I actively oppose ERO 019…

I actively oppose ERO 019-0022, to reduce minimum distance requirement for placement of bait from rights of way and trails, for black bear hunting.

There are significantly more recreationalists such as families, dog walkers, small bird watchers, hikers and photographers, than hunters or outfitters in Ontario. Recreationalists are most likely unfamiliar with hunting and firearm safety protocols and may be put at risk as a result of this move.

Moving bait piles closer to publicly accessible roadways or trails, increases the probability of negative encounters between wildlife (all species who are potentially attracted to the bait piles) and non-hunters or outfitters.

Moving bait piles closer to roadways increases the probability of vehicular collisions with large animals. There are already thousands of such incidents, including those causing serious harm to wildlife, drivers, passengers and damage to vehicles. This will further increase insurance rates and road maintenance costs.

As more recreationalists who are not hunters, use wild spaces, regulations should be put in place to protect them – not increase the possibility or probability that they will be harmed by hunting and hunting-related activities such as baiting.