I consider this proposal to…

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013-4124

Comment ID

16175

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I consider this proposal to be unnecessary, extremely inhumane, and environmentally irresponsible. The double-crested cormorant is a native, wildlife species. It is not a game bird and shouldn't be treated as one.

I'm concerned that the proposed change to the hunting regulations will result in significant damage to natural ecosystems and habitats and also have negative impacts on non-target species.

The provision to allow cormorant carcasses to spoil is completely ridiculous and may result in additional health hazards for natural and human populations.

Moreover, having an open hunting season on a non-game species is irresponsible. It promotes a non-sustenance related gun culture and violence towards wildlife. It could also endanger the public by allowing hunting during the summer season when lakes and other natural areas are highly-utilized by Ontario residents and tourists.

I urge the Ontario government to study the situation more closely, provide more information about the current population size, set a population management target, develop a plan to monitor and assess impacts before taking any population management actions.