Moosehorn Lodge - Walleye Muskie Bass Northern - Fishing Lodge Ontario Canada on Lac Seul

The passport requirement for travelers entering the U.S. and Canada at land and sea ports of entry that was to be fully implemented by summer of 2008, has once again been delayed and is scheduled to be implemented until at least summer of 2009, according to a final approval given to legislation by the U.S. Congress a few days ago.

Although more thorough security methods at the Del Rio Port of Entry and other border ports of entry have already begun to take place in a notable way, presenting a birth certificate and a valid U.S. identification is the only requirement set to take place in 2008, beginning January 31, said Richard Pauza, Spokesperson for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Laredo Field Office.

"Beginning January 31, 2008, people will have to show both their birth certificate and a valid, government issued picture ID," said Pauza. "This is all part of the WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative), but the passport requirement has not been fully implemented for now."

Still, the same question remains in the mind of travelers - when will I need a passport?

Despite the fact that just a few months back, Pauza had stated that the passport requirement would be fully enforced at U.S. and Canada Ports of Entry by summer of 2008, it has now changed to summer of 2009, at the earliest.

"The plans still continue for the introduction of a wallet sized passport," said Pauza.

"This credit card size passport is designed to be a cheaper and more convenient alternative to getting the regular passport," he assured.

Led to believe that those who have already obtained a passport will not need it for at least another year and a half, Pauza said that people should be prepared unconditionally when traveling outside the U.S.

"Although the passport requirement will not be fully implemented as of now, people should still know that the security methods at the border ports of entry are continually increasing," said Pauza. "Changes can occur at any time."

The changes in the implementation of the passport requirement and increases in border security however, continue to distress citizens that travel to Mexico and Canada.

"This is all so upsetting," said Ivan Lopez, who traveled to Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña, Coah., Mexico to visit family during the Christmas holiday. "First we were told that we must get a passport for the beginning of 2008, which cost me a lot of time and money and now I see on TV that we don't need it until 2009, I feel very confused about all this."

This info was received compliments of Joel from All Canada Show

**********************

The days have shortened, the temperature is falling, and a pile of snow now covers the ground. The camp is now packed away for the winter months, and the main lodge is now decorated and ready to host some Christmas Parties. Chef Greg Rice's food is a very hot commodity around here, and the parties are booking up fast. Carter and Greg both are currently working further north than here, and will return soon. This is predicted to be a true Canadian winter, as it is very cold out already, and making good ice for fisherman and guys like Carter who haul fuel across ice roads to northern communities.

Hunting for all in the area went well this year. Moose and deer were both plentiful. Moosehorn is hoping to one day soon provide hunting as well, we'll keep you posted.

Linda is teaching school the odd day, and still spending as many hours as possible hunting and fishing. The elements can be tough at times, but Linda and Greg M are out trolling until the ice comes. They have caught and released 36 muskies, in October and November. Five of these fish were over 50 inches, with 54.75 being the biggest. Only five as well were under the 40 inch mark, but still fat. All were released in mint shape. Everyone knows that the late fall can bring the largest fish, and anything you catch that lacks in length, makes up for it in girth. Maybe you should consider a late fall trip one day. They were averaging three muskies a day, and several big pike (40-44") as well.

Our future plans are to provide warm insulated cabins, to accommodate hunters from Canada, and ice fisherman as well. With today's technology and incredible equipment, braving the elements of the north is easy now, and we are hearing more interest of ice fishing in our area. At Moosehorn we catch fish all year long!

Linda and Greg will be off to the sports shows in the New Year, and you can see all that they're attending in our newsletter. Be sure to drop in and say hello. Muskie Mamma has been asked to give a presentation at the Chicago muskie show, to share a bit about her knowledge of Lac Seul, if you are attending, don't miss it!

Next spring we will be back at it again, making more improvements to Moosehorn Lodge, and we'll update you more on all of those details in the months to come.

To all of our guests and newcomers as well, have a safe, and happy holiday season, and keep yourself busy to burn off the winter, so that we can all have fun again!

Do you or your guests have a criminal record? This can cause problems crossing the border. Even a DUI may prevent travel to Canada. Anyone with a past felony or misdemeanor may be refused entry. This can be costly and have severe impact if you are travelling on vacation or business. Don't delay, call in advance and be prepared. Call Lucy at Canada Border Crossing Services for a free consultation 1-800-438-7020.

**********************

This fall has been variable in weather, but for all of the hardcore fishermen, very rewarding. Once again, the fall walleye slam up in Adamhay Lake took place and it was unbelievable fishing. Trolling for muskies was very successful with a 54", a 52.5" and lots of others in the high 40's being caught. The forty inch plus pike were also feeding hard at this time (October), with a 45" pike being the biggest caught and released. The smallmouth action was incredible as well, catching every drop in 30 plus feet of water. These fish still burst the surface , even when pulled out of deep water, what a blast! The lake trout were up on the reefs for the last couple days of September, before they close. These lakers really scrap hard on light tackle while protecting the nests. Thank you to all of you who endured our crazy climate and got rewarded with the fish of your lifetime. We hope to see more of you here for next fall's feeding frenzy!

Greg and Carter have been busy winterizing the lodge, pulling out boats and the houseboat. A couple of trees fell, but luckily there was no real damage. They have also been winterizing the dining room for winter, as it is going to stay open for awhile this year for special dinners and Christmas parties.

***********************

We are now offering the opportunity to capture your trophy in a memorable way. Check out www.fotoplaques.com or see us at Moosehorn lodge.

Oooh...haaaa...another 21' Harborcraft, that makes 4 of them.

We now sell Joe Bucher fishing lures and St.Croix rods.

Here it is, the fish that Muskie Mamma caught, the 57" monster, of course this is only a replica, the real one was released.

The team at Moosehorn has been out enjoying an extended fall this year. Our snow didn’t hit until mid November. The weather has been fair and the colors, just beautiful. We’ve mainly been hunting big walleyes this fall and trolling a bit for muskies as well. A couple of hikes have been made for splake and speckled trout, both successful. On Lac Seul, we have been heading way up to Adamhay, to learn the route better, spot for moose and slam the walleyes. This late fall fishing is pretty amazing. You should try it one day. Now, everyone is getting ready to go ice fishing, which is a blast as well.

Joe Bucher came by, and was filming some episodes for next year, we will keep you posted when they should air on tv. For more pictures, click on the "Photo Gallery" link.

Here she is...Muskie Mamma herself...getting ready to catch another world record Musky.

We added another 21' Harbercraft to our line up, this time with a 4 stroke 150hp.

We now have an Internet workstation for guest use, as well as wireless Internet with those who bring their own laptops.