www.ocoa.ca
MEDIA RELEASE
November 4, 2006.
CONSERVATION OFFICERS OFFER TIPS FOR AN ENJOYABLE DEER HUNT
As we turn our clocks back, the days get shorter and the nights colder, and the brilliant fall colours turn to drab greys, many Ontarians close up the cottage and prepare for another long winter. But for tens of thousand of others, this time of year means the chance to head up to camp, renew old friendships, enjoy the crisp cold November mornings, and if they're lucky, harvest a deer for the freezer.
The traditional firearm season for deer opens November 6 in most parts of Ontario, and the Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) would like to help make this year's hunt a safe and enjoyable event for all. The OCOA reminds hunters of the importance of following the basic rules of the hunt, both to maintain the safety of persons and property, and to ensure the sustainability of our deer herds.
One of the primary roles of Conservation Officers (COs) is to enforce regulations regarding hunting safety. It is illegal to have a loaded firearm in or on any motorized vehicle or vessel while hunting. Hunters cannot discharge a firearm from or across the traveled portion of any roadway, and in most parts of Ontario south of North Bay, firearms must also be unloaded while hunters are within 8 metres of any roadway. All firearms must be unloaded and encased between one half hour after sunset and one half hour before sunrise. Hunting at night is illegal and dangerous, and is strictly enforced. All hunters must wear "hunter orange" clothing consisting of at the very least, a vest visible from all sides and a hat.
In many parts of Ontario, a large portion of the hunt occurs on private property, and hunters must have permission before entering any private land. "All hunters must respect the rights of landowners", says Van Exan. "COs have the authority to enforce trespassing violations by hunters, and we will do our best to respond quickly to any complaints that are received."
The harvest of deer is controlled by restricting the number of antlerless deer tags that are issued. It is an offence to possess a tag issued to another person, and any deer harvested must be immediately tagged. Tags may only be used once, and any improperly tagged animals are subject to seizure by officers. These regulations are in place to ensure that deer populations remain stable, and also to fairly distribute the opportunities to harvest deer.
The OCOA also encourages hunters to remember to follow the basic rules of personal safety in the outdoors. Always inform someone of your trip plans and give an estimated time of your return from the hunt. If you're heading into the bush, be sure to carry a map and compass and know how to use them (GPS units can fail unexpectedly), along with basic survival gear - just in case. Hypothermia is a very real concern in Ontario in November; be sure to dress appropriately, and watch for changing weather. Many hunters use ATVs to access their area; remember that the law requires the driver and any passengers to wear an approved helmet if the ATV is operated off your own property - common sense says it's a good idea at all times. If your hunt takes you onto the water, be sure that your boat is equipped with the required safety equipment, and always wear your PFD - a floater coat or survival suit is recommended for late season boating.
"We would like to wish all hunters a safe and enjoyable hunt", concludes Van Exan, himself an avid deer hunter. "Many deer camps have been in the same family for generations. By working together, we can ensure that this Ontario tradition continues for our children and grandchildren."
Anyone with information about a wildlife related crime is encouraged to call the 24 hour violation reporting line at 1-877-TIPS-MNR, contact their local CO directly, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
For more information about
natural resources regulations and enforcement, please visit the OCOA website
at www.ocoa.ca , or contact your local Conservation Officer.
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For further information:
Dan VanExan
President
Ontario Conservation Officers Association
(613) 478-6132
