They started their own mining safety company in 2011 called SWP Inc. so they could chase after their dream trips in the wilderness and enjoy the lifestyle. They enjoy exploring new territory together and hope to have an off-grid cabin one day in the woods. They hunt and fish together with their two dogs any chance they get.
“Sharing experiences with Dave means everything to me,” she said. “Having shared the moments and experiences, good and bad, has brought us closer together. Because this lifestyle really is the best way to get to know someone, we continually learn so much from each other, and ourselves. There’s no one I’d rather be doing this with more than him.” Dave feels as strongly about their relationship, marriage and lifestyle. Courchesne’s patience and passion for life and other people stands out about her personality. Dave doesn’t want anyone else to take life head on than Courchesne.
“Janelle has a humble way of teaching and showing others some of the skills she posses as an angler and hunter - cleaning fish, field dressing and meat processing,” he said. “She often likes to do things her way, as she is a very strong-minded woman, and I must admit, a bit of a perfectionist. When we first met, we had no idea that we’d live this kind of lifestyle together. After trading in our Baja for a Ranger fishing boat and the Shelby GT for a Polaris side by side, there was no turning back. I couldn’t be happier, knowing where we came from to where we are now, that we get to share this life together and look forward to the future with my lovely bush-wife.”
If anything, Courchesne is involved and gives back as much as she can. She is a member of organizations such as Great Canadian Female Anglers, Muskies Canada Sudbury Chapter and part of the walleye hatchery programs in the Lake Nipissing area. She doesn’t like to sit idle either.
Courchesne is working on getting her pilot’s licence, recently studied fish and wildlife conservation at Sault College and loves learning new things such as fly fishing, fly tying, photography, birding and foraging in the wild. Courchesne is a driven and determined woman. Courchesne knows no matter how passionate you may be about something, you still have to earn it every time and that doesn’t always come easy.
“Being a True Wild Northerner to me means, not being afraid to put some blood sweat and tears into something you’re passionate about,” she said. “To not give up but learn during the inevitable hardships that come along with the sometimes-difficult lifestyle we ‘insist’ on putting ourselves through. I was brought up in a family that had a deep affinity for the outdoors so it is no surprise to me that I’ve inherited the passion here. When I set out to accomplish something new, doing so usually leads to trying out some-other-thing new in return. There are endless lessons to be learnt out there, you just have to listen, be open minded and persevere when things get a little tough; because sometimes, they do.”
Northern Ontario holds a special place in Courchesne’s heart and always will. She loves the world-class fishing and hunting opportunities afforded to her and others in the region. Whether it is setting her sights on a moose or setting the hook on a musky, northern Ontario is all good to Courchesne.
“The pure night skies, the clean waters and the changing of seasons, everything seems to be so breathtakingly beautiful,” she said. “It is a place where I am proud to call my home and forever my preferred exploring grounds.
Dave feels as strongly about their relationship, marriage and lifestyle. Courchesne’s patience and passion for life and other people stands out about her personality. Dave doesn’t want anyone else to take life head on than Courchesne.
“Janelle has a humble way of teaching and showing others some of the skills she posses as an angler and hunter - cleaning fish, field dressing and meat processing,” he said. “She often likes to do things her way, as she is a very strong-minded woman, and I must admit, a bit of a perfectionist. When we first met, we had no idea that we’d live this kind of lifestyle together. After trading in our Baja for a Ranger fishing boat and the Shelby GT for a Polaris side by side, there was no turning back. I couldn’t be happier, knowing where we came from to where we are now, that we get to share this life together and look forward to the future with my lovely bush-wife.”