The proposal to simplify and…

The proposal to simplify and align provincial white-tailed deer hunting seasons is a welcomed proposal, with the exception of the addition of bow-hunting opportunities during the controlled deer hunting seasons, primarily in Southern Ontario.

The proposal addresses the safety concerns and mitigating factors for these concerns (e.g. bow hunters must meet the blaze-orange requirements during this period); however, this is a major concern that is commonly raised by landowners, when I am asking them for permission to hunt their lands. The landowners express concerns that hunters may be bow hunting during the controlled deer hunt, and it raises the concern of granting permission for controlled deer hunting with a gun. Currently, landowners are generally pleased to hear that the bow hunting season is closed during this season, and the concerns are alleviated due to this. With the addition of the bow hunting during the controlled gun hunts, the concern for landowners remains valid, and ultimately, may reduce hunting opportunities for those partaking in the controlled deer hunt with a gun.

Please reconsider the addition of bow hunting opportunities during controlled deer hunting seasons.