Ontario plans to tighten moose-hunting regulations

Changes are coming to moose-hunting regulations in Ontario.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry proposes a two-week resident and non-resident open season for calf and adult moose, starting next fall.

Outside of that two-week season, calves could not beharvested, but adult moose couldstill be hunted.

The regulation changes are aimed at counteracting the decline in the province's moose herd.

Minister Bill Mauro told CBC News that, based on feedback the ministry has received, stakeholders appear to understand the problem.

They acknowledge that there is an issue related to moose populations in Ontario, he said.

They also acknowledge that the declining numbers didn't happen overnight [and] that this was years in the making. And they realize that it's gonna take some time to turn it around.

Another change would be implemented in 2016, delaying the moose-hunting season by one week.

Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen's Alliance executive-directorJohn Kaplanis supports the government's plan.

The question remains, will these measures amount to any significant increase in the moose population?That is yet to be seen.But we think it is a step, a positive step.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is expressing concerns about the MNRF initiative.

Senior Wildlife Biologist Mark Ryckmantookexception Friday to the proposal to delay the hunt by one week next year. Ryckman told CBC the anticipated benefits do not outweigh the costs."It's a significant reduction in hunting opportunities and an inconvenience to hunters.And the MNRF doesn't actually have any data to suggest that delaying the gun hunt by one week will have any appreciable benefit or impact to Ontario's moose populations," he said.

Ryckman also said the OFAH would have preferred a 4-week calf hunt to begin with, allowing time to assess the results and to implement a shorter calf season later if warranted.

The changes proposed by MNRF are posted onOntario's environmental registry.

The public can also comment through an online survey.