Hard work, reasonable compromise and partnerships have helped re-establish the rights of anglers and hunters who use snowmobile trails to enjoy their heritage activities.
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters received confirmation this week that anglers and hunters will, again, be exempt from mandatory snowmobile trail permits if they are using designated trails and crown and public land to reach hunting or fishing grounds.
This is great news for thousands of anglers, hunters and even recreational snowmobile trail riders, said O.F.A.H. Executive Director Mike Reader who lauded the efforts of Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation Tim Hudak, Minister of Natural Resources John Snobelen, Minister of Transportation Brad Clark, Solicitor General David Turnbull, and staff from those respective ministries as well as Ontario Provincial Police, the Premier’s Office and the Attorney General’s office.
The surprise decision earlier this year to remove the exemption for anglers and hunters stirred up considerable anger and resentment. Subsequently, some snowmobile trails on private land were closed, and many people were boycotting the purchase of snowmobile trail permits.
Through negotiation, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, snowmobile clubs and government managed to reach a consensus. Anglers and hunters riding without a trail permit will need to show a valid outdoors card, and they should be able to clearly demonstrate they are on a fishing or hunting trip.
Anglers and hunters riding trails for recreation only are strongly urged to purchase a trail permit, said Mr. Reader who added that the decision to exempt anglers and hunters from mandatory $130 to $160 permits fees is fair and equitable.
For more information about this issue, please contact Communications Specialist Mark Holmes at 705-748-6324, fax to 705-748-9577, or e-mail ofah@ofah.org
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