Regulation - LGIC
Proposed changes to black bear hunting regulations
Regulation Number(s):
Ontario regulation 665/98
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act,1997
Summary of Decision:
We have reduced the minimum distance requirement for placement of bait from rights of way for public vehicular traffic and marked and maintained recreational trails for black bear hunting from 200 metres to 30 metres.
This change is being implemented by an amendment to Ontario Regulation 665/98 (Hunting).
This change is being implemented by an amendment to Ontario Regulation 665/98 (Hunting).
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
The reduced distance restriction for bait placement from a road or trail does not introduce any new upfront capital costs, upfront and/or ongoing operating costs or fees. The administrative cost on a per business basis associated with learning about the change in regulatory requirement is negligible as the change is straightforward and easy to understand (200 metre restriction reduced to 30 metres). The reduced baiting restriction from roads and trails may have a slightly positive net benefit on business as it potentially reduces operating costs for licensed bear operators through reducing the time associated with maintaining bait sites.
Further Information:
Link to Environmental Registry
Proposal Number:
20-MNRF001
Posting Date:
January 17, 2020
Summary of Proposal:
We are proposing to continue the spring black bear season beyond 2020 for residents and non-residents in all Wildlife Management Units where there is a fall black bear season. The spring season would continue to run annually from May 1st to June 15th (except for WMUs 82A, 83 and 84 - see below for additional information). The harvest of bear cubs and female bears accompanied by a cub would remain prohibited. Bear licences and tags would remain valid for both the spring or fall season.
As part of this proposal, mandatory hunter reporting deadlines for resident bear hunters would be simplified by requiring one report submission for the year (rather than the current spring and fall reports depending on when the hunter purchased their licence). A report is required even if a hunter did not participate in the hunt or harvest an animal. The ministry would maintain the existing reporting requirements for non-resident hunters and continue to require a report after each season.
If this proposal proceeds, it would come into effect on January 1, 2021 to provide sufficient time to notify affected stakeholders and the tourism industry.
As part of this proposal, mandatory hunter reporting deadlines for resident bear hunters would be simplified by requiring one report submission for the year (rather than the current spring and fall reports depending on when the hunter purchased their licence). A report is required even if a hunter did not participate in the hunt or harvest an animal. The ministry would maintain the existing reporting requirements for non-resident hunters and continue to require a report after each season.
If this proposal proceeds, it would come into effect on January 1, 2021 to provide sufficient time to notify affected stakeholders and the tourism industry.
Contact Address:
Public Input Coordinator
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Species Conservation Policy Branch
300 Water Street
Peterborough, Ontario
K9J 3C7
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Species Conservation Policy Branch
300 Water Street
Peterborough, Ontario
K9J 3C7
Effective Date:
January 1, 2021
Decision:
Approved