Making the process easy

In my effort to help make it easy, I have developed a flow chart to track the decision process required to make your Ignace Outposts fishing adventure a reality.

Good thinking

Beer seems to be a staple for many groups on a fly in trip.  Cold beer is best in my humble opinion.  

Much like your fridge at home, if you fill a fridge with warm beer and then open and close the door 30 times an hour, the beer will never get cold and your food will not be cool either.  Putting your beer in a cooler with ice insures cold beer very quickly and frees up fridge space for the food.  It doesn’t take much ice and the ice lasts a long time. 

We do have fridges in our cabins but they can not cool beer when 6 guys keep opening the door for a little liquid refreshment.  But if you prefer warm beer and warm food just jam the fridges full and keep opening the door.

Something else to ponder, ice is ice and there is no advantage to throwing out ice to make room for more. 

Good News… I think

As of Feb 27, 2012 our Federal Government has a new policy regarding allowing non residents with a history of a minor criminality offense to be allowed into Canada as a Temporary Resident (TRP) without a fee.  Once!

Here is the info on the government website.  Operational Bulletin 389

Even though I consider myself at least average in reading comprehension and other natural cognitive functions, I am not fully sure what all this means.  It sounds like good news but details are still forth coming.  In any case, it seems that someone with a minor criminality record can visit Canada to fish with Ignace Outposts (or another outfitter of lesser quality if they so choose) but there are still constraints. 

Typically, there is a paragraph at the bottom of the bulletin that says: “For further information or questions regarding the changes outlined in this OB, please contact Operational Management and Coordination at OMC-GOC-Immigration@cic.gc.ca.”  So I suggest if more info is needed, send them an email with your inquiry to find some answers. 

Fish Identification

I know that many of our guests start planning their fishing trip with us early.  In fact I think some don’t stop planning from year to year.  The next year is planned before the current year is complete.  I like that way of thinking. 

Here is a link to a fish identification document.  It is time to start studying the differences between some of the fish we have available in Ontario.  Most of our lakes feature walleye and northern.  But do you know the difference between a walleye and a sauger?  Can you identify a whitefish from a cisco if you catch one on Seseganaga Lake or Irene Lake?  How about a burbot?  They are edible and they are in our lakes. 

We have no test on fish identification, however we do expect that our fishermen can identify their catch if for no other reason than to brag about the biggest.  Boasting of a 48 inch walleye just doesn’t cut it around here.  Neither do tales of having to get the guys together to vote on whether the catch is a trout or a northern.

Get your new Ontario Outdoors Card

Many of our guests purchased an Ontario outdoors card 3 years ago.  Since these cards will have expired at the beginning of this year, it is time to renew.  Check the last two digits on your outdoors card for the year of expiry. If it reads 11, you will need a new card. Renewal notices  were sent out before the New Year but if you missed it or have not already renewed your outdoors card, here is some help.

Helpful links to our government website. 

As is typical with a government website, navigation is not easy. 

What is an Ontario Non resident Outdoors Card?

How to renew an expired Outdoors card.

A little simplification:

To renew your card you will need the following information:

Existing Outdoors Card Holders

• your Outdoors Card number
• your date of birth
• your postal or zip code last on file

Your Outdoors Card will arrive in approximately 20 days.

Online renewal

If you cannot print your e-licence, call the Outdoors Card Centre toll-free at 1-800-387-7011 and they will print and mail you a copy.

Buying your card over the phone:

Call MNR's interactive phone line toll-free at 1-800-288-1155. Again your Outdoors Card should arrive in approximately 20 days.

Similar to any government, phone purchases can be an interesting experience. 

Having a current Outdoors Card when you arrive in Ignace to go fishing or hunting will simplify the licence issuing process.  If yours has expired, please renew and if you have never had one, please consider getting one before you arrive. 

Advice – take it or leave it

I have never been a fan of rubber bungee cords.  They have their uses, but they can be very dangerous.

The bungees, if they let go, which they can do at the most inopportune times, can cause damage either to a person or an object like a car.

Notice the duct tape on the back window of the vehicle.  As guests were leaving our place on Sat to drive back to Wisconsin the bungee slipped and flicked up to strike the glass on the back of the vehicle.  The glass instantly shattered and a bush repair was made.  Fortunately no one was hurt.  I was standing only two feet away talking with the guest who had the bungee miss his face by inches.  Accidents tend to happen fast. 

Ratchet straps do the job well and are much less dangerous.  The vehicle parked right next to this one was being loaded too.

My advice, use ratchet straps instead of bungees. 

