Grocery Shopping / Saving Money …
Here, Larry Leigh shows us some great tips and tricks to plan out you shopping in order to maximize your time and save some money as well.
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Bannock Again?
At our house or cabin, bannock never gets old. In a ziplock or sealed container, it keeps for days in the fridge…
Challenging The Aches And Pains Of Aging: Part 2
We become our own biggest enemy as we age because we keep trying to do things how we used to do them and we strain or hurt ourselves.
Challenging The Aches And Pains Of Aging: Part 2 Read More »
Winter Snacks Are For The Birds
Our long and often very cold winters are tough on all of us, but we can make it a little easier on some of our local birds.
Winter Snacks Are For The Birds Read More »
Challenging The Aches And Pains Of Aging
I’m sure I wouldn’t have believed you if, years ago, you had told me how much I would hurt during the aging process. As it turns out…
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Use Up That Burger!
So you checked the freezer to get something for supper and were surprised to see how many moose- and/or bison-burger packages…
Use Up That Burger! Read More »
Keeping Coyotes At Bay
Coyote attacks on humans are rare, but a quick internet search will list hundreds of these incidents. The greatest number…
Keeping Coyotes At Bay Read More »
Firelighting Is A Survival Skill
A BIC lighter is pretty small, isn’t very expensive, and even two or three of them won’t break the bank but could be the difference…
Firelighting Is A Survival Skill Read More »
More Cabbage, Please!
Cabbage is still relatively inexpensive and has always been delicious, raw or cooked. I think many of us grew up with boiled or steamed…
More Cabbage, Please! Read More »
Minimize Cleanup: Cook In Foil
Aluminum foil, commonly called tinfoil, is a great way to cook many dishes and leaves you with no dirty pots and pans
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Everyone Loves Bannock
Bannock has become a staple in our personal world. The grandkids and the dog love it, and so does the squirrel at the feeder.
Everyone Loves Bannock Read More »
Firearm Care And Maintenance
It used to be that firearm maintenance was more tedious and certainly more frequently needed than it is currently.
Firearm Care And Maintenance Read More »
Basic Winter Safety
Where we live, winter uses up a lot of our time each year. The duration varies a bit, but it’s still a lengthy period…
Basic Winter Safety Read More »
Ammunition Choices
Currently, there is a much greater variety of ammunition choices for hunters than ever before in firearm history.
Ammunition Choices Read More »
The Hunter’s First Rifle
The .30 calibre, is 112 years old and still high on the list as one of the most-versatile hunting cartridges in the world.
The Hunter’s First Rifle Read More »
Yukon coyotes: The dos and don’ts
Coyotes are survivors and are very adaptable. Unlike other predators, they thrive living in our urban environment.
Yukon coyotes: The dos and don’ts Read More »
A bear spray refresher
They may still be good, but who wants to learn they don’t work while facing a bear? Each container has only eight seconds of spray.
A bear spray refresher Read More »
Tackle box or junk box?
The water is still hard and ice-fishing is good, but now is the time to take out all your open water gear and do some
Tackle box or junk box? Read More »
Taking water for granted
In the Yukon, we are spoiled with our abundance of water. Sadly, here and throughout most of North America, we use it (read “waste it”) as if the supply is infinite.
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Arthritis: Minimize the difficulty
Here we are, much older than we used to be and almost all of us suffer from the discomfort of arthritis in various places.
Even at a moderate level of pain we find ourselves avoiding lifting, bending, and reaching, as all of those movements – and especially something sudden – hurts.
Arthritis: Minimize the difficulty Read More »
Local fishing in Whitehorse
Whitehorse is not a world-renowned fishing destination, but it is the entrance to the Yukon, which is one of those places on many people’s fishing “bucket list.”
Local fishing in Whitehorse Read More »
Black bears and pike
After considerable thought, I can’t come up with any similarity between black bears and pike except that a lot of people won’t eat either. That is sad, as both are delicious and easy to prepare.
Black bears and pike Read More »
Salmon, twice as good
It’s hard to say which of these two salmon recipes is the best because both are delicious. The bonus is that each one is pretty simple to prepare.
Salmon, twice as good Read More »
Quit loafing around
Try your hand at baking bannock. All it takes is two cups of flour, less than a tsp of salt and about a tsp of baking powder.
