Growing Up Hunting in Northwestern Ontario: A Rite of Passage

A Generation of Fun!

For many of us who grew up in Northwestern Ontario’s Sunset Country, hunting becomes a rite of passage. Tips, tricks, "secret" spots, and essential skills are passed down through generations. 

Over the past twenty-four years, I have been fortunate to spend several weeks each fall hunting and exploring the vast backcountry of Ear Falls and Kenora, Ontario, learning as much as I can from my grandpa and dad. 

Reflecting on my childhood, some of my fondest memories take place deep in the woods during early mornings, as the sun rises over the trees and the fog lifts.

The Beauty of Northwestern Ontario’s Back Country

I vividly remember those early mornings, sitting bundled up on a stump beside my dad, who would remind me to be quiet so I wouldn’t scare away the moose. To this day, nothing compares to the sight of the sun rising over the large pine trees surrounding the swampy area my grandfather identified as prime moose territory. 

By mid-October, when many local big game seasons open, the temperatures have  dropped, and we often wake up to frost. This frost creates one of the most beautiful sights as the sun rises, causing the crystals to sparkle in its warm rays. If the sparkling frost and sunrise aren’t enough to captivate you, the picture-perfect fall colors certainly will. 

As a kid, I learned to associate the vibrant green leaves changing to an array of red, orange, and golden shades with the start of my favourite time of year—hunting season. Now that I am an adult caught up in the busyness of life, I find that I have a deeper appreciation for the stunning backdrop that Sunset Country's backcountry provides during hunting season. 

These eye-catching colors reflect in the still water of the small, tranquil lake, creating a kaleidoscope effect. In the distance, if you listen closely to the rustling of leaves, you can hear a cow moose calling out to her calf. For me, nothing will ever come close to this experience.

A Rich Tradition 

                 For my grandpa, hunting wasn’t just a hobby as a child and into his early adult years; it was a vital life skill passed down from his father to help provide for the family. My grandpa often gathered around the table in our cabin each hunting season to share stories of his hunting adventures with his dad and brother. Some of these tales were filled with humor, leaving my younger sister and I in stitches, while others conveyed essential life lessons, especially about the significance of hunting safety. 

From a young age, my grandfather began teaching my sister and I everything we needed to know to become experienced hunters. He introduced us to firearms, emphasizing the importance of firearm safety. Once he felt confident that we understood the safety measures and could demonstrate what we had learned, he moved on to teach us about small-game hunting. Gradually, we were introduced to big game hunting as well. 

Unlike my grandpa, hunting was not something my dad experienced as a child—his interest in hunting developed later in life, influenced by my grandpa. Over the years, as he and my mother were together, my dad learned everything from the basics to the family secrets my grandpa shared, transforming him into the experienced hunter he is today. 

Growing up in the world of hunting and being influenced by my grandpa and dad taught me valuable lessons regarding patience, observation, conservation, and respect for nature that I use daily in my adult life and hope to pass down to my future children to keep the family legacy alive.

Thrill of the Hunt

                 As an adult, I often find myself reminiscing about past hunting trips, particularly the moments of pure excitement. Even twenty-four years later, nothing compares to the thrill of setting up hunting camp, filled with anticipation for the upcoming hunt, or the adrenaline rushing through my veins when the moose we had been tracking for days finally appeared. 

A hunting trip, whether for small or big game, brings an unbeatable feeling that is hard to replicate. During most of my childhood, my grandfather focused on small game hunting with my sister and I until we finally reached our long-awaited double-digit ages. It was then that we received the green light to join our first big game hunt.

For years, I would sit by the window anxiously watching my family pull out of the driveway before the sun had even come up, all dressed in orange and carrying their rifle cases, patiently waiting for the day I would finally join them. The day I got the nod of approval from my grandfather is a day that I remember vividly. 

As we pulled into our hunting spot, adrenaline surged through me, and the jitters set in. I looked back and forth between my grandfather and dad, waiting for instructions on my next move. There I was, deep in the backwoods of Northwestern Ontario, as the sun rose, and the birds began to chirp. I carefully watched and listened for any sign of a moose, filled with intense pride and excitement. 

The temperatures dropped as the day ended and the sun began to set; my grandfather approached and declared he was ready to return to camp. Even though we were going home empty-handed, all I could focus on was the overwhelming mix of emotions inside me; I had just participated in my first big game hunt. That day was thirteen years ago, and still, every morning we set out for a day of hunting, the same feelings fill my body, taking me back to that unforgettable moment.

Memories to Cherish for a Lifetime

As my sister and I grew older, hunting season transformed into a time that brought our whole family together. The busyness of everyone's lives seemed to pause, and our sole focus became the hunt and creating lifelong memories with each other. Hunting in Northwestern Ontario is an experience that everyone should enjoy at least once in their life. From the stunning beauty of the backcountry to the bonds formed with nature and family, there truly is no better experience out there.

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