We applaud the efforts of…

We applaud the efforts of MNRF through this proposal to reduce the minimum distance for the placement of bait from rights of way and trails for bear hunting to 30m. The 200m distance placed an unnecessary burden on professional guides and bear outfitters who make an effort to offer safety not only to their resident and non-resident clients but to the non-hunting public as well.

This reduction in the distance will provide more safety to participating bear hunters and hunting guides. In the tourism industry our bear hunting clients are aging and having them traverse 200m (636 feet) into a boreal forest in northern ontario to reach their baiting site would cause us to lose our existing clientele. Bear hunting generates over $40 million annually that flows back into our Ontario economy.

Selective harvest that is offered through the use of baiting sites is an invaluable tool that helps to manage our bear populations in Ontario.

We wholeheartedly support the reduction from 200m to 30m for this regulation. Thank you for your efforts to continue providing a safe hunting experience for all who wish to participate in bear hunting in Ontario.