ERO number 019-7813 Proposed…

ERO number 019-7813

Proposed enhancements to the points-based moose tag allocation process for resident hunters

To the Public Input Coordinator and Decision Makers:

I agree changes are required in the tag application and allocation process to ensure the appropriate number of harvesters are issued a tag to ensure the proper management of the moose herd within the province and individual WMU’s.

I genuinely disagree with the first proposed bullet point “Any hunter awarded a tag based on their first choice in the ‘second chance allocation’ will forfeit their points, whether or not they decide to claim the tag”. That would not be acceptable to any harvester that enters the draw system as it displays the Ministries inability to work with the harvesting managers of the resource. As stated in Ministry literature and other hunting enthusiasts’ literature, some people may encounter a life issue after applying in the second draw and are unable to hunt that season (new job=no holidays). This penalizes the good intention of the harvester to do their part in managing the herd.

The proposed step 2 of having a later date to claim your tag in the second draw is a good approach to cover many aspects of life issues and requiring claiming your second draw tag at a later date, without the loss of points or being penalized. Prior to the start date of bow season in late August would be acceptable to many.

The proposed step 3 of the new last chance allocation – the call in or online process appeared to work in the old application system of the additional tags being offered. This would be acceptable and would get more hunters excited to get an opportunity to acquire a tag declined in the proposed step 2.
This would also allow for the resource to be managed as prescribe by the Ministry.

Thanks for opportunity to comment, but I must also state this is not the first time a proposal for hunting regulation changes is being submitted for comment during the hunting season. It is a poor choice in timing when most harvesters are not looking at a computer and are either preparing to be in the forest, are in the forest or are busy processing their harvest and getting back to their jobs.

Regards,