Game farm debate

Original letter:

Dear Editor:

Recently the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters sent letters to various ministers slamming the deer and elk industry. OFAH has a past of trying to discredit our industry for what political reasons I can only imagine, since our industry is very much pro-hunting.

The deer and elk industry is a small industry in Ontario and I think easier to attack than other livestock sectors. But what livestock sector is next on their agenda?

As a cash crop farmer I let hunters use my property for their recreational purposes, as do most of my neighbors. It is therefore very frustrating that an association that represents hunters is trying to damage livestock farming in Ontario. As farmers we support hunting but OFAH is not in support of livestock farming. It is time for OFAH to recognize that it is a privilege to use our properties and privileges can be revoked.

Hunters and farmers have a lot of common advocacy groups. We should be working with and not against one another. Maybe OFAH has forgotten how quickly they lost their spring bear hunt and should be concentrating to keep their hunting rights for their members instead of attacking the livestock sector.

Harm Spangenberg, St. Thomas

Our Response:

The Editor
Ontario Farmer
P.O. Box 7400
London, Ontario
N5Y 4X3


Dear Editor:

Exception must be taken to Harm Spangenberg’s Jan. 29 letter that so broadly misrepresents the position taken by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters regarding game farms.

Mr. Spangenberg is completely wrong when he asserts the O.F.A.H. opposes all livestock farmers. In fact, the O.F.A.H. has and still works very closely with the agriculture community on issues of common interest. Programs like W-3 that have brought together hunters and farmers are mutually beneficial resulting in improved wildlife habitat and livestock productivity. And current efforts to lobby the federal government on issues like misguided animal cruelty laws continues with efforts shared between the O.F.A.H. and agricultural organizations.

The O.F.A.H. is, however, on record, opposing the farming of exotic and native wildlife. While we recognize there are benefits to farming game animals, the overwhelming scientific evidence shows the potential negative effects far outweigh the positive.

The vast majority of farms raising wild game animals are run in a conscientious and humane manner, but, regardless of how well run these operations may be, there is still the potential for transmission of disease, escaped stock, environmental degradation and the specter of genetic pollution among native species of wildlife.

We firmly believe that, should game farming be ended, it should be phased out with fair compensation to operators who in good faith invested their time and money in a venture which over time has proven untenable when protecting our natural resources.

Plenty of well-researched and impartial information is available on this topic and we would be glad to provide it to Mr. Spangenberg or anyone else with an interest in this issue.