This consultation was open from:
May 1, 2019
to June 17, 2019
Decision summary
We decided to proceed with the proposed changes to reduce the minimum distance requirement for placement of bait from rights of way for public vehicular traffic and marked and maintained recreational trails for black bear hunting from 200 metres to 30 metres.
Decision details
On March 13, 2020 the decision to proceed with this proposal was made.
This change is being implemented by an amendment to Ontario Regulation 665/98 (Hunting). This change will take effect for the 2020 bear hunting season.
Ontario is one of only a few jurisdictions that regulate the distance bait must be placed from roads and trails. The province is maintaining the 500m setback from dwellings and public buildings.
The environmental impacts of this change are expected to be neutral. Ontario is home to a healthy black bear population.We will continue to enforce all hunting regulations, monitor black bear populations, harvest results and sustainability indicators to ensure bear populations are managed sustainably.
For more information on black bear management can be found here.
Effects of consultation
We received a mixed response to the proposal to reduce the minimum distance requirement for placement of bait from rights of way and trails for black bear hunting.
Feedback supportive of the proposal expressed concerns that the existing distance restriction is unnecessarily burdensome and restrictive and that a reduced distance would improve hunter safety and accessibility.
Feedback unsupportive of the proposal cited concerns over any potential increase in negative human-wildlife interactions near roads and trails and resultant impacts on public safety, as well as general opposition to use of bait for bear hunting.
All comments received were reviewed and considered to help inform the decision to proceed with the change as proposed.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
300 Water Street
5th Floor, North tower
Peterborough,
ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Connect with us
Contact
Public Input Coordinator
300 Water Street
Floor 5N
Peterborough,
ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Original proposal
Proposal details
Ontario is home to a healthy black bear population that contributes to the province’s biodiversity and provides social and economic benefits to Ontarians. In 2016, the ministry introduced restrictions on the placement of bait (organic matter that may attract a bear) for black bear hunting.
Under the current regulations bait must not be placed within:
- 500 metres of a dwelling, unless written permission is obtained from the owner of the dwelling
- 500 metres of a public building (includes any building open to the public or to which the public may be admitted, including both commercial and non-commercial establishments)
- 200 metres of a right of way for public vehicular traffic
- 200 metres of a recreational trail established and maintained by an organization for the general public and that is reasonably sign posted and marked as at trail
The ministry has heard concerns expressed by some groups and members of the public that the 200 metre bait placement restrictions from recreational trails and rights of way is overly restrictive and unclear.
To respond to these concerns, the ministry is proposing regulatory changes to reduce the minimum distance for bait placement from a right of way for public vehicular traffic and marked recreational trails from 200 metres to 30 metres.
There is no change proposed to the existing 500 metre bait placement restriction from dwellings and public buildings.
Consultation opportunities
To comment on the proposal, please submit your comments online by clicking the ‘Submit a comment’ button, or by reaching out to the contact(s) listed. The ministry may notify some groups that otherwise are unlikely to become aware of the proposal.
Regulatory impact statement
The anticipated environmental consequences of the proposal are expected to be neutral. Ontario is home to a healthy black bear population that is being managed to provide sustainable hunting and trapping opportunities for now and years to come.
The anticipated social consequences of the proposal are both positive and negative. The reduction in distance from rights of way for public vehicular traffic and recreational trails will provide more flexibility in bait placement for outfitters and hunters. Individuals and groups concerned with: the use of bait for black bear hunting; and hunting in general, are likely to oppose the proposal.
The anticipated economic consequences of the proposal are positive. The reduction in bait placement distance restrictions will enable tourist outfitters that provide bear hunting services to better plan and manage their operations for clients.
This proposal does not impose any new administrative costs for business.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
300 Water Street
5th Floor, North tower
Peterborough,
ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Comment
Commenting is now closed.
This consultation was open from May 1, 2019
to June 17, 2019
Connect with us
Contact
Public Input Coordinator
300 Water Street
5th Floor, North tower
Peterborough,
ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
Comments received
Through the registry
615By email
24By mail
0