www.ocoa.ca
MEDIA RELEASE
October 5, 2007.

CONSERVATION OFFICERS' MESSAGE TO MOOSE HUNTERS

For over 100,000 of Ontario residents - city dwellers and small town folks alike - the month of October is a time to dig out the orange clothing and participate in the annual moose hunt. The Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) wants to wish all of Ontario's hunters a safe and successful hunt.

"As Stewards of the Environment, COs enforce a wide diversity of laws to protect our natural environment and the public. During the moose hunt, COs focus their activities on violations that threaten our moose herds and the safety of both hunters and non-hunters", says OCOA President Dan VanExan. "Officers will be out in force during the hunt - conducting uniformed patrols, running road check stations, and undertaking specialized investigations targeting habitual violators."

The most common violations encountered by officers include:

• killing an animal for which no party member has a valid licence
• illegally using a licence issued to another person
• having a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle or powerboat
• failing to wear a helmet while operating an ATV

This fall, COs will also be checking for compliance with the Liquor Licence Act. Hunters are reminded that it is an offence to have or consume liquor in a public place (which includes crown land not associated with a campsite), as well as in a vehicle or vessel - even on remote bush roads or back lakes.

One of the most frustrating offences that COs investigate is the wastage of moose meat. This often occurs when hunters mistakenly shoot an animal for which they are not licenced, and then leave the animal to rot because they are afraid of being charged for their mistake. Hunters are encouraged to report any accidental kills immediately, and to trust officers to respect this cooperation during their investigation.

"COs are hunters themselves, and will always take into account a hunter's honesty in reporting their mistake - but will have zero tolerance for anyone who allows a moose to spoil", said VanExan. "We want to stress the importance of knowing your target before you shoot, to avoid accidentally shooting the wrong moose. But walking away from a mistake and allowing a valuable game animal to be wasted is an offence that no one should tolerate - help us do our jobs by reporting this illegal and unethical behaviour."

Anyone who observes illegal or unsafe hunting activity is asked to help COs protect our natural resources and ensure public safety by calling the MNR's violation reporting line at 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7677), or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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For more information contact:

Dan VanExan
President
Ontario Conservation Officers Association
(613) 478-6132

www.ocoa.ca