Loaded and secure

We are often asked what the “orange net” is for when folks look into our airplane.  It is a cargo net.  We use it to secure the loads onboard to prevent shifting and to keep the exits clear. 

Everything onboard must be secure.   Inevitably even after I ask that everything is put on the scales to be weighed and to allow the staff to load the aircraft, guys show up with pack sacks and briefcases telling me that they will hold these items.  I get strange looks when I tell passengers that we do not allow carry on bags.  We have no over-head baggage compartments, and even the major airlines don’t let you hold a packsack or computer on your lap during take off and landing. There are requirements that prevent this.  Rest assured, your bags are safe packed behind the net, and we do it for your safety. 

You can hand our crew your valuables and they will carefully stow them as required.  

In fact we actually encourage you to help load and unload the airplanes.  It is your stuff and we do not have a gorilla in a back room waiting to jump on your bags like the big airlines seem to have. 

Trip Planning – what if…

Our camps are remote.  They offer solitude, great fishing, a little feeling of getting away from it all.  That is what makes an Ignace Outposts fishing trip so intriguing. 

One concern as our guests begin to age however, is the question of “what if… ?”  We do have two way radio communication to Ignace for emergency, but there are times we can’t fly.  We can not fly if the weather is below minimums (which happens a fair bit), we can not fly after dark and there are time when all our aircraft are out on a trip and we are not able to dispatch an aircraft immediately. 

The cost of extra flights, even if we do it, can also be quite high.

  We always advise our guests, particularly guests from another country such as the USA, to check their health insurance provider regarding coverage for out of country evacuation and care.  Health care in Canada is very good but can be very expensive for non residents.  There are also considerations regarding transportation/evacuation for medical reasons. 

If you are planning a fly in trip in a remote part of Canada such as with us, you may want to consider some of the options offered by Global Rescue.  Global Rescue is a premier provider of medical evacuation services worldwide.  They rescue their members from their point of injury or illness and bring them back to their home country hospital of choice. Check out their plans and do your own planning.

Just a thought.

A little more on first aid

Our fly in camps are remote.  I am surprised sometimes how fishermen forget they booked a remote fly in and somehow imagine, there is a pharmacy just around the next bend in the lake.  There maybe some nice walleye and northern hanging out around the corner but there certainly isn’t a drug store.

With this in mind, please ensure everyone in the group brings and keeps with them their own personal medication including things like antacid, aspirin and especially prescription medicines. Leaving them in the car doesn’t help much either.   Extra medicine is also advisable in case there is a delay in getting out of the bush. In the event someone in the group has a particular condition such as diabetes or a heart condition, another person in the group should be instructed in the proper method of administrating medication, in the event the person becomes incapacitated.

Another thought; sometimes it takes more than one aircraft to move a group in or out of the bush.  Please be sure everyone has any medications or required personal items with them on board the aircraft.

We really do want to bring as many people out of the bush as we bring in.

More trip hints

There is not much dangerous in the woods except perhaps some inebriated partners.  Precaution and simple common sense must be taken however when on a fly in trip since help may be a long way off.  We often see fingers and other body parts impaled with fish hooks; fingers and other body parts cut with knives, the odd burn or bug bite reaction and of course some plain lousy cooking that does necessitate use of first aid.

A good First Aid Kit is something every fishing group should have with them when at camp.

Here are some ideas for a personal/group kit.

1. Hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds

2. Sterile Gauze and sterile ointment and a little tape

3. Steri-strips to use in lieu of stitches

4. An eye cup, sterile rinse and ointment for eye related injuries

5. Pain Killers

6. Antacid for stomach disorders

7.  Laxative and antidiarreal  (you never know)

8. Antihistamine, in case someone reacts to food or an insect bite

9. Toothache gel

10. Tweezers and scissors and plyers (quality ones)

11. First aid manual

12. Suntan lotion

13. Solarcaine or similar for sunburn

14. Anti-itch cream

15. rubber gloves

Pack these items in a tackle box or something similar. Assign someone in the group to be responsible for the kit and that every one knows where it is. Tape a contents list on the inside of the lid. You may want to indicate what some items are used for. The best situation is to ensure someone in the group has a current first aid certificate.

And to fill what ever space remains in your first aid box, it helps if everybody brings as much common sense as possible to actually avoid using up items in the box before they are really needed.  My personal experience is that bandaged fingers have a tougher time reeling in lunker northern or walleye than healthy fingers.

Trip hints

We have a great little guest handbook on our web site. This handbook was developed over the years from having many of the same questions asked over and while helping our guests prepare for an Ignace Outposts walleye fishing adventure.

Here is a little snippet from our handbook geared to our American guests regarding travel plans to Ignace.

