Re: ERP 019-1112 As a…

Re: ERP 019-1112
As a Canadian who prefers to vacation in our beautiful wild spaces within Canada and who cares deeply about our wildlife, I urge you not to extend the hunting season of black bears in the Spring.
I understand that there is already a Fall hunting season. My family does not feel safe out in nature during hunting seasons (even where I live) and I would assume that most people feel the same way. I would not want to hike or explore anywhere during hunting season. Also, I am concerned that this Spring hunt could result in more cubs being orphaned and generally upsetting ecosystems. Females with cubs must be protected, not hunted. And since, they often forage without the cubs nearby, it is difficult for hunters to know if the bear they are hunting has a cub.

Where can the public consult your report regarding the pilot project and see the proof that the project yielded the desired results regarding human conflict with bears? Would it not be wiser to educate the public to prevent such conflict? Also, have you conducted any studies regarding how this Spring hunt impacts recreationalists such as myself? This surely would have an economic impact on Ontario rural communities.