Its really sad for me, because, if we don't change directions, then my grandchildren won't see what I enjoyed as part of my heritage, and by extension, they become denied. I don't think it is fair and just. Especially when it started with a lightning-strike blow for me and other Northern business people. Anyway... here's the 'poop'... (spoor that I track...)

Scroll DOWN for a copy/paste of the Ont Gov't press release.

And... you can CLICK HERE to see what the OFAH (Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters) have to say....

And... you can CLICK HERE To get IMPORTANT info on WHAT you need to have your letter ACCEPTED as legitimate input to the final decision making...
....* IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to specify a CODE NUMBER on your protest letter (email not accepted)

January 15, 1999

Ontario Government To End Spring Bear Hunt

Natural Resources Minister John Snobelen today announced that the government intends to end the spring bear hunt in Ontario this spring.

The government made the decision to move to end the spring bear hunt because it will not tolerate cubs being orphaned by hunters mistakenly shooting mother bears in the spring.

"Many people have told us that the way the hunt is conducted and the inevitable loss of some cubs is unacceptable," Mr. Snobelen said. "We have reviewed current practices and considered modifications; but none provide assurance that young bears and their mothers would be protected as they emerge from their dens in the spring. Stopping the hunt is the only protection for the animals."

Mr. Snobelen will meet with the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association to consider ways of assisting outfitters who have already invested resources in this year's hunt. The hunt would have begun April 15 and run until June 15 in most of the province. The Minister has directed MNR staff to post a notice of intention on the Environmental Bill of Rights registry decision.

"We realize this action will create problems for some outfitters," Mr. Snobelen said. "We will do whatever is reasonable to address the impact.

"We are also convinced that there are opportunities to broaden and strengthen economic development in the north through the further development of eco-tourism. We are looking at a number of options in that area."

The plan to end the spring bear hunt will not reduce other hunting activities, including traditional deer, moose and fall bear. Ontario has one of the largest bear populations in North America, estimated at 75,000 to 100,000.

"The government supports a broad range of fishing, hunting and conservation activities as part of the Ontario outdoors experience and heritage," Mr. Snobelen said. "We continue to pursue ways to enhance fishing and hunting opportunities."

Spring Bear Hunt Fact Sheet

Ontario has one of the largest bear populations in North America, estimated at 75,000 to 100,000. The spring bear hunt has been part of the Ontario hunting calendar for decades.

In the past, the spring hunt was conducted each year from April 15 to June 15, in most of the province. The government intends to end the spring bear hunt this spring.

The fall bear hunt continues to operate, beginning on September 1 or 15 each year and lasting between six and eight weeks, depending upon the region of the province.

The government is pursuing ways to enhance northern tourism and conservation and increase the potential for economic development.

A spring bear hunt is held in all other Canadian jurisdictions that have bears, except Nova Scotia. Of the 41 U.S. states with bear populations, 27 have bear hunting and six permit a spring hunt.

The recently proclaimed Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act prohibits trade in most bear parts and also prohibits personal possession of bear gallbladders separated from the carcass. The new Act also prohibits hunting bears while they are swimming, disturbing or destroying bear dens and hunting bears within 400 metres of any garbage disposal site.

Feedback nricmn@epo.gov.on.ca

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Joy Williams
Minister's Office
TORONTO (416) 314-1100

Brian Blomme
Communications Services
TORONTO (416) 314-2095

Friday, January 15, 1999

(c) 1999 Lark Ritchie. All Rights Reserved. Contact me at this address..