Darrin Bohonis

After flying home the other night from a business trip to Montreal, I had just enough time to grab my gear and get a couple hours of sleep before leaving the house at 3:30am to try to notch my 2026 Manitoba Wild Turkey tag.

As the morning started slow, I looked to reposition. But soon struck up a Gobbler some distance behind me.
Ditching the decoys from my earlier setup, I quickly moved in to close the distance, finding a hide amongst the thick brush within a shade of trees.
Followed by some soft coaxing on the call.

Then I heard it… One of the most peculiar sounds in the woods. That low frequency baritone drum of a strutting Wild Turkey.
He was close!
As far as drumming goes, he was rippin’. Spitting & Drumming repeatedly - louder and closer each time.
Then I saw him. His head through the thickets. Full Strut, fired up, working his way along.
As quick as I saw him, I had only seconds until he crossed into one of the only openings between the cover.
A couple more steps… Locked on target.
At 45 yards, the #9 TSS from my Franchi Affinity 20ga. met its mark… and my 2026 Manitoba Turkey season was done.

…The way I love doing it most - Strike a bird, close the distance, work him within range.
No decoys, no fuss.
A beautiful Merriam’s Tom, tipping the scale at 23 1/2 lbs.

I’m truly grateful to have the opportunity to hunt these amazing birds here in Manitoba.
In one of my favourite areas of the province to be.

With the limited time I had to hunt this Spring, even if I hadn’t filled my tag, it was already a success.
My son Aidan getting his first Turkey during the youth season was all I hoped for.
But the time spent in the woods, watching nature awake in the morning and hearing and engaging with these birds is worth it enough for me.
That said, buttermilk brined & seasoned turkey breast nuggets or turkey legs in the slow cooker are pretty tough to beat!

The 37th Annual Fish Futures Banquet & Auction is about to kick off.
They’ve totally outdone themselves this year… Wow!
It’s set to be their biggest banquet to date!

Time flies when you’re having fun…
Congratulations to Pokey's Tackle Shop on their 40th Anniversary! Here’s to 40 more!

All set up for the 2026 Mid-Canada RV & Boat Sale at the RBC Convention Centre in downtown Winnipeg.
The show runs Thursday January 29 to Sunday February 1.
We’re here to talk all things Minn Kota & Humminbird. Come on down & say Hi!

Pretty cool new logo!

Had such a great time at the MLOA AGM and Banquet.
So many productive and engaging presentations and discussions during the AGM.
As much as there have been recent challenges with forest fires and issues threatening access for all, the MLOA and partner associates have been making great strides for its members.

The banquet was also a huge success! Kudos to all involved.

If you’re an Outfitter or Lodge in Manitoba and not already a member, the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association is your voice.
www.mloa.com

Introducing our new logo!

After an incredibly successful AGM over the last few days, we are excited to step into this next chapter with a refreshed new look!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who attended, donated, supported, and helped make this year’s AGM a success.
Including our Board of Directors, Staff, the Sandman & Boardroom staff, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, and Bergmann's On Lombard Catering.

Stay tuned - a full recap with photos of our AGM is coming in the next few days!

With the Ice fishing season approaching, save up to $135 (CAD) on Humminbird ICE Helix Series models.
Now until December 31, 2025.

Save on select Benelli, Beretta, Franchi, Sako, Steiner & Stoeger products, now through September 30th.
Visit your local retailer for details. (Canada)

HUGE fan of Sitka’s Optifade Cover pattern! Without a doubt, the most concealing camo I’ve used for early season hunts. Super versatile!

I’m very excited to announce that in addition to the current companies I proudly represent,
(Johnson Outdoors Canada - Minn Kota/Humminbird/Cannon, Z-Man Fishing Products, RedBow Co - Bakcou/Dryshod)
Bohonis Enterprises Inc. will be working with Fisher Marketing for Manitoba, Saskatchewan & NW Ontario,
representing:

STOEGER Canada
(Beretta, Benelli, Sako, Tikka, Franchi, Stoeger, Steiner, Burris, Chapuis Armes, A. Uberti, Norma, RWS)
SITKA Gear
BENCHMADE Knives
LOWA (Hunt/Tactical)/ROHNER/LEKI

In addition to my passion and background in the Fishing industry, with my experience in hunting/shooting, technical outdoor apparel, knives and footwear, working with the Fisher Marketing team is a perfect fit.

With that said, I’m humbled by the opportunity, given the passing of friend Mark Williams who was previously the territory Rep.
I hope to do well by him and continuing the relationships, trust and support that he built.