2011 HUNT CAMP SAFETY
A few years ago area Conservation Officers and fire departments joined forces and handed out new batteries for smoke alarms and CO detectors at hunt camps as the C.O.s carried out their patrols. With hunting seasons upon us replacing old batteries should be at the top of the “to do” list.
“Time at the camp is a precious opportunity to recharge our batteries and enjoy our hunting traditions with friends and family,” said OFAH Executive Director Mike Reader. “Hunters are extremely responsible when it comes to firearms safety, and we need to be just as safety-minded when it comes to protecting ourselves, our loved ones, and our natural surroundings from the devastation of fire.”
Some Safety Tips:
- Ensure there are working smoke alarms and CO detectors and change the batteries once a year.
- Solve nuisance alarms by installing a smoke alarm with a hush button.
- Ensure woodstoves and propane appliances are installed to code and maintained.
- Keep combustibles well away from woodstoves and propane fired appliances.
- If you use an extension cord be certain it is designed to handle the electrical load.
- Don’t dispose of ashes in cardboard boxes and leave them on the porch. It has been done with the predictable outcome!
To learn more goto: www.city.kawarthalakes.on.ca/fire.
SURVIVAL
When heading afield you might want to consider including some survival gear in your backpack along with your water and food. All hunters in Nova Scotia are required to carry three survival items: matches, a knife or axe, and a working compass. Coordinating a GPS unit and compass with a map is also a good idea. Many in “the know” recommend that you need to be prepared to spend 72 hours in the bush. Besides the possibility of getting lost – or severely turned around – you could suffer an injury that prevents travel, making shelter, fire and water a necessity. You might consider adding a small candle and some fire starter. Heavy duty garbage bags and duct tape can create shelter. Apparently duct tape burns well (fire starter) and the bags can be used to collect dew or rain water. For signaling a mirror, whistle, cell phone (where there is reception), a GMRS unit (walkie talkie) and smoke from a fire can be effective.
Before heading out make certain people know your destination and then stick to it. If you say you’re going north don’t change your mind and go south without informing someone.
Aluminum foil, a space blanket, snare wire, a small flashlight and basic first aid items such as aspirin, band-aids, surgical tape, antiseptic cream and dressing should be considered.
That’s a considerable list to include in your pack. Then you have to carry it. SO – consider your situation, your needs and design what you take to meet your needs at the time. Oh, did I mention toilet paper?
THE ABERNETHY BULL
It was all ear to ear grins. No need to “smile for the camera.” Just try wiping away the excitement!
Steve Abernethy – a “farmer/carpenter” from Beeton, Ontario– and son Daniel had just brought in their 6×7 elk to the volunteer check station at the Bancroft Fish & Game Protection Association with assistance from Barry Bowers.
“We called Chesher’s Outdoor Store and they put us in touch with Barry,” said Steve. On Sunday September 18, while scouting the area, they heard a bugling bull nearby. Opening morning, at 6 a.m., all was quiet. “It was windy and raining,” said Steve. It was too windy to call. “We should have tied it to a tree last night,” said a tongue and cheekish Steve. Then, 12 hours later, suddenly, the bull showed up.
“It was a classic hunt,” said Bowers. “The bull arrived as if it had an appointment.” With destiny.
Sighting his 30.06 Abernethy sent the 165 grain bullet on its mission.
“There was no indication that I had hit the elk,” he said. “It took off and dropped about 50 yards away.” But the lung shot did the job. They were hunting in Wildlife Management Unit 61, Harvest Area 5.
Father Steve has been hunting for 28 years; Daniel 9.
“There are more elk out there than the MNR think,” said Abernethy. “Sign was everywhere. Game trails were well worn and the area smelled like a barnyard at times. And these were wild elk.” Any suggestions to improve the hunt?
Abernethy thought that the ministry could probably issue more tags. He also suggested informing successful applicants at an earlier date so they can better plan, prepare and scout the land.
AND FINALLY…. Talk Show by Anonymous
Caller: “Tell me sir is it true that the government introduced shrews to get rid of grasshoppers?”
Response: “Yes the government did so.”
Caller: “Did the government then introduce snakes to get rid of the shrews?”
R: “Yes.”
C: “Now sir they want to introduce hawks to get rid of the snakes?”
R: “Yes.”
C: “Well sir, I suggest we introduce squirrels to get rid of those nuts in government!”
Photo – left to right – Daniel and father Steve.