Home / Environment / Ontario Bears: New Rules Could Shake Up Hunting Seasons
Ontario Bears: New Rules Could Shake Up Hunting Seasons
31 Jan
Summary
- Ontario is setting population targets for black bears across 29 regions.
- Hunters might face a lottery for tags if bear populations dip below targets.
- New rules aim to ban hunting of cubs and females with cubs year-round.
Ontario is poised to implement significant changes to its black bear management strategy, aiming for more sustainable and predictable decision-making. Provincial officials are developing population targets for black bears across 29 distinct regions, establishing acceptable lower and upper limits for each area.
Under the proposed system, if bear populations decline below these local targets, hunters may be required to enter a lottery to obtain a bear tag, a system currently used for deer and moose hunting. Conversely, if populations exceed the upper threshold, hunters could be permitted to harvest a second bear.
These adjustments aim to prevent drastic measures like season cancellations, utilizing scientific data, hunter reports, and public feedback. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry also plans to amend the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act to prohibit the hunting of black bear cubs or females accompanied by cubs throughout the year, not just during the spring hunt. Additionally, there is a proposal to prohibit the possession of bear bile to combat illegal trade.
