Trapper’s troubles: Part Two
Most trappers will have a story about seeing their snow machine dive into a hole in the ice. This happened to us…
Trapper’s troubles: Part Two Read More »
Tales on Trails — Trappers’ Troubles
Yukon trapper Steve Paconi, with his wife Carol, trapped this area with their dog team (and a cat!). That was during a time when trapping…
Tales on Trails — Trappers’ Troubles Read More »
First Hunt, And My Son’s First Grouse
A reader submission by Erin traces us through her family’s journey through education, practice and finally her son’s first Grouse
First Hunt, And My Son’s First Grouse Read More »
Unintended Consequence
Ultimately, Pavlina Sudrich’s objective of helping people feel comfortable and confident, when going into the Yukon wilderness has been met.
Unintended Consequence Read More »
A Whale Of A Time
As a kid, every summer we would travel to our traditional whaling camp at Baby Island on the Beaufort Coast.
‘Vampires’ In Our Midst
They bite and suck blood—vampire-like. Cats such as lynx are a haven for fleas, as are fox and ermine, then squirrel and even mice.
‘Vampires’ In Our Midst Read More »
Skulls And Beetles
As per the Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Eugene, Oregon, the skull is “a framework of bone or cartilage enclosing…
Skulls And Beetles Read More »
How We ‘Do’ Christmas & New Year’s Eve Off-Grid!
Do you ever dream of spending a very quiet Christmas? How about taking time for yourself, to recharge, relax and reflect on the past year…
How We ‘Do’ Christmas & New Year’s Eve Off-Grid! Read More »
The One That Got Away
It was a beautiful day to hunt for grouse—spruce grouse to be precise.
Me and my friend Konstantine had aligned our schedules…
The One That Got Away Read More »
Winter Is Coming
While the beginning of November signals the closure of the vast majority of big game hunting in the territory, another incredible opportunity
Grizzly Encounter
The grizzly we harvested this fall relied on berries, roots, horsetail and moose. We encountered the big bear only 10 days before…
Another Trapping Season Is Here
Snow came late this year. It was October 5 by the time we saw white on the ground outside the cabin. We received 17 centimetres of snow…
Another Trapping Season Is Here Read More »
Hunting Casserole
Sometimes a hunting trip goes well, and sometimes it doesn’t. This recipe works for this time of year because whether…
Mountain Hunting: What’s In My Pack
One of the most challenging aspects of mountain hunting is figuring out what you need to pack and what to leave at home.
Mountain Hunting: What’s In My Pack Read More »
Different Ways To Hunt Spring Bear
When it comes to big-game hunting in the North, there is no hunt as unique or as diverse as the spring bear hunt.
Different Ways To Hunt Spring Bear Read More »
Not Your Average Pack-Out Part 2
This sheep hunt was now a moose hunt.We prepared our bodies by carb loading on extra rations while we discussed how we would stalk the moose.
Not Your Average Pack-Out Part 2 Read More »
Living Off-Grid
Each year, more people are realizing that on-grid living might not be the best solution for protecting the planet and one’s pocketbook…
Not Your Average Pack-Out
The decision to carry a mature Yukon bull moose, over 5 kilometres through the mountains and on your back…
Not Your Average Pack-Out Read More »
Hunting … It’s a Crapshoot
One of the most common questions we get asked by non-hunters, and those new to hunting, is, “How do you find and track the animals…
Hunting … It’s a Crapshoot Read More »
Time To Talk Poop
As a trapper and hunter, you learn to identify wildlife excrement rather fast, as you’d want to. Why? To determine what kind of critters…
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 »
More Than A Road Trip
In all of the natural world, there are few sights that can match the spectacle of the great barren-ground caribou migrations.
More Than A Road Trip Read More »
A Tale Of Two Bears
In the world of big-game hunting, black bear meat is easily one of the best tasting and most under-appreciated cuts of wild game there is.
A Tale Of Two Bears Read More »
A Long Time Coming Part 2
The moose continued barrelling on his path for another hundred yards or so. Between us was an elevated creek bed and then a tiny meadow.
A Long Time Coming Part 2 Read More »
A Long Time Coming Part 1
An hour before dawn, my alarm goes off like a foghorn behind my head. I frantically reach behind me to shut it off.
A Long Time Coming Part 1 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 »
It’s All In The Sign
When the animal you are tracking comes into question, just keep walking … You can clearly see the difference in the poop.
It’s All In The Sign Read More »
Having the Right Gear Can Make or Break a Day of Hunting
Hunting gear is a big investment. Your summer and fall gear must perform when you need it to. Your gear has to keep you warm, dry and alive.
Having the Right Gear Can Make or Break a Day of Hunting Read More »
Anti-hunting lives on
History of bloodshed has led some to associate firearms in war with hunting. There are misconceptions and misunderstandings about firearms.
Anti-hunting lives on Read More »
My favourite Johnnie Johns hunting story
A favorite story by Johnnie Johns pf being trapped inside a moose and nearly freezing to death, told often at the Caribou Hotel in Caccross.
