OCOA Media Release 2008-11-02 - CO's Promote Safe Deer Hunting

www.ocoa.ca
MEDIA RELEASE
November 2, 2008

Ontario Conservation Officers Association Promotes Safe Deer Hunt

Monday, November 3 marks the opening of the 2008 gun deer season across most of Ontario. The Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) wants to take this opportunity to remind hunters to continue the tradition of safe and responsible hunting.

As stewards of the environment, one of the primary roles of Conservation Officers (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 law is in place to allow hunters to harvest game while ensuring the safety of the public.

"Safe hunting goes beyond responsible firearm use", says OCOA President Dan VanExan, a field Conservation Officer. "Anyone venturing outdoors in November needs to be more diligent than ever in following public safety related legislation."

The OCOA urges hunters to pay specific attention to the following:

respect private property; always get landowner permission before hunting
operate your ATV responsibly, and always wear an approved helmet
wear the required hunter orange clothing at all times
when boating, don't just have your PFD on board - WEAR IT!
if you choose to drink, restrict the consumption of alcoholic beverages to in camp after the hunt

"We want to do our part to make this a safe and enjoyable deer hunt", concludes VanExan. "Hunting is still one of the safest outdoor activities. By working with other law enforcement agencies, hunters, and the general public, we can ensure that the sport will be enjoyed by future generations."

For more information about natural resources regulations and enforcement, please visit the OCOA website at www.ocoa.ca , or contact your local Conservation Officer.

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).

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For more information contact:

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