Should Ontario Change How It Manages Black Bear Hunting?
Official title: Proposal to update the province’s black bear management approach
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. Run a bear hunting tourism business? The new permit system could shift how opportunities are allocated. Live in bear country? Population targets will shape how many bears are in your area for years to come.
What Could Change
Ontario would set specific population targets for black bears in each region. Hunting cubs and mothers with cubs would be banned in fall, not just spring. A new permit draw system could limit resident hunting in some areas to help populations recover. Tourism operators may gain or lose hunting opportunities depending on their area.
Key Issues
- What should the target black bear population be in your region?
- Should protections for cubs and mothers extend to fall hunting season?
- How should hunting permits be distributed between residents and tourism operators?
- Should a resident draw system be used in areas where bear populations need to increase?
How to Participate
- Review the Draft Black Bear Population Objective Setting and Harvest Management Guidelines and the Preliminary Population Objective Ranges for your area.
- Complete the feedback form if you have specific insights about black bear populations in your region.
- Submit a comment directly on this ERO notice or email wildlifepolicy@ontario.ca with ERO number 025-0761 in your message.