My favourite Johnnie Johns hunting story Read More »
The life of a conservation officer
Murray is seen here as a young conservation officer in Ontario In the autumn of one’s life, one often sits back in the easy chair
The life of a conservation officer Read More »
The history of the canoe
Back in the early 1970s I wrote a monthly outdoors column for an Ontario outdoors magazine. One evening, after a day spent hunting moose, we pulled
The history of the canoe 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
Boat trailering suggestions Read More »
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 »
Nature versus hunting
How can I go out and shoot an animal? It might surprise you that many animals that go through meatpacking companies are actually shot with
Nature versus hunting 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 »
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 »
Yukon dining on the wild side
What do you wear to an outfitters ball? The two terms seem to be in contradiction to each other.
Yukon dining on the wild side Read More »
Surviving (and thriving) in the great outdoors
You are also cold and you need to find a way to make a fire and warm up. If you have followed the motto of the Boy Scouts, “Be Prepared,” then survival is on your side.
Surviving (and thriving) in the great outdoors Read More »
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
A shelter from the storm Read More »
The art of pelts, skulls and antlers
Cindy Klippenstein spends her days fleshing, tanning and mounting trophies as the Yukon’s only full-time taxidermist. Couldn’t be happier.
The art of pelts, skulls and antlers Read More »
Know your firearm
The first thing you should do after taking a hunter safety course is to go to the nearest shooting range and ask for help in getting to know your rifle.
Watch out you wascally wabbits!
I would say there are as many ways to cook rabbits as there are all other game recipes combined.
Watch out you wascally wabbits! Read More »
Yukon women … hunting, fishing, harvesting, bonding
Yukon women … hunting, fishing, harvesting, bonding. 20 women in outdoor workshops developing Yukon hunting skills and knowledge.
Yukon women … hunting, fishing, harvesting, bonding Read More »
Lost and found in the woods …
Do you have a dial watch? You have a compass!
Lost and found in the woods … Read More »
First hunting trip, with the best guides
I grew up in the traditional way in and around Pelly Crossing, learning to hunt, fish and trap from my relatives and Elders. It wasn’t until I was 16 years old, though, in 1963, that I had my first real long hunting trip.
First hunting trip, with the best guides Read More »
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 »
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.
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 »
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.
Ropes and the rope bag Read More »
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 »
Unfurled: Yukon Fur event
The Unfurled project is a series of events culminating in one full day of workshops, demonstrations, and a marketplace March 2018.
Unfurled: Yukon Fur event Read More »
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 »
Human migrations changed hunting
The discovery of Gold in the Klondike region in 1896, brought huge numbers of people to the Yukon. All these people had to be fed.
Human migrations changed hunting Read More »
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 »
Not Just a Dog, But a Best Friend
My dog, who I called The Barron, had an all brown head and a brown patch on his shoulders, but otherwise, was all white and, shall we say, not really accepted by the rich and mighty of the bird dog organizations.
Not Just a Dog, But a Best Friend Read More »
Whip ‘em out and measure!
On Saturday, November 18, all Yukon Fish and Game members are welcome to bring their antlers, horns and skulls to be measured and scored by certified Boone and Crockett scorers.
Whip ‘em out and measure! Read More »
Bringing Up a Family the Old Fashioned Way
What has bringing up children in outdoor experiences and enjoying the life of camping, fishing and hunting done for the children?
Bringing Up a Family the Old Fashioned Way Read More »
Hunting in the Yukon – Part 1
An excerpt of Manfred Hoefs’ recently released book Yukon’s Hunting History. Yukon’s history, time scale & events are unique.
Hunting in the Yukon – Part 1 Read More »
Simple Meat Ragu
Things get freezer burnt. Those unfortunate packs of meat can still be delicious if you know how to deal with them.
It Is Not That I Hunt, But That I Go Hunting
Last week I met a husband and wife in a local grocery store. The kind lady said she liked my columns on kayaking and the
It Is Not That I Hunt, But That I Go Hunting Read More »
Getting Further, Going Lighter
Even from the isolation of our north of 60 towns, one is able to equip themselves without reaching onto internet shelving any more than necessary.
Getting Further, Going Lighter Read More »
An Epic Weekend of Hiking
The saying in Yukon is you only truly experience the Yukon when you get out in the wilderness, and those words are accurate beyond belief.
An Epic Weekend of Hiking Read More »
Moose, Spinach and Sunflower Seed Strudel
Moose, Spinach and Sunflower Seed Strudel Serves 6 Ingredients ½ cup plus 1 Tbsp olive oil, divided 1 onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely
Moose, Spinach and Sunflower Seed Strudel Read More »
The Life of Rabbits and Hares
Growing up in the 1930 and early 40s was tough times. First, there was the Great Depression, followed closely by the Second World War. For
The Life of Rabbits and Hares Read More »
CAUTION: Bison bison athabascae
The first time I saw this sign, I had to stop and pull over on the side of the road to make sure I had
CAUTION: Bison bison athabascae Read More »
Wicked Fit
Ryan MacGillivray has been sheep hunting for 10 years. Three years ago, he had the idea to start a boot camp for sheep hunters. He
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 »
Hunting with Gary Sam
I remember well while hunting with Gary Sam he suddenly jumped off his horse and ran into the bush. “I got it,. We ate well that night!
