As a young hunter, I…

As a young hunter, I appreciate the government's support for hunting, a culturally, socially and economically-important practice. Hunting is an integral aspect of our lives for so many of us and is an effective tool in managing wildlife conservation. Ontario hunters and non-resident hunters from abroad invest millions of dollars directly into this province annually through license fees, in addition to indirect regional economic development benefits provided through hunting-related expenses, such as Northern Ontario tourism (e.g. moose hunting). For many like me, it allows us to escape the daily city grind and enjoy quality time outdoors, and has both physical and mental benefits.

Bear baiting is a critical part of bear hunting, especially spring bear hunting. It not only adds to the ultimate challenge sought by hunters for reward after hard work, but it also improves bear hunting success. Without effective baiting, successful bear hunting is extremely difficult. This is especially true for hunters, like myself, who choose to bowhunt. Bowhunting requires you to be close enough to an animal to ethically harvest it and baiting is the only way to do that in bear hunting. Without baiting, bowhunters would either have to roam around the forests looking for bears, which is not a recommended safe practice, or sit in a tree stand with the hopes for the rare opportunity that a bear passes. 

While I appreciate the government's efforts in enhancing bear baiting opportunities, I question the need for any minimum distance baiting requirements at all in this proposal. Bear baiting conflicts are rare occasions but will happen regardless of baiting restrictions or not. This distance restriction prevents hunting in a lot of huntable land in Southern Ontario, land that is already increasingly difficult to access. I don't believe this spatial restriction on baiting is necessary or required at all. Rather, appropriate communication, education and awareness efforts on bear baiting (i.e. at the beginning of a trail) would be a more effective approach. 

In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to express concern for the ever-increasing gasoline prices in this province and the detrimental effect it has on rural Ontarians, citizens who rely on driving daily (e.g. public transportation isn't realistic for those who work in the trades, for example), and Ontario hunters who have to drive increasing distances (sometimes 3-4 hours a single day) to access huntable land. Increasing gas prices may not affect everyone but it especially impacts those of us who rely on gasoline daily to get to and from work and whose hobbies are outside cities. It limits our ability to spend quality time with our families doing the things we love as it is making up a greater and greater share of living expenses. I ask you please do what it takes to reduce gasoline price increases. 

Thank you again for this opportunity to comment. I congratulate and share my sincere feelings of appreciation for all those working in MNRF and the important work you do.