Should Ontario Change How It Manages Black Bear Hunting?

Ontario wants to set population targets for black bears and update hunting rules. Right now, there are no specific population goals. The province is proposing to protect cubs and mothers year-round, not just in spring. They're also looking at new ways to distribute hunting permits between residents and tourism operators.

Why This Matters

Hunt black bears in Ontario? These changes could affect where and when you can hunt. Live in bear country? Population targets will shape how many bears roam your area. Run a hunting tourism business? The new permit system could change your client allocation.

What Could Change

New population targets would set upper and lower limits for bear numbers in each region. Hunting cubs or mothers with cubs would be banned in fall, not just spring. A new permit draw system could replace the current first-come approach in some areas. Tourism operators may gain or lose hunting opportunities depending on their location.

Key Issues

What should the population targets be for black bears in your region?
Should protections for cubs and mothers extend to the fall hunting season?
How should hunting permits be distributed between residents and tourism operators?
Should possession of bear bile be explicitly prohibited?

How to Participate

Review the Draft Black Bear Population Objective Setting and Harvest Management Guidelines to understand the proposed changes.
Check the Preliminary Population Objective Ranges for your area to see proposed bear population targets.
Submit your feedback through the detailed survey form if you have specific insights about bear populations in your region, or comment directly on this ERO notice.

Submit Your Input

Comment On The ERO Notice Complete The Regional Population Feedback Survey Draft Email

Email Template

Dear Wildlife Policy Team,

I am writing regarding ERO 025-0761: Proposal to update the province's black bear management approach.

I [support / oppose / have concerns about] this proposal because:
[Your reason - even one sentence counts]

How this affects me:
[Your connection to this issue - hunter, resident of bear country, tourism operator, etc.]

On the proposed population objectives for my region:
[Your thoughts on whether the proposed ranges are appropriate]

On extending cub and mother protections to fall:
[Your view on this regulatory change]

On the harvest management guidelines:
[Your feedback on the proposed approach]

Suggestions:
[What would make this work better]

Thank you for considering my feedback.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Questions Being Asked (4)

What are your views on the proposed population objective ranges for black bears in your region?
Do you support extending protections for cubs and females with cubs to the fall hunting season?
What are your thoughts on the proposed harvest management guidelines?
Do you have specific insights about the black bear population in your area?