Hunting, Fishing and Camping Show lays out new gear
The annual Hunting, Fishing and Camping Show is a must-see for anyone interested in the outdoors. Not only do you get to see and compare the latest products, exclusive in-show specials can save you a few dollars. I still wear my waterproof fall/winter running shoes from last year’s show. At $50 instead of $100-plus, it was a great bargain as most running shoes just last a season at the best these days.
It’s nice to see that the industry is really stepping up with bush wear and other products for the ladies. Different body shapes need different designs to ensure the best fit and comfort possible.
Talking to the gun companies’ spokespeople during the February 18-21 exhibition at Place Bonaventure in Montreal, they all agreed there wasn’t much new in the way of technology or weapons this year. Most of it was redesign and appearance. Like a wood stock instead of Camo plastic, for instance.
Browning though had a Buck Mark Rifle, based on the popular Buck Mark Pistol. Basically they lengthened the barrel and added a stock to it. The Browning Buck Mark Rifle is one of the most unique .22 LR rimfires ever produced. It provides outstanding accuracy, dependable blowback operation, a crisp single-action trigger pull and magazine. I was impressed by the lightweight, compact design. It comes to the shoulder fast and I sighted onto a chosen target faster than I ever have with other 22 LR rifles. This would be a great addition to any hunter’s gun collection, useful for taking with you on the skidoo and spring goose hunt. In fact, it would be a great gun for any time of the year and something to train the youngsters on. It costs under $1000, and one model is only $700.
And for that goose hunt a four-pack of goose decoys is around $154.74. A 12-pack of geese is $265.94. A 12-pack of Snow Goose decoys is $237.85. A six-pack of mallard decoys will run you $59.63. All available at Le Baron. Ammo Cans were only $12.45. For those of you who had frostbitten behinds last spring, I recommend the Heat-A-Seat. Then you tell the other hunters that you have a hot booty.
If you are impatient to hunt geese this spring, you can always go to Saint Eugene in Ontario. Micheal La Haye can be reached at 613-674-1816. The photos at the booth depicted a successful hunt for many hunters who bagged their limit.
With over 250 eagerly staffed booths of various sizes, it was a feast of potential. Opportunities abounded that astounded sightseers. But you would see a change when something different and interesting caught their eye. The show was living up to its theme of “Novelty.”
I loved the Eccotemp outdoor-use-only portable tankless water heater. Another Eccotemp product promises instant, endless hot water anywhere. That’s at www.eccotemp.com if a warm shower or bath or other is to your liking. Ask the wife or should the wife ask you?
Another great item was the flameless cooking system from Cook Solution. Just add water and you’re cooking. This would be great for heating up your meal at the hunting blind or while you’re on a boat just to name two immediate uses. It’s a must for those days when the firewood is all wet. Check out www.cooksolution.ca for all your questions.
Camo Crocs were a minor novelty, but not at $25 a pair. I’ll wait for the cheaper knock-offs as the same factory usually does both. Then Disney and Marvel hit the scene. I thought I was safe as I wasn’t at Provigo where almost every aisle has a child’s toy. Then this pops up. Three fishing rod sets featuring Olaf [front] and the Blonde princess [a partial last on the right] from Frozen, the Disney Princesses model and lastly Marvel’s Spiderman set. Yes they are cute, but I might want something a little better that what they were offering.
One cool item was the Tetra-POD. There are two types – off road for your ATV and on road for your truck or car. This is an enclosed trailer that becomes a boat. Mind you it’s a small boat rated for only two people and a 3-HP motor. But this would be great for those small lakes and rivers in Eeyou Istchee. It clocks in at around $3000.
If that’s too expensive, there’s the one-man pontoon boat from Oswego for $700 for the loner. If you want more for those hard-to-reach places, it’s the six-person Zodiac-style Brig for $2242. Rated for a 25-HP motor, it even has a sunshade for those hot sunny days. You’ll be able to fish the areas the big boys stay away from with this baby.
But one of my favourites is the trout pond. I know I’ll get razzed about this, but this where my son Hunter hooked his first fish. His excitement will lead to a fishing trip this year on Mistissini Lake. In addition to getting your children hooked on fishing, the trout pond gives part of the profits to fund Foundation Interactive Hochelaga Maisonneuve’s program to send less fortunate kids for a day’s fishing at Trudeau’s Outfitter in Saint-Zénon. Spend $5 to catch one fish or $12 for three. That’s fresh fish for supper and cheap at the price. Food always tastes better when you work for it and isn’t it time that a small boy takes pleasure in feeding the family.
Mistissini Tourism’s Andrew Coon was on hand to promote fishing on the largest natural lake in Quebec. He expects more American clients to return this year as the US dollar is much higher than the Canadian loonie. That’s good news for Cree Outfitters who had seen a downturn in bookings.
One item that caught my eye was the Cosy Bubble. Easy to set up in no time at all – they say less than 20 minutes. The space is amazing but what stands out is the windows. It makes it a mini-house that looks and feels good. Check out this Made-in-Quebec beauty online at www.cosybubble.com.
These hunting, fishing and camping shows are wonderful to check out and compare the options every hunter or fisherperson has to make.
By the way, don’t forget my hunting tip: put a condom over the tip of your gun barrel when it’s raining. Just as with its other, recommended usage, this will stop rust from forming inside your barrel.
Safe hunting this year and maybe I’ll see you on the lake when I go fishing.
