OUTDOORS GUY JEFF MORRISON
Under the spell of Hunter’s Moon Hunt camp has long been a favourite
haunt of outdoor enthusiasts, and starting this month local moose and deer hunters will be headed there in droves. There is a certain contagious quality
about hunt camp which draws family and friends each year and it’s not just about the deer or moose. There exists a unique camaraderie among folks you only see
(L to R) Harold Dawe, Rathwell Morrison (my Dad), Jim Bindon, Ron Swail (the Late)
(L to R) Yours truly & Rathwell Morrison with Morrison Camp in background
40 BOUNDER MAGAZINE
occasionally, yet who still share a special connection. The typical hunt camp has a rustic look and tends to focus on simpler things in life − open jars of pickled eggs, the smell of smoked deer sausage or the sight of mouse droppings scattered in the cupboard. Listening to Jimmy Flynn comedy on the radio, the 20- yard dash to the outhouse and hot coffee at 4 a.m. are, for me, all part of the experience. As smoke billows from the old wood stove and bacon dances in the frying pan, new friendships
blossom at hunt camp while old ones are renewed. Even if hunting itself eventually went by way of the dodo bird (God forbid) the great Canadian hunt camp would surely live on. Anyone who follows the lunar cycle
like I do understands that harvest moon and Hunter’s Moon are two of the important lunar phases to watch this fall. This year’s September 12 Harvest Moon
has already come and gone, but October 11 Hunter’s Moon is just around the corner. The angling and hunting community have, over the years, placed special emphasis on the moon’s eerie effect upon fish and wildlife. For some reason critters really come to life under the moon’s power. The fact is any full moon during autumn is a special one; especially those closest to the fall equinox. Moose hunters should pay special attention to Hunter’s Moon and deer hunters will be watching closely to the November 10 Beaver Moon. Have you heard any gobbling recently?
The Ontario fall turkey hunt kicks-off October 11 this year and runs until Oct. 23. One bearded wild turkey is allowed per license and two licenses per hunter are permitted; however the birds may not be taken on the same day. It is hard to fathom, but across the province turkey harvest numbers are down over the past couple of years along with hunter success rates. With an average of 50, 000 turkey tags issued each year, hunter’s success has fallen from 20.7 per cent to 16.7 per cent in 2010. Although there are no numbers available, my guess is that eastern Ontario’s wild turkey population remains strong; however, they may soon want to consider pulling in the reins on harvest numbers. If you are curious about last year’s harvest result, log onto the Ministry’s website:
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/
www.bounder.ca
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