2011 Weather Great for Vacationers, Not So Great for Our Forests

Extreme Fire Behaviour Sioux Lookout Fire 35

Monday was the official end of the forest fire season in Northwestern Ontario. While vacationers and residents alike enjoy the sun and high temperatures this summer, the same dry, hot weather wrecked havoc on our forests. The 2011 forest fire season recorded many more fires in Ontario than in 2010 and affected a much greater area. As of October 31st, the official end of the fire season, 1,330 forest fires were recorded affecting 632,533 hectares. This is the largest area burned in the last 50 years.

Waterbomer dropping water on Red Lake Fire 59

Unfortunately a lot of the area burned was due to a handful of fires which happened to be in Sunset Country. Sioux Lookout 70 was the largest fire recorded in Ontario history burning 141,000 hectares. Another fire, Sioux Lookout 35, reached 112,000 hectares making it the 8th largest fire on record. These 2 fires accounted for approximately 40% of the total area burned. The 2011 fire season was extraordinary because of the concentration of difficult fires in the northern parts of the Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Nipigon districts. Smoke from these fires disrupted the lives and businesses of many in the northern communities. 4,476 people were evacuated from 11 northern communities between July 21 and August 9th.

Red Lake was just one of the communities to see smoke most of the summer.

Of the 1,330 fires in 2011, causes have been identified for 1,210 fires. Of those 1,210, about 62% were caused by lightning and 38% were caused by human activities.

Thanks to the efforts of the MNR fire fighters and other provincial fire fighters and many others various workers, most of the fires have been put out completely. Although there are about 15 active fires in Northwest Ontario. July 22, 2011 saw the busiest day fighting fires. To put things into perspective, the resources working that day included:

• 21 waterbombers
• 96 helicopters
• 91 Type-2 sustained action crews
• 639 out of province staff
• 2,823 total personnel

You can see on the right hand side just how close the fire got to Thunderhook Fly-ins' cabin

There are many fly-in outpost cabins up in our northern woods. Normally one is grateful for the peacefulness and the remote wilderness. When there is a huge forest fire at your doorstep in these remote areas though it is hard to save some of the buildings. Thunderhook Fly-ins which fly out of Armstrong saw a lot of fire action this summer. In the heat of the summer, fire fighters were able to save their South Shab outpost cabin. Later in the season though they weren't so lucky. Their cabin on McKinley Lake was totally destroyed. The only thing left standing was the dock, water heater and stove. The canoe's were melted away to nothing. For more photos of the fires at Thunderhook Fly-ins, visit the Thunderhook Fly-ins Facebook page.

Fly-in outpost cabin on McKinley Lake was unfortunately burned to the ground.

A special thanks to all the fire fighters and support workers. It is very hard work and your help is much appreciated. To see more photos about the forest fires in Northwest Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources has posted many photos depicting the fires. The MNR also has a neat tool on their website that shows all the active fires in Northwestern Ontario. Viking Outposts from Red Lake also have a few more stories and photos of the fires in Northwest Ontario on their blog. You can view them here and here.

Our boreal forest is meant to burn. Jackpine cones only open with the heat of a fire. Hopefully though next year Sunset Country won't see as many forest fires near our communities and camps. However, this dry fall is probably not helping the cause.

4 Shows the Whole Family Will Love

Flyin' Bob opens the Children's Entertainment Series circuit in Northwest Ontario. Atikokan's Children's Entertainment Series, Dryden's Children's Delight Series, Fort Frances' Kids and Company, Kenora's Sunday Smiles, Red Lake's Family Entertainment Series,  and Sioux Lookout Kids Kaleidoscope have been offering four, high quality performances that focus mostly on dance, music theatre and puppetry for children and their families Sunset Country.

The 2011/12 performances are as follows:

Flyin' Bob

From the rainbow skywriter, to a dramatic and nearly disastrous finale on the 9 foot high, 20 foot long tight-wire, Flyin' Bob; balancer, wire walker, professional idiot and highly skilled goofball, takes you on a visit to the one man three ring circus in his mind. He views the world as filled with toys, and tries to convince his audience to see it the same way. The most common reaction after seeing the show is, "This guy has too much time on his hands!". Flyin' Bob considers this the highest possible compliment.

• October 20, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Sacred Heart School in Sioux Lookout
• October 21, 2011 at 6:30 pm at New Prospect School in Dryden
• October 22, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Red Lake District High School in Red Lake 
• October 23, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Lakewood School in Kenora
• October 24, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Townshend Theatre in Fort Frances
• October 26, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Atikokan High School in Atikokan

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus 

Based on the book by L Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz, this exciting story follows the early life of Santa Claus from being abandoned in the forest and adopted by the wood-nymphs, through to making and delivering the very first toys. Meet the original reindeer Glossie and Flossie as well as the chilly rogue Jack Frost and find out the answer to lots of Christmas questions! Why do we hang stockings? Where the first Christmas tree was decorated? And finally how he came to be known as Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus. Packed with funny jokes, inventive puppets, enchanting songs and tons of opportunities for the audience to join in, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus is both a beautifully crafted story and an engaging piece of theatre.

