I support the return of the…

I support the return of the spring black bear hunt as proposed in the ERO number 019-1112 posting. Here are the main reasons why I support this hunt.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (OMNRF) has a mandate to manage all wildlife including big game animals in Ontario for the wise use of the resources by residents and in many cases non-residents. This mandate also includes the management of the resources for the social and economic benefit of all Ontarians'. This mandate includes ensuring there is a sustainable population of the resource in this case, black bears. This proposal is in keeping with the wise management practices of this mandate.
After proper consideration has been given to the need of the indigenous people of this province, the focus must shift to the next wise use of the resource. If there is a remaining surplus of wildlife that could sustain a hunt, strong consideration must be given to how that resource is to be utilized. I have lived in northern Ontario and it is my opinion that the black bear population is thriving and abundant.
To under utilize this resource is a waste of the wildlife as well as the time, energy and taxpayers’ dollars that has gone into managing that specific species. Additionally, black bear, can have a negative effect on other wildlife such as moose calves that may be targeted as prey of the black bear.
The OMNRF has used hunting as a tool of management for wildlife for many years. This method has proven to be efficient and cost effective. The use of this management technic has minimal staff involvement, other than enforcement by the Conservation Officers. This tool of management provides an opportunity for residents in Ontario (and sometimes non-residents) to be directly involved in the management of the species.
Allowing a spring hunt for black bear will bring badly needed revenue into the WMU’s where the hunts are to take place. Living previously in northern Ontario I know that many of the outfitters in the past have relied heavily on the spring hunt to provide finances. This spring flush of money is required to help them make it through until fishing season and the fall big game hunts. All these outfitters are small businesses that rely on hunting and fishing seasons to pay their bills.
These are the same outfitters providing jobs for staff to run their camps which in turn stimulates commerce in those northern communities. These are the same communities where chain franchises hope to prosper through hunters making use of their services. Whether that is the local Tim Hortons or Canadian Tire or grocery store or gas station, hunters spend their money at these places which also helps to stimulate the local economy and provide employment.
These are the main reasons I support the proposal for a spring black bear hunt to be established as proposed in the ERO.
I want to make one final note. I am not a black bear hunter and do not intend to become one. I am not a big game hunter either. I do not currently live in one of the WMU’s that has a proposed black bear hunt. I am not a black bear guide or owner of a black bear management unit parcel of land. I hunt mostly migratory birds and small game such as wild turkey. Therefore, this proposal once passed will not affect my hunting practices and the outdoor recreational activities that I pursue.
I support this proposal for the reasons I have listed and believe that this is the right course of action for the OMNRF to take related to black bear management in Ontario.