We here at Big Sky Canvas care about our customers safety while out on the water. Here are a few tips to keep you, your family and friends safe. Always wear a right-sized, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.According to the U.S coast card in 2016 life jackets could've saved the lives of over 80 percent of boating fatality victims. Defend against propeller strikes. Make sure all passengers are accounted for before starting the engine and wear your emergency cut-off switch at all times. Carry safety gear on board. On top of life jackets for all, stock a wide-ranging first-aid kit, a tool kit, a horn or whistle, flares and a fire extinguisher at Don’t boat under the influence (BUI). According to the USCG, alcohol plays a...
You Can Find Morel Mushrooms This Spring! If you’re a spring turkey hunter, particularly in the Midwest, you’ve probably run across other hunters in the woods who are definitely not turkey hunting … at least at the moment. They are walking very slowly, usually in small circles. They exhibit a stooped, head-down posture, but they don’t have their smartphones out. They are intently looking at the ground for something, and sometimes they are poking through the grass and fallen leaves with a walking stick. In case you didn’t know, these folks are mushroom hunters. Often, they are dressed in full camouflage and have a shotgun slung over their shoulder. That’s because, until a few minutes ago, they were turkey hunting just like you,...
Our love of the outdoors can bring us into contact will all sorts of unpleasant organisms, though few are as widespread as the tick. These vampiric arachnids can be found across the globe, and many are responsible for transmitting disease. Ticks have been documented transmitting a wide range of protozoan, bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens to humans, pets, and livestock. And while there are roughly 80 different tick species that can be found in the continental United States (and over 800 found worldwide), there are ten species that really stand out. With tick season right around the corner in most areas, we hope this tick-identification gallery will help you limit your risk and teach you a little more about these complex and creepy creatures....
Choosing a favorite river in Montana is like having to choose your favorite child. However, in this case you have dozens of famous rivers, and maybe hundreds of smaller streams and creeks, which in many ways are as good as or better than their famous bigger siblings. To make a list of the top 10 rivers to fish in Montana, many wonderful waters will be left off the list. So for us to say these are the “top,” we’re simply saying that on any given day, you will be almost guaranteed the experience of a lifetime on one of these ten Montana waters. In no particular order. MISSOURI RIVER The longest river in North America, the Missouri, called The Mo...
Wildlife observation continues to be a highlight of camping trips. From birds to rabbits, reptiles to white-tailed deer, various wildlife species offer an abundant supply of natural entertainment. Observing wildlife in its natural environment can be pleasing in many ways, which normally becomes a highlight of a springtime camping or hiking excursion. Wildlife and human interactions can be a positive experience for both — if common sense, respect and space are kept between animal and observer. If the goal of the outing is to observe wildlife as close as possible, then being aware of a few facts will create less stress for the wild ones. When children are included, and hopefully they are, the experience can be even more rewarding as long...