I applaud the Ministry with…

I applaud the Ministry with making changes to the moose program in Ontario. The propose changes reflect a modern approach to tag allocation. However, I do have the following comments.

Point System

The point system is a great improvement over the guaranteed group size approach and provide a fair opportunity to all hunters. The approach places all individual license holders on the same playing field. However a single tag allocation approach will inevitably create a phenomenon known in other jurisdictions as point creep. Meaning that for most hunters over time, the minimum required number of points to get a tag will increase year after year, eventually creating a barrier to entry, based on age or time in the system. An alternate approach is a two phase system whereby 80% of the tags are awarded based on the point system, and 20% are awarded based on a complete random draw. This does two things, continues to incentive hunters to apply and gain points year after year because the number of tags is heavily weighted to the highest points, while incentive's new or younger hunters to apply to units because there is still a minor chance of drawing in high point units. This approach has been very successful in other jurisdictions.

Value of Moose License

As a tax payer, and resident of the province of Ontario, I expect that my government generates internal revenues based on fair market value for products. This approach is embedded into a variety of government policies, including MNR's lands program. My view on wildlife tags in Ontario, is that we are significantly undervaluing big game tags and licenses, thereby reducing revenues and appropriate financial returns to every Ontarian. For example, there are many resident hunters in Ontario that purchase Moose hunting opportunities from local outfitters and guides at costs from $1,000 to $2,000, where they are unsuccessful in the resident license application process. Non resident hunters are willing to pay upwards of $5,000 for an opportunity to hunt moose in Ontario. In my view, there is sufficient market data to review and appropriately value moose hunting opportunities in Ontario and appropriately set fees for moose tags and licenses that provide a fair market value to all Ontario residents. Setting fees should not be about equal opportunity, but should be base don the true value of the resource.