Lightning storms are most common in the spring and summer but can occur at any time of the year

Summer in North America is storm season. Thunderstorms bring lightning, strong winds, heavy rain and of course thunder. Memories of summer storms range from watching the lightning flash across the sky on a hot humid night to children (and even some adults and their pets) hiding under their beds waiting for the storm to pass. There are many different explanations for thunderstorms, like the man in the moon is bowling or the Gods are angry about something, but what really causes a thunderstorm and what can be done to stay safe? Read the rest of this article »

Copyright © 2012 Mike Wilson

By Terri Paajanen

When it comes to spending the night outdoors, there are many options to ensure a comfortable nights rest. While the image of curling up under the stars with nothing but a blanket is a nice one, there are more pleasant ways to sleep.

The Sleeping Bag

The outer cloth should be breathable as well as wind and water resistant.

It’s hard to beat this tried and tested method of sleeping outside. The traditional sleeping bag has gone through many technological changes over the years. Stuffing inside has evolved from cotton to goose down to polyester fillings which all help keep you warm. Sleeping bags should be chosen based on the temperatures where you will be sleeping. Less expensive bags are made in a simple rectangle shape with a light filling. This bag is designed for sleeping outside in warm temperatures or a sleepover at a friend’s place. This style of bag is great for the summer months when the temperature at night is around 10°C (50°F) but not a good choice for the fall or winter. Read the rest of this article »

Copyright © 2012 Mike Wilson

3D archery targets are designed to appear as close to the real animal as possible to simulate the actual hunting experience

When it comes to archery there is nothing more challenging than a 3D tournament. 3D archery combines all the skills of hunting and target shooting into one exciting sport. A 3D target is a life-sized foam replica of almost any animal you could hunt. This includes deer, elk, bear, boars, turkey, buffalo, lions, and almost any other animal you can think of.

Imprinted on the 3D archery target are the scoring rings. Each ring represents a part of the vitals that would be found on an animal that is being hunted. Typically the centre ring (heart) is 11 points, the middle ring (arteries around the heart) 10, the outer ring (lungs) 8 and the rest of the animal is 5 points. Any arrows that miss the target have a value of zero. Most tournaments or 3D ranges are comprised of 20 or 40 targets. Read the rest of this article »

Copyright © 2012 Mike Wilson

Tarpon can grow to sizes of over 100lbs. The Tarpon season is from March to July.

As many of us sit waiting anxiously for the ice on our lakes to melt starting another fishing season, one asks themselves “where else is there to go fishing at this time of year”?

The Florida Keys in Southern Florida State are known as the sport fishing capital of the world. With good reason too, there are more ways to fish this region than almost anywhere else in the world. And it’s warm, year ‘round! There are over a dozen large, really large, species of fish available to catch by flat boat, fly fishing, trolling the reefs or by deep sea fishing.

Flat boat fishing is done in the Florida Keys backcountry which consists of over 800 islands that run from Miami to Key West. This peaceful and tranquil area is home to many different types of salt water fish such as Bonefish, Redfish, Trout, Tuna, Blue fish, Barracuda, Shark, Snappers, Snook, and Tarpon to name a few. Read the rest of this article »

Copyright © 2012 Mike Wilson

This sample image from Bushnell shows what animals can visit your camera at night. The date and time are printed on the bottom of the actual photo to identify when it was taken.

Scouting for animals before the hunt is one of the surest ways to ensure your big hunt will be successful. For centuries we have searched our hunting areas for signs and tracks that deer, moose, or other animals have been in the area. This age old technique is necessary so the hunter knows exactly where to set up a tree stand or build the blind. The only problem is that being in the woods where you intend to hunt will leave scent and signs of your own for the animals to see-signs that may scare away the very animals you are looking for.

The best way to avoid scaring away the animals is to not be there in the first place. A trail camera is the best way to scout an area and not actually have to be there. Trail cameras have come a long way in the past few years and very few outdoor gadgets have benefited from advancements in technology like they have. Read the rest of this article »

Copyright © 2012 Mike Wilson

One of North America’s most elusive yet deadly predators is the Cougar. Also know as the Mountain Lion, an encounter on the trail or backyard with one of these animals is not to be taken lightly.

Cougar encounters are most common in late spring and early summer. Cougars are capable of climbing trees to get a good view of the area

The cougar prefers to live near dense woodlands, close to places with a good view, such as mountain sides. They are common in the Rocky Mountains from the British Columbia interior down through the West of the United States and in the Northern United States through to Northern Ontario. Cougars can grow to sizes of 120lbs and can pounce on prey from distances of 30 feet. Read the rest of this article »

Copyright © 2012 Mike Wilson

By Terri Paajanen

There are many dangerous creatures lurking in the woods, some of these creatures are big and others so small they can hardly be seen. So, what do you do should one come face to face with you?  It depends on the animal and it is a good idea to know what to do before you meet them, rather than try and talk it over with a wild animal that has just been surprised by your presence in his or her woods.

Brown bear and Grizzly Bears can weigh between 400 and 900lbs. They are about 4’ tall on all fours and over 7’ tall when standing on their hind legs

Bears are one of the most common dangerous creatures in the woods, they are large, fast, and have sharp teeth and sharp claws.  Some types of bears found in North America include the Black Bear, Grizzly Bear, Brown Bear and Polar Bear. Bears can be found almost anywhere in the wild and they all possess a strong protective instinct over their young.  One of the most dangerous situations you can find yourself in is surprising a mother bear while she is looking after her cubs.  There is very little she won’t do to protect them, and a human isn’t much of an obstacle. A bear that has become “cornered” is very dangerous as well and will attack without warning. Read the rest of this article »

Copyright © 2012 Mike Wilson

Fabrics such as cotton retain moisture and can cause the body to cool off faster because they stay damp and clammy. Start with a base layer such as Under Armour, polypropylene or other polyester based fabric.

Winter is quickly on its way but the cold temperatures don’t mean you have to stay inside.   Dressing for the cold is easy and even fashionable.  With the right articles of clothing you can stay warm outdoors on even the coldest days.

Layering your clothing is the best way to ensure you will be warm enough.  Start by wearing a base (inner) layer against your skin such as Under Armour or another synthetic microfiber or polyester fabric. A t-shirt and long under wear pants inner layer will move perspiration into the next (middle) layer helping your skin to stay dry.  Fabrics such as cotton retain moisture and get cold and clammy very quickly.  Since the body cools itself by perspiring, wearing a damp shirt will only make you colder. Read the rest of this article »

Copyright © 2012 Mike Wilson