www.ocoa.ca
MEDIA RELEASE
October 5, 2007
CONSERVATION OFFICERS ENCOURAGE SAFE HUNTING SEASON
As the sound of migrating Canada geese signals the end of another summer and the beginning of fall hunting seasons, the Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) wants to wish all of Ontario's hunters a safe hunt. Thousands of Ontario residents enjoy taking time out from busy lives to spend time at the hunt camp, or day hunt trips, with family and friends Making sure that the hunt is conducted safely is a priority for Conservation Officers (COs).
"As Stewards of the Environment, COs enforce a wide diversity of laws to protect our natural environment and the public. During the fall, one of the main duties of COs is to enforce the laws that regulate harvest levels to ensure sustainable wildlife populations", says OCOA President Dan VanExan. "However, our officers also play an active role in enforcing public safety legislation."
For many years, COs have enforced laws governing the safe use of all terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, and in 2006 began ensuring that boaters comply with the safety related provisions of the Small Vessel Regulations. Officers conducting checks of anglers and hunters also ensure that these safety rules are being followed. Common violations that officers encounter include: failing to wear a helmet on an ATV, and operating a vessel without appropriate life jackets on board - illegal activities that can have tragic consequences.
All COs were recently appointed as officers under the Liquor Licence Act (LLA), and this fall will be enforcing the sections of the LLA dealing with the consumption of liquor in public places and in vehicles. The OCOA wants to remind hunters that it is illegal to have an open container of liquor in a public place. Open liquor is not allowed in a vehicle or vessel, unless the liquor is securely stored and is not available to passengers. This law applies whether you're on a city street, a bush road, or a back country lake, and is in effect to ensure the safe enjoyment of our great outdoors. COs encourage anglers and hunters who drink to do so legally, saving their favourite beverage for back at camp.
"While the vast majority of hunters and anglers conduct themselves responsibly, there are individuals who abuse the laws that keep us all safe", said VanExan. "COs are now fully appointed to ensure that all public safety legislation is being followed."
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
