‘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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
While the beginning of November signals the closure of the vast majority of big game hunting in the territory, another incredible opportunity
The grizzly we harvested this fall relied on berries, roots, horsetail and moose. We encountered the big bear only 10 days before…
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 »
Sometimes a hunting trip goes well, and sometimes it doesn’t. This recipe works for this time of year because whether…
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 »
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 »
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 »
Each year, more people are realizing that on-grid living might not be the best solution for protecting the planet and one’s pocketbook…
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 »
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 »
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…
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 .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 »
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 »
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 »
Since the early Gold Rush days, hunting and fishing have played a major and valuable role in tourism in the Yukon.
The value of hunting & fishing to tourism in the Yukon Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Many situations need a fire, right now! An emergency or something you come upon. May not even be an emergency or survival situation, yet.
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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.
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. 20 women in outdoor workshops developing Yukon hunting skills and knowledge.
Yukon women … hunting, fishing, harvesting, bonding Read More »
Do you have a dial watch? You have a compass!
Lost and found in the woods … Read More »
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 »
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 »
It is absolutely amazing how even a little preparation can get us through challenges that could be insurmountable without a bit of prep time.
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 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Things get freezer burnt. Those unfortunate packs of meat can still be delicious if you know how to deal with them.
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 »
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 »
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 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 »
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 »
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 »
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
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 »
Sometimes when you’re in the bush you need lots of calories, but you don’t have lots of time (or energy) left at the end of
Bush Gypsy’s Banquette Read More »
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 »
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
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 –
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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
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.
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
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 »
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
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
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 »
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 »
What are those? “Whiffle balls.” What are they for? “Tic-Tac-Toe.” Five-year-old Nash Battersby is about to school me in the art of winning prizes at
Fun Fair tips by Nash and Thayer Read More »
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
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 »
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 »
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
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?
Many new gun cartridges have come to the market in the last few years. A number of them are in the 30-calibre-and-under range, and would
Sheep Hunting Part 3 Read More »
A sheep hunt is a true test of intestinal fortitude. It is similar to an alpine hike, but with a heavier pack — due to meat-care
Sheep Hunting: Part 1 Read More »
The first few weeks of the 2014 hunting season have passed and some enthusiastic hunters were have already been on mountaintops looking for Dall sheep.
Unlike the southern provinces where ducks and geese are around for a few months, migratory bird hunting is not a popular activity here. But those
Your Goose is Cooked Read More »
Around this time ever year I spend hours looking at maps and checking over equipment to ensure it can handle another hunting season. All the
Hunting with and for Family Read More »
My oldest daughter Hayley and I have spent her whole life in the outdoors together; we hunt geese, ducks, moose, and caribou. We started hunting
Different Interests, Same Outcome Read More »
As an Elder, I learned from my past Elders; as a Gwitchin, I live along with the season. Porcupine Caribou is our main source of
A Successful Spring Read More »
If the gun doesn’t fit the shooter, learning to use it will be difficult and even dangerous. Traditionally, both rifles and shotguns are made to
Smaller Guns for Women and Youth Read More »
Newton’s law about every action having an equal and opposite reaction becomes obvious, and sometimes painful, when shooting any type of firearm. Firearm recoil or
Managing Recoil in Rifles Read More »
I suppose by now some hunter has field-dressed a large wood bison by themselves, but I’ll bet they never want to do it again.
Bison Hunt: Field Care 3/5 Read More »
Hunting Bison isn’t easy. One bull broken down and weighed in pieces is 2,300 pounds. Big animals that can disappear after being hit well.
Bison Hunt: Getting Equipped 2/5 Read More »
1998 was the first bison hunting season. They did nothing to avoid hunters. Later they became wary so hunting them became more challenging.
Bison Hunt: intro of the herd 1/5 Read More »
Leaning against the counter at my wife Heather’s staff party, I listened to tales of hiking trips, caribou hunts, broken ATVs and fishing trips good
Smoker Choice and Maintenance Read More »
This is a picture of my father-in-law and I with the moose we were lucky enough to get on September 21. The picture was taken
Hunting For Wildlife: Darcy Laliberty Read More »
My son Billy and I went up onto the Top of the World for an afternoon grouse hunt, his first. There are dozens of trails
Hunting For Wildlife: Bill Holmes Read More »
Kyuss. It was the first day of bird hunting, and we were down the Aishihik Road camping overnight the day before.
Hunting For Wildlife: Sandor Elek Read More »
In 2010, I was privileged to hunt with my 12-year-old daughter on our second successful moose hunt. We were able to get a shot at
This is a moose hunt from 2010 with my daughter Jenna, which we took at McQuesten Lake near Keno. It was Jenna’s first moose hunt.
Hunting For Wildlife: Tom & Jenna Wyers Read More »
It was warm for opening day of the season but I was not going to complain. My dad, Spike, and I sat in the only
As Yukoners, one of the real treats we have is access to a broad selection of game meats. While I don’t hunt, I am lucky
A Good Wine to Serve with Moose Read More »
The chef at the High Country Inn is getting very excited. It is time, once again, for the Yukon Fish and Game Association’s Banquet, Award
Fish & Game banquet offers a taste Read More »
It is that particular configuration of the Hougen Heritage Gallery at Arts Underground that really astounds you about this latest show. From the name, Man’s
Arts Underground goes to the ‘dogs’ Read More »
It was a small, clicking kind of sound, only barely discernible above the very faint hiss of my own blood circulating. To say it was
The sense of a hunter Read More »
Most teachers prepare for class with chalkboards, hour-by-hour lesson plans, and neatly aligned desks. Stan Njootli, Sr.’s preparation involves jerry cans, tarps and well-maintained boat
Hunting for High School in Old Crow Read More »
When Natasha Peter walks into the coffee shop, she’s grinning with excitement. “We were just down the street looking at rifles,” she says of her
Heritage New & Old Read More »
“You get to learn how to notice the plants around you, how to shoot a rifle, how not to ground your boat in the river,
Honing Their Outdoor Skills Read More »
“Hayley wake up,” I whispered. “It’s 4:30 and we have to get ready. The sun will be up soon.” This was a very common phrase
Bonding Through “Barbie Geese” Read More »
At the cusp of fall, I sit wondering how the 2012 hunting season will play out for my family, friends and me after last year’s
A moose will often fall exactly where you had hoped they wouldn’t. Here a prepared hunter shines and the newbie learns a few lessons.
Moose Hunt Essentials Read More »
The 30.06 Springfield is now over 100 years old. With a 180 grain bullet tit is the minimum cartridge to hunt bison in the Yukon.
Enthusiasts of outdoor stories, adventure and romance will find all three at the preview of Roy Ness’s first novel, Rutting Season, at the Parking Lot
A debut Yukon novel Read More »