Re: ERO # 019-1112 –…

Re: ERO # 019-1112 – proposed changes to black bear hunting regulations
I am writing to you with regard to the consideration currently being given to increasing the bear hunt season in Ontario.
It is unclear why any consideration, other than an increase in permanent employment, is being provided to extending the hunt to spring as it is the time that the starving mother bear emerges with her cubs and is the most vulnerable time for these creatures. I understand that it is illegal to hunt/shoot a mother bear or her cubs, but it happens, and if the mother is killed/mortally wounded, the cubs will die too. Bear baiting should not be permitted: in the spring it is an especially huge draw for a starving mother, and if it persists it becomes an easy source for the mother who will teach her cubs to go to this particular source of food, making all of them easy targets. In addition, if bear bait is staged close to unwitting humans, it may very likely result in increased human/bear confrontation and the increased probability of bear death – all of which is unnecessary and certainly not sporting. If bear baiting must occur, then a registry should be implemented. I have personally come across bear bait less than 1 km from our cottage and on our walking trail (in the Parry Sound area), and it was clearly not being monitored. In addition, spring is a time that many people can actually be outside in the woods/up north, before the arrival of the black flies and mosquitoes, and the introduction of bear bait and hunters to this situation makes everything more dangerous for everyone.
I also question why dogs are permitted in this hunt. The use of dogs increases the danger of both the dogs and the bears being hurt, certainly adds to the terror of the bears, separates mothers from their cubs, which increases the risk of bear/cub mortality, and tips the balance in favour of the hunter when, as described in the MNR’s information, “matching…wits” during a bear hunt (Hunting Species information https://www.ontariotravel.net/en/play/hunting/hunting-species/black-bear) .
I note that the mandate of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry includes protecting Ontario’s diversity while promoting economic opportunity in the resource sector. I believe that your black bear management background material highlights that much of the human-bear conflict that is used as a reason to support a hunt occurs due to human encroachment on bear territory. Population growth and distribution will only increase the pressure on the bear population, which means that the need to ensure sustainability of the bears must be borne out a hunting policy that balances the need for protection of the black bar population and human economic needs and recreational pursuits.
I request that you consider a total ban on bear hunting in the spring. If this is not deemed possible due to the need for stability of economic development, then a deferral of bear hunting until and only for the month of June should be the timing and maximum period for the reasons stated above: not to victimize mothers and cubs, not to encourage the teaching of ill-fated feeding habits (bear bait) to the cubs, to minimize bear-human conflict which will certainly result in increased bear/bear cub mortality, and to allow the necessary weight gain that begins in earnest in July to ensure that the bear population remains healthy. From an economic perspective, this would be a permanent seasonal employment opportunity: one month in late spring/early summer and again for a couple of months in the fall.
The issue of conservation officers must also be considered. There must be adequate numbers of trained ministry staff to ensure that appropriate policy is followed and that deterrents to violating the policy are provided. Maintaining policy that reflects the ecological importance of the black bear and their vulnerability due to their respective longevity, and which supports biodiversity and economic sustainability, is a worthy use of taxpayers’ dollars. Similarly, a broader dissemination of information about the importance of black bears, their vulnerability as mothers and cubs, especially in the spring and early summer, the rules around hunting and bear baiting, including a clear presentation of when and how black bear hunting may occur, is critical to successful black bear population management, and it is in the interests of all Ontarians to be informed and supportive of balanced policy.
I look forward to any information you may provide to my questions and ask that I be kept informed of the discussions and outcome of the review of the black bear hunting season in Ontario.
Sincerely,