Quit loafing around Read More »
Stressed out? Try mindfulness – Part 2
One of the main ingredients of doing mindfulness successfully is to be able to focus so that your brain and body can slow and calm down allowing you to relax.
Stressed out? Try mindfulness – Part 2 Read More »
Stressed out? Try mindfulness – Part 1
More than 35 years ago, I was taught a simple meditation routine. I did not then or now completely understand the mechanics of the routine, but I did it daily for a year or so.
Stressed out? Try mindfulness – Part 1 Read More »
Ice fishing safety
Yukon rivers all have currents, bends, gravel bars, log jams and usually decreasing water levels over the winter.
Ice fishing safety Read More »
Time on the land – take a child with you
In my fairly lengthy experience dealing with kids in and about outdoor activities, I have found that they are like sponges when it comes to
Time on the land – take a child with you Read More »
Buying a knife
Part 1 of 2 One of the more common errors made by someone young or otherwise inexperienced in selecting a knife is to buy something
Buying a knife
Part 1 of 2 Different knives are for different purposes, so peeling potatoes is not as easy with a Leatherman as it is with a
Snow can keep you warm
With a little know-how and little or no tools, a snow shelter can save your life. It will amaze you how warm you are inside a snow structure.
Snow can keep you warm Read More »
Boat trailering suggestions
Larry has some tips to keep your boat trailer, and boat, moving I frequently see trailered boats with the outboard in the “down” position. This
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Deer hunting recipes
With hunting season once again upon us, it’s time to attempt to read those hurried, scribbled-down notes of some great wild-game recipes that I have received from many of the big-game hunters I have met, or hunted with, over the years.
Deer hunting recipes Read More »
Camping: Timesaving tips
Foul weather can wreck more than your mood when you’re out camping and hunting moose. Simple tips and tricks.
Camping: Timesaving tips Read More »
A ravenous raven is a resourceful raven
The Yukon bird since 1985, the ubiquitous raven arrives out of nowhere and disappears just as quickly. It all depends on the food supply. They
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Pike for supper
Pike are very common, not difficult to catch and are a delicious mild-flavoured fish. Their one big negative is that they have more bones than
Who invited all these bugs?
Larry has some tips for getting rid of those pesky mosquitoes I’ve often wondered what it would be like to go camping, fishing, hiking or
Who invited all these bugs? Read More »
The bears are back in town
Never far away, but hibernating over the winter, the bears are awake now and ravenously hungry. Actually, bears are always hungry.
The bears are back in town Read More »
Tinfoil and the barbeque
Tinfoil, as it’s commonly called, is actually aluminum foil. While it’s not essential, it is a boon to the fine art of barbequing. One of
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Bicycle bison hunt
The Porter Creek Secondary School bison hunt changed from a snowmobile hunt to a bicycle hunt due to lack of snow in March. The planning
Bicycle bison hunt Read More »
Fire – RIGHT NOW!
Many situations need a fire, right now! An emergency or something you come upon. May not even be an emergency or survival situation, yet.
Ziplocs and vacuum-sealing
Great for camping, canoeing and hunting, ziplocs are watertight. It can rain for days and the items in your Ziploc bags will still be dry.
Ziplocs and vacuum-sealing Read More »
Ice-fishing with kids
If you don’t make it fun, they won’t like it. Going out again will be unlikely. In that respect, it’s like summer fishing, only it’s
Ice-fishing with kids Read More »
Snowmobile survival gear
A little planning and preparation can save your day in many situations. The winter bison hunts and Dempster Highway caribou hunts are true examples of
Snowmobile survival gear Read More »
Snowmobile ice travel
Larry Leigh has some tips to stay safe when venturing out onto ice on your snowmobile
Snowmobile ice travel Read More »
Long johns—the cure for the common cold
These days, long johns are referred to as a “base layer” and are usually made from some very scientific-sounding material and come with a big, obvious logo to satisfy status-seekers.
Long johns—the cure for the common cold Read More »
Tips for cold hands and feet
In cold weather, a head without a hat on it can lose up to 50 per cent of your body heat and some of that
Tips for cold hands and feet Read More »
The cooking fire …
A cooking fire isn’t just a miniature bonfire, and to make a good one takes luck, experience or some advice from someone who’s got a reputation for being a good campfire cook.
