Regulation - Minister
Proposal to open fall wild turkey hunting seasons in Wildlife Management Units 72 and 95 beginning in 2020
Regulation Number(s):
Ontario Regulation 670/98
Instrument Type:
Regulation - Minister
Bill or Act:
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997
Summary of Decision:
Amendments have been made to Ontario Regulation 670/98 (Open Seasons) under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 to create a fall wild turkey hunting season in Wildlife Management Unit 72.
Further Information:
Link to Environmental Registry
Proposal Number:
20-MNRF006
Posting Date:
June 24, 2020
Summary of Proposal:
Ontario's wild turkey population is healthy and abundant.
Beginning with efforts in the mid-1980s, Ontario has created a very successful wild turkey management program that has resulted in a rapid expansion of the number and range of the birds and ensured sustainable populations.
Hunting for wild turkeys in Ontario was initiated in two Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) in 1987. Since then, the hunts have expanded to include new WMUs as turkey populations have increased their range and numbers.
The goal of the Wild Turkey Management Plan for Ontario (2007) is to ensure sustainable management of turkeys as important components of the biodiversity of southern Ontario, and for the continued social, cultural and economic benefit of the people of Ontario.
Based on criteria outlined in Ontario's Wild Turkey Management Plan, turkey populations in WMUs 72 (Northumberland County) and 95 (Pelee Island) are robust and can support a fall turkey season. We are proposing to open annual fall wild turkey hunting in WMUs 72 and 95 beginning in 2020. These open seasons include bow hunting from October 1-31, and a shotgun and muzzle-loading shotgun season from the Tuesday after Thanksgiving Monday to the second following Sunday.
Beginning with efforts in the mid-1980s, Ontario has created a very successful wild turkey management program that has resulted in a rapid expansion of the number and range of the birds and ensured sustainable populations.
Hunting for wild turkeys in Ontario was initiated in two Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) in 1987. Since then, the hunts have expanded to include new WMUs as turkey populations have increased their range and numbers.
The goal of the Wild Turkey Management Plan for Ontario (2007) is to ensure sustainable management of turkeys as important components of the biodiversity of southern Ontario, and for the continued social, cultural and economic benefit of the people of Ontario.
Based on criteria outlined in Ontario's Wild Turkey Management Plan, turkey populations in WMUs 72 (Northumberland County) and 95 (Pelee Island) are robust and can support a fall turkey season. We are proposing to open annual fall wild turkey hunting in WMUs 72 and 95 beginning in 2020. These open seasons include bow hunting from October 1-31, and a shotgun and muzzle-loading shotgun season from the Tuesday after Thanksgiving Monday to the second following Sunday.
Contact Address:
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Public Input Coordinator
705-755-1940
wildlifepolicy@ontario.ca
Public Input Coordinator
705-755-1940
wildlifepolicy@ontario.ca
Effective Date:
September 17, 2020
Decision:
Approved