Thanks for allowing public…

Thanks for allowing public comment in regards to the proposed changes for the hunting of black bear. Here's what I'd like to say as a non-resident landowner:

The number one concern when making such a change should be the resource itself. If the proposed changes are necessary for the proper management of bears, then do what you have to do. If they're not (and aren't based on biological or scientific reasoning) then please reconsider. Economics are certainly important but they shouldn't be the driving force to strip non-resident landowners of the privilege we've had for many many years. Granting that privilege accomplishes a lot more than just shooting a bear and to take it away is only going to hurt.

We currently own two parcels of land near Iron Bridge -- a 500 acre piece and a small lot. We've owned the land for almost 20 years and bought it to hunt and fish. The bear privilege was a HUGE consideration when making the purchase and four families became involved. We can get two over-the-counter bear tags every year and rotate the tags to anyone who's on the deeds and ready to hunt. The tags are often like gold and kids eagerly wait to turn 16. Wives have also grabbed a tag at times to learn about bears and their habits. I know we could go to an outfitter to get some of the same experience but money would dictate otherwise and it's not just about sitting in a tree stand to kill a critter. The current privilege allows a lot more and increases the overall value by ten-fold. Adults and children have spent countless hours getting involved (even when they don't hold a tag) and the love for nature and appreciation of bears has grown. It's quite a tradition at our camp and one I wouldn't want to lose. People in today's world are moving further and further away from deep rooted traditions like hunting and fishing and it's getting tougher and tougher to retain the youth. I guarantee that whats been happening at our camp for the past 20 years has only helped and it's something for the MNR to consider. The tradition will definitely continue if we can purchase over-the-counter tags in the years to come and kids will pass it to future generations. They'll also tell others about their experience and Ontario will be held in a positive light. Bears are synonymous with Ontario and what we're currently allowed to do has brought others into the fold as well. Non-hunting relatives and friends also spend time at our bear hunting camp and relish the chance bait, sit next to the man with the gun and learn about bears and their ways . They'd probably never learn anything about bears at all if we didn't have the current privilege and to strip it away would hurt a lot of people. Please don't crush tradition, distance youth and non-hunters from what's important and push others away from the natural world.

Another thing to consider is what we've personally done to help the bears and their habitat. The guys at our camp spend time and money to improve the land and it benefits a lot of wildlife. We tend food plots every year, prune apple trees, do things to improve berry production and tackle other projects that help bears in many ways. I'm sure we'd still do those things if the over-the-counter privilege were lost but it certainly wouldn't happen if we were to sell -- something we've recently talked about if the privilege is taken.

A lot of the money we spend in Ontario is directly related to the bears and our privilege to hunt with over-the-counter tags. We pump A LOT into the local economy (more than anyone who might go to an outfitter for a week) and it wouldn't be the same if the proposed change is passed. Our money spent is spread across the board and everyone reaps the benefit.

Please think about the things I've said as you move forward and if you have to make a change please consider these options:

** A grandfather clause that would allow current non-resident landowners to retain the over-the-counter privilege without having to hook up with an outfitter and/or,

** A minimum parcel size that would allow the current privilege to continue

Thanks for Listening !!