Catching the Good Life in the Canadian Wilderness

Guten Tag, Wie Gehts! All ist sehr matschig in der Region! It will take a few days for all to dry out, and as I write, the mist has turned into steady drops and fog is setting in. Temps in the low 50’s should change as the forecast is for sun, warm breezes and temps into the upper 70s. As we all know, the weather forecast is almost as reliable as our governments helping us! I guess the old saying of the Only sure thing is Death and Taxes rings loud and clear!

Rook and I have made it back to Happy Camp, last nights travels were quiet, a few birds and bunnies, but no bigger creatures were seen, heard or made any appearances, which is ok with us. We shall get out and about and explore the area. Bird hunting opens soon so I expect the wheeled hunters to make their presence known soon. From what we have seen, there are some birds around, we hope to find a couple and then pick some of those tasty white mushrooms to mix together into our meal along with our Wild Rice!!

During our travels yesterday, there is quite a bit of constriction close to the Soo, down to one lane. Johnny K’s is now open and what a nice change of pace. While they are getting it together slowly, their gas prices are spot on! Saving the customers over 15 cents a liter, thank you! As they stock their shelves, we hope that they are a staple for the Happy Campers for years to come! As I spoke to the manager, she indicated that they WILL have 24 hour pay at the pump, fresh coffee and lots of items for Happy Campers to check out. So we are proud to call them a partner!

2/3/10 will become our staple at Happy Camp, and as we move forward we are always striving to help the ever changing environment. We are encouraging the MNR to adopt these changes for the 2026 Season, we shall see what transpires. We will continue to push for this as we all can do our part to keep our woods and water healthy for many years to come.

Moose hunt will be underway soon, and this is a quagmire. Everywhere I go, hunters have expressed their frustrations, and no one seems to know where this will go in the future. I have contacted the MNR, will continue to do so in hopes of changes for the better, guess time will tell what happens with this?

With that said, the Whisky Jacks are here waiting for some hutners to drop off some Moose Tallow or drop some trail mix as they wander into the woods. Rook and I will start our wandering soon, I think he mentioned that It Is Time, so we should get the decoys ready, set the blind and start the great Waterfowling Tradition!

Enjoy the Fall season, Go Brews, let’s continue the Magical ride into November. Thanks Uke for the memories!

Good Morning all, the chill has showed up. 36 or Plus 2 greeted Rook and I early today, just a little too cool for shorts and t shirt on the water. But this should warm soon and we hope to be on the water. Speaking of water, holy Pickerel did we get the rain late Friday, then Train of Thunderstorms Saturday afternoon. One after another rolled in, 4 in a row to be specific. Sounded like the CN rumbling thru, but it was Old Mother Nature shaking her fist and the Nuns bowling again, wonder how many striked or spares they got?

If you take a gander at the pictures posted, you can see that the land of Plenty is starting to happen. While we always have more than our share or bugs, Rook and I did find some Berries to dump into our Johnny Cake and the Lobster Mushrooms were a wonderful addition to the Grilled Bear! Yes we have had yet another wild adventure here, stay tuned for the updates!

Our Engineer Roger came up with a plan to put in a good foundation under Cabin 3/4, and that is under way. Does anyone ever wonder why our bodies hurt a day after doing a lot of heavy lifting, well I think because we are not 35 anymore Hugo! All we can say is that Roger’s idea’s are second to none, he is a God Send to the Happy Camp Region!

Speaking of the Region, the Regatta or Troll a Thon took place the other day. Starting with 8, then 10, up to 15 Trollers, it is amazing the Nonsense that takes place. One begins to wonder where common sense has gone too, just how many Al Linder’s are out there? Anyone remember Virgil Ward, now that Boy was a true fisherman, not today’s One hit Wonders!!

Speaking of Wonders, Rook and I went out venturing for berries yesterday, not looking good folks. The Berry Cupboard looks very bare, what in the world are the critters going to do? As the world turns, climate change and all that is thrown at the wildlife, it is no wonder why they are disappearing at an alarming rate. Many of you hear me say so often, man destroys everythign, that is so true, but why? Walk on the earth that was created, do your best to enjoy it, but also do your best to leave this a better place than was given to you. Simply said, Give Back, take Little!

