The Ministry of Natural Resources and Foresty (MNRF) invites the public to comment on proposed hunting regulation changes for wolf and coyote.
The ministry intends to allow the hunting of grey wolves, also known as timber wolves, and coyotes under small game licenses without requiring a separate game seal for the animals in Northern Ontario. If it is approved, the regulation changes would take effect in 2017, retaining the two animal limit on wolves while removing limitations on the harvest of coyotes.
The ministry wants to implement the proposed changes as a wildlife management tool under the Moose Project to “reduce predation and spur population growth” of the declining numbers of moose in the province. It will also address concerns by ranchers regarding livestock losses due to coyotes.
“Recent population surveys have shown declines in moose populations in many parts of Northern Ontario. Populations of grey wolves and their hybrids in Northern Ontario have been relatively stable,” MNRF states on the ER.
The proposal has so far received a mixed public response. Outdoors groups support the move while animal rights lobbyists condemn the initiative.
The Ontario Federation of Hunters and Anglers endorses the management of wolves and coyotes in northern Ontario as a way to increase hunting opportunities and help reduce wildlife conflicts.
“Ontario wolf populations represent one of the best protected and intact populations in Canada,” stated the OFHA on it’s website. “Coyotes are common and abundant across most settled areas of the province, are very adaptable and more tolerant of human disturbances than wolves.”
Meanwhile Wolves Ontario urges supporters to speak out against the wildlife management initiative it regards as misguided.
“Not only does this proposal fail to address moose declines, it continues to endanger at-risk eastern wolves living in central Ontario and encourages the unregulated slaughter of coyotes,” stated the organization.
People have until Jan. 18 to respond to the MNRF posting on the Environmental Registry.