The cooking fire … Read More »
KD, rice and Pilot Biscuits
If you have a big budget and a small appetite, freeze-dried meals will work to keep you healthy on the trail. I have always found
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A shelter from the storm
It’s quite amazing how many people (if they admit it) have had a potentially near-death experience in the outdoors. It’s rarely a plane crash or
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Preparing those tasty fish treats
Most Yukoners like to eat fish, but sometimes people want a different taste sensation. Here are some fairly simple options to try: Tasty Fish Treat
Preparing those tasty fish treats Read More »
Never-fail old standbys
It seems we are living in an age of electronic wizardry. Every season there is a raft of new GPS and communication devices as well
Never-fail old standbys Read More »
Schnitzel
Schnitzel is really delicious and fairly simple to make, but there is a bit of cleanup afterwards. It can be made with just about any
Footwear and foot care
Our feet suffer less and work longer when they are cared for and housed in proper fitting, good quality footwear.
Footwear and foot care Read More »
Axes
Axes are very useful tools here in the north where campfires, bonfires and wood stoves are a big part of life. Everybody has at least one tucked away somewhere.
Cartridges over 100 years old and still kicking
Even shooters in their 20s have had cartridges invented, failed to catch on, and disappeared in their lifetimes. Not so with the six I’ll mention in this short article.
Cartridges over 100 years old and still kicking Read More »
Fishing with Children
The first rule of fishing with children is that it has to be fun or it will fail.
Fishing with Children Read More »
Garage Sales 101
Garage sales are friendly Saturday morning events where we get a chance to socialize with other shoppers and the households, neighbourhoods and organizations hosting the sales.
Fishing with children
Fishing for youngsters may be their first glimpse of ethics and responsible behaviour in relation to nature.
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Be Prepared
It is absolutely amazing how even a little preparation can get us through challenges that could be insurmountable without a bit of prep time.
Low impact on the land
The sites you choose look good to you or you wouldn’t set up there. Make your best effort to leave them as you found them.
Low impact on the land Read More »
Let’s use that whole bear
Sadly, black bears have an undeserved reputation of not being very good to eat. A number of Yukon hunters, including me, will dispute that thought as black bear is just as delicious any other animal hunted for meat in the Yukon.
Let’s use that whole bear Read More »
Almost everybody likes jerky
Simple jerky is a cinch to make without any special equipment at all.
Almost everybody likes jerky Read More »
Hearty Burger Soup
In a recent article on uses for ground meat, I intentionally left out soup so I could do this article on that topic. Burger soup is
Hearty Burger Soup Read More »
What can we do with all this burger?
Ground meat is certainly one of the results of just about any successful hunt and this includes birds. With a little thought, there are a
What can we do with all this burger? Read More »
Ropes and the rope bag
Ropes are the long standing traditional way to fasten or tie things down. These days, those ratchet devices with straps and hooks have replaced knots and loops. For some of us older people, ropes are still the logical tie-down tool.
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Caring for the bison hunt rifle
Since the bison hunt started, hunters have had problems with their rifles. Steps to prep them for -25ºC to -40ºC range.
Caring for the bison hunt rifle Read More »
Moose round steak
Tenderloin and backstraps (striploin) get all the hype regarding being the most tender cuts off any wild game animal. They have a good reputation as
Camp guns for bears
A “bear gun” in camp or at the cabin is very common in the Yukon. It’s primary function is for protection of the humans in camp.
Camp guns for bears Read More »
Oil lamps
In modern times oil or kerosene burning lamps are used more as part of décor than to throw light on a situation. People nowadays run
Yukon Share: Harvested gamemeat sharing program
After a few years of effort, The Yukon is now up and running with a “Hunters For The Hungry” type of meat sharing program.
Yukon Share: Harvested gamemeat sharing program Read More »
The wall tent camp
Sleeping on good quality cots with a wood stove it was so comfortable that I stayed eight nights and prob-ably slept better than at home.
The wall tent camp Read More »
Whatever the season, hypothermia can be dangerous
It may come as a surprise, but more people are affected by, and die from, hypothermia in summer and other seasons than in the winter.
