I support this proposal to…

I support this proposal to expand the capture of live raptors to licensed Falconers in Ontario. As a Wildlife Biologist and falconer with 25yrs of experience, I am excited to see the OMNR working with Falconers to take steps which are allowing the sports regulations to mirror those in the USA and other provinces which have been successfully regulating Falconry for decades. These other regions have allowed the harvest of wild birds of prey to licensed Falconers without the use of a lottery system with no I'll effect. The species available for Falconers are widespread and abundant in numbers. The extremely limited number of first year birds taken for the purpose of Falconry has had no negative long-term impact on raptor populations in these areas.

Falconers are a dedicated group of individuals with a deep passion for all birds of prey. Over the years, the Ontario Hawking Club (OHC) has contributed to the long-term conservation and management of the provinces raptors through volunteer efforts such as public education campaigns and surveys to aid researchers in determining raptor population densities.

This proposal will allow Falconers to practice their sport in a fulfilling and sustainable manner which will not have a negative impact on wild raptor populations