This proposal reflects the…

This proposal reflects the interests of moose hunters and primarily addresses how moose hunting licences are allocated. The consultation process was not broad-based ,it did not
include environmental and wildlife organizations groups, and citizens who are concerned that moose are disappearing from many of our diminishing wildlife habitat.

I have specific concerns that Wildlife Management Units)WMU) 5 ,8 and parts of 15A ( all in Northwestern Ontario) had the highest moose populations in Ontario and now they have the lowest numbers that are well below the sustainable level.

Given this the Moose Management Proposals did NOT INCLUDED these areas in the restricted or no calf harvest as they did for other WMU's.

Ontario is the only jurisdiction that sells licences to kill the calves of a declining species...historically (published MNR data since 1980) the calf harvest has represented from 20-30 percent of the yearly harvest..it is no surprise that moose are in trouble.

We are well aware that there are many factors contributing to this decline ( habitat loss, disease, predation, increased access etc ) BUT the fact remains that at this time the only immediate and proven action is to protect the remaining cow/calf population . Without this there is no hope of maintaining a sustainable moose population .

The MNR has protected calves in other units and has proven the population rebounded..Why not do this now before there is a complete collapse in Northwestern Ontario.