Hello, I have a few comments…

Hello,

I have a few comments regarding the proposed changes to Ontario's moose hunting regulations.

While the changes, as proposed do have some merit, I feel that they will still fall short of helping our moose population regenerate. My only comment regarding the point system and the group application that I feel would be beneficial (assuming this passes), is to not get rid of the group application process. I hunt annually in a party of 6, and we do apply as a group. If the groups are removed and the point system implemented, we would now have to potential to draw multiple tags in one year. This is not necessary as we would rather have the chance to gets tags more regularly or on an annual basis instead of multiple tags in one year. By removing the group draw, we would run the chance of 'wasting' tags as we could probably only harvest the one animal, if that. Also, why not provide the option of pooling points to apply as groups to improve one’s chance of drawing a tag? Provide an online service where we could log in to see our total number of points and make and educated decision to apply as a group and use two or three member’s points to guarantee a tag. Once the points were gone, then we would be back to the draw the same as everyone else.

Now as far as implementing a calf draw; in general this will not have as big of an impact as you are anticipating on the moose population. I hunt WMU-37 and have all my life. While I can attest to the fluctuation in moose population over the years, based on the number of animals observed while hunting, I can also attest to the increase number of non-traditional hunting parties that we are seeing on a regular basis. What I mean by this is that there has been a significant increase in the number of large group, non-indigenous parties hunting with native or metis licensed harvesters, which is in direct violation of both the treaties and laws. Now I know that this is a hot topic and is much debated but I will try and put this as delicately as possible. There is no way that you can manage a moose population effectively while you are only regulating one half or less of the population of hunters. We are being over regulated to the point of now not being able to hunt in a given year if unsuccessful in a ‘calf draw’, while native and metis hunters are able to harvest at will both the number and sex of moose that they please!! On top of this, we are also forced to silently observe the unethical and extremely illegal hunting practices that are occurring annually. I have either personally, or have had firsthand accounts of all of the following; night hunting, spot lighting, setting up blockades on main logging roads to isolate entire areas with armed guards (could not believe this one), threats of having to pay tolls to cross ‘native land’ which was crown land, one hunter harvesting entire families of moose (bull, cow, calf), a large party of non-indigenous hunters with one metis/native hunter who was intoxicated to the point of not being able to stand with a bull strung up in the trees and loaded rifles and HAND GUNS being shot and laying around on tables!!!; and worst of all, a refrigerated transport trailer which has been used annually for the past 3-4 years to haul out 30+ moose from the Aubrey Falls trading post (which is owned by natives) and is being shipped down south!!! While all of these actions are unethical and against any sense of proper conservation, many are also extremely dangerous and illegal whether you are indigenous or not!! So you can now see why it is impossible for me, and others, as responsible hunters to swallow your pill accepting the notion that a calf draw is going to solve all of our problems!!

The only effective way to manage our moose population is to regulate everyone equally and enforce the laws on all. I can guarantee that if you were to regulate ALL hunters with a fair tag system based on heard numbers, that within 5 years you would have a sustainable population that would allow for increased issuance of tags and hunting opportunities for all.

I am a lifelong moose hunter and (at least) a fourth generation hunter/fisherman in Ontario who enjoys and respects our natural resources. I believe that it is up to all of us who enjoy the outdoors to do our part to manage game and fish populations responsibly, and feel that it is the responsibility of all Ontarians (not just one group/heritage) to bear the burden of ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities that we have to enjoy what our great country has to offer! While I understand that this suggestion is leading you down a difficult path, and one that will be met with extreme resistance, it is the only logical choice that you have for success and you know it!!! GROW A PAIR AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!! Thank you for your time.