As winter's grip begins to loosen and the snow starts melting away, Willie and I find ourselves eagerly anticipating spring's arrival. There's something magical about these seasonal transitions – that feeling of renewal and the rush of excitement as we prepare for all that the warmer months bring.

This week, we're diving deep into springtime activities that connect us to the land and its rhythms. I share my lifelong experience raising chickens – from hatching eggs to managing flocks of laying hens and meat birds. We explore the fascinating differences between breeds, the satisfaction of collecting fresh eggs daily, and the sustainable cycle of maintaining your own poultry. For anyone considering backyard chickens, you'll find practical wisdom gained from decades of hands-on experience.

Our conversation takes an unexpected turn as we reveal how remote lodges manage waste in creative ways. At Chaudiere Lodge, I employed a remarkably punctual "cleanup crew" consisting of seagulls and turkey vultures that arrived every morning to handle food scraps and fish waste. These natural solutions highlight the ingenious ways lodge owners work within ecological systems rather than against them.

Willie shares his upcoming ice fishing plans while the roads remain solid, targeting walleye, crappie, and potentially trophy-sized lake trout. We reminisce about the recent Toronto Sportsman Show, where Fish and Canada celebrated its impressive 40th season with tremendous turnout from dedicated fans. The strong attendance suggests the outdoor community is thriving post-pandemic, with more people than ever seeking connection to wild places.

Whether you're a lodge owner, an avid angler, or simply someone who feels that springtime pull toward outdoor activities, this episode celebrates the seasonal rhythms that define life in the north. Join us as we turn our faces to the sun and embrace the promise of longer days ahead.