This proposal regarding the…

This proposal regarding the Double- crested cormorant is not remotely like a hunt. It is a legalized slaughter. These are not game birds. They are not difficult to find or shoot. They do not require stalking or tracking. One does not have to scout out their locations or wait in blinds for them. They do not actually require any sort of “hunting” prior to killing. There is no “sport” involved, other than for those who simple enjoy wanton killing.

Plus, they are not consumable, so they have no value as food. So, again, the “sport” is pure killing.

While I do not approve of sport hunting at the best of times, there is definitely nothing sporting about a “fish in a barrel” type of wholesale slaughter mascarading as a hunt.

The ecological consequences of large quantities of carcasses being left to rot on shorelines, in waterways, in shorebird nesting areas - and the subsequent attraction of scavengers (rats, flies, etc), impact on water quality, optics for other users of these area, as well as safety - also needs to be taken into account.

A cull may be justifiable. But it must be controlled and quantifiable. This proposal, as it currently exists, is not.