First I would like to…

First I would like to congratulate the Ministry for their efforts in streamlining the regulations pertaining to deer hunting in Ontario. It just makes sense, and will make it that much easier for hunters.
With respect to section 2 of the proposal, allowing bow hunting during the controlled deer hunts please note the following points.

* Bow hunting has increased in popularity, and this will allow bow hunters to hunt during a time when the first rut is usually on

*Most of the land in southern Ontario is privately owned, meaning owners can allow who they want hunting on their land, how many hunters can be on their land, when hunters are allowed to hunt on their land, and use what equipment while hunting on their land.

*Public landowners ie. Conservation Authorities, municipalities, can decide what works best for their properties as well

*Although the length of season that bow hunters now get in some areas ( Oct 1-Dec 31 ) with the exception of the Controlled Deer Hunts, is more than ample, there could be less bow hunting opportunities for the landowners themselves if they farm their land and are busy taking off crops.

*Safety is maintained as if bow hunters were allowed to hunt during the gun hunts, they would be subjected to the same rules ie. the wearing of hunter orange

* Perhaps it is time to reduce the length of the season, maintain the # of tags available, and let hunters use a muzzle loader, shotgun, or bow across all WMU's in southern Ontario