www.ocoa.ca
MEDIA RELEASE
Sept. 12, 2006
CONSERVATION OFFICERS PROMOTE SAFE HUNTING PRACTICES
The Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) would like to encourage all of Ontario's sport hunters to enjoy a safe season in the field this fall. Hunting is one of the safest of outdoor sports, thanks mainly to the vast majority of hunters who abide by the strict safety regulations of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (FWCA) and Ontario's outstanding Hunter Safety program.
"Our members actively enforce all of the safety provisions of the FWCA", says OCOA President Dan VanExan. "We find that virtually all hunters willingly follow the safety related regulations, thus ensuring a safe and enjoyable hunt."
Among the most important
safety-related sections of the FWCA are:
- hunters may not possess a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle (including ATV)
or powerboat
- all firearms must be unloaded and encased from one half hour after sunset
to one half hour before sunrise
- during most firearm seasons for big game, all hunters must wear a "hunter
orange" vest and hat.
- firearms must not be discharged from roadways, and in much of Southern Ontario
they are not allowed to be loaded on roadways
In addition to these regulated safety measures, hunters are reminded to practice safe firearm handling and survival skills while hunting. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded, always be sure of your target and beyond, and practice safe muzzle control. From a survival perspective, always tell someone where you intend to hunt and when you expect to return, and be sure to carry basic survival equipment (matches, compass, map, first aid kit etc.) with you, even on short outings. With the colder, fall weather and colder water temperatures, boaters are reminded to bring all their required safety equipment to ensure safe boating.
Anyone with questions concerning safe hunting practices is urged to contact their local Conservation Officer, or visit the OCOA website at www.ocoa.ca.
The OCOA is also asking the public to get involved in protecting our precious natural resources by reporting violations or suspicious activity to your local Conservation Officer. We encourage you to call the Natural Resource TIPS Reporting Line at 1-877-TIPS-MNR, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or call your local MNR District Office.
"It is the Conservation Officers' job to protect our natural resources, but it is everyone's responsibility to help out".
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Contact:
Dan VanExan
OCOA President
(613) 478-6132