• November 17, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Sacred Heart School in Sioux Lookout
• November 18, 2011 at 6:30 pm at The Centre in Dryden
• November 19, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Red Lake District High School in Red Lake
• November 20, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Lakewood School in Kenora 
• November 21, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Townshend Theatre in Fort Frances
• November 23, 2011 at 6:30 pm at the Atikokan High School in Atikokan 

Anders Magic 

Winnipeg magician Anders has been performing and astounding audiences professionally for over 10 years. Anders' show is an interactive combination of magic, juggling, comedy and pick-pocketing. The kids will be glad to know he uses plenty of audience participation but watch out for Anders' 2 animal co-stars Rocky and Vinnie. A true entertainer, Anders strives to make your experience memorable and magical. This 60 minute show is sure to impress and delight all ages.

• February 23, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Sacred Heart School in Sioux Lookout
• February 24, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the New Prospect School in Dryden
• February 25, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Red Lake District High School in Red Lake
• February 26, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Lakewood School in Kenora 
• February 27, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Townshend Theatre in Fort Frances
• February 29, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Atikokan High School in Atikokan

Project Soul

Project Soul was created to share the love and passion of hip hop. It shows the positive impact it can have on communities and how it connects/identifies with so many of today's youth. The group is made up of individuals who each specialize in different genres of street dance: popping, locking, hip hop, street jazz and breakdance. The show highlights these individual lives and how they came together as Project Soul.

Project Soul begins with the opening of their current touring show: how music gave them the gift of dance. This leads into each individual performer's solo that include biographical voiceovers expressing how they got involved with street dance culture and what impact it has on their lives. In conclusion they end with how hip hop has brought them together as a group, a community and given them much more understanding of their own identity.

• April 19, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Sacred Heart School in Sioux Lookout
• April 20, 2012 at 6:30 pm at New Prospect School in Dryden
• April 21, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Red Lake District High School in Red Lake
• April 22, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Lakewood School in Kenora 
• April 23, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Townshend Theatre in Fort Frances
• April 25, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Atikokan High School in Atikokan

For more information and ticket prices, please visit:

Atikokan: Atikokan Children's Entertainment Series or call Kathy at 807-597-4306
Dryden: Children's Delight Series
Fort Frances: Kids and Company
Kenora: Sunday Smiles or Sunday Smiles on Facebook
Red Lake: Family Entertainment Series
Sioux Lookout: Kids Kaleidoscope

Tips for Crappie Fishing in Sunset Country

Fall crappie fishing at Arrowhead Resort  in Nestor Fall

As the summer ends, crappie fishing heats up Sunset Country

Fall is one of the best times of the year to go crappie fishing in Sunset Country; the weather is cooler and the mosquitos are gone. September, right through until the end of October is when you'll find the black crappies biting. Often anglers like to fish for crappie in the deeper holes; jig in the 20 - 40' depths and you'll find the crappies in huge schools. Small jigs, tipped with live bait or small tubes is the best way in the fall. The schools can be 10 feet thick at this time of the year.

Winter ice fishing for crappie is fun as well. You'll find the black crappies large in size and in good numbers. Often, the outfitters will set up ice huts right over where schools of crappie tend to gather. Combine your crappie fishing (and walleye, trout or northern fishing as well) with some snowmobiling. Stay in a winterized cabin and cozy up beside a fire after a great day of crappie fishing and snowmobiling.

Ice fishing for crappie at Gateway North Outfitters

Crappie fishing in the Spring is the best through the ice or just after ice out, when they move inshore to feed on schools of bait. In most cases, you'll find crappie in shallow bays or suspended along deep weedlines. Live minnows on a small (1/4 to 1/8 ounce) jig work great.

Black Crappie Found in Northwestern Ontario

Black crappie are a favourite of panfish anglers. A schooling fish, crappie are not always easy to find but when you do locate them, you're usually over a lot of fish. This popular pan fish can be found in large numbers in certain lakes such as Rainy Lake, Lake of the Woods, Off Lake and the Winnipeg River System. A true delicacy, crappie make for some of the best eating if you love to eat fish. Black crappies are generally 7-10" (18-25cms) long and weigh between 0.5 and 1 lb. They have 7-8 dorsal fin spines; 6 or 7 anal fin spines and an irregular mosaic of distinct black blotches. Black crappie can be found in Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Zones 4, 5 and 6. Crappie fishing season is open all year round. The crappie limit is 15 with a Sportfishing license and 10 with a conservation fishing license. You can download the Ontario fishing regulations to find out more about the rules of fishing in Ontario.

Link to Ontario lodges and resorts to inquire about crappie fishing opportunities available at their location.

Top 5 Tips When Planning a Canadian Hunting Trip

Make sure you are prepared for your hunting trip

When planing a hunting trip to Canada, you should really plan in advance as some of the following tasks will require some time. Whether you are planning, a bear, moose or whitetail deer hunt, not adhering to these rules can put a trip on hold and cost losses of fees. When planning a hunting trip to Canada, here is a list of the top 5 basic things to know:

1) Remember your Passport 
A passport is required to enter Canada by car, sea or air. If you don’t have one, get one as soon as possible. You can apply for your U.S. Passport online at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html

Tip: Make two colour copies of your passport before you travel. Carry one each in different luggage or firearms case in case you lose your original. Always carry your original passport with you at all times when you travel internationally.

2) U.S. Customs Form 4457
You will need to have a U.S. Customs form 4457 filled out with a list of items of value as proof you owned them before you entered Canada. It is best to list your firearms, spotting scopes, riflescopes, video cameras, etc. This is usually any item of value that contains a serial number. Failure to obtain a completed U.S. Customs Form 4457 before you leave may end up costing you Duty (tax) at the Canadian Border as you enter back into the United States. The customs agent may think you bought your hunting equipment in Canada and therefore charge you duty. The online form can be accessed at: CBP website. Fill in the form and bring it with you to the border crossing where it will be stamped with the official customs seal. DO NOT SIGN IT until you meet the border crossing officer.

