Looking for a challenging trail that hikes over a few mountains, sticks you in the wilderness away from your comfort zone and allows you to explore a remote area of New Hampshire that few people ever visit? Then look no further. The Cohos Trail in New Hampshire is it. The Cohos Trail begins its winding way just south of the White Mountains and heads north up to Canada. It crosses several mountain ranges and even climbs up to over 4,500 feet (the peak of Mount Eisenhower), so it's not one for those who don't like heights. It is, however, a beautiful part of New Hampshire, and any nature buff would love hiking on this 160-mile trail.

The Cohos Trail has many delights, including more than 50 species of birds; Table Rock, with one of the scariest views imaginable (you really are that high up, with a straight drop down); waterfalls with a kettle hole; lunch spots with stupendous views; a suspension foot bridge to cross and several high peaks you can climb.

You can hike the entire Cohos Trail, which will take you around 10 to 14 days, or you can do one of many day hikes. For a cool day hike, try the Davis Path to Stairs Mountain near Notchland, Percy Peak Trail or Percy Loop Trail.

The Cohos Trail really is that remote, but recently more campsites have been established, and several information kiosks have been opened along the way. So, if you're thinking of heading up the Cohos Trail, don't hesitate. The campsites are in beautiful spots, there's now a hostel you can stay at only a few miles off the trail, and there's also a new guidebook, which will help you all the way along the trail. The Cohos Trail is also being expanded by another 20 to 40 miles, which are projected to be ready by next year, with some new trails ready as early as spring 2009. Why not be the first to try them out? If you're doing it in the fall or spring, don't forget to pack your winter woolies. You'll need them up on the higher elevations.

If you're venturing into Canada to discover the beauty and majesty of Yukon territory, days of trekking and camping may be part of the trip's itinerary. The Yukon territories are brimming with adventure, which make them an ideal place to take in the wilderness and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

You'll find dozens of hiking and backpacking treks around the Yukon trails, and some even have relics from the Klondike Gold Rush. No matter how much backcountry experience you have, you'll need to pack for survival as you trek through the valleys and mountains. Stock up on these survival basics to get you through Yukon territory:

Compass - make the most of your adventure and stick to the trails with a compass. This simple tool will keep you on the right track day or night and save you from losing focus on the trek.

Weather navigator - while the temperatures and climate remain fairly steady throughout the seasons in Yukon territory, you may encounter storms and inclement weather. Keep track of the weather with the Brunton Nomad V2 Pro; it features a built-in barometer and also gives direction readings when it becomes impossible to see the trail ahead of you.

Handheld lantern - you'll need a lantern to guide the way when the sun disappears from view, and the Black Diamond Apollo Lantern will help you stay on course. Pick up some rechargeable batteries and an extra battery pack for longer trips.

Medical kit - treat those scrapes and bruises with bandages and antibacterial spray to avoid infection. You're likely to get a few scars and bruises on your trip, so pack the Ultralight Adventure Medical Kit to manage any trauma or wounds on the trip. The kit also includes a splinter picker, antihistamine and a complete wound irrigation system - a must for those long days trekking through the forests and caves.

*Sleeping bag*s - when you're settling in for an overnight stay in the Yukon, stay warm and toasty with an insulated sleeping bag. Temperatures can drop below freezing each night during the Fall and Winter season, so you'll need a durable and well insulated bag to keep you warm. ThePhantom sleeping bags are one of several baffle-construction bags that will let you snooze in comfort.

When the holidays roll around at the end of the year, people start craving seasonal dishes made with game birds such as turkey and pheasant. In some households, however, having a goose on the table at Christmas is a family tradition, which makes this the perfect time to head to Minnesota to bag some of these birds.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that the Canadian goose population has become extremely large over the years. Goose season in this state begins in early September and runs through the end of December, giving you plenty of opportunities to go after a big honker for Christmas dinner.

Even with lots of available targets, it may be difficult for a novice hunter to bag their limit of two geese per day. Although the Canadian goose is a pretty big bird, the DNR says that you have to be a pretty decent shot to bring one down. Their experts recommend taking at least one seminar on how to effectively hit the bird's vital zone. Doing some practice shooting with a 10- or 12-gauge shotgun before you head out also is a good idea.

Like Carl, the greenskeeper who hunted an elusive gopher in the 1980's comedy "Caddyshack," you really have to understand the Canadian goose in order to find their nesting grounds. Once again, Minnesota's DNR has some good recommendations about this, including buying a book or video about geese and their habits.

The proper gear also can make the difference between success and failure in Minnesota. This may be the year to invest in some good camouflage, especially a pair of Bogs Blaze 1000 Mossy Oak Rubber Boots. With these on your feet, you can track an elusive goose in some of the most challenging hunting conditions.

Since farmers consider the Canadian goose to be a real threat to their crops, you may want to check with local landowners to see if you can hunt on their property. You will be doing them a favor and could possibly bring home a couple of honkers for the holiday season.

Sources:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/tips/goose.html
http://www.goosegrinders.com/late-season-goose.html

When hunting season rolls around, think about heading up North for the challenges of Newfoundland.These days, it can be difficult to find those unspoiled places to hunt where everything comes down to an honest confrontation between you and your prey.

Newfoundland, Canada is, however, one of those rare hunting destinations where you truly have to rely on your skills as a hunter to come home with a trophy. With the black powder and rifle season beginning in mid-September, Newfoundland offers some of the best big game hunting opportunities in the world; bow hunters get to start two weeks earlier. Because Newfoundland has a temperamental and changeable climate during hunting season, it's hard to tell exactly what kind of challenges the weather will throw at you. Make sure to pack for cold, wet weather as well as unseasonably warm temperatures. As for the wildlife, Newfoundland definitely puts the "big" in the term big game:

Black Bear

Bears typically are formidable prey, but the North American Black Bear, which has tipped the scale at close to 500 pounds, is an especially challenging target. Newfoundland offers both baited and non-baited Black Bear hunting.

Bull Moose

With large antlers and a weight of approximately 1,500 pounds, a mature Bull Moose is quite a trophy and can be brought down with a bow, muzzleloader or rifle.

Caribou

To stalk these 500 pound beauties, you also can use bows, muzzleloaders and rifles and hopefully come home with an impressive trophy.

On the average, a hunter in Newfoundland has approximately a 70-75% chance of bringing down their prey, with some regions offering a better shot than others. For something a little bit different, also try hunting the Willow Ptarmigan, a local bird that can be found in abundant quantities during the big game hunting season.

Among hunters in Newfoundland, the concept of "fair chase" hunting is fairly widespread; it is perhaps the most honest and honorable way to spot and stalk prey in the wilderness. Instead of using high tech gadgets to get off a shot from a long distance, fair chase means relying on your own skill to move in closer for the kill.

Hunting lodges are quite plentiful in Newfoundland, with all-inclusive packages that offer "fly-in" hunts, accommodations, meals, guides and preparation of meat and trophies. Depending on what kind of game you have your heart set on, packages range in price between $2,000 and $5,000. Lodgings tend to be clean, comfortable and contain everything you need for a great hunting getaway.

One of the best ways to reach Newfoundland is by plane and the recommended carrier is Air Canada. Since you will be traveling outside the United States, a current passport is needed to enter Canada. You can bring your weapons into the country as long as you declare them to the proper authorities at Canadian Customs.

With some of the biggest game available in North America combined with an unspoiled wilderness, Newfoundland could easily become your new favorite hunting spot.

Resources:
http://www.pineridge.nf.ca/general.htm
http://www.newfoundlandhunting.com/hunting_information.html http://www.biggamecanada.com/travel_info.html