First of all, is this a…

First of all, is this a priority during a pandemic or is that why it was done now, while most people are paying attention to everything else going on in the world.

I admit I didn't know that capturing raptors from the wild in Ontario was something that occurred. While I can appreciate that falconers must have a close and, in some cases, long-lasting relationship with their raptor, I fail to see why wild birds need to be taken. We do not permit people to keep other Ontario native wildlife as 'pets' or 'hunting companions', so why is this permitted? Having briefly researched Ontario falconry, I do understand that using native species may make more sense than introducing more exotic species to our province if they manage to escape.

The Ontario Hawking Club states that people should only be getting into the 'sport' to hunt with their raptors. What do people hunt with Merlins and Sharp-shinned Hawks? Warblers and sparrows? Is this permitted under Ontario legislation and, if so, what is the purpose - do people eat these non-game birds or is it just fun to kill wild birds for no reason?

As to the proposed changes to the legislation that I already disagree with, Northern Goshawk are not abundant - just look at the 2001-2005 Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas results. Despite the intensive coverage of the southern portion of the province, this species is not that common. A new 5-year data collection period for the 3rd atlas is beginning next year, following which we will see how this and the other raptors are faring - why make these changes now? No data are cited in your proposal to support the following statement:

"The anticipated environmental consequences of the proposal are neutral. The four common species that would be taken by falconers as part of their falconry licence are all abundant with secure populations. The northern goshawk population in Ontario is secure, and the proposed draw process would limit capture to minimize any localized impacts to populations."

The change to numbers of the other raptor species to be taken from the wild is not clearly explained. As I understand it, each licenced and apprenticed falconer would be able to take one bird each year. You should have provided context by stating how many licenced falconers/apprentices there are in Ontario - is 10, 100, 1000? This number would make a huge difference in the 'anticipated environmental consequences' and I can assure you that if the number is large the consequences would not be 'neutral'. What is the potential annual increase in the number?

This proposal seems to follow the pattern that this government has in ignoring science in making their proposals and legislation. Or, more accurately, in listening to their 'base', e.g. hunters. I see that the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters submitted three options to the government to change the legislation and, of course, you are going with their 'preferred option', which is the most flexible or lenient one.

This proposal does not seem to have been publicized, perhaps knowing that it would not be that popular among the general public.

In conclusion, I do not support either aspect of this proposal, i.e. do not increase the numbers of wild raptors taken from the wild or add Northern Goshawk to the current list that are taken from the wild.