Stories by Mike Tontimonia

Mike Tontimonia has been writing weekly columns and magazine features about the outdoors for over 25 years, a career that continues to hold the same excitement for him as it did at the beginning. Mike is a retired educator, a licensed auctioneer, and marketing consultant. He lives in Ravenna, Ohio and enjoys spending time at his Carroll County cabin. Mike has hunted and fished in several states and Canada from the Carolinas to Alaska and from Idaho to Delaware. His readers have often commented that the stories about his adventures are about as close to being there as possible. He is past president of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio and a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Mike is also very involved in his community as a school board member and a Rotarian.

It’s bow season: Let the hunting tales begin

Thursday, October 6, 2011 by Mike Tontimonia

It’s bow season, a time of year that brings out the most interesting use of the English language. A time when what is said is not exactly the truth or for that matter, anywhere near it. Never the less, out of sense of honor and understanding, we all nod yes as if we understand and [...]

Be prepared: Applying Boy Scout’s motto to travel

Thursday, September 29, 2011 by Mike Tontimonia

Preparing for a hunting adventure can be as enjoyable and challenging as the trip itself. A great friend and I are heading to Manitoba, Canada soon for several days of duck hunting, and we are already worried about packing all the things we may need and making sure everything is ship shape to avoid problems [...]

Retiring journalist’s compilation of outdoor columns is worth your time

Thursday, September 22, 2011 by Mike Tontimonia

Good writing deserves good reading and not just one time through, but time after time. That’s the best way to describe a recent release by Steve Pollick, the soon to “hang it up” outdoor editor for the Toledo Blade. Pollick has been reporting the outdoor beat for 30 years and, according to him, “It’s time.” [...]

On the Outdoors: Remember, safety is first when it comes to hunter’s tree stands

Thursday, September 15, 2011 by Mike Tontimonia

Tree stand safety can’t be stressed enough. Several online sources offer suggestions, so do instructions and disclaimers that come with every new climber, ladder stand, and strap-on stand.

On the Outdoors: Outdoorsmen setting standard in community service

Thursday, September 8, 2011 by Mike Tontimonia

While touring the Portage County Randolph Fair, I spotted avid Suffield, Ohio outdoorsman Al Kisamore in the hog auction audience. He was representing the Ohio Fur Takers club, an active conservation-minded group that each puts its money where a needy mouth is.

Lake Temagami– and lessons to learn on it

Thursday, September 1, 2011 by Mike Tontimonia

TEMAGAMI, Ontario — Known far and wide as a significant site for trophy lake trout, Lake Temagami is good, but not the big fish producer it was at one time. But it is far from fished out, a fact that is proven almost daily by Wayne Yarrow, a year-round island resident and highly skilled fisherman. [...]

Give crate training a try, for dogs in your life

Thursday, August 18, 2011 by Mike Tontimonia

Have crate, will travel. The crate is for Fido, a place for him to relax and feel safe, while you, the dog’s owner, travel. Crate? Travel means to crank up Bessie and head for the store, go to work, or out for the evening. Why a crate, cage, wire pen, call it what you will? [...]

Waterfowl hunting at Magee Marsh off limits during restoration project

Thursday, July 21, 2011 by Mike Tontimonia

With application deadline for once-a-year special hunts in select Ohio state-managed and -owned lands fast approaching, waterfowl hunters may be wondering why always popular Magee Marsh is not on the list.

Record longnose gar caught in Summit Co. by bow fisherman

Thursday, June 30, 2011 by Mike Tontimonia

Picture this: You are wading, or perhaps tubing with toes wiggling in the water below — chatting with friends and enjoying a carefree spring evening and looking forward to the even warmer summer weather while nearby a monster-like fish lurks in the shallows, a scary-looking creature that lives a secret life in its watery home [...]

Fishing for Yellow Perch means an interesting day at Lake Erie

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 by Mike Tontimonia

A couple declarations are in order. Bouncing waves, a warm summer day, and fast fishing action makes for a grade “A” Father’s Day activity. Conneaut, Ohio is without challenge, the absolute runaway capital of perch fishing. And anglers who cheer for the catch and release crowd are missing some of the finest eating anytime and [...]