Tip: Make 2 extra copies of your Form 4457 and keep them with your extra passport copies.

Sample Form 4457

3) Canada Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form 909
Hunters must fill out the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form 909 before leaving for Canada. Don’t try to fill it out at the border, as it will delay your trip. Do not sign this form until you are at the border and the officials there ask you to sign it. You will need to present the form with your passport. There is a fee for the permit and it is approximately $25 CDN. You can pay for your permit in Canadian dollars or by MasterCard, Visa or American Express. Canadian Customs does not except U.S. Currency. Remember to always carry your firearms permit and identification while you are hunting. Do not bring any handguns on your trip as handguns are prohibited in Canada. Obtain your firearms application at: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/form-formulaire/num-nom/909-eng.htm

Tip: Fill out the form online and then print 3 copies. Double check your firearms details, especially the serial number, before you hit the print button.

4) Denied Admission to Canada
Visitors may be denied admission to Canada if you have any of the following convictions on your record:

• Minor offences (including shoplifting, theft, assault, dangerous driving, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of illegal substances, etc.)
• Indictable Criminal offences (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, etc.).
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

Successful Moose Hunt at Thunder Hook Fly-ins

5) Bringing back your Canadian Hunting Trophies
There are 3 different ways to get your coveted hunting trophies back from Canada into the United States:

(1) Bring them back with you by car or airplane

To bring back the raw cape, rug and/or antlers/horns home with you, you will need to fill out U.S. Fish & Wildlife Form 3-177-1. This form appoints you as the owner/broker of the animal parts you will be importing from Canada into the United States. If you use a hunting consultant, they should fill this out for you. If you booked your trip direct with the Outfitter, you will need to fill it out yourself. This form can be a little tricky and will require some research as you will be required to list the common name of the animal you are importing as well as the scientific name. Remember to present your Canadian Hunting License and tags with this form to prove that the trophy was taken legally. You can find the application and instructions at http://www.fws.gov/forms/serachdata.cfm and typing "3-177" into the search field.
Tip: Fill out the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Form 3-177-1 before your hunt.

(2) Have the cape, rug and/or antlers/horns shipped

Bring back your raw trophies by having them shipped to you. Your Canadian outfitter will bring your hunting trophy to a taxidermist. An export permit must be filed in Canada to export the hunting trophies to the United States. The hunting trophy must be shipped to a USDA Port of Entry and received by a US Brokerage Company and inspected by the U.S. Wildlife Department to make sure the contents and the export paperwork match so that the hunting trophy may legally imported into the United States. Once the hunting trophy clears the U.S. Port of entry, it must be shipped to a USDA Certified Taxidermist. This process can take up to 6 months and cost upwards of $750 or more depending on how many trophies you are importing.

(3) Have the trophy taxidermy mounted and shipped back to you
Have your hunting trophy taxidermy mounted in Canada. This entails you to trust the outfitter to choose a taxidermist for you. You will not have to run the taxidermy trophy through process #2, but you will have to pay shipping and customs fees.

Being prepared for your Canadian hunting trip can make all the difference! For more information about hunting in Sunset Country or to connect with other hunters, visit HuntSunsetCountry.com. For more information regarding non-residents having firearms in Canada, visit the Canadian Firearms Program.

What's the difference between American Plan & Housekeeping Packages

Rent a Housekeeping Cabin

Confused when booking a fishing or hunting vacation in Northwest Ontario?

If you are planning to stay at a resort or lodge in Sunset Country for your family vacation, weekend get-a-way or your annual Canadian fishing trip, your accommodation choices are wide and varied. Many of the fishing and hunting outfitters in Sunset Country offer different packages including American Plan and Housekeeping cabins. Do you have to be an American to have 'American Plan'? No. I'm not sure where these terms came from or if they are even used in other parts of the world. In general, American Plan means that your meals are included and Housekeeping is where you make your meals in your rented cabin. I say 'in general' because each outfitter has various packages. Some will include everything in the American Plan Packages such as meals, baits, guide service, boat rental, gas and more. Some lodges include only the meals in their AP Package. Modified American Plan usually includes dinners. To save a bit of money you can rent a housekeeping package and make your own meals. The majority of the resort and lodges in Sunset Country offer separate cabins for every party. There are however, some American Plan resorts that offer you a room in the lodge itself.

American Plan Dining Room - Courtesy of Tom Thomson

Usually the Ontario fly-in outpost camps are just like renting a housekeeping cabin except that you fly into a remote area not accessible by car. There are also fly-in American Plan Lodges that offer you the seclusion and the luxury of hot, home cooked meals.

With all the options available when booking your Canadian vacation in Sunset Country (meals or no meals, boat rentals vs bringing your own boat, guide service, etc.) it's lucky we have the Internet! The lodges and resorts in Sunset Country describe their different fishing and hunting packages on their websites. Visit the Ontario lodges and resorts to start planning your vacation today. Order the free Ontario's Sunset Country Travel Guide & Map that has all of our accommodation members dotted on the map with a useful directory on the back.

Do you have more questions about visiting Ontario's Sunset Country? Feel free to call us at 1-800-665-7567 and we'll do our best to help you out.