Hunting with Gary Sam Read More »
Big Game Cookery
With the hunting season upon us, it’s time for some special big game recipes. First of all, there is just about no part of a
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
Trail Snacks: GORP and Fruit Leather Read More »
For the Love of Northern Art
Every year for 10 days, northern artists and art lovers gather in Inuvik, a small town of 3,400 in the NWT, to celebrate culture and
For the Love of Northern Art Read More »
Getting in Sheep Shape
We drove four hours from Whitehorse to one of my favourite fishing lakes, then an hour and a half across. As a sheep hunter that’s
Getting in Sheep Shape Read More »
Golfers and Duck Hunters Have Something in Common
The golfing season and duck hunting season have something in common. I am convinced that if a person took up both sports their problems would
Golfers and Duck Hunters Have Something in Common 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 –
Didee & Didoo: STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW
DON’T SHOOT CARIBOU AND MOOSE WHEN THEY’RE RUTTING. THREE RIFLE SHOTS MEANS “DISTRESS.” CHECK ICE THICKNESS BEFORE CROSSING. WEAR SUNGLASSES IN THE SPRING TIME. STAY
Didee & Didoo: STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW Read More »
There Goes my Life
My hunting partner is the best. I know we’ll head out on more adventures, but it may be a while. Hayley is graduating & heading to law school.
There Goes my Life Read More »
Bison: From the Edge of Extinction
People driving down the highway may see a few bison, and never realize that this animal was at one time on the very edge of extinction.
Bison: From the Edge of Extinction 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
Flinch: The Rifle-Shooter’s Nemesis Read More »
Didee & Didoo: WHEN I GO HUNTING
I HAVE NEVER SEEN A HORSE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A VULTURE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A ZEBRA. I HAVE NEVER SEEN AN ELEPHANT. I
Didee & Didoo: WHEN I GO HUNTING Read More »
Harvesting Porcupine Caribou Near Old Crow
In the past two years the herd of Porcupine Caribou in Old Crow herd has gradually changed its natural migration route.
Harvesting Porcupine Caribou Near Old Crow Read More »
Hunting or not, wild animals are my teachers
Why have I never written about hunting before? Maybe it’s because writing about an experience makes it more real. In the face of hunting, that
Hunting or not, wild animals are my teachers Read More »
Lists, Colour Coding and Labels
People new to outdoor activity such as hunting, hiking and camping are likely a bit more organized on the second or third trip than they
Lists, Colour Coding and Labels Read More »
Missing the Mark
The Code is clear: what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Ditto for jury rooms and papal conclaves. Double ditto for hunting trips. But sometimes a
Yukon vegetarian
I am not a hunter. Not everyone has to be. I’m spending time with a man who is respectful, thankful, spiritual about the process.
A Northern Diary
Carolyn Vincent taught in the Yukon in the 1970s and also cooked for an outfitter for a few months in 1976. She typed out a
Firepower on Parade
In 2012, Environment Yukon issued a report on hunter satisfaction in the territory, based on a survey of over 810 licensed hunters. Participants were asked
Firepower on Parade Read More »
Are You Ready?
Hunting season is right around the corner; I started to go over my equipment this weekend. There are a lot of things that can be
A Northern Diary
About 11:00 p.m. I finally got a glimpse of McClure when our trail passed near the deep ravine the river made. I had been vainly
Im-mead-iate Satisfaction
The title is a misnomer. Perhaps it is ironic, but I’m not literary enough to remember the nuances of such terms. At any rate, it
Im-mead-iate Satisfaction Read More »
My Yukon Bison Hunt
There’s something special about waking up in a cabin with a bunch of peers who all want the same thing: to catch a bison. It
My Yukon Bison Hunt Read More »
Yukon Date Night
My father has hunted for as long as I can remember. This year he retired after 38 years as a fire fighter, so my husband and
Making the Best of a Gunshot Animal
The heart-lung area is the place to put your bullet for a quick, clean kill on any big animal. The lungs supply oxygen, and the
Making the Best of a Gunshot Animal Read More »
Knives For the Hunt
Generally speaking, a hunter should have two knives — one for camp chores, such as cutting rope, whittling a wiener stick, or cutting up vegetables.
Knives For the Hunt Read More »
A Moose at Last
It’s been the toughest year to get motivated for hunting season. I’ve spent about 80 days over the last three years hunting moose and we’ve
Hunting for Wildlife: Ramona Toth
Annoyed and tired after three weekends in a row of hunting with no success, we ended the second-last day in our favorite hunting spot. Before
Hunting for Wildlife: Ramona Toth Read More »
Long Range Fad
Better scopes, have made it so every hunter can take one of these rifles and shoot an animal from 800-1000 metres. Or can they?