www.ocoa.ca
MEDIA RELEASE
October 29, 2007
DEER SEASON IS NEAR - CO'S ENCOURAGE SAFE AND LEGAL HUNTING
While many Ontarians dread the month of November as a time when memories of days at the beach give way to the prospect of slogging through the slush and snow of an oncoming winter, tens of thousands of avid outdoorsy types look forward to the prospect of harvesting venison for the freezer.
While the archery hunt has been underway for over a month, the firearm season for deer opens November 5 in most parts of Ontario. The Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) would like to help make this year's hunt a safe and enjoyable event for all. Conservation Officers (COs) will be front and centre during the hunt, checking hunters and responding to tips and complaints.
As stewards of the environment, one of the primary roles of COs during the deer season is to enforce regulations regarding hunting safety. The OCOA wants to remind hunters that it is illegal to 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. This rule is in place to allow hunters to safely harvest game while ensuring the safety of the public.
In many parts of Ontario, COs unfortunately have to respond to complaints regarding the small minority of hunters who trespass on private property. "All hunters must respect the rights of landowners", says OCOA President Dan VanExan, a field Conservation Officer. "COs have the authority to enforce trespassing laws, and we encourage all hunters to assist us by reporting suspected trespassing violations immediately."
Officers will also focus their efforts on other safety related regulations, including: safe operation of ATVs, boating safety, and responsible consumption of liquor. COs are now fully appointed to enforce a wide range of public safety related legislation, and will continue to work closely with police to monitor these activities, both during the deer hunt and at other times of the year.
"Our officers are committed to maintaining a safe hunt", concludes VanExan. "It is very rewarding to see hunters sharing the experience of the deer camp, and by working together, we can pass this tradition down to future generations of hunters."
Anyone with information about a wildlife or public safety related crime is encouraged to call the 24 hour violation reporting line at 1-877-TIPS-MNR, contact their local CO directly, or call Crimestoppers 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.
- 30 -
For more information contact:
Dan VanExan
President
Ontario Conservation
Officers Association
(613) 478-6132