Grand Opening of the HarbourDome Tonight

The new Harbourfront Tent is up in Kenora! After planning for a year or two and actual construction since last fall, the new Harbourfront tent (HarbourDome as some are calling it) is up and will be used by Canadian legends Blue Rodeo tonight, September 16th, 2011. Below are some progression photos I've been taking during construction. The first photo is of the old tent which is to the left of the new tent if you are looking at it from the water.

Kenora Harbourfront - The old yellow and white tent

 Kenora Harbourfront - Just before the top is to go up

 Kenora Harbourfront - Lifting the tent

Kenora Harbourfront - Top of tent is attached

 

Kenora Harbourfront - Top of tent is up!

Kenora Harbourfront - Tent sides are up.

Ready or not, here we come! Tonight Blue Rodeo will christen the Kenora Harbourfront tent. Kenora's own Fat City will open for Blue Rodeo. See you there!

UPDATE:

 

So back from the concert. The tent is awesome! It's way bigger than the old yellow and white tent. I was near the back and the sound was great even back there. Only draw back is that they ran out of beer too early. lol. It looks way bigger inside than it does from the outside. Great job Kenora! Here's a photo of Blue Rodeo and inside of the tent. I didn't bring my good camera, so it's iPod quality. I'll see if I can upload a video tomorrow.

 

Blue Rodeo rockin' it in Kenora.

Get Hooked on the Rainy River Walleye Tournament

Who will catch the biggest walleye in 2011? Courtesy of Gateway North Outfitters

The Town of Rainy River is looking forward to the Rainy River Walleye Tournament  held September 22-24, 2011. With an overall purse of $43,450.00 and a champion prize of $15,000 you can have fun and maybe win some big money too! The tournament is not only of interest to anglers but has a schedule of events that is for the entire family.

The Parade of Boats kicks off the tournament on Thursday at 4:00pm. The tournament anglers are treated to a Fisherman's Dinner at 5:00pm on Thursday with an Official Tournament Rules meeting afterwards. Beer gardens open at 7:30pm. There is a traditional fish fry on September 23th, a steak fry on the 24th that are open to the public. New for this year will be a market under the tent; you can do a bit of shopping while waiting for the anglers to weigh-in. The daily weigh-ins are the highlight of this event. See some big fish caught by tournament participants and experience the anticipation and excitement this always brings.

Anglers take off on Friday at 8:45, 9:00 and 9:15am. Saturday they leave a bit earlier, at  7:45, 8:00 and 8:15am. Watch the weigh-ins on Saturday beginning at 3:15pm and then stick around for the Awards Presentation and the Rainy River Junior Curlers Boat Draw. Tournament Boundaries will be from markers at Wheelers Point at the mouth of the Rainy River to markers at Long Sault Rapids east of Stratton on Canadian Side of Border

Brian Ney and Jim Ney won the RRWT in 2011 - Courtesy of the RRWT

Last year Brian Ney and Jim Ney won the Rainy River Walleye Tournament. The top 15 anglers in the Rainy River Walleye Tournament win cash prizes. There are also prizes for 2 different hidden weights on both days, a parade prize, River Champ, Day One and Day Two Big Fish and the Lionel Roberts Memorial Award Largest Basket of Tournament.

Watch the Rainy River Walleye Tournament's Facebook page for updates and results or visit the Rainy River Walleye Tournament Scoreboard. Visit Sunset Country's website to see a listing of other fishing tournaments in Northwestern Ontario.

 UPDATE:

Rainy River Walleye Tournament Top Ten Results Day 1:

1. Oliver Gibbins & Jason Gibbons - 15.48 lbs
2. Christian Armstrong & Mark Nault - 10.61 lbs
3. Dave Armstrong & Darren Armstrong - 10.55 lbs
4. Troy Kreger & Doug Kreger - 9.37 lbs
5. Harvey Cochrane & Peter Gushalak - 8.60 lbs
6. Michael McQuaker & Matt Ivall - 8.40 lbs
7. Dean St. Pierre & Brian St Pierre - 8.22 lbs
8. Doug Jorgenson & Allan Wolanicki - 7.90 lbs
9. Lisa Stone & Raymond King - 7.77 lbs
10. Kirk Wood & Jon O'Conner - 7.7 lbs

UPDATE 2:

Oliver Gibbons & Jason Gibbons win the 2011 Rainy River Walleye Tournament!!! The top ten after day two are as follows:

1. Oliver Gibbons & Jason Gibbons - 22.96 lbs
2. Dan Armstrong & Sean Kilpatrick - 19.16 lbs
3. Lisa Stone & Raymond King - 18.00 lbs
4. Christian Armstrong & Mark Nault - 17.75 lbs
5. Dave Armstrong & Darren Armstrong - 15.65 lbs
6. Kirk Wood & Jon O'Conner - 14.47 lbs
7. Doug Jorgenson & Allan Wolanicki - 13.83 lbs
8. Kevin Marchuk & Tom Briggs - 12.46 lbs
9. Troy Kreger & Doug Kreger - 12.27 lbs
10. Sean Westman & Dave Oldakowski - 11.01 lbs

For complete results see the Rainy River Walleye Tournament Facebook Page

Red Lake Fall Classic

Red Lake Fall Classic on Red Lake in Ontario - Courtesy of RLFC

The catch & release walleye tournament is held In Red Lake on September 3rd and 4th, 2011. The Red Lake Fall Classic is held each Labour Day with the top anglers taking home cash, merchandise and some bragging rights. Last year's winners of the Red Lake Fall Classic were Joe Barron and Lonnie Lundmark. With a day one total of 14.22 lbs and 13.70 lbs on day two, the 27.92 lb total was enough for first place. The big fish of the walleye tournament came on day two and was a nice 7.82 lb walleye caught by Wayne Cerven and Stan Cerven.

