Muskoka Outdoors Network

The "art of the silent shot" comes very natural to some. To others, it can be more difficult than actually making a tough angled, ethical shot on hunted wild game. I am talking about those who exchange their firearms for a camera and can shoot photos of wildlife in a perspective that some hunters will never see through a scope.

Frequently, on Twitter, I come across tweets of jaw-dropping wildlife photos that are posted by followers on my @muskokaoutdoors Twitter account. I tweeted a general inquiry out on my account for wildlife photographers to provide me with some links to their photos that I could promote on my blog. My request did not go unnoticed as four talented individuals took me up on my offer.

Steve Creek (@screek) allowed me access to his photo site Steve Creek Outdoors to pick out these photos to share with you.

The next set of photos comes from a fellow Canadian (@Wyld_Art_Photos) promoting a huge set of photos on their website called, Wyld Art Photography.

Tony Bibbs is a great blogger and photographer. Not only is he a great twitter follow (@tonybibbs) but he has some great photos on his flickr stream and some fantastic blogs posts on his blog.

This final set of photos comes from Stacey Huston (@shustonphotos). She has recently updated her website, A Focus In The Wild.

The 'Art of the Silent Shot' may not be as difficult as it may seem. At least, that's what Stacey Huston tells me. Here are some of her tips for improving your odds for that perfect shot.

"Shooting wildlife with my camera gives me a way to practice my stalking abilities all year, I love seeing how close I can get while taking photos, without invading that magic space known as the animals comfort zone. I love watching and learning animal behavior, and being out in the field studying the animals that I photograph. Photography is very rewarding. I have learned how to pattern animals using the weather and the phases of the moon, By using the same techniques that I would use to hunt an animal with a long bow. I have been able to capture some great photos."

Photography Tip 1 - Just like hunting, you have to "get out there". Every once in a while, someone will get lucky and "shoot" that record animal right next to the road. Most of the time, you have to put your time in, whether you are hunting or photographing wildlife. That is the great thing about wild animals. Just when you think you have it all figured out - they will surprise and humble you.

Photography Tip 2 - Just like hunting, early morning and late evening are your best chances of viewing game. They are also the best 'golden" light for taking good photos.

Photography Tip 3 - enjoy what you are doing. I love hunting. I love the outdoors. I love wildlife photography, and I just love nature and all she has to offer. When I set out to take photos, I may have a general idea where I am headed and what animals reside in what area, but I never know what I am going to encounter along the way. I always try to be grateful for, and take the time to notice those little moments that nature decides to share with me. Whether out taking photos or hunting... always remember to enjoy the "journey". The harvest at the end of a hunt, or that great photo you can't wait to share, are just that... a small part of the whole experience.

I would like to thank all the photographers who took the time to respond to my tweet and for sharing with us "The Art of the Silent Shots. Please take a moment and visit their websites and photo-blogs. You won't regret it.

*All photos were used with the photographer's permission.

Wondering where to start looking for March walleye after ice-out? Here is a good twitter find from thecabin.net that could help you predict where the walleye (or pickerel in my neck of the continent) could be in your lake. The article is written with U.S. lakes in mind, but the general principles are still applicable to any body of water.

Good luck out there and let me know how you do this spring.

With an open-water, spring trout fishing season looming, I am always looking for an edge on spring trout. I came across an informative article from Trout U entitled, Early Season Trout With Streamers".

Packed with some great tips to streamer fish, the article lists these patterns as great starting points: Black Marabou Sculpin, Brown Sculpin, and White Belly Sculpin.

You have to read the article to learn how to use them! Thanks Trout U.

"In the early days of bead fishing, some people claimed that fishing a bead “isn’t fly fishing”. Others had a problem with the fact that the “lure” (the bead) isn’t attached to the hook.  We’re not going to get into whether or not bead fishing is fly fishing. It’s fun, you do it with a fly rod and a fly line, and it’s very effective." - Deneki Outdoors

I came across this great article on Deneki Outdoors. They run fishing lodges in various locations in North and South America.  If you have ever wondered about the impact beads can have on your fly fishing - read this article.

The tradition of hunting is coming under increasing scrutiny, Jason D.B. Kauffman investigates its history, ties to wildlife management and what the future holds for one of the nation's oldest and most popular pastimes.

Read the article, Hunting: Carving a Path in the New West

This week's great Twitter story recommendation came from @BullsandBeavers