A bit of confusion

Hi Everyone,

I'm a new hunter and just have a couple of questions, because I've been told different things by different hunters. On page 29 of the new regulations book it says "With the exception of furbearing mammals, you may not let the flesh of any harvested game wildlife (see Definitions, page 86), that is suitable for food, become spoiled or abandoned. This includes black bear. A hunter who kills a furbearing mammal shall not abandon the pelt or permit the pelt to be spoiled or destroyed."

I only hunt small game mostly just coyotes and groundhogs. So the question is when I kill a coyote I skin the animal, but if I don't that is illegal? For the rest of the body (the meat) I can leave that or use it later as bait for other animals? Finally, with groundhogs I have to use the meat because I've been told that you must and other hunters say you can leave it or you it as bait for coyotes.

Thanks for the clarification.

My understanding of the reg summary is that a groundhog is not listed as either a furbearing mammal or game animal, so you don't have to collect the pelt or the meat.

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Originally Posted by rf2

My understanding of the reg summary is that a groundhog is not listed as either a furbearing mammal or game animal, so you don't have to collect the pelt or the meat.

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You're absolutely correct. Groundhogs are classed as "varmints" and have been known to carry rabies. Coyotes are also varmints/predators,but,are also classed as "furbearers" when pelts are in "prime" condition from late autumn through late winter. Use of "prime" pelts are required. The key word in the regulations is "usable". Mangy,injured or otherwise damaged pelts aren't generally required to be harvested.

So to be classified as varmint they wouldn't be scheduled under the 97 Act?

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Originally Posted by Yotehunter

So to be classified as varmint they wouldn't be scheduled under the 97 Act?

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Yes,Coyotes are,only as far as being "furbearers",but,they're still varmints,groundhogs are not classified,at all,other than being "small game" and requiring a license. In this area of Ontario,there's an open season all year for both.

I don't believe there is any mention or classification of "varmint " in the FWCA anymore.

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Originally Posted by rick_iles

I don't believe there is any mention or classification of "varmint " in the FWCA anymore.

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As a matter of fact,I believe you're right. It was dropped when the old Act was re-written.

If you want to be sure you can ask a CO

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business...01_130186.html

But then again the good old groundhog does taste a lot like chicken when quartered and done on the BBQ. ....I've even passed it off to neighbourhood teenagers as such.

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Originally Posted by Pat32rf

But then again the good old groundhog does taste a lot like chicken when quartered and done on the BBQ. ....I've even passed it off to neighbourhood teenagers as such.

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Funny shaped drum stick. Of course I know people that think chicken comes in little triangle shaped nuggets. Try to give them a drum stick, and they won't eat it.

I'm not sure many people would have a desire to eat a groundhog after getting whacked by a powerful varmint rifle. They can sure get unzipped pretty good. I've also shot ones that were mangy, covered in ticks, you name it. Not judging people who have, or do eat them though. Maybe their methods/spots differ greatly than my own.

I will say this though~our harsh 2013/2014 winter didn't seem to do much damage to their numbers. It's been a busy spring. :) Cool weather and regular rain has they hay impossibly high right now...so it'll be quiet in the hay/soybean/grain fields for a couple of weeks. One wandered into a young corn field Saturday while I was out for a hike with the .204 R though.

***EDIT~just got caught-up on the groundhogs, forgot the question. To the best of my knowledge, for groundhogs at least, they're considered pests and not fur-bearing, or game animals at all. No season, no limit.

I tried groundhog many, many years ago but found that groundhog has an awful lot of gristle for the small amount of edible meat.

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Originally Posted by canthitathing

I tried groundhog many, many years ago but found that groundhog has an awful lot of gristle for the small amount of edible meat.

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It's a stewing meat for that reason I would guess?