Comment
I agree with most of the recommendations and offer the following comments:
> Hunters should be required to apply for a bull, cow/calf, calf tag. Bull tags and cow/calf tags should be awarded on a points-based system as described in the recommendations. Calf tags should NOT be awarded on a points based basis but awarded randomly in a draw to any hunters to choose to apply. This will allow hunters the chance to obtain a calf tag while still accumulating points for an adult moose without penalty.
>Mandating that hunters must identify the hunters in their party on the licence summary and limiting hunters to 3 groups will be problematic. In northern Ontario, where seasons are longer, it's common for groups of hunters to form almost on a daily basis. The recommendation as proposed is too rigid. The current system is more flexible and is preferable.
>The recommendations suggest that changes to the season could happen due to tag fill rates. I suggest that the possibility for separate draws for split seasons be explored. Depending on hunter success rates, this may allow for the issuance of more tags. Consideration should be given to protecting bulls in the early season while protecting pregnant cows later in the season.
> I support a reasonably priced application fee which if added to the cost of an adult tag would price out to the same cost of a current moose licence. I support a graduated licence price system for bulls (most expensive), cows, and calves (least expensive). The overall cost of the application and moose licence should be reasonable for an INDIVIDUAL to purchase. Do not base the cost of a moose licence presuming that the cost will be shared by a group.
>Hunters who have more points than what are required for a tag should not loose the extra points if awarded a tag. Hunters should be able to keep these points because they earned them!
> Hunters should be able to obtain recent and historical information about the status of the moose herd in a particular WMU, including a commentary that describes the challenges and successes. Hunters should also be able to obtain statistical information on any given WMU e.g. hunter draw info, harvest info, hunter effort, etc.
>BGMAC should be tasked to review forest management plans and reports to monitor the state of the forest and make recommendations to improve moose habitat.
>Wildfires and prescribed burns should be utilized to manage and enhance moose habitat.
> Remove the 2-wolf bag limit in northern Ontario. There are no shortages of wolves in northern Ontario and allowances are required to encourage hunters to harvest more.
> Both Indigenous and non-indigenous hunters are targeting the same moose. It stands to reason that a common (co-management) approach to managing wildlife is required. The province should strive to enter into agreements with Indigenous communities to manage wildlife.
Submitted August 26, 2019 12:58 PM
Comment on
Improvements to moose management as part of the Moose Management Review
ERO number
019-0405
Comment ID
33363
Commenting on behalf of
Comment status