camping Stove

Whether you're looking for a cook stove for your van, camper, bus, or off grid tiny home, this one works excellent. It runs off the little green propane tanks or you can get a hose and connector to connect to a 20 lb tank. It works excellent and for its size and versatility makes an excellent choice when it comes to camping, or tiny home off grid living. It can cue purchased at Sail Outdoors https://www.sail.ca/en/martin-stove-and-oven-combo-225784-3351460001 for $329.99 .






Kids making money making walking sticks....

My boys were quite young when one day they came up to me and said "Dad buy us a quad" To which I said "Get a job" They said we're too young to get a job. This is where the story begins; I said you found an old walking stick in the corner of the old house correct? They said yeh, so what does that mean. Well I said; we own 500 acres of bush, or 500 acres of potential walking sticks. I'll show you how to choose them and how to peel them, how to do your market research and how to sell them. In order to get their attention I made the following statement; 1000 walking sticks x $15 = $15000.00 That was all it took, we were out in the bush cutting walking sticks, peeling, letting them dry, sanding and scheming...lol. To this day they always have their eyes open for that unique walking stick, and today they're 30 and 35 respectfully. Take a kid out to your woodlot, choose some sticks, buy a spoke shave and have some fun. Spring is the best time for peeling and Maple or Cherry make the best sticks. If you dry them, stain them, wood burn designs, bear paws etc, then give them a coat of shellac, you can now charge more money maybe $50 0r more. And yes they did buy a used quad off their uncle, when I told him what I had made the boys do, they were over at his place one day telling him what they were doing. He said oh really, well how much have you made so far? They said $350.00; to which he replied it just so happens I have a Honda in the garage I'm selling. They said yeh but how much ? He said $350.00; end of story!

They have collectively made hundreds of walking sticks over the years.




Saturday, March 9, 2024

Employment In The Outdoors

People looking for employment in the outdoors in most cases don't realize that there are thousands of jobs posted everyday; however most are posted January - April. In this article I will provide a bunch of websites I have found useful throughout my career working in the Outdoors. Every Municipality in Ontario and throughout Canada posts jobs here are two websites to watch https://canadamunicipaljobs.com/ and https://www.amo.on.ca/jobs The Ontario Parks association also posts jobs regularly and can be found here https://ontarioparksassociation.wildapricot.org/EmploymentOpportunities The 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario post their jobs almost daily and can be found at this site https://conservationontario.ca/careers All province of Ontario jobs can be found at this site and also are updated daily https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Jobs.aspx?Language=English If you're looking for a job with the Federal Government here is the link https://www.canada.ca/en/shared-services/corporate/careers.html?utm_campaign=ssc-spc-recruitment-campaign-23-24&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=ggl&utm_content=ad-text-en&utm_term=federal%20job%20postings&adv=2324-530150&id_campaign=21019609635&id_source=157672334854&id_content=690995877075&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiArrCvBhCNARIsAOkAGcWtmIycXNyuUha5wTgAqEnQ6jsKzAvkBuLXvgWbpFrOD-BsNTPv2bUaAjFKEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds Provincial jobs across Canada can be found by visiting the appropriate Province and searching their career websites https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/related-provincial-territorial-government-sites.html Parks Canada jobs can be found at this site https://parks.canada.ca/agence-agency/emplois-jobs

Don't be afraid to apply, but ensure you follow any requirements or suggestions on how to apply. I have assisted many people in finding their dream job, working for the Ministry of Forests in BC, Parks Canada in Revelstoke, the Yukon Government and many more. Good Luck and happy job hunting

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

IHunter hunting app

 In my opinion iHunter App is one of the best I have found for the amount of information and useful features. Yes there is a subscription fee; however if you want a direct link to the WMU hunting regs, aerial photography which is up to date, the ability to mark stands, have the app track you on all trails, and have a visual representation of where your trails go on your property or on crown land this is the app for you. It shows you private land, crown land and many other layers. I have provided some screen shots of some of the features so you get an idea of what I''m talking about. It's also handy for locating property lines or corners of your lot. it shows you where you are in relation to property lines etc. I use this app quite a bit and have found it to be well worth the annual fee.


https://www.ihunterapp.com/







Kawasaki 2023 Teryx 800, dust stopper/rear windshield

 If you're experiencing a hot cab or a lot of dust in your new Terry 800, I've found the solution. It's a dust stopper from 3Star Industries. This makes the world of difference in stopping dust from swirling up in the cab from behind you. It also cools the cab by stopping the wind from passing through the cab and instead swirls through the cab dissipating the heat. Made a huge difference in my experience.

Here's the link https://3starindustries.com/products/kawasaki-teryx-800-2-seater-soft-back-panel they also handle a lot of accessories for Kawasaki and other brands. 



Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Get yourself a new Ruger 10/22...75th Anniversary

Looking for a nice looking accurate shooting 22; look no further pick up a Ruger 10/22 75th Anniversary model from your local gun shop. Easthill outdoors had one in stock at the time of this posting. I have provided a direct link at the bottom of this article. I currently own a few Rugers, and they all are unprecedented in accuracy and quality. You won't be disappointed!



Monday, March 4, 2024

Looking for a new side by side....look no further

The new Ridge by Kawasaki 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qglrIXmXMCs

featuring

NEW KAWASAKI-BUILT 999cc, 118 PS*², IN-LINE 4-CYLINDER ENGINE

    • HIGH POWER AND HIGH TORQUE
    • PRECISE SPEED CONTROL
    • SMOOTH POWER DELIVERY, LOW VIBRATION, LOW NOISE
    • DISTINCT EXHAUST NOTE
    • POWER MODE SELECTION (WORK/NORMAL/SPORT)
    • LONG-TRAVEL DOUBLE-WISHBONE SUSPENSION AND HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE
    • 1,000-LBS. CAPACITY TILTING CARGO BED, DETACHABLE TAILGATE
    • 7-INCH FULL-COLOUR TFT INSTRUMENTATION WITH SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY VIA RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS
    • SPACIOUS CABIN
    • ADJUSTABLE HIGH-BACKED BUCKET SEATS