Although I am heartened that…

Although I am heartened that MRNF is beginning to heed its own research regarding imposing more restrictions on the hunting of moose calves, these are insufficient. When I first learned that Ontario allowed the hunting of moose calves, I found that surprising and disturbing, especially in light of evidence that our moose population is in decline, as a result of many factors, including climate change.

At that time it was my understanding that when the moose calf hunt was originally proposed, the expectation was that most calves would die from predation anyways and hunting wouldn't add much to that total. However, since most predation occurs in the spring, one can only conclude that those shot by hunters in the fall increase pressure on an already vulnerable population.

In my view, the hunting of moose calves should not be allowed. Period. Even with new restrictions, Ontario will still be in the minority of jurisdictions allowing the harvest of calves in their first year. End it or begin phasing it out.

I also support the following recommendations of the CPAWS/The Wildland League:

• Reduce cow tags consistently across the province. During its first year of life, a calf needs its mother; otherwise, its chance of survival is limited, even without being hunted.
• Establish and protect moose refuge areas to provide relief from loss of habitat and the easy access that forestry roads provide for hunters.
• Commit more resources for enforcement, monitoring and research that are not tied to hunting revenue.

These actions would help provide much needed respite for moose in Ontario and hopefully buy time to address the other threats they face, including climate change.

I am also deeply concerned about the composition of BGMAC, which currently consists of male hunters, outfitters, retired MNRF employees and an Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunter biologist. Surely, this group needs to be more representative of Ontario; i.e., by including Indigenous People, university scientists, other types of outdoor enthusiasts, environmental groups and women.

I am remain deeply concerned about the future of moose in Ontario. In fact, I am extremely concerned about wildlife and habitat generally, including this government’s approach to the protection of endangered species, which is to basically abandon any responsibility to protect them.

I would also add that I am among the many people in Ontario who would gladly pay more taxes so that our government could do the job it ought to be doing, and improve the quality of life for all of us in Ontario, which should include a commitment to protect the flora and fauna of this province.

Thank you for your consideration.