2011 Red Lake Fall Classic prizes, based on 140 teams, are as follows:

• First $11,000
• Second $5,000 & 2 Humminbird Trolling Locators
• Third $3,000 & 2 MinnKota Trolling Motors
• Fourth $2,300
• Fifth $1,700
• Sixth $1,300
• Seventh $1,200
• Eighth $1,100
• Ninth $1,000
• Tenth $900
• 11th - 15th $300
• 16th - 20th $200
• 21st - 25th $100 & 21st - 24th get a tackle box

There are also prizes for Mystery Weights, Big Fish each day, Mixed Team & Ladies Team Big Bag each day,  Low Weight with Ten Fish, Team Finishing in 51st Position - Randy Brownlee Memorial Award, Big Fish Over All, Big Bag each day and Overall Big Bag, Big Charge to the Top 25 placings, Big Charge Award, and Top Team with Lund Boat.

Here's a short clip of anglers waiting to weigh in at the 2010 Red Lake Fall Classic. Courtesy of L.A. Varga. If you like to watch the boats take off or come in, the anglers leave in 3 flights between 7:00 and 7:30 am. Saturday they come back between 4:00 and 4:30 and Sunday anglers arrive to weigh in between 3:00 and 3:30pm.

There is a Junior Championship on Saturday September 3rd from noon-2pm at the Government Dock. All participants win prizes. Last year Isabeau Laverdure won first prize with a 0.72 lb Rock Bass. The Kids Tournament is open to children under 12.

Check back next week to see updates on who won the 2011 Red Lake Fall Classic Catch & Release Walleye Tournament. Visit Sunset Country's website to see a listing of other fishing tournaments in Northwestern Ontario.

UPDATE:

Red Lake Fall Classic Day 1 Results as per the Red Lake Fall Classic website:

Top five anglers

1. Dave Cryderman & Dan Daciw - 17.53 lbs
2. Dennis Wintle & Kevin Szachury - 17.06 lbs
3. Dominic Dodic & Andy Willis - 15.35 lbs
4. Doug Skomoroh & Keith Rutter - 15.19 lbs
5. Kevan Bassingthwaite & Harry Spence - 14.83 lbs

UPDATE #2, September 4th:

Unofficial results of the 2011 Red Lake Fall Classic are:

1. Dennis Wintle & Kevin Szachury  D1-17.06, D2-14.89, Total: 31.95
2. Dave Cryderman & Dan Daciw  D1-17.53, D2-13.34, Total: 30.87
3. Patrick MacMillan & Catherine Farley  D1-14.54, D2-13.99, Total: 28.53
4. Kevan Bassingthwaite & Harry Spence  D1-14.83, D2-13.27, Total: 28.10
5. JP Kennedy & David Koss  D1-13.92, D2-13.53, Total: 27.45
6. Dean McDonald & Scott Gardiner  D1-14.45, D2-12.58, Total: 27.03
7. Dominic Dodic & Andy Willis  D1-15.35, D2-11.54, Total: 26.89
8. Doug Skomoroh & Keith Rutter  D1-15.19, D2-11.62, Total: 26.81
9. Jerry Woods & Jake Teichroeb  D1-13.79, D2-12.69, Total: 26.48
10. Jason Leblanc & Tim Szaflik  D1-14.58, D2-11.80, Total: 26.38 

Big Fish Day one: Dave Cryderman & Dan Daciw with a 8.72 lb walleye.
Big Fish Day two: Warren Kujansuu & Ron Kujansuu with a 6.19 lb walleye.
Junior Championship: Garrette Peloquin won the Kid's Tournament with a 1.46 lb Northern Pike.

For a complete list of winners, please visit the Red Lake Fall Classic website.

4 of the Best Hunting Opportunities in Sunset Country

Sunset Country consists mostly the boreal forest and thousands of freshwater lakes. The cities and urban areas are sporadically placed within the forests. Northwest Ontario is ideal for hunting; the area is large and the animals are abundant. Four of the best hunting opportunities include Black Bear, Moose, Deer, and Birds (Waterfowl, ducks, grouse etc).

Ontario Black Bear Hunting:
Ontario has to be one of the most accessible areas in Canada for quality black bear hunting. Our forests and lakes make it a perfect habitat and a plentiful food supply for these industrious animals. As a result, Ontario has one of the largest black bear populations in North America. Since it is hard to accurately count bear populations, estimates as to their numbers vary widely. In the southern part of Sunset Country, around Rainy River, Fort Frances and Atikokan, there are about 40-60 bears/100 sq. kms. Around Kenora, Dryden, Ignace, Red Lake and Sioux Lookout, there are approximately 20-40 bears/100 sq. kms.

The opening of hunting season for black bears in Ontario is in the late summer and fall. Season opens on the 15th of August for most Wilderness Management Units and September 1st or 7th in others. Consult the MNR Hunting Regulations Summary for open season dates for the area you plan to hunt. Opening day may be different for residents and non-residents. Non-residents of Canada must use the services of a licensed tourist outfitter with two exceptions. Non-residents are not required to use the services of a tourist outfitter if they own property in the WMU they are hunting and if that WMU has an open black bear season for non-residents or, if they are hunting with an immediate relative who is licensed to hunt black bears in a WMU with an open season for non-residents.

