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The most rewarding aspect of being an outdoor television host is having friends I’ve never met. I’m talking about the fans. When I travel, visit lodges or speak at sport shows, I get to meet so many of them and they’re all the salt-of-the-earth.
I get a lot of questions, but perhaps the most-asked question from fans is: where’s your favorite place to hunt and/or fish? The answer is easy.
It’s a place where seemingly endless forests stretch from here to heaven… broken only by lakes and rivers teeming with giant walleyes, pike, bass, trout and more. It’s a sanctuary blessed with gigantic whitetail deer, moose and black bear – not to mention incredible waterfowl and upland bird populations. It’s a land inhabited by some of the most friendly, honest folks you’ll ever meet. And it’s a destination that, despite what you might think, is remarkably easy and affordable to experience. Especially with resources like www.GoHuntInOntario.com and www.GoFishInOntario.com available to travelers.
Now you’re saying “Babe, that place sounds too good to be true.” Honestly, it is that good. But truthfully, it does exist. It’s Ontario: Canada’s second-largest province covering roughly ONE MILLION SQUARE MILES! And virtually every inch of it is prime hunting habitat.
As for growing big animals, I always tell people that there must be something in the water in Ontario, because they’re simply HUGE. I’ve seen black bears there that look more like grizzlies… on steroids. My first 60-inch moose with a bow came from (you guessed it) Ontario, with bigger ones spotted during the same adventure but eluding a clear shot.
And the whitetails, oh my goodness the whitetails! Do a Google search on the “Dryden Buck” and you’ll see what I mean. The 223” gross-score Dryden Buck was unfortunately taken illegally (after legal hours and by a trespassing “hunter”) but was nearly big enough to overtake Milo Hansen’s 12-pointer as the B&C world record. It was taken just north of Dryden, Ontario in 2003. His genetics are still out there ladies and gentlemen, along with the DNA of other monster bucks that prowl the province.
It’s not only big antlers that grow well in Ontario. It’s body size too. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen a massive whitetail approaching through thick cover, convincing me that I was about to vault myself into the B&C record books… only to realize that the deer wasn’t a buck at all, but yet another colossal doe. Yes, even the females grow to epic proportions. 300+ pound bucks are routine. Their antlers, usually hued in a rich brown color, have exceptional mass and character. Like I said, there must be something in the water.
While all these brute bucks are rubbing cedars as big as telephone poles north of the US border, most American deer hunters don’t have a clue about them. They’re busy applying for tags in Iowa, Kansas and other “big buck” states – and usually coming up empty-handed with hopes for a tag the following year. Instead, you guys and gals can buy your deer tags OVER THE COUNTER in Ontario. That’s right: a guaranteed hunt in trophy deer country every year is just a short drive or flight away.
If you’re apprehensive about leaving the country or think it’s probably a big hassle getting to Ontario, think again. I’ve always enjoyed smooth sailing on customs/border crossings – whether I’ve gone by plane or automobile. Having a US passport is necessary for air travel. Currently, if you’re traveling by ground, a state drivers license and birth certificate will get you across the border and back lickity-split.
Detailed hunting travel information is available at www.GoHuntInOntario.com along with a nifty way to plan your trip. You select the species you want to hunt… choose the type of lodge package you desire… click “find trip” and presto… the website presents a listing of adventures available and what they include and cost. Then you can link to the lodge’s website and book your trip. It’s pretty slick!
Every outfitter I’ve ever dealt with in Ontario has been first-rate. They work their tails off to take care of you and make sure your adventure is one you’ll remember for a lifetime. They’re also incredibly knowledgeable about the terrain and game animals you’re after. So if you are fairly new to bear hunting over bait, calling lovesick moose, pursuing forest whitetails or other scenarios – don’t sweat it. The guides in Ontario know their stuff.
As a guy who just can’t get enough of seeing big whitetails (as well as moose, bears, dozens of grouse flushes a day and scores of ducks), Ontario is about as good as it gets anyplace on earth. Are you like I am? Then hop a plane, train or automobile and get your butt to Ontario. Without question, you’ll be glad you did.
Good Hunting.
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