Whatever the season, hypothermia can be dangerous Read More »
Human Errors Re: Bears
Sadly some human errors are fatal mistakes when bears are involved. Bears are somewhat predictable, but there are many exceptions to that rule. As a
Human Errors Re: Bears Read More »
Oyster Sauce Makes it Better
Not too many years ago, I discovered oyster sauce during a barbecue at a friend’s house. I wasn’t sure what the new flavour was, but
Oyster Sauce Makes it Better Read More »
Black or Grizzly? It’s Good to Know
Just two weeks ago – and many times over the past – I’ve heard people say they saw a grizzly bear along the road or
Black or Grizzly? It’s Good to Know Read More »
Salmon: Another Dijon Delight
Fire up the barbecue, here’s another never-fail salmon recipe. Salmon: Another Dijon Delight Ingredients: ¼ to ⅓ cup mayonnaise 2 Tbsp of your favourite Dijon
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Salmon on a Stick
This shish kabob recipe works well, but be gentle as rough handling will cause the cooked fish pieces to break and fall off the skewer.
Bear Spray
It’s that time of the year again, the bears are out and we need a refresher on bear spray. It isn’t magic – and definitely
Salmon, Salmon, Salmon
Many household freezers have some – or even a lot – of salmon waiting their turn on the menu. Hopefully all our salmon is wild
Salmon, Salmon, Salmon Read More »
Coyotes in the Neighbourhood
Coyotes inhabit everywhere from Central America to the Canadian territories. Originally they resided in the west, but now they reside all across Canada including Prince
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Veggies à la Barbecue
I bet you can get your kids or even adult veggie haters to enjoy them done on the barbecue. Here are three simple and very
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Portable Burn Barrel
On a recent half-day ice-fishing adventure with our son, I got to experience some of the benefits of a portable burn barrel that he has
Portable Burn Barrel Read More »
Firelighters
“It will take a few minutes.” Almost all the time, taking a few minutes to get a fire going is an acceptable part of the
Happy Appies
Winter is the time for socializing around the wood-stove at the cabin or just in the living room at home. We all want to be
Fishing on a Budget
The equipment needed to start out fishing can be very expensive and it’s really easy to spend a lot more than you need to. One
Fishing on a Budget Read More »
Hold Onto that Heat
Woodstoves are still a very traditional heat source for our homes and cabins. Firewood and stoves have always been messy with chips and bark in
Hold Onto that Heat Read More »
Winter Bird Feeding
I feed the birds in winter because it makes me feel good to do it and the birds certainly seem to enjoy it as well.
Winter Bird Feeding Read More »
Cast Iron: The Original Non-Stick Cookware Part 2
I have about 15 or so cast iron pots and pans with six or seven of them in constant use. The others, too good to
Cast Iron: The Original Non-Stick Cookware Part 2 Read More »
Cast Iron
Long before Teflon or other spray coatings were on your pots and pans, cast iron was easy to use and easy to clean. It’s been
Trail Snacks: GORP and Fruit Leather
GORP, aka Good Old Reliable Protein, and fruit leather are can be bought. Quality varies depending on how much you pay. They’re both easy to
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Boat Launch Etiquette
This was an extreme situation, but I once pulled up to the ramp to put my boat in the water and a Zodiac owner had
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PFDs are Only Good if You’re Wearing Them
I have often wondered just how I would feel if after falling out, I was 30 feet away from my drifting boat where my life
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Remember Walking?
I still see a number of people out walking for exercise and just the enjoyment of it. It’s kind of a mindless activity at least
MAKE A BETTER FIRE
Except above tree-line, good firewood is available in most places in the Yukon but a few days of rain can make pretty good wood too
MAKE A BETTER FIRE Read More »
Muzzle-Loaders
Until the mid to late 1800s, all firearms were muzzle-loaders, which, as the name implies, had to be loaded singly by pushing the components –
Axes: Use and Abuse
Winter is the busiest and most abusive time of the year for axes. They get a solid workout in the fall when we split the
Axes: Use and Abuse Read More »
Flinch: The Rifle-Shooter’s Nemesis
Have you ever wondered why bullet holes are all over the target; or, worse, why you had a good sight-picture but the animal was poorly
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Cooler Tips
These days the word “cooler” can mean a pre-mixed alcoholic beverage, but it’s also the name of an insulated box to keep your food and
How to Deal with Tough or Strong Tasting Meat
Tough or gamey meat is a real challenge for you and your family. If the first meal doesn’t come off well, you’ll have a hard
How to Deal with Tough or Strong Tasting Meat Read More »