Ralph Shaw

A CHILD FISHING is frequently in contact with nature.

Back to nature in hunting, fishing, gathering and gardening

The trouble with hibernating is that I tend to read a lot and just generally sit around and cogitate about the state of the universe.

A CHILD FISHING is frequently in contact with nature.
WILLIAM GEE WILL write his CORE exam for his hunter number on Saturday.

Children see hunting as family oriented, food gathering activity

I decided to take a different approach to the annual antler and horn measuring event.

WILLIAM GEE WILL write his CORE exam for his hunter number on Saturday.
BAYNES SOUND IS nestled between the Beaufort Range on the west and Denman Island on the east.

Baynes Sound a bountiful aquaculture garden

The approximate length of Baynes Sound is about 30km from Goose Spit to the Chrome Island light at the south end of Denman Island.

BAYNES SOUND IS nestled between the Beaufort Range on the west and Denman Island on the east.
UNDER MATERNAL BOUNTY of the Comox Glacier our Valley home is a blessed place.

Comox Valley is indeed a special place to live

In popular political jingoism that we frequently are subjected to, one statement stands out: "The best place on Earth to live."

UNDER MATERNAL BOUNTY of the Comox Glacier our Valley home is a blessed place.
COMOX VALLEY SKATERS (from left to right): Back row coach Dawn Ladret, Meghan Taylor. Front row Lauren Wigard, Jade Paganelli,  Shayna Usipuik,  Kaylee Lasota.

Swans, ducks, geese feast at Ducks Unlimited farm

There is a growing movement of back-to-nature lifestyles as seen in gardening, fishing and hunting.

COMOX VALLEY SKATERS (from left to right): Back row coach Dawn Ladret, Meghan Taylor. Front row Lauren Wigard, Jade Paganelli,  Shayna Usipuik,  Kaylee Lasota.
THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT of giving knows no season.

Stocking stuffers and small gift ideas for holidays

This list of stocking stuffers is intended to help you with ideas for small holiday gifts from $2 to $10

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT of giving knows no season.
COLLECTING PUNTLEDGE RIVER hatchery dividend is a happy adventure for river anglers.

Salmon enhancement pays big dividends

Modern society is addicted to high returns on investments, and success is measured on a percentage-based return over costs of investment

COLLECTING PUNTLEDGE RIVER hatchery dividend is a happy adventure for river anglers.
SMITTY DRESSING A buck we shot on our elk exploring trip.

Hunting and the back-to-nature movement

Hunting is one of the important factors in our rise from simple gathering cultures to the complex civilization of the 21st century

SMITTY DRESSING A buck we shot on our elk exploring trip.
MAPLE LAKE IS  a jewel in the Comox Valley.

Maple Lake a true Comox Valley jewel

We are approaching the close of the limited entry political season of local civic elections on Nov. 19.

MAPLE LAKE IS  a jewel in the Comox Valley.
VIEWING THE FISH at the Puntledge Hatchery is a majestic experience.

Celebrating Rivers Day at Puntledge Hatchery

Celebrating Rivers Day at the Puntledge Hatchery is a most appropriate location for this inspiring day

VIEWING THE FISH at the Puntledge Hatchery is a majestic experience.
ANDY GARWOOD OF Comox poses with one of two mint bright chum salmon he caught on the Puntledge below Condensory Bridge.

Chum salmon fishing important to anglers



If we can define a particular month for fishing a specific species of salmon, October fits the bill for chum salmon fishin

ANDY GARWOOD OF Comox poses with one of two mint bright chum salmon he caught on the Puntledge below Condensory Bridge.
TRUMPETER SWANS WILL soon be returning to their familiar wintering grounds in the Comox Valley.

Autumn is a time of transition



Autumn is a time of transition for the many outdoor activities we partake in during the pursuit of our hunting and fishing adventures.

TRUMPETER SWANS WILL soon be returning to their familiar wintering grounds in the Comox Valley.
DR. BRIAN RIDDELL, executive director of the PSF, with Larry Peterson and Nick Strussi with their framed chinook stamp prints.

Pacific Salmon Foundation fundraiser big success

Over the years I have been privileged to attend a considerable number of fundraiser events sponsored by various conservation groups that contribute so much to the well-being of our fish, wildlife and wild places.

DR. BRIAN RIDDELL, executive director of the PSF, with Larry Peterson and Nick Strussi with their framed chinook stamp prints.
THE NEW CAPTAIN Tyrel Bandet shares the family fishing tradition with his aunt Melanie Luciak of Prince George.

Family fishing tradition well worth preserving

Family traditions are part of that mysterious glue that keeps families together as the societal units that have much to do with how we live our lives.

THE NEW CAPTAIN Tyrel Bandet shares the family fishing tradition with his aunt Melanie Luciak of Prince George.
The author is pictured with his latest catch.

Allocation, not conservation, the issue

author disturbed

The author is pictured with his latest catch.
A FLY-FISHER enjoys some quiet time on an empty beach.

Pinks and sockeyes are out there in local waters


Making decisions about the eating qualities of one species of salmon over another is somewhat like trying to make up your mind about what kind of wine you prefer. Both wine and salmon are delicious and high on the preference scale of most discerning folks, so it really boils down to what is best according to your personal taste buds.

A FLY-FISHER enjoys some quiet time on an empty beach.
A PRIME 25-feeder chinook caught in Tribune Bay waters last Saturday by the author.

Three months of heaven for local anglers

What do you do when there are more options of things to do than there is time to do them in? For purposes of this column local waters will mean any waters on the east side of the Island from Browns Bay to Qualicum Bay, including Denman and Hornby islands.

A PRIME 25-feeder chinook caught in Tribune Bay waters last Saturday by the author.
THIS SMILING GRANDMA took her granddaughter to the Nautical Days Bullhead Derey.

Fishing careers launched at Nautical Days Bullhead Derby

It is not a stretch to infer that hundreds of fishing careers began on Saturday, July 30 at the 25th running of the Nautical Days Bullhead Derby

THIS SMILING GRANDMA took her granddaughter to the Nautical Days Bullhead Derey.
WALLY NOWAK DEMONSTRATES how to tie a woolly worm pattern that is an imitation of a sedge pupa.

Kids and fishing a perfect match during summer months

Last week I joined Wally Nowak and several members of the Comox Fly Fishers who were spending their mornings at the BCWF Vancouver Island Zone Kids Camp at the Courtenay and District Fish and Game Protective Association (CDFGPA) where they were teaching the skills of fly tying and casting to children.

WALLY NOWAK DEMONSTRATES how to tie a woolly worm pattern that is an imitation of a sedge pupa.
ELAINE SHAW DISPLAYS her huge strawberries – a testament to her green thumb and Ralph's fishing skills.
ELAINE SHAW DISPLAYS her huge strawberries – a testament to her green thumb and Ralph's fishing skills.