In Sunset Country, the bear hunting is excellent and our Travel Association has many tourist outfitters who have rights to Bear Management Areas (BMA) and who can offer guided or un-guided hunts. Bow and rifle hunts are the most common and non-residents obtain their licenses and access through the tourist outfitter. There are a wide variety of accommodation choices from fully-guided American Plan hunts to un-guided hunts where you rent a housekeeping cabin. You can also fly in to a remote outpost cabin and hunt in BMAs that have no road access into them. Whatever package you choose, your chances for a successful hunt are very good. For more information on fall bear hunting packages visit our special website dedicated to Ontario Bear Hunting.

Ontario Moose Hunting - You won't be disappointed!

Ontario Moose Hunting:
Northwest Ontario's Sunset Country has more moose than any other region in Ontario. Moose are the ultimate in big game with many bulls sporting 50 plus inch racks. Fully-guided moose hunts are available from our member outfitters. Bow hunts as well as traditional rifle hunts are available or, for something uniquely different, try an old-fashioned black powder hunt. Non-resident moose hunts are available based on tags allocated to our individual outfitters - a system that ensures stable and healthy moose populations while affording hunters the opportunity to bag a trophy bull. Cow and calf tags are also available.

There are few settings as wild or as beautiful as Northwestern Ontario to come moose hunting. Endless tracts of boreal forests, rock ridges and wide open meadows make up the topography of this 60,000 square mile area of Ontario. As you hunt, you'll find the setting to be to your liking and in itself a big part of the experience. Your accommodation choices are many and varied. Full American Plan lodges where meals are part of the package are available or for the more independent hunter, a housekeeping package where you do your own cooking is the best choice. Many hunting lodges are accessed by car or boat or you can try a fly in moose hunting trip in remote parts of Sunset Country. Our member outfitters offer both guided and unguided hunts. For more information on moose hunting in Northwest Ontario, visit our website dedicated to Ontario moose hunting.

There are numerous Whitetail Deer in Sunset Country

Ontario Deer Hunting:
Large populations of whitetail deer can be found in the southern end of Sunset Country. They are mostly found around and below the Trans-Canada Highway which runs across Sunset Country. This is the part of Ontario where the famous "Dryden Buck" was shot at the end of 2003. The illegally shot deer was an Ontario record with a score of 223 gr 199 7/8 net green score. The deer in Ontario are large-bodied and can be found in great numbers. Hunters can access the services of a deer hunting guide if they wish or venture out on their own (some areas must use a guide if you are a non-resident). The biggest bucks are generally deeper in the bush so if you are thinking of going after the real trophy animals you should be prepared for it. There is also an excellent population of does.

Deer hunters enjoy a high success rate with full support services from our hunting outfitters. You can stay at a full-service hunting lodge or rent a housekeeping cabin for your Canadian deer hunt. For more information on deer hunting in Northwest Ontario visit our website dedicated in Ontario Whitetail Deer Hunts.

Duck decoys on Rainy Lake

Ontario Duck, Bird and Waterfowl Hunting:
The sheer numbers of ducks, Canadian geese, other waterfowl and game birds in the Sunset Country region of Ontario, Canada make it a bird hunter's paradise. Located directly north of the State of Minnesota and with its thousands of lakes and water systems, Sunset Country is along a major migration flyway for several species of waterfowl. Extensive beds of wild rice on the many lakes provide important forage for hungry, migrating birds and the ideal setting for a fall waterfowl hunt. Bring your hunting dog, hunt remote areas accessible only by hovercraft and enjoy the natural beauty of the backcountry areas of Northwest Ontario. In addition to several species of ducks, there is also excellent hunting opportunities for Canada Geese and game birds such as Ruffed and Spruce Grouse.

The options for a great hunt are virtually endless! You may want to even combine your hunt with a fall fishing trip. For more information on duck hunting in Ontario visit our website dedicated to Ontario Duck Hunting Trips.

You can download the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary off the MNR website. It's nicely broken up into species so it's easy to find what you are looking for. They also have a link to a Map of the Wildlife Management Unit Boundaries in Ontario. If you want additional information on hunting, the Sunset Country Travel Association also produces a 84 page Travel Guide that includes a poster-sized map of the area. Click here to order your FREE copy or call us toll free at 1-800-665-7567.

Visit our newest hunting website - huntsunsetcountry.com where you can link to hunting outfitters and suppliers, get information and tips and strategies on hunting in Sunset Country and more. You can even show off and upload photos of your prize.  We love seeing photos.

What do Mike Richards and Chris Pronger have in common?

Chris Pronger Playing for Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics - Courtesy of www.VancityAllie.com

They both come from Northwestern Ontario! With a small population to choose from, Sunset Country has a surprisingly high number of great athletes. Not surprisingly though is the fact that we produce great hockey players up here in the Northwest. Many children learn to skate almost before they can walk. Two of the best are Chris Pronger and Mike Richards. These two hockey greats even had the chance to play together on Team Canada and bring home Olympic Gold at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. Duncan Keith who grew up in Fort Frances also played alongside the pair ensuring Northwestern Ontario was well represented at the Olympics. Sunset Country even can boast having won the Stanley Cup. The Kenora Thistles won the Stanley Cup in 1907. Read on for more hockey great hailing from Sunset Country.

