I have been reading with great interest the proposed changes to Ontario's moose hunt and would like to comment on a few things;
1. I read a news release in the Timmins paper from the OFAH by biologist Ryckman. He commented that the proposal of a two week period for calf hunting down from the current nine weeks is going to cause great grief in our forests, hunters fighting for prime locations, or just fighting period. To a non hunter reading his article, you would have the opinion that ONLY calves are hunted during the Ontario moose hunt and that ALL moose hunters in the Province are going to cram themselves into that two week timeframe to hunt calves. Worse yet, to the animal rights organizations it also appears that we only hunt the “babies” during the annual hunt. Therefore the wording in the news release, could have explained more clearly that the moose hunt involves the taking of adults over the total season and a proposed limited hunt of two weeks for calves be included with the hunt for adults.
2. Regarding the proposed changes, first off let me say I have hunted moose for almost fifty years, every year, all over the Province and therefore think I have a credible opinion based on my observations and experience over that timeframe. I am a long-term member of the OFAH and suspect some of my following comments will not sit well with some of my fellow OFAH members.
I have seen the early years where there was moose everywhere you went, and most were road hunted by parking and walking to a secret swamp, ridge etc or by waterways. Those that worked for it, generally were successful. Logging roads were always in place way back then, some passable some not..........hence the walking and stalking aspect of the early years. But along came ATV’S and over the years to current time, the hunting landscape changed. Access was now available to those places that before were impenetrable and moose populations were stable or increasing. Now those areas saw a decrease of animals and it continues today. Yes I have a ATV but do not use it for hunting but for retrieval of game if necessary. I also realize that for some senior hunters they may be the only way to have dad or grandpa continue his hunt with the gang and I applaud that. My point is though, that ATV’s have increased hunter success in the taking of animals. It is a fact.
In the early years, we always saw the odd bear, but now I think you would agree we see a lot more. Statistics by the Ministry state there are more bear in Ontario than Moose. If there are more fox than chicken in the henhouse, what’s the future for the chickens???? The bears are eating new born calves left and right.
3. I have absolutely no faith based on my own knowledge, in the data gleaned from the questionnaire the Ministry sends out every year to moose hunters. Some hunters report lots of moose seen in hopes this data figure will result in more tags being issued for a particular WMU. Some do not report filling a tag thinking that info is used somehow in the lottery allotment success. The ministry cannot manage a population if they do not have accurate numbers on animals harvested. I see no reason that a mandatory reporting of tags filled is not instituted. NOT during the hunt or within 24 hrs. Make it a requirement that a legally tagged moose be reported within two weeks upon the closure of the season. Any ethical and legal hunter I know would not be opposed to such a requirement.
4. I don’t know of any hunting party or individual that before applying in the May draw says, “Well this fall we’re going calf moose hunting this year” They apply for a adult tag and prey they are successful in the draw. Those that are unsuccessful, either go anyway to celebrate the tradition of the gang getting together, hunt some birds, or do some fishing, or do something else. My point is, hunters want to bag a adult moose and they don’t start off in May looking for a calf. SO WHY ARE SO MANY OF US UPSET ABOUT A RESTRICTED CALF SEASON. We didn’t want one to start with. With this in mind, we should support a total ban on calf hunting, say for a three year period AND THEN do a comprehensive survey to look at herd numbers. If numbers are up good for us and the moose. If not, then there are other factors at play which we all know of, which will have to be addressed.
Any plan by the Ministry radical or not has to be supported. The moose population will not increase overnight. it will take time. BUT if it means a return, down the road, to the hunts of years ago, more moose, more tags, happier gangs, I am all for it.
Gentlemen, in closing, if we do not band together and support some radical ideas to increase the moose population it will fast become a tradition that we once did and only talk about in our local Tim Horton's NOT the hunt camp.
TIGERTAIL
Collingwood ON
