I believe that including…

I believe that including Goshawks as a draw for wild take in Ontario is an excellent idea. In addition, the ability to capture one wild raptor per year including Cooper’s hawk, Sharp-shinned hawk, Red-tailed hawk, and Merlin is a much needed change. The mortality rate of young hawks in their first year can be as high as 90% due to the inability to fend for themselves and hunt independently. With that being said, as a falconer, I believe that maintaining and preserving birds of prey in Ontario is of the upmost importance. With more birds being captured and trained to hunt each year with intent to release back into the wild, the populations of these species will thrive. Since the Northern Goshawk has been identified as a priority for conservation with a population of only about 1000 in Canada, the ability for five goshawks to be taken and trained by experienced falconers will support the conservation of this species.