I do not support this…

I do not support this proposal for a number of reasons:
First, a bag limit of 50 per day is excessive and extreme. I can’t think of any wildlife animal (birds, mammals) that can be hunted legally at such high numbers per day with no maximum number for the season. Also, the hunting period spans a 9-month period that includes the breeding period which again is atypical. With the ministry’s focus on conservation, I am puzzled as it leaves me wondering if this is not just a massive cull of these birds. I know that culling activities are legally carried out in Ontario but I prefer that these are regulated and controlled.
There are also serious safety concerns to the public and scientists who study these birds. Cormorants are indeed found in high numbers in Ontario and if people can shoot these birds in all areas and from a boat, it poses a safety risk for people who are recreational users of these areas. In addition, colonial waterbirds that co-nest with cormorants (often in very large colonies) would be subject to disturbance and harm during the breeding season which is an especially sensitive period. As well, this would impact chicks of all nesting species as they would likely die due to this disturbance (from heat, lack of food, predation, etc.). Hunting during the breeding season means that not only are adults and juveniles killed directly but that chicks would also suffer and die. Again, this does not seem to be consistent with a responsible and conservation-minded provincial agency.
I am not opposed to hunting as most hunters consume their game. These birds however are not consumable but are only considered a nuisance. I worry that some hunters may act irresponsibly (as these birds are despised) and with such an extensive hunting season and the high bag limit, the actions of few could endanger the lives of many.
Should this proposal move forward, greater restrictions need to be placed on hunting cormorants. Personally however, I do not believe that population control implemented by the public is a feasible approach for managing this species.
I hope these comments are considered in further drafting of this proposal. Thank you.