Hunters reminded to follow the rules for a safe hunt

MNR News Release

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NORTH BAY — With the opening of the black bear hunting season across the Northeast Region on August 15, 2007, the Ministry of Natural Resources reminds hunters to follow the rules and regulations to ensure a safe hunt.

• All black bear hunters are required to wear hunter orange except when in a tree stand.

• Party hunting for black bears is allowed, and the member whose game seal is to be used must have it attached to the bear immediately at the kill site. Individuals hunting alone must also immediately attach their seal to the bear at the kill site. The seal must be notched indicating month, day and time of kill.

• Resident hunters who purchase a black bear hunting licence must complete a mandatory questionnaire. It is available in the 2007 Hunting Regulations Summary, at www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/fwmenu.html or at a ServiceOntario/Government Information Centre.

• Second game seals may be available for resident hunters in certain Wildlife Management Units (WMU). They can be obtained from ServiceOntario/ Government Information Centre in August of the year of the hunt. The available WMUs are listed at www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/fwmenu.html.

• Non-resident hunters may only hunt black bear in Ontario if they meet one of the following conditions:

o they use the services of a bear operator licensed in Ontario to provide black bear hunting services to non- residents;

o they hunt with an immediate relative, such as grandparent, parent, spouse, child, sibling or grandchild, licensed to hunt black bear in a WMU with an open season for non-residents;

o they own property in a WMU that has an open season for black bear for non–residents.

• Since black bear hunting starts in the summer months, hunters should be aware of campers, berry pickers and hikers who are enjoying the outdoors in August and September.

• Hunters must ensure that all meat from the harvested black bear is processed as quickly as possible to avoid any spoilage in hot weather. It is an offence under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act to allow the flesh of a game animal to spoil.

• When in the field, all hunters should carry the basics of survival: fire-making tools, a knife, a first aid kit, navigation aids and whistle, and other useful items in case of an unplanned stay.

• All hunters should consult the 2007 Hunting Regulations Summary for further information on these and other rules and regulations regarding black bear hunting or contact the nearest ServiceOntario/Government Information Centre.

To report natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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