The current system works…

The current system works fine for the most part. It recognizes WMU quotas and gives hunters fair access to licenses based on such. Ghost hunters need to be addressed as indicated. The elimination of group applications is going the wrong direction, Such will eliminate many hunters from applying for adult animals. If hunters in a group are awarded tags individually such can jeopardize their ability for success in subsequent years--when more than one or two members are successful in a current year. A group of 4-5 hunters can enjoy a hunt with a single tag but if 2 members receive tags in the same year their probability of success in the subsequent year is almost non-existent. Result would be that hunters would drop out and revenues from licenses and tourism would decline.

Requiring calf tags to be combined with adult animal tags likewise will eliminate opportunities for many hunt groups in areas where there are lower quotas. Many groups today hunt on calf abilities when unsuccessful for an adult tag. This proposal eliminates this opportunity for their annual hunt.

Suggestions:-- Reduce the seasons to a shorter time period. Reduce the quotas to yield desired herd levels where necessary.

The reduction to 3 km for party hunting might create dangerous conditions for larger hunting parties. 5 kms is the shortest reasonable distance considering that many groups have 6 to 8 hunters.

Outfitters tend to favour non-residents due to the lucrative fees they can charge. Issue "resident tags" and "non-resident" tags to outfitters to make opportunities for Ontario hunters to afford outfitting camps--especially since proposals will be reducing the reliability of getting an adult tag. The cost difference for a non-resident tag must be significantly higher-- or a resident discounted tag price-- in order for Ontario hunters to afford these hunts in the remoter areas.

Removal or making tag transfers more difficult is a good idea to eliminate ghost hunters. The mechanics of tag transfers for legitimate reasons-- employment crisis,health, emergencies, etc. need to be publicized so I can comment. I believe the impact of tag transfers in any event is minimal overall since the actual average issuance of adult tags is probably less than 20%.

Surplus tags should not be available until all original applications have been satisfied. I have seen members of successful groups receive surplus tags when other groups in the same WMU have been unsuccessful in the original draw. It is hard to understand how surplus tags are available when any "unsuccessful" Pool1 applicant exists after the original draw. This should be a simple adjustment in the draw programming.

Do not change from the current group application system. It ain't broke--just needs a tune-up.