Ontario's moose management project needs hunters' input: OFAH
Ontario's largest outdoors sports lobby group says it's time for the province's moose hunters to be heard by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters says comments are now open on the Environmental Registry about what's being called Phase 2 of the ministry's Moose Project.
"They want to hear the concerns of moose hunters surrounding moose populations, the impact of wolves or bears, diseases ... maybe a lack of habitat, and forestry operations — all those things outside of licensed hunting," he said.
The OFAH is happy the ministry is looking beyond just cutting moose tags, Ryckman said.
"Minister Bill Mauro made a commitment at that time to look at the factors like disease and parasites in Phase 2, and we applaud the ministry for making good on that promise," he said.
"Now we just have to wait and see if it bears fruit in terms of recovery for our moose populations."
Ryckman is encouraging hunters to spread the word about Phase 2 of the Moose Project, as comments close on Aug. 14.
People can email comments to the mooseproject@ontario.ca and type ER 012-4587 in the subject line.