I support both of these…

I support both of these proposals.

As an apprentice falconer it would be a great benefit to have access to the wild take of raptors without a draw. I was unsuccessful in this years draw. Not being able to trap a bird makes it very difficult to gain the necessary experience to progress as a falconer. With the limited draw in place, next year would also be an uncertainty. The cultural heritage of falconers and falconry is an important part of the overall tradition of hunting in Ontario. Having access to wild birds promotes that tradition, it is a process that has proven successful in other provinces and states and will be a success here too.

Goshawks are an important falconry bird that should be added to the list of raptors available for wild take. Their population has been monitored by the Ontario Hawking Club and collecting data in the future will show that the use of goshawks as falconry birds is sustainable.