Early today a Purple Finch slammed into the window, fell to the ground. I grabbed the pail, gloves, went outside, scooped him up, put in the pail with cover and brought into the warm lodge. After about 15 minutes, I took the young chap out, put him on the stump, left him be. About 30 minutes later, the youngster flew off to join his buddies and you can see the darlings in the pictures!! Speaking of darlings, our Robin Fledglings have gronw up and now joined the outdoor world. Late last week, the area was full of chirpings and squawks, it was the 4 babes out of the nest rooting around eating bugs. In fact, they have got so big from bugs in the last few days that they are the size of Sandhill Cranes!

One other update, Rook and I saw 3 Loons and a Bald Eagle last night during our cruise around, that is another wonderful site in the outdoor Happy Camp Region.

As we move forward, hunting season will be upon us soon, can’t wait for the bugs to leave and Rook is looking forward to the adventures that are coming soon!

Go Brewers, we miss you Bob!

Good Day Happy Campers, we have a Winner in the contest!

STEVEN OLIVER WOODS was the first to answer correctly and the correct answer is, brbrbbrbrbrbrbbrbrbr(drum roll please),

CALGARY STAMPEDE

The annual Stampede wraps up today with the ever Popular Dash For Cash!

Heavy smoke is here, be safe everyone, time to get out and swat some Black Flies!

Hi everyone! Warm, humid beyond compare and dark, bugs are filling themselves with our blood. In fact as I mowed the grass about an hour ago, the sweat dripped off like a sauna, I looked up and saw 2 Loons soaring overhead. I shut down the mower to listen for their chirp, but they circled lower and lower. Then they swooped down near the East quandrant and landed in a bush. Those Mosquitos had to be 8 pounds if they were an Ounce! Rook sprang to his feet to see what is the matter, as the HORN SOUNDED and the CHARGE was UNDERWAY! Rook leaped into the air, CAUGHT one of them. SPLAT! What a gosh darn mess, blood everywhere. Quickly Rook ROUNDED THE LAST TURN and HEADED FOR HOME, Rook snared the other and once again, SPLAT!! Now 2 large pools of blood, thank your lucky stars the Rain is washing that away!!

So, Happy Campers, there are SOME CLUES in the last paragraph to outline what MAGNIFICENT Canadian event is taking place today and ends later tomorrow night, 7/13/2025! If YOU know what I am talking about and you are the first to email me with the CORRECT answer, you will WIN a WEEK’S Stay on US!! That’s right, anyone hankering for an adventure of a lifetime and can figure out the Clues and give me the correct answer, you get to stay for One Week For FREE. That is a 6 Day, 6 Night stay on Rook and I. This can be applied towards your stay for fishing, Moose, Grouse or Bear Hunt, or just sipping warm beverages or eating Ice Cream, your choice!!

Strong winds came out of the North yesterday, and with that heavy winds. Gladly the Boys on White Otter had respect for Ma, as she poured 4-6 footers into Little White Otter like we haven’t seen in years. Please Don’t take the Lake for granted, when Ma gets angry head to greener pastures. Some beautiful walleye Pictures were see, the crew found a new vein in the NE quarter in about 3 feet of water fishing TIMBER! Yes pitching 3/4 Black jigs and baby Twister tails into the wood. The fish were in there gorging themselves on wigglers as the Mayflies are Incredible.

2/3/10 looks like a done deal starting 2026, that is Walleye, Pike and Perch, no reason to take any more and with that amount, thats a heck of a fish fry dont you think!!

Cabin 3/4 still not ready, but 1/2 has a spot for a couple of you later into August until Ice up. By the way, I found a new Speck spot, that looks so inviting, I think a #12 Royal Coachman will hammer them over 20, don’t you think.

Rook is becoming a great young lad each day, loves some people, hates the bugs and loves to be my sidekick for Adventures. Got to run, new crew here soon, take care, hug your hounds and WHO will win the Trip! Time will tell, but remember it is a CANADIAN event going on RIGHT now but ENDS Tomorrow, 7/13/25!!

