I think there is a couple of…

I think there is a couple of concerns with the proposed double-crested cormorant hunt in Ontario.

To begin, allowing for an open hunting season that will run through the summer months (peak tourism season on many lakes), will likely cause issues when looking at public safety. I also feel that if cormorants are not disposed of properly there may be issues arise with cormorants washing up on beaches and private cottagers’ properties. The smell of rotting flesh in the hot summer months may also create issues with beach use, dogs getting into cormorant carcasses and disease transfer when carcasses are left to rot.

Opening the season on cormorants similar to that of other migratory waterfowl (hunting in fall) may limit some of these issues over the summer months. I feel that the cormorant monitoring program will help assess the effects hunting will have on the species and allow the ministry to closely monitor and regulate some of these problems where they see fit.

I think with strict regulations around open seasons on cormorants and the enforcement of proper disposal procedures on the species will allow for the success of this proposal