A Chance to Run-A-Fowl of Winter

Although I didn’t get to venture down to Vegas this week for the giant annual hunting and firearms convention known as the SHOT Show, I at least got out in the field yesterday to snap off a few rounds, break some clays and tumble a couple of birds. In the process, I also finally got to check out the classy new digs at Run-A-Fowl, the “Gentlemen’s Hunt and Sporting Club” near tiny Canfield in southern Ontario.

This is one impressive operation, from the well-appointed lodge to the 200-acres of quality cover to the birds themselves. Joining me on my visit was automotive specialist Dave Kraisosky, a well-known figure in Ontario’s outdoors community, and Rob Sampson, owner of dog-training gear specialist Zinger Winger.

We started the morning with a tour of the expansive facility—complete with a 1950s diner—followed by a round of trap (yes, I clearly need to spend more time a the range). Then it was off to the snow-dusted corn, millet, sorghum and soybean fields to chase the 20 chukar, ring-necked pheasant and Hungarian partridge that had been released for us.

In the end, I missed a few, knocked down a few and had a great morning just getting out in the field, all capped off with a fine lunch of goose, wild boar and venison treats. Many thanks to Dave for inviting me to tag along, as well as to Run-A-Fowl manager Jim Ross for the hospitality.

Whether you prefer to hunt over your own dogs and use your own gear, or you just want to show up and have everything taken care of, this operation can fill the bill—perfect for you corporate types who want to show clients a good time in the field. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to do some hunting at a time of year when there are otherwise very few opportunities available. For more on Run-A-Fowl, click here.

As for the SHOT Show, I’m looking forward to hearing from our Hunting Editor, Ken Bailey. He attends the enormous event every year, looking for the best new gear for hunting in Canada. His roundup will appear in the May issue of Outdoor Canada magazine.