Seasonal rite of passage starts Saturday
A seasonal rite of passage starts this weekend offering thousands of people a chance to participate in distinct and wonderful part of Ontario’s outdoor heritage.
The annual waterfowl hunt opens Saturday morning across much of southern Ontario with an estimated 80,000 hunters expected to take part. The Saturday opener is the first in many years and follows the urging of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters as well as other groups.
“We expect more hunters will be able to participate this year, and that bodes well for both hunting and conservation,” says O.F.A.H. Executive Director Mike Reader.
Previously, the season opened on September 25, which most often fell on a weekday. Unlike other forms of hunting that are enjoying increasing rates of participation, water fowling, has, due to a number of factors, been on the decline for several years. Many hunters will participate only on opening day, but due to work or other commitments, a mid week hunt is often difficult. The Saturday opening also allows for more youth participation in what is traditionally, a family activity.
Waterfowl numbers are at, or exceeding, historic highs in many parts of the province, and the hunt not only provides excellent recreational opportunities but a terrific source of natural, delicious and nutritious food.
Hunters must be in possession of a provincial small game-hunting license, the fees from which are used specifically for wildlife management in Ontario. Hunters must also purchase a migratory bird stamp, which helps fund wetland conservation projects throughout Canada. Through mandatory fees and volunteer donations hunters have helped protect, enhance and create over 2 million acres of wetland habitat.
For more information, please contact Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Communications Specialist Mark Holmes at 705-748-6324, fax to 705-748-9577 or email ofah@ofah.org