Scott Cole and his son Tyler have been planning this business for some time and are pleased to see it get started. Tinkess Photo

NORTH DUNDAS – In an era where online shopping seems to be taking an increasingly large portion of our disposable income, there is still a sense of satisfaction in being able to walk into a local shop and find just what you’re looking for. Convenience still matters though; you don’t want to have to tie up an hour or more of your day driving to Kemptville, Cornwall, or even Ottawa if you don’t have to.

Local hunters and fishers can now take advantage of that convenience because of the opening of Offgrid Fishing and Hunting, who are located at 12697 Maple Ridge Road in North Dundas. (Maple Ridge Road runs north from County Road 43, just west of North Dundas District High School.)

Offgrid Fishing and Hunting is the creation of Scott Cole and his son Tyler. “It was a result of our love of fishing and hunting,” said Scott. “We used to do 12, 15 tournaments a year and we’ve always been an outdoors family. I grew up in Prince Edward County, so I was surrounded by water, so I hunted and fished. That’s all I did. I kept myself out of trouble.”

The Cole’s knew about a similar business in Prescott (Oman Fishing) and learned that the owner had passed away.  “Judy Oman’s husband had started the business, and he got sick with cancer and passed away,” said Scott. “She decided she was going to continue doing it, but then she just found she wanted to move into a different direction. We just went back and forth and ended up buying all her stock.”

With stock on hand, the Cole’s proceeded to work with the Township of North Dundas to obtain the permits they required and converted their double garage into a retail space where the concentrate on providing high quality fishing and hunting gear, with an emphasis on local and Canadian suppliers. (Visit their website for a list of the things they carry.)

One thing they don’t yet have is the ability to sell ammunition, due to zoning restrictions, but they are working towards that with the support of the Township.

Offgrid Fishing and Hunting officially became a part of the North Dundas retail community back in April during the Business Expo, but on Tues., June 23 they held their official ribbon cutting. Mayor Tony Fraser conveyed the best wishes of the Township on the company’s creation and presented them with a certificate recognizing the event.

“The Township of North Dundas extends sincere congratulations to Offgrid Fishing, and Hunting on the occasion of your grand opening, June 23,2026,” said Mayor Fraser. “We appreciate your positive contributions.

It makes North Dundas a great place to live, work, and raise a family. It is signed by our CEO, Meena Mullur, and by myself. Congratulations, and to you as well, Tyler. You’re a partner in the deal.”

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn could not attend but also provided a certificate recognizing Offgrid Fishing and Hunting for contributing to the local economy.

You can learn more about Offgrid Fishing and Hunting by visiting their website at offgridfishingandhunting.ca.

The shop is closed on Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

You can also support local AND shop online with Offgrid, and they offer free next day delivery within 25km of Winchester.