3 Generations Moose Hunt with Viking

The hunting crew at Telescope Lake this fall included three generations. The hunting tradition continues up here as young people spend time in the bush with grandfathers and fathers and uncles.

The youngest is Edward Pionkowski, beginners luck granted him a 27 ½ inch bull moose. Ed also experienced walleye fishing like he’s never seen before. Second generation spot is held by Gordon Pionkowski who has been fishing, moose hunting, beaver dam jumping and angering Hugh Carlson for 16 years. The man that started the almost annual Canadian adventures is Jerry Pionkowski. He’s been fishing and moose hunting for 21 years.

Edward’s 13 year old little brother “Russell” is counting the days until he can join “Moose Camp”.

Thank you Janet for this story. It is so great to see a family enjoying hunting time together.

My Boy from downtown Chicago

Brian Greenblatt lives in downtown Chicago and he looks so happy in Montana. His grandfather brought his father and uncle to Viking Island for an annual fishing trip many years ago. Now Brian comes each year with his father and uncle. I believe this tradition has made Brian an outdoors guy. If Brian and his father had never braved the wilds of Northern Ontario, Brian would not be an accomplished hunter today. He would not be addicted to Montana and the wild outdoors.

Brian balances his life with

the challenges of the city and

a healthy doze of wilderness living.

Deer Hunting in the South

Arthur, my son, heads down to near Rainey River for a deer hunt with friends each fall. He really likes this part of the country. He is sitting in a blind watching these bucks discuss things. He didn't shoot anything but saw many.

Fire Near Dolphin Lake

In the spring after the snow is gone and before the raspberry bushes are green, the boreal forest can ignite and burn. One lightning strike or careless camper can start a spectacular show and you better get out of the way!!
These pictures were taken by Russ Stephenson as he flew north towards Dolphin Lake. The first shot is within an hour of the fire starting and the second is 45 minutes later as he approaches Dolphin. The last picture is the aftermath. Luckily for our camps, the rain came and put the fire out the next day.

Wayne Wiegard sends pictures

To Viking, " Thanks for the awsome week at Rheaume Lake. I have never had fishing like that in all my life. (60 years) Good cabin, good planes, good pilots. Great fishing every day (during the last week of July)"

Craig, you do look like an experienced bush pilot!

Thanks Wayne for the note and pictures! Enid

I am a Proud Newfoundlander

Newfie Night in Red Lake

With the gold mine in full swing and gold exploration going strong, the town is full of workers from all over. Newfoundlanders are known for their hard work and many come here to work in the mine for 28 days, then home for 14. It is tough to be away from family so much but it does allow them and their families to maintain their home where they want to be...on the rock. Newfoundland is the big rocky island off the Atlantic coast which didn't join Canada until 1949 and they only did so to prevent american anexation. They have a very distinctive dialect and culture which sometimes only they understand. They do selectively invite others to join them. I was invited to dance a jig, kiss the cod, eat a caplan and down some Newfie Screech.

To be Screeched in is to become

an honorary Newfoundlander.