As a hunter of more than 40…

As a hunter of more than 40 years I believe this will be horrible for the image of hunters. I realize there are species that are considered non game and nuisance species and are killed without expectation of consumption. I could not in good conscience do this, in particular for cormorants who are very visible to the recreating public.

Hunting them during the nesting and fledging period is unethical and has the very significant potential to endanger and disturb other nesting birds (gulls etc.).

I expect there will be birds left dead on shore, in the water etc and nothing good can come of it. It will suck up enforcement time and social media management time that should be devoted to other more pressing problems.

Finally, this smacks of a kill the predators (or the ugly) and feeds the groups of hunters who believe predators should be suppressed for the benefit of ungulate hunters/ turkey hunters etc. The question is what is next and why would MNRF say no to any proposals.

I imagine loons should be on the list however they have distinctive looks and a haunting call. They should thank god for that given the abundance of fish they consume.

I cannot in good conscience support this initiative for the myriad of troubles that it generates.