Good Day Happy Campers from cool, very dreary and wet Happy Camp! Very dreary day but I suspect that the clouds are dropping tears of either Joy or Sadness! I got word late yesterday of the passing of my Uncle John, and while he was not well for a while, to me it is still sad to see one you care about leave the world.

As I think of the tears they can be thought of as tears of sadness as we have lost one whom we care about, or the tears of Joy are as although they have left, they have reached their eternal destination. Often times I think to be reunited with others whom have left is a joyous moment for us, but I guess we will all only find out once in our lives here on earth!

Dad left us on July 9, 2001, seems just like yesterday we were enjoying shrimp, I was shaving him, or we were working on that outboard with a Hot/Cold Start! Dad, I wish with all of my fibers in me that you would have been able to experience Happy Camp Ontario, the Bear hunt, fishing, dogs and the wonders of the wilderness. As Mom spent more time at Happy Camp during her last few years, she became very fond of many things to include Blueberries, Walleyes, Dirt roads, morning sips, Loons, Eagles, not to mention the fresh Brook Trout that she cleaned every speck of meat off of. If one ever saw Mom’s smile when she held up the head of the Trout you would know how proud she was to eat it all!!!

Fish continue to devoure everything that is tossed in their paths! From Brook Trout almost to 20 inches and very hefty white fish, the snap of many 10 pound lines can be heard all over the Happy Camp Region! one thing for certain, the Bugs are more intense than we have ever seen. With that said, the Wild Rice creation is ready to eat, here are Mom and Dad and a young buck, just who the heck is he!! Mom and Dad, miss you so much, say hi to Uncle John and the rest when you sit down for dinner and yes plesae give hugs to all of the Hounds waiting for their treats!!

God’s Speed Uncle John, hope to see you in the eternal Marsh in the Sky one day!!

Happy Camp has got some room for you if your looking for an Adventure of a Lifetime, if so shoot me a message or give me a shout! Remember we have one time, How are you going to Spend it!!

Hey guess what, it may be happening!! Keep your fingers crossed, it actually could be taking place! Late last night the winds shifted and today is the nicest day every, nice breeze and LOW Humidities along with temperatures in the low 70’s! With this, the bugs are manageable right now. The black flies that tore the shit out of us for the last forever, have receded and while there are some, they are manageable!

Things are changing as we have found a bite like not many times before. Large fish, lots of them, it seems like they are just hungry! With that said, many local waters to the south are seeing an uptick in lots of activity including the Brown Drakes! While it seems late, its about on time and while the fish love them, it is interesting how trial and error puts many more fish to the nets! Speaking of nets, the newest traveller has found his way to the shores of the lake. The other day, he spent time circling, searching looking for his quarry, both Emergent and Submergent. But no luck was to be had by this young chap! Maybe next time!

Striped Nuthatch have found their way to the feeder along with Chipping sparrows, Chickadees and our resident Eveng Grosebeaks. These beauties show up for a day or 2 then, disappear. Maybe they will become daily vistiors to the diner, time will tell.

Anyone remember Northern Exposure, well we have it here, can’t share too much, you gotta come and see for yourself. Marvin just skitted across the lawn and he is a character. Later yesterday afternoon near the Fish Shack, Louise walked thru with her 2 Youngins! I was able to get Rook into the lodge, went back out and escorted Louise and her kids across the street. They were headed to the Drug store for some sunscreen and also a Chocolate Malt! You know that Drug store has the BEST malts around, or at least in the Happy Camp Region!

Cabin 4 is a work in progress, the 2 guys have a plan and it is about half done. Once more beams are made, they will get after this, please let’s keep the bugs away until they finish!!

Looks like slim pickings for the Moose hunt, I heard the 2nd draw results are available early August. We have some crews heading up, hope more get a tag to continue the Tradition, time will tell what transpires!

Time to head to the lake and see how the waves are coming along today! Happy Canada Day Canucks, and Happy 4th Yanks, hope you all enjoy the day! From Rook and I at sun splashed Happy Camp Ontario, take care and keep in touch!!!

