Changes for 2020 -2021 hunting seasons

Compiled by Joe Brecka

OFAH ZONE B

Hunters demand fairness

“To make moose hunting fairer and more accessible, while also ensuring the sustainability of our moose population,” -

Minister Yakabuski.

Moose harvest management – flexibility .

Recognition of the importance of moose hunting to Ontario families and communities. ◦ Moose hunting adds more than $205 million to the

province’s economy – need to retain/expand.

ERO - Improvements to moose management as part of the Moose Management Review◦ February 25, 2020◦ Comment period◦ August 12, 2019 - September 26, 2019 (45 days) Closed

Big Game Management Advisory Committee.◦ (J. Kaplanis (chair), N. Wiens, G. Rivard – of Thunder Bay,

Dr. K. Munro - OFAH)◦ Meetings - around the province (hunters, members of

Indigenous communities, and organizations).

Survey – feedback from 2,000+ individuals.

Bull tag - can only be used to harvest a bull moose.

Cow/calf tag - can be used to harvest either a cow or a calf.

Calf-specific tag - can only be used to harvest a calf in a particular WMU. ◦ WMU-specific calf tag quotas across the province

Bull and cow/calf tags will be season-specific (i.e. bow or gun season).

Calf tags could be used over the full length of the season within that WMU.

One (1) point awarded for each year a hunter applied for an adult moose tag, but did not receive a tag (going back to 1993).

The points will be awarded since the last time the hunter received an adult moose tag.

Tags received through a transfer will count as being awarded a tag (points reset to zero).

One point awarded for each year hunter applied to the tag draw in WMU 99Z wildlife unit, in order to receive priority for the following year.

Continuous applications not necessary.

Early April – MNRF publishes WMU-specific moose tag quotas (April 1-st?).

All hunters apply as individuals. No Group applications.

End of April – hunter applies to primary tag allocation stage (up to three choices).

Application fee - required to apply to the moose tag allocation process - $15.00

Moose Licence not necessary at this stage.

First half of May – MNRF awards tags based on points for each choice◦ Points needed will change each year (per demand)

Second half of May and early June – hunters awarded tag can choose to claim it before tag claim deadline (June?)

Mid June – MNRF publishes remaining available tags

Second half of June and early July – hunters can choose to apply to the second chance allocation stage (or apply only here)

Remainder of July - MNRF runs the second chance allocation stage

From early August – hunters can choose to claim a tag they were awarded in the second chance allocation stage any time before the end of the season (no deadline).

Primary Allocation Stage with three (3) choices – if the awarded tag is claimed, the points of that hunter are reset to zero.

Second chance allocation stage – tags awarded based on points to 1-st choice applicants, then through random draw to 2-nd /3-rd choice (if available).

If 1-st choice awarded tag is claimed, the points of that hunter are reset to zero.

Claiming tag for 2-nd/3-rd choice- retain points

By purchasing Moose Hunting Licence -$35.00

--plus the awarded tag (before deadline).

◦ Bull tag - $200.00

◦ Cow/calf tag - $150.00

◦ Calf-specific tag - $30.00

Party hunting – as before. All hunters must have a valid moose hunting licence. One must have a claimed tag.

Applying for tag – in either stage (one fee of $15).

Transfer of a tag – very difficult (death?)

Mandatory reporting – for all large game within 14 days after the end of season.

Northern resident hunters will continue to receive a small preference by receiving one additional point (non-accumulating) in choices they enter for a northern Wildlife Management Unit (WMUs 1-42).

Do your part – REPORT your results.

Your draw history is available through your Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service account. ◦ View your draw entries, results and history.

If you don't already have one, you should set up an online account.

https://www.huntandfishontario.com/Account/Login

https://www.ontario.ca/page/points-based-moose-tag-allocation-process#section-1

https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-0405#decision-details

https://www.ontario.ca/page/points-based-moose-tag-allocation-process

https://www.ofah.org/fishing-hunting/hunting/moose/action/

https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-hunting-regulations-summary#!%2F

The END