Regulation - Minister
Amendment to O. Reg. 670/98 (Open Seasons – Wildlife) under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, to reduce the number of clean-up hunts and the number of days per clean-up hunt for ring-necked pheasants on Pelee Island (WMU 95) beginning with the 2011 season to address public safety and enforcement concerns
Regulation Number(s):
O. Reg. 670/98 (Open Seasons – Wildlife)
Instrument Type:
Regulation - Minister
Bill or Act:
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997
Summary of Decision:
A decision was made not to proceed with the proposal at this time. It is MNRF's intention to re-engage on the Pelee Island Pheasant hunt request from the Township in 2016.
Further Information:
Link to Environmental Registry
Proposal Number:
10-MNR005
Posting Date:
September 14, 2010
Summary of Proposal:
The Corporation of the Township of Pelee has requested that the Ministry of Natural Resources amend the Open Season hunting regulations to reduce the number of clean-up hunts and the number of days per clean-up hunt for ring-necked pheasants on Pelee Island (Wildlife Management Unit 95). This change is requested by the municipality to address public safety and enforcement concerns.
Since the 1930s the Township of Pelee has hosted a pheasant hunt on Pelee Island (i.e. Wildlife Management Unit 95) where pen-raised birds are released and hunters pay to come and hunt during one or more open hunting periods. The season framework is complex with clean-up hunts included toward the end to ensure most or all released pheasants are harvested. Currently, there are four clean-up hunts immediately following the main fall hunt, which fall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from the second week in November to the first week of December.
Participation in the main fall hunts has been declining over the years, while the clean-up hunts are increasing in popularity. The increased hunter numbers during the clean-up hunts is posing safety and enforcement concerns on the island, and greater inconveniences to island residents.
The proposed changes to the pheasant seasons on Pelee Island are to remove the last two clean-up hunts, which are the least popular of the hunts, and remove Saturdays of the remaining two hunts. The anticipated outcome of these changes are to offer more control and safety to the residents, visitors and hunters on Pelee Island.
Since the 1930s the Township of Pelee has hosted a pheasant hunt on Pelee Island (i.e. Wildlife Management Unit 95) where pen-raised birds are released and hunters pay to come and hunt during one or more open hunting periods. The season framework is complex with clean-up hunts included toward the end to ensure most or all released pheasants are harvested. Currently, there are four clean-up hunts immediately following the main fall hunt, which fall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from the second week in November to the first week of December.
Participation in the main fall hunts has been declining over the years, while the clean-up hunts are increasing in popularity. The increased hunter numbers during the clean-up hunts is posing safety and enforcement concerns on the island, and greater inconveniences to island residents.
The proposed changes to the pheasant seasons on Pelee Island are to remove the last two clean-up hunts, which are the least popular of the hunts, and remove Saturdays of the remaining two hunts. The anticipated outcome of these changes are to offer more control and safety to the residents, visitors and hunters on Pelee Island.
Contact Address:
Effective Date:
February 4, 2016
Decision:
Rejected