Trip hints:

1. confirm your dates and times and balance owing before you leave home

2. note your travel time, planned route and sights of interest along the way

3. leave a copy of your itinerary at home

4. leave a list of party members and phone numbers with someone at home

5. leave our phone number and names with someone at home

6. be sure to have a valid driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance

7. have some Canadian money (cash) for incidentals along the way

8. persons 18 and under not accompanied by an adult should have a letter from a parent, or guardian giving them permission to enter Canada

9. be sure to declare all items being brought into Canada

10. be polite and truthful to the custom officers (this will help expedite your border crossing)

11. AAA is a good investment when traveling in a foreign country

12. use of headlights while driving (even in the day) is recommended

13. Canadian speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (kph) not miles per hour

14. Canadian stamps must be used when mailing from Canada

On the road again

The suburban is packed and on the road.  We are off to sport shows and I have to ponder how I can go for a month with all our gear, clothes, office equipment and 2 sport show booths and still have less “stuff” than the average guy brings on a 7 day fly in fishing trip.

Note the back seat is still up and all available space has not been used.  In fact it its not my measure of enough to just be able to close the door. 

Just a little food for thought when packing for your next trip.  Your loads will be weighed and likely not all your stuff will make the trip on your flight.  Please pack wisely and work as a group to plan your trip to avoid bringing stuff because you are thinking the others may not have it so you’ll be the quartermaster store.

Weighing the options

Our aircraft perform well and when operated as per the manufacturers specifications can not be beat for the job they do.  A primary goal of our company is to provide safe transportation to and from the fly in camps we operate.   To keep every one honest and the aircraft within its operating limits loads are weighed before flight.  Everything including the “carry-ons” is weighed.  If you bring too much stuff, don’t blame me when loads are adjusted and you can’t get all your must have items on board with you. 

I guess the alternative, if the load is to heavy, is to fly the important gear and leave a passenger or two behind.

Just a friendly reminder, the aircraft or I don’t care that it all went last year or that the “other” operator managed it,  the aircraft can only carry so much. 

And please don’t tell me that old joke about getting 100 yards further than last year again.

Toll Booth

Many of our guests from the USA travel through International Falls and Fort Frances.  Recently a toll booth has been set up on Highway 11 east of Fort Frances by protesting First Nations.  The toll is $1.00.

If you are driving to Ignace from Wisconsin or through Wisconsin it is just as fast (maybe even shorter) to go through Pigeon River Border Crossing by Thunder Bay on Highway 61.  Going this way will also avoid any inconvenience from the toll booth. 

I copied this from the Dryden News website

OPP Will Remain at Protest Site
Posted by Mike Ebbeling on Tuesday, May 25th, 2010 am 10:14:06 AM
OPP say they have no immediate plans to end a toll booth set up on Couchiching First Nation.
The band has been asking for a $1 fee from motorists entering and leaving the community in protest over grievances with both the provincial and federal governments.
Police have issued notices to those manning the toll to “discontinue their interference with traffic" but OPP Inspector John Kendrick says no arrests have been made.
Police say protesters have been peaceful and no major problems have occurred.
CKDR listeners report that traffic is moving smoothly on Highway 11 and protesters have been quite polite to motorists.
OPP remain on scene.

Low down on potatoes

So, finally our government has come to the conclusion that potatoes are not really a threat to Canada’s National security.

I have been notified by NOTO (our Tourist Outfitters’ Association) that this summer our American guests will not have to leave their potatoes at the border nor register them when they come to fish in Canada. 

Here are the conditions by which potatoes may cross our border: (you know that if government is involved there will be conditions)

NOTO has confirmed that US guests CAN bring potatoes across the border this year.  There are a couple of stipulations.
* Guests can only bring 4kg (10 lbs) or less per person
* Potatoes must be commercially packaged (in the original package from the store) and the potatoes should be US grade No. 1.  
The certification of state of origin is no longer required nor do other import documentation requirements apply.
We have confirmed this through discussions with the Fort Frances border crossing (Canadian Border Services Agency CBSA) as well as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Do your part

It seems that the eco friendly thing to do these days is to be a friend of the environment.  Even though I do eat the occasional granola myself and I have seen more than a few rugged individuals grab a tree while sliding down a wet slope to the lake, I really don’t have much use for tree hugging granola eating environmentalists.  I do however believe there are little things we can do to diminish some of the waste we tend to accumulate.

