The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) applauds the recent move by Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay to provide additional hunting opportunities by introducing all day wild turkey hunting.
“In recent meetings with the Minister, the O.F.A.H. has encouraged him to take the necessary steps to provide for additional hunting and fishing opportunities, and the Minister has clearly responded,” said Mike Reader, O.F.A.H. Executive Director. “Both the Ministry and the O.F.A.H. are convinced that the provision of longer hours for the hunting of wild turkeys will not have an adverse impact on the sustainability of the resource. By extending the hours, the Minister has listened to the hunting community and provided an excellent opportunity for persons who are unable to hunt in the morning with the chance to participate in this activity. However, we were surprised to see 1/2 hour after sunset listed as the end time for the hunt, given that the O.F.A.H. suggested that the activity cease by 7:00 p.m. to give birds time to return to the roost.”
Mr. Reader also said that the successful restoration of wild turkeys in Ontario is largely due to efforts by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the O.F.A.H., the Wild Turkey Working Group and the National Wild Turkey Federation. “Through the efforts of these organizations and dedicated volunteers, the trap and transfer program has restored wild turkey numbers in Ontario, and in fact, has resulted in a healthy and growing population that will continue to flourish. While this is an environmental success story, wild turkey populations must continue to be monitored to ensure that the number of birds, which currently stands at anywhere from 50,000 to 80,000, is managed properly and does not cause undue hardship for agricultural producers of certain crops.”
The science around this issue indicates that by extending the hunting for wild turkeys to all day, there is no biological reason to suggest that this will impact on wild turkeys reproductive capabilities or result in any more disturbance to the hens that currently occurs during half-day hunting.
| Greg Farrant Government Relations & Communications Manager (705) 748-6324 (705) 875-0274 (cell) | Cam Brownson Wild Turkey Program Facilitator (705) 748-6324 |
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