Moose Project Phase 2- EBR Results

Attention moose stakeholders! Read below in the link. OMNR has apparently caved in on the proposed changes to allow wolves to be harvested without the purchase of a separate tag or seal. NOSA believes this decision is not in keeping with the intent of Phase II of the Moose Project where it has been identified that wolf predation has a limiting effect on moose population growth especially when moose are in decline. Make your views known to your local MPPs and our Minister of Nat. Resources Bill Mauro.
https://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-…/displaynoticecontent.do…

As you will recall, Ontario launched the Moose Project in fall 2014 to consider new moose population objectives and explore potential management actions to address factors affecting moose populations such as harvest, predation, parasites, changing climate and habitat. In December 2015, a public notice was put out seeking comments on some proposals as part of Phase 2 of Moose Project for new moose population objectives and additional management actions to address factors affecting moose.
 
These proposals were being considered in addition to other actions the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has taken in recent years, including those resulting from Phase 1 of Moose Project, to address harvest pressure on moose by reducing tags and seasons for provincially licensed moose hunters. These actions are intended to help stabilize and grow Ontario’s moose population.
 
MNRF appreciates the input and comments provided on these proposals and other matters related to moose management. The following decisions have been made regarding the most recent proposals:
 

• Policy proposal #012-6074 proposed new moose population objectives for Wildlife Management Units across the province. Population objectives have been approved with minor modifications resulting from input received, and have been used to inform 2016 harvest planning.

• Regulation posting #012-6073 proposed changes to wolf/coyote hunting regulations in northern Ontario to address concerns about the potential impact of wolves on moose populations. The decision has been made not to proceed with this proposal.Wolf and coyote hunting regulations will remain unchanged for Ontario, with hunters in northern and parts of central Ontario requiring a small game license and wolf/coyote game seal to hunt wolves and/or coyotes. The wolf/coyote game seal limit remains two per calendar year and all seal holders are still be required to report on their hunting activity and harvest.

• Regulation posting #012-6075 proposed minor changes to the moose hunting season in southern Ontario to add a day and better align the season with the hunting season for calf moose in northern Ontario. This proposal has been approved but implementation will be delayed until fall 2017 to give hunters time to plan for the change.

 
Decision notices on these proposals can be viewed on the Environmental Registry (www.ontario.ca/environmentalregistry) by entering the proposal numbers listed above in the search box.
 
Ontario will be monitoring the effects of these changes on moose populations and considering additional actions over time based on the input received from discussions to this point. MNRF appreciates the participation and insights provided by stakeholders, tourist outfitters, Aboriginal groups and communities, and the general public as part of the Moose Project. We will continue to seek opportunities to share information and work together to pursue our common interests with respect to moose. 
 
If you have any questions about moose and sharing of information in a local area we encourage you to contact your local district MNRF office. If you would like to discuss Ontario’s moose management policies, Moose Project or the changes resulting from it we invite you to contact Patrick Hubert in Wildlife Section at (705) 755-1932 or [email protected].
 
Sincerely,
Chloe
 
Chloe Stuart, Director
Species Conservation Policy Branch
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
300 Water Street, 5th Floor North
Peterborough, ON K9J 8M5
 
Phone: (705) 755-5341
E-mail: [email protected]