Chris Pronger hails from Dryden, Ontario. Chris began his NHL career with the Hartford Whalers (now Carolina Hurricanes). He was Hartford's first pick and #2 overall in the 1993 Entry Draft. In 1995 he was traded to the St. Louis Blues for Brendan Shanahan. Chris won the Hart Trophy and the Norris Trophy for the 1999/00 season, the first defenseman to do so since Bobby Orr in 1972. Chris has helped Team Canada to win Olympic Gold twice, once in 2002 and also in 2010. Pronger played for the Blues until the 2004/05 NHL lockout. He was then traded to the Edmonton Oilers for defencemen Eric Brewer, Jeff Woywitka and Doug Lynch. In 2006, Chris became the first player in NHL history to score a penalty shot goal in a Stanley Cup Final game. In 2006, Chris was traded to the Anaheim Ducks and played an important role for the Ducks as they won the Stanley Cup that year. At the end of the 2008/09 season, Pronger was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers and consequently played alongside fellow Northwest Ontarian, Mike Richards. Chris Pronger is a member of the prestigious Triple Gold Club - hockey players and coaches who have won an Olympic Games gold medal, a World Championship gold medal, and the Stanley Cup.

Mike Richards was raised in Kenora, Ontario. The Kitchener Rangers picked Mike in the 2001 OHL Priority Selection. Richards began his OHL career in 2001/02 and helped win the Memorial Cup in 2003. He led the team in scoring during the regular season with 87 points. Richards was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers Round 1 #24 overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Level draft. Mike scored his first career NHL hat trick, which included two shorthanded goals, against the New York Islanders in 2006. In 2008, Richards was named the 17th Flyers Captain. He played for the Flyers in the NHL from 2004-2011. Philadelphia traded Mike Richards (the Flyers Captain) and Rob Bordson to the LA Kings for Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and a second-round draft pick in 2012. Mike played in the 2010 Winter Olympics and helped bring home the Gold for Canada.

Mike Richards playing for the Philadelphia Flyers - Photo taken by Rhys Asplundh

Duncan Keith moved to Fort Frances, Ontario when he was just two. His father was transferred to British Columbia where Duncan earned a spot on the Penticton Panthers. Keith played parts of two seasons with the Michigan State Spartans before joining the Kelowna Rockets in the early parts of 2002/03 season. His last stop before playing for the NHL was playing for Norfolk of the AHL. Duncan Keith started with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2005/06 season. Keith won gold in the 2010 Olympics and then returned to the NHL  to go on to win the Stanley Cup during the 2010/11 season. He was playing against Flyers Mike Richards from Kenora in the finals who was also hoping to win a Gold medal and the Stanley Cup in one year.

Sean Pronger first played with Kenora's Boise Cascade AAA Midgets and the Thunder Bay Flyers. He played next for Bowling Green State University in 1990 and was then picked up by the Vancouver Canucks in the 3rd round of the 1991 Entry Draft, going 51st overall. Signed as a free agent by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, he joined their AHL farm team, the Baltimore Bandits. A standout player, he was called up to the Ducks for seven games during the 1995/96 season. He moved into the NHL for 39 games in 1996/97 and remained with the Ducks for most of the 1997/98 season. He also played for the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets. He ended his hockey career after the 2004/05 season with over 700 professional games to his credit, including 260 regular season and 14 playoff games in the NHL.

Cameron Mann was raised in Balmertown Ontario. Mann first gained attention as a top player for Kenora Thistles in 1992/93. Next he played for the Peterborough Petes of the OHL and was selected 99th overall by the Boston Bruins in 1995. He returned to the juniors and helped the Petes reach the Memorial Cup final in 1996. Mann was named to the tournament all-star team, voted the MVP of the Memorial Cup, and placed on the OHL first all-star team in 1996 and 1997. Mann appeared in 94 NHL games with the Boston Bruins and the Nashville Predators. Since the 2003/04 season Cameron has played professional hockey in Europe.

Mike Allison playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs - Courtesy of the Northwestern Ontario Hall of Fame

Fort Frances' Mike Allison was the number one OHL draft pick for Sudbury in 1978. The fan favourite was selected 35th overall in the 1980 NHL Amateur Draft by the New York Rangers. In his first ever NHL appearance, Mike made a goal with his first shot on net just 46 seconds into his first shift playing in Boston against the Bruins. His second NHL game was even more spectacular as he made a hat-trick against Toronto at the Maple Leaf Gardens. That first season with New York Mike broke a Rangers' record for most points by a rookie with 26 goals and 38 assists in 75 games. Mike was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1986, then was traded to Los Angeles during the 1987/88 season. He played for the LA Kings for three seasons before retiring with a 10 season NHL record that included 102 goals and 166 assists in 499 regular season games. 

Mark Vermette played youth hockey in Cochenour, Ontario until age 15, then playing for the Notre Dame Hounds. Mark's hockey career took off while playing for Lake Superior State University in his third year when he scored a circuit-leading 45 goals in just 46 games.
Mark went on to play seven years of professional hockey including 67 NHL games with the Quebec Nordiques.

