Mandatory Hunting Orientation
Each year since 1968, depending
on hunter experience with us, we spend from a minimum of one, to three
hours in hunter orientation
using videotape, computer learning systems,
and skeletal examples to illustrate your game anatomy, in terms of projectile
placement. The orientation is mandatory.
Besides this, we hold a mandatory
effectiveness exercise for your hunting tools and your placement abilities.
Additionally, we have a number of ‘camp rules’ which we bring to attention
during the orientation.
Policy is designed for safe, legal
and effective hunting and wilderness travel. We will not compromise camp
policy, even if the law allows latitude beyond policy. Failure to adhere
to policy can affect your hunting rights while with us. Violation of hunting
and safety laws will result in testimony by camp leaders, guides and others
in a court of law.
Hunting Equipment
As in many fields of endeavour,
bigger is not necessarily better. In choosing your hunting equipment, think
of effectiveness rather than impressiveness. Over the years, I have seen
Black Bears and Moose taken with calibers ranging from .22 caliber long
rifle, through .458 Weatherby, and bows ranging in draw weights from 15
lb. fiberglass straight bows through 175 pound compound crossbows. From
my experience, I have concluded that it is not the speed nor weight nor
size of the projectile. Effectiveness comes from placement. Effective poachers
tend to use rifles like the .22 cal. rifle to minimize sound and attention.
Although I totally abhor poaching, we can learn from this. Poachers are
effective. Considering these thoughts, choose wisely from the placement
perspective, not the externally motivated impressiveness perspective. Heavier,
powerful tools might impress a novice, but better hunters are impressed
with your own personal attitudes and value systems.
Bows & Broadheads:
Bows having draw weights above
50 pounds are legal. Some hunters prefer high draw weights. I consider
this a personal preference. However, effectiveness is determined by arrow
placement, and not ‘shocking power’, or arrow flight speed. Most bow stands
are set for 12 to 15 yards, and range from 7 to 20 yards overall, depending
on terrain. We set ground blinds to achieve flatter shooting, and effective
arrow placement. Broadheads should be three, four or five blade.
A word from experience on draw
weights: higher draw weights become a disadvantage, even with compound
bows. After making the draw, a hunter my have to wait for five to ten minutes
for an effective release. Having a comfortable low end draw wait allows
one to wait for that clear and clean placement. Heavier draw weights cause
muscle tiring, shaking, and bad releases, even when using triggered releases.
Rifles, Black Powder, and Slugs Etc.:
Effective hunting tools considered
effective are in the .30 Cal. Range; 300 Savage, 308 Winchester, 30-06,
etc. Some choose to use shotguns with slugs, or black powder rifles.
Some hunters choose to use larger
tools such as the Winchester 300 Magnum, 375 H&H, 7mm etc. I advise
that these Cartridges are also effective, but tend to impact the hunter
in negative ways. Number one, some hunters place their faith in a ‘Power".
Power cannot replace effective bullet placement, especially for bears.
Number two, these heavier loads are sometimes inneffective because the
hunter tends to flinch, anticipating the recoil. Although the .243 Caliber
can be effective, I consider it at minimum threshold, and to be reconsidered.
Black powder rifles should be .50
to .58 cal. and shotguns with slugs should be no smaller than 16 gauge,
and preferable 12 gauge. Rifled sights on shotguns are mandatory for hunting
with us. Our policy is "No Rifle sights, no hunting."
Scopes.
Most sightings in Northern Ontario,
and especially with us, are within 30 - 40 yards. Our stands are set for
hunting at 15 to 80 yards, using ground blinds. Using scopes hight than
three power become ineffective at these ranges. I recommend a two power
scope, open sights, or see-through mounts for scopes above three power.
On variable scopes, do all your practicing at minium power. The use of
a scope provides an improvement in light gathering later in the day, and
the use of cross hairs for shot placement. In stands, there is slight to
major disadvantage to the hunter using higher power scopes.
Should you require more information,
or have questions regarding these policies, please ask for more detailed
information.
Good Hunting,
Lark…
© 1991,1993,1994,1995,1996, 1997, 1998 Lark Ritchie. |
