Changes announced to provincial moose harvest management program

Tim Brody - Editor

The Provincial Government is making changes to its moose harvest management program.
On Feb. 25, John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, announced “We're taking a smarter approach to moose harvest management to deliver on our commitment to make moose hunting fairer and more accessible while ensuring the sustainability of our moose population.”
He further stated, “Our government recognizes the importance of moose hunting to Ontario families and communities, and we want to ensure Ontarians have opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy our natural resources today and long into the future.”
A Government of Ontario news release explained, “The changes were informed through consultation with the Big Game and Management Advisory Committee (BGMAC) and include:
further restrictions on calf hunting so more calves have a better chance of reaching adulthood
moving from a draw to a points-based system that will give preference to applicants who have been unsuccessful in getting a tag for the greatest number of years
fee restructuring for licences and tags
“Ontario will continue to conduct moose aerial inventory surveys in specific areas each winter, which will help estimate moose population status and trends to ensure continued sustainability of moose in the province.”
“We know a healthy and sustainable moose population is critical to support continued hunting opportunities for generations to come,” commented Mike Harris, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Decisions on moose hunting are based on what we know of the current population numbers to ensure sustainability across the province.”
“We are pleased to see the government moving forward with changes to Ontario's moose management program,” said John Kaplanis, Chair of BGMAC. “We feel the changes will strengthen moose harvest management in Ontario and provide latitude to adapt to the variety of challenges that are inherent in moose management. We look forward to continuing our work with the government and providing valuable advice to the Minister on the management of big game in Ontario.”
“Hunting contributes more than $560 million to Ontario’s economy annually and creates jobs in many rural and northern communities; moose hunting accounts for more than $205 million of that total,” the news release informed, adding, “BGMAC hosted seven listening sessions and heard from more than 600 interested hunters, members of Indigenous communities, the public, and organizations. In addition, over 2,000 individuals provided comments through a survey on hunting habits and options to address their concerns.”