June 21, 1941, my mother was brought into this world to Forest and Magdalene Schafer in Marion, Wisconsin. Mom spent her childhood in central Wisconsin before meeting my father, David, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Mom and Dad settled in Clintonville, Wisconsin, where Dad became an integral part of the development and success of Urban Telephone Corporation.

Mom and Dad started a family and on October 30, 1965, the keeper of Happy Camp Ontario came into this world! All hell has broke loose and will as this dude walks quietly with his new Best friend and small stick in the wilderness, but today is about Mom!

Mom loved Speckle Trout and in her later years, I remember a Birthday she was at Happy Camp. Mom was treated to fresh Speckle Trout that all came from a 8 foot, 4 weight Fenwick Fly Rod. Royal Humpy #12 were the dry fly that day. Catfish was checking out the Skunk River in the Happy Camp Region. Mom devoured the trout like she had never eaten before, but if one ever saw a pile of bones that Mom left after eating Trout, you would know without a shadow of a doubt how she loved the meat as there never was one shred of meat left on the bones!

Mom, I remember like it was today how we watched Dad fade away during those struggles. I also remember many adventures after we lost Dad. Furthermore, the way Happy Camp grew on you, seeing you outfish all of us with the Weed walleyes that hung onto your bait, the Bucket of Blueberries from our Hot Spot, or Magoo loving you up on the Deck, those memories will be etched in my mind forever, thank you. Sadly, the memory of losing you will also be etched forever deep in my mind, that terrible sight I do not think ever leaves anyone, certainly not me.

It seems like yesterday you joined Dad, and left us to struggle for ourselves! I hope that you were able to share your day with Dad, both of your parents and pawed pals doing whatever you chose to do. I can hope that you had fresh Trout for Dinner, not the dreaded Zuchinni Boats we had far too often as kids!!!

I miss both of you very much, thank you for trying your best to steer me in the right direction! I hope that one day we can all stand in the creek again, enjoy a Mayfly hatch like no other, and the big Specks tug on our lines like Elephants pulling Peanuts away from the Peanut Tree! Until then, I will try my best to be the best steward to all that encompasses the Happy Camp Region!

Happy Camp will be alive very soon, Rook is soon to embark on his first adventure of the Bugs, one can hope that he is ready, time will tell! Ahoy Boys, lets get the show on the road, looking forward to the laughs, tales of old and new and seeing you all again! Let’s all pray for lots of fun, sun, fish, birds, and so much more!

As we look to the future, I have a bed open for a Moose hunter, it is a cot, but by then the Skeeters should be hiding for the year. If not, good luck and Happy Swatting. Tight lines everyone, take care, Catfish Chris and Rook signing off for the 1st day of Summer and Mom’s 84th Birthday, Happy Birthday Mom!!

Hi Happy Campers, been a while, just soo busy! First of all, the 2025 Spring Bear hunt was a great time, Bears seen by all and Henry and his Granddaughter Amber harvesting beautiful Spring Bears! Congratulations and Thank you to ALL who joined Happy Camp for Bear Hunt 2025!!

That ended later in May, I have been busy with Happy Camp South and that is a chore and a work in progress! But as I write now, Rook is looking out the window to the lake as the Loons swim by! The adventures continue to be endless, the other day Rook had to find a Muskie carcass and head. He decided to bring the head back to me as I was up by the house, not a great thing to see but at least it was not stinky. Speaking of stinky, anyone remember the stinky Moose horns Ed and I chopped off that road kill on the Fry years back, PewwwwWWW!

It appears the Moose season will be very slow as the tag situation is not a good one in WMU21B. With far less tags, one begins to scratch our heads but when we do this so often, it starts to hurt as there is only so much of ones forehead to scratch before we start to bleed, lol!! With far less tags, perhaps the constant stream of bike sounds will be far less in the Happy Camp region and the Moose will actually spend far less time sitting in the deep bush listening and do more of wandering around, we can hope can’t we!!

