ERO Number: 019-0405 I…

ERO Number: 019-0405

I support the effort to make changes to permissible moose hunting in Ontario, but don't believe that the proposed changes go far enough given the dramatic reductions in moose populations. Twenty years ago, I could look forward to encountering moose regularly when I went into the backcountry. Now, it is increasingly rare to do so, and I have not been able to share the experience with my children, despite trying for the last four years. Moose need more protection.

I strongly approve of the recommendations made by the Wildlands League, which I include here, and urge you to adopt them.

1) End the calf hunt. Even with new restrictions, Ontario will still be in the minority of jurisdictions
allowing the harvest of calves in their first year. Research is confirming that hunting calves puts
additional stress on the moose population. It is time to phase it out.

2) Reduce cow tags consistently across the province. Without a mother to protect and guide a
calf for the first year of its life, its chances of survival are limited, even if it is not taken by a
hunter.

3) Establish and protect moose refuge areas. These areas would provide relief from loss of
habitat, and from the easy access that forestry roads provide for hunters. New legally protected
areas should be part of the solution.

4) Commit more resources for enforcement, monitoring and research that are not tied to hunting
revenue. MNRF budgets continue to be slashed and funding is dependent on hunting licenses
which can create a conflict between conservation and research. As it stands now, when hunting
tags need to be cut, there are fewer dollars to fund increasingly needed research.

5) The composition of BGMAC needs to be more representative of Ontario. It needs to include
Indigenous People, university scientists, non-consumptive outdoor enthusiasts, environmental
groups and women. Currently it consists of male hunters, outfitters, retired MNRF employees
and an Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunter biologist.