 

Particularly, I would like to encourage you to re-consider the amount of bottled water brought into the bush with your gear.  Only a few years ago, we never, and mean never saw any bottled water flown into our lakes.  Now we see bottled water by the pallet load showing up.  Not only does it waste a lot of gas flying water into one of the most pristine areas in North America, but all the plastic garbage is flown out and ends up in land fill.  I would suggest that you bring refillable water bottles and then just boil lake water, let it cool and drink all you want.  The supply is then endless. 

Thanks,

Traveling with kids

We see many fishing groups visit us with kids.  This is a good thing.  Taking a kid fishing can be rewarding, fulfilling and memorable for both the child and adult.  Many times we see fathers with their own children, sometimes it is a grandparent or other relative and less common but still exciting is a neighbor or other friend of the child coming along as company. 

Recently we’ve had some inquiries regarding bringing children to visit Ignace Outposts from the USA.  We are not experts in law but we can refer you to some good web resources.  With the more thorough scrutiny we are seeing at borders there are some things you may wish to consider when traveling over the border with kids.

Firstly children under the age of 16, I’d take that as being 15 and under do not require passports but they are advisable.  They do however, require birth certificates.  US Department of State  At age 16 and over, passports are required.

If the child is under 18, it is also advisable that the guardian has a signed letter from either the non present parent or both parents. US Customs and Border Protection

Here is a sample of Authorization for Foreign Travel With Minor

While you are planning this trip it is also advisable to have this form  Authorization for Minor's Medical Treatment in the event that medical treatment is required. 

There is always lots to think about in planning a trip over international borders.  We want to make the process enjoyable and successful for you.  When you book your Ignace Outposts fishing vacation, we’ll do what we can to help you plan your trip.

We work hard to separate ourselves from the pack in regards to being just another outfitter.  We can and do offer great fishing and value for your dollar, but we are also leaders in the industry when it comes to service and doing the little things to help make your vacation as good or better than you expect.

Our motto is  “Either lead, follow or get out of the way”.  We choose to lead.

“Tip the guide”

I just got back from the Minneapolis All Canada Sport Show.

I brought my dad with me to help out in the booth and provide a little company.  Besides Karen and me, I don’t think there is anyone as passionate about our business as my dad. Maybe it’s because I’m his son, maybe it’s because he loves fishing, and maybe it’s because he is a born salesman.  I think it might be all three.  

We spent several hours travelling to and from the show, ate meals together and sat side by side in the show booth for 3 days.  Overall we just had a great time.  That is worth more to me than booking fishing trips. 

I highly recommend spending a little father and son time. If it includes an Ignace Outposts fishing trip, all the better.  Many don’t have the opportunity to “tip the guide”.  Do it while you can.

“Back in the day” it was Bud who encouraged me to follow my dream and he is the same one who taught me to fish.  I still marvel that I can do both in one career. 

Some of the details regarding this fishing adventure are foggy.  I do believe I was following instructions… perhaps the equipment was a little unorthodox,  but it is results that matter…right?

Show Season

January is back to the grind time for us at Ignace Outposts. We’ve had a nice break through the holidays visiting kids and spending time with the grandkids. Now it is time to focus on 2010. We head off to sport shows in a few days. We’ve picked some great shows to attend. We encourage you to stop by one of the shows listed and talk to us about spending your vacation with us. We attend these shows so you can get to know us better and see us on your turf. We always look forward to seeing old (meaning regular) guests and friends but are excited to meet new guests face to face. We will have plenty of photos and information to excite you about your 2010 Ignace Outposts vacation. We do carry our booking calendar so we can check availabilities based on your vacation time.

While we are on the show circuit, we are available by both phone and email. Feel free to contact us.

• Jan 14 - 17, 2010 - Chicago All Canada, Pheasant Run Mega Center, St. Charles, IL
• Jan 21 - 24, 2010 - Milwaukee All Canada, Milwaukee County Sports Complex, Milwaukee, WI
• Jan 25 - 27, 2010 - Madison All Canada, Marriott Madison West, Madison, WI
• Jan 28 - 31, 2010 - Green Bay All Canada, Shopko Hall, Green Bay, WI
• Feb 5 - 7, 2010 - Minneapolis All Canada, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
• Mar 24 - 28, 2010 – Northwest Sport Show, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN

If we are in your area, please stop by a show and we’ll “talk fishing”.

We’ve been doing this for a while…

This goes back to our early years! Notice the lack of grey hairs, and before my mother-in-law points it out … the abundance of hair, and check out the baby blue antique landline phone.

2010 Guest Handbook on-line

We’ve updated our guest planning handbook.  It has some important updates.  Even our long time guests may want to check it out.  I encourage everyone planning an Ignace Outposts trip this summer to see it on our web site.  Guest Planning Handbook

It is in pdf format so you can view it on your computer or print it out as a reference.