Rick St. Croix started his hockey career by being one of the top goalies in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League playing with the Kenora Muskies for three seasons. Next, Rick played in the OHA for the Oshawa Generals. The Philadelphia Flyers picked Rick as their third choice in the fourth round of the 1975 Amateur Draft, going 72nd overall. After signing with the Flyers in 1977, Rick played for the club's AHL Affiliate, the Maine Mariners. During the 1979/80 season, Rick was named to the AHL First All-Star team was the co-winner of the Harry (Hap) Holmes Memorial Trophy for outstanding goal tending in the AHL. Playing for the Flyers in 1980/81, Rick appeared in 27 games posting a 2.49 goals against average. He also recorded his first NHL playoff shutout against Calgary. In 1983 Rick was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs where he played until he retired from professional hockey in 1985.

Wayne Muloin was the first hockey player from Dryden to play in the NHL. After developing his skills in the minor leagues in Dryden, Wayne joined the Edmonton Oil Kings Junior A Hockey Club in 1959. He was made Captain in his third and final season with the Oil Kings. Wayne enjoyed a successful professional hockey career that saw him play for the Edmonton Flyers, Cincinnati Wings, St. Paul Rangers of the Central Professional Hockey League, Vancouver Canucks of the Western Hockey League, and the Providence Rhode Island Reds American Hockey League Club. He joined the NHL full-time in 1969, at the age of 29, with the Oakland Seals. He was was traded in March of 1971 to the Minnesota North Stars. From Minnesota, Wayne went on to the Cleveland Barons of the AHL, then to the Cleveland Crusaders of the newly formed World Hockey Association. After a season with Edmonton he returned to Rhode Island in the AHL retiring with them in 1977 rounding out close to two decades of a professional hockey career. 

Wayne Muloin Playing for the Oil Kings - Courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame

Keith 'Huffer' Christiansen played Junior Hockey with the Fort Frances Royals and then continued on to play at the University of Minnesota in Duluth. He was named the Bulldogs Rookie of the Year in 1963/64 and went on to become the team's lead scorer in all of his 4 seasons. The 1966/67 season was stellar; he was a WCHA first team all-star, scoring champion, league MVP, NCAA All-American and named UMD's Outstanding Senior Athlete. He was a member of the US National Hockey Team from 1969-71. In 1972 he was named co-captain of the US Olympic Hockey Team and helped his newly adopted country win silver at the Olympics that year.

Gary Bergman, born in Kenora in 1938, played intermediate hockey with the Kenora Thistles and then played for the Memorial Cup champion Winnipeg Braves. From 1960-64 he played with Buffalo, Cleveland and Springfield of the AHL, then moved to the NHL's Detroit Red Wings in 1964/65. Bergman was a defenceman with the Red Wings for 10 seasons and was voted their most valuable defenceman from 1971-1974. He was traded to the Minnesota North Stars for the 1974/75 season, but returned to the Wings later that season. In 1975/76 he jumped to the Kansas City Stars of the World Hockey League where he played out the rest of his hockey career. He is also remembered for being selected as a member of Team Canada for the epic 1972 Canada-Russia series.

Ed 'Sonny' Kryzanowski was the first hockey player from Fort Frances, Ontario to make it to the NHL. After a season with the Fort Frances Canadians senior team, Ed played defense for the Varsity Blues at the University of Toronto from 1945-48. Ed joined the Boston Bruins in 1948. He was a versatile hockey player and played every position but goalie while service in the Royal Canadian Navy, Ed played defense for the Varsity Blues at the University of Toronto from 1945-48. Ed was such a great hockey player that he joined the Boston Bruins in 1948. He was a versatile hockey player and many every position but goalie while he played for the Bruins. He was acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks in 1952 and then afterward played in the AHL with the Providence Reds and the Hersey Bears.

Johnny Gallager played defense for the Kenora Thistle Juniors from 1925-29. Next Johnny played for Montreal AAA and in 1929/30 claimed the illustrious Allan Cup. The Montreal Maroons, having sponsored his senior team, felt that they had first claim on him. Johnny, however, had entered into negotiations with the Toronto Maple Leafs and it cost the Maroons $12,500 to get him on board for the 1930/31 season. This was the beginning of his 7 year NHL career. After a serious injury, Johnny played in the IHL during the 1934/35 season. Moving back into the NHL for the 1936/37 season Johnny's dream became a reality, winning the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings. Not bad for a guy who started out as a mascot. He played his final two years in the NHL with the New York Americans, retiring in 1939 with a NHL record of 205 games played, 14 goals and 19 assists.

Charles 'Rabbit' McVeigh played with the Kenora Thistles Senior team in 1918/19 before making his way west to play for the Winnipeg Victorias, Moose Jaw Maple Leafs and the Regina Capitals. Charley joined the Pacific Coast Hockey League in 1924 playing for Portland Rosebuds in Oregon. When the PCHL disbanded, the Rosebuds became the Chicago Black Hawks. In 1926 the Black Hawks were admitted into the NHL and Charlie played for them until 1928 when he was traded to the New York Americans. Charlie's nine seasons with the NHL included 84 goals and 88 assists in 397 games. 

1907 Stanley Cup Champions

The Kenora Thistles Win the Stanley Cup in 1907

In January of 1907 the Kenora Thistles challenged the Montreal Wanderers  for the Stanley Cup. The Thistles traveled to Montreal and won both games to claim the Stanley Cup. Kenora was the smallest town to ever win the Stanley Cup and boy, were the townspeople ecstatic. People across Canada were awed by the performance of the small-town boys. Visit  the Lake of the Woods Museum website to read some of the Newspaper excerpts after Kenora won. Some of the local men on the Thistles winning team were Silas "Si" Griffis,
W.G. 'Billy' McGimsie, Tom Cooper, and Tommy Phillips.