I think this proposal is an…

I think this proposal is an illegitimate use of the word hunting. Hunting is the harvesting of game species for eating. This is simply a cull with an open season attached. I don't think disguising it as an ethical activity is the answer. Calling it hunting is degrading to proper wildlife management.

While I have witnessed the poor water quality near nesting sites, I think using guns to control populations will prove ineffective. I feel this will disrupt much more than cormorant reproduction. Furthermore the political repercussions will outweigh the benefit.

I believe there are other non-lethal measures that have not yet been exercised. Public harassment is an option that could have a greater impact. Currently as a migratory species they are free from harassment at the nesting site. Allowing volunteers to place birds of prey within cormorant rookery sites might provide a greater impact. This was practised in Port Colborne, ON around tern nesting beds with some success. This would also provide some relief to private landowners dealing with this species. It should not be illegal for residents to chase cormorants out of trees providing shade to streams and riverbanks. Trees are an important tool for regulating water temperature and slowing runoff which avoids poor water clarity and erosion. Cormorants kill trees along the water's edge.

Oiling of eggs by public agencies should continue and other non-lethal options that are safer than discharging firearms. The Ministry could also deploy bird bangers in problem urban areas such as Hamilton Harbour without creating a political firestorm.

While I wholeheartedly agree this species numbers are detrimental to native fish stocks and water quality I do not believe allowing the public to shoot 50 of them a day will have an impact nor do I believe the public are willing to spend the time or money for ammunition on a species as undesirable to eat for more than 1 season.

I as a participant believe in hunting as sound wildlife management tool but I do not believe this fits the definition of hunting. This is a public cull and should be labeled as such if implemented. Please do not add this to the hunting regulations. Although I believe some control measures are necessary I do not support adding this proposal to the hunting regulations.