My letter today is in regards to both questions and concerns about the Moose and Bear populations in Ontario. I have concerns regarding the decline in the moose population in most of Ontario according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. What population studies have been done to determine an accurate moose population estimate in problem areas. If these studies do exist where have they been done? What methods have been used to track and monitor these population surveys? Has the ministry or other agency’s acting on behalf of the MNR conducted aerial surveys or collared moose which will help to produce more accurate population data?
With the increased number of bears since the cancellation of the spring bear hunt would it be possible that they have had a major affect on the mortality rate of the new born moose calves affecting the moose population? I also understand that P-tenuous Brain worm is also an issue in the more southern parts of Ontario with the increased amount of deer and warmer weather contributing to the problem. Perhaps issuing more deer tags to hunters in the affected areas might be a partial solution to the problem. I was raised in an area which once thrived with mature and young moose. The population has always been quite healthy and now we can only put in for a draw for calf which is better than closing the season. However with that being said has the ministry taken the time to gather all of the scientific evidence and population data required to ensure in fact there is a problem in these affected areas.
If in fact these steps have been taken and the data compiled shows a severe decrease in the population I will support the decisions made by the ministry 100% but I also must ask in these affected areas have the Native and Metis been extended the same restrictions to the number of moose or ### and gender in which they are allowed to harvest annually? If we are looking at declining populations then We as Canadians must all do our part equally to ensure that we maintain healthy wildlife populations. I guess what I am saying is these affected areas of critical moose populations the same rules should apply to Metis and Natives as do the rest of us resident hunters and they too should have to draw for calf tags and such. What other plans have the MNR introduced to replenish the declining herds of moose in Ontario? Have we put into action habitat enhancements or relocation of moose within Ontario, Or how about closing Algonquin park to hunting until the moose reach a sustainable level once again?
My next concern is in regards to the cancellation of the spring bear hunt which I am sure that you have gotten your fair share of letters. First it is my understanding that the spring bear hunt was cancelled without any cause or scientific evidence or statistical information but simply political move. If this is the case we must do something to rectify this situation or the entire MNR is a complete mockery. These decisions should be made by Biologists and not politicians, for the health of our eco-system and wildlife. And if that isn’t the case then why was the spring bear hunt cancelled scientifically and statistically? I believe that Ontario is one of the only provinces who don’t have a spring bear hunt is there a reason for that? I have heard that it was because sows have their cubs in the spring, I am sure that you are more than aware that hunters weren’t allowed to harvest sows in the spring. What adverse affects has the rise in bears caused our eco-system and wildlife populations particularly reproduction? Are the bears taking abnormally high numbers of calves from moose or elk fawns etc? What effects are they having on habitat or agricultural habitat? I was at a farmers last year and saw a lot of destruction to his crops from bears which he had never had before. How has it affected the economy through tourism, hunting, guiding, outfitters, added revenue from the license sales lost from both resident and non resident hunters not to mention everything else that goes along with it perhaps millions of dollars annually in lost revenue. Now further reductions of the moose tags allocated to both resident hunters and the outfitters who need them to make a living.
Or the excess cost to the taxpayers for the increased number of nuisance bear complaints or the lack of protection offered as a result of the abundance of calls and the lack of manpower.
It is common knowledge that hunters and anglers are at the forefront of conservation and would be more than willing to support the decisions made by the minister or any level of government which were made for the best interest of wildlife management and for the people equally. It is also a well know fact that well managed ethical hunting is one of the best methods of maintaining healthy wildlife herds.
Yours in conservation
With the increased number of bears since the cancellation of the spring bear hunt would it be possible that they have had a major affect on the mortality rate of the new born moose calves affecting the moose population? I also understand that P-tenuous Brain worm is also an issue in the more southern parts of Ontario with the increased amount of deer and warmer weather contributing to the problem. Perhaps issuing more deer tags to hunters in the affected areas might be a partial solution to the problem. I was raised in an area which once thrived with mature and young moose. The population has always been quite healthy and now we can only put in for a draw for calf which is better than closing the season. However with that being said has the ministry taken the time to gather all of the scientific evidence and population data required to ensure in fact there is a problem in these affected areas.
If in fact these steps have been taken and the data compiled shows a severe decrease in the population I will support the decisions made by the ministry 100% but I also must ask in these affected areas have the Native and Metis been extended the same restrictions to the number of moose or ### and gender in which they are allowed to harvest annually? If we are looking at declining populations then We as Canadians must all do our part equally to ensure that we maintain healthy wildlife populations. I guess what I am saying is these affected areas of critical moose populations the same rules should apply to Metis and Natives as do the rest of us resident hunters and they too should have to draw for calf tags and such. What other plans have the MNR introduced to replenish the declining herds of moose in Ontario? Have we put into action habitat enhancements or relocation of moose within Ontario, Or how about closing Algonquin park to hunting until the moose reach a sustainable level once again?
My next concern is in regards to the cancellation of the spring bear hunt which I am sure that you have gotten your fair share of letters. First it is my understanding that the spring bear hunt was cancelled without any cause or scientific evidence or statistical information but simply political move. If this is the case we must do something to rectify this situation or the entire MNR is a complete mockery. These decisions should be made by Biologists and not politicians, for the health of our eco-system and wildlife. And if that isn’t the case then why was the spring bear hunt cancelled scientifically and statistically? I believe that Ontario is one of the only provinces who don’t have a spring bear hunt is there a reason for that? I have heard that it was because sows have their cubs in the spring, I am sure that you are more than aware that hunters weren’t allowed to harvest sows in the spring. What adverse affects has the rise in bears caused our eco-system and wildlife populations particularly reproduction? Are the bears taking abnormally high numbers of calves from moose or elk fawns etc? What effects are they having on habitat or agricultural habitat? I was at a farmers last year and saw a lot of destruction to his crops from bears which he had never had before. How has it affected the economy through tourism, hunting, guiding, outfitters, added revenue from the license sales lost from both resident and non resident hunters not to mention everything else that goes along with it perhaps millions of dollars annually in lost revenue. Now further reductions of the moose tags allocated to both resident hunters and the outfitters who need them to make a living.
Or the excess cost to the taxpayers for the increased number of nuisance bear complaints or the lack of protection offered as a result of the abundance of calls and the lack of manpower.
It is common knowledge that hunters and anglers are at the forefront of conservation and would be more than willing to support the decisions made by the minister or any level of government which were made for the best interest of wildlife management and for the people equally. It is also a well know fact that well managed ethical hunting is one of the best methods of maintaining healthy wildlife herds.
Yours in conservation