Soon the fishing will get going as the New boy on the Block is chomping at the bit to show off his stuff. Time will tell how he handles the Bugs, one thing is for sure, they will be very intense!

Below are Henry and Amber with their Bears. As we look to 2026, Tradtional Archers will take over Happy Camp. This new adventure will be just that, as of now I have a few openings 2nd week but Week 1 is already full!! Below are Henry and Ambers Bears.

Anyone who is a Traditional Archery Shooter who wants an adventure of a lifetime, shoot me a message or call me soon to discuss and book your spot! One thing for sure, Happy Camp Ontario Bear Hunts are becoming Legendary! Take care and keep in touch!!

Good morning Happy Campers! From the chilly northern US to the frigid far north, time is ticking and Spring is on the Horizon. Two strikes have come and gone with getting into the woods, with another 9 inches of fresh powder one starts to wonder if we are headed into Spring or Winter! Ice is still over 2 feet thick and even the biggest propane torch is doing little to dent this! Last weeks rain sure erased some ice, but now hard has made even MORE ice! So it may be a Spring when the Walleye spawn under the ice!

HCS is a term we have coined for a new adventure that I am about to embark on. Soon 2 of the pillars will be in place, and just as HCN, HCS will be something new that we will experience. So if you are wondering about this, you will have to inquire, because except for Goldfinger and my hand hand Boy and I, nobody knows about this yet! As I wander thru this world, those 2 confidants are always near me and for certain they have my Back!!

Speaking of back, Moose hunting will be a minimum, it appears we have a 60% less Tag quota for the 2025 Moose hunt. While there still are tags, not like other WMU’s, there are far less tags for all of us. While I keep my fingers, toes and eye brows crossed, I also realize that with far less hunters there is large chance that My Moose Friends may not make the trip to HCO this year. Rook has already said WHAT, because he loves to run to the cabins and say HI HUNTERS! But alas, if this deems us to shut the lights off, we will be chasing the feathers as best we can.

Plan is to head north soon to get baiting and hunting, sure hope it is by Mid May, but Mother nature will dictate what transpires! For now, Rook and I are embarking on the new journey called HCS, and this is interesting, intimidating, eye opening as well as exciting, so we shall see what develops.

For this morning, we are getting OTR again to HCS and we shall see how long it takes Rook to run down the hill and either jump off the dock or splash into the sand shore, we shall see!

Embrace Mother Earth as today is Earth day, but maybe think about embracing her everyday, because without her, we are all gonners! Have a great day, take care and keep in touch!!

Good Day Happy Campers! Winter is still here, Ice storm now, then more heavy snow, what in the world is going on? Tariffs, why with Canada, they are our friends!! At least for me, most of the Happy Campers are friends and the ones that aren’t, well they dont know the way into camp anymore, haha!

Calling ALL NEWBIES: Happy Camp has partnered with the NOTO(Northern Ontario Tourist Organization) with EXPERIENCE FISHING. This is an attempt to draw new people. particularly first time Women and Children into Fishing!! Experience Fishing will provide all first timers with ON and OFF water education of fishing to include how to tie knots, choose lures, cast, catch and identify fish, and provide fishing opportunities. Additionally, we have some Rod/Reel Combos and tackel kits that will go to some NEWBIES!

Happy Camp will provide all the teachings and take you fishing, let YOU catch some fish, take a few back to Happy Camp, show you how to cook and enjoy eating our catch! More importantly Happy Camp will show you the wonderful outdoor world we have, the importance of taking care of the woods and water that we, and more importantly the Animals, Birds, Fish and All Critters call Home! Remember, we share the great Happy Camp Area with all of them, and we SHARE the World that was created for us to enjoy while here. I am excited about this opportunity and hopefully we can find some new Happy Campers to fall in love with the Happy Region.

Hopefully we all do our part to make this place better before we leave and go to another place! With that said, if you are a NEWBIE, or know of any NEWBIES interested in coming and experiencing Happy Camp and all it has to offer, shoot me a message or give me a call today reserving your spot to Come and Catch the Good Life with us at Happy Camp Ontario!!