I am a long time hunter and…

I am a long time hunter and advocate for the traditions of hunting in Canadian culture. I am appalled that the term "hunting" would be used to describe the killing of cormorants, which have no practical use as is the case with any other game animal. This shows a complete disregard for maintaining a positive image of hunting and hunters.

If cormorants are are in fact an environmental liability, then controlling their numbers should be considered a "cull" not a form of "hunting" associated in any way with the traditional forms of the activity. This proposed change should be considered under other legislation relating to environmental protection activities such as in the case of an invasive species, oil spills or similar threats to environmental sustainability.

Please do not saddle hunters with the image that the killing of cormorants as game animals, setting a limit and allowing the spoilage of the carcasses, is hunting. This is a grave disservice to the hunting community.