I find the response of…

I find the response of Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources in addressing a plummeting moose population highly inadequate and disappointing. I urge the MNR to consider and adopt the following recommendations:

• End the calf hunt. Even with new restrictions, Ontario will still be in the minority of jurisdictions allowing the harvest of calves in their first year. Research is confirming that hunting calves puts additional stress on the moose population. It is time to phase it out.

• Reduce cow tags consistently across the province. Without a mother to protect and guide a calf for the first year of its life, its chances of survival are limited, even if it is not taken by a hunter.

• Establish and protect moose refuge areas. These areas would provide relief from loss of habitat, and from the easy access that forestry roads provide for hunters. New legally protected areas should be part of the solution.

• Commit more resources for enforcement, monitoring and research that are not tied to hunting revenue. MNRF budgets continue to be slashed and funding is dependent on hunting licenses which can create a conflict between conservation and research. As it stands now, when hunting tags need to be cut, there are fewer dollars to fund increasingly needed research.

• The composition of BGMAC needs to be more representative of Ontario. It needs to include Indigenous People, university scientists, non-consumptive outdoor enthusiasts, environmental groups and women. Currently it consists of male hunters, outfitters, retired MNRF employees and an Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunter biologist.