The spring black bear hunt…

The spring black bear hunt is an ethical, viable, economically beneficial, and environmentally sustainable hunt that is important to Indigenous and non-Indigenous hunters alike. The implementation of this hunt follows a strong recommendation by biologists and wildlife managers at both the MNRF and the OFAH. Nuisance bear reports increased dramatically following the cancellation of this hunt by a previous government, putting public safety at risk. It is my sincere hope that this hunt will be fully reinstated Province wide as soon as possible. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposed legislation.

From a recent Globe & Mail article, I am providing the following quotes from both Dr. Keith Munro of the OFAH and Minister Yakabuski.

“The spring bear hunt was always a sustainable wildlife management activity,” stated Dr. Keith Munro, OFAH wildlife biologist. “Nothing has changed in that regard since it was cancelled and today’s proposal is a final step towards correcting a long-standing mistake. In our view, it’s long overdue.”

“We are listening to the concerns of northern Ontarians and the tourism industry that an ongoing pilot spring season creates economic uncertainty,” said Yakabuski. “A regular, monitored spring bear hunting season would enable tourism outfitters and camp owners to better plan their operations for the entire year, while also allowing hunters to better plan their activities and support local businesses.”