Presqu’ile Park Deer Cull Means Loss of Hunting Opportunities

For Immediate Release
December 8, 2003

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) is most disappointed that the Ministry of Natural Resources (M.N.R.) changed the scheduling of the Presqu’ile Provincial Park deer cull conducted by area natives, moving it forward this year resulting in the loss of traditional waterfowl hunting opportunities.

“That there are too many deer in the park is beyond question,” said O.F.A.H. Executive Director, Mike Reader, “but the M.N.R. should have scheduled the cull so that it would not interfere with traditional waterfowl hunting, or make up the lost hunting opportunities for waterfowlers.”

The M.N.R. closes the park for the duration of the cull, but the duck hunting season extends to December 20 each year. “The M.N.R. has promised us that they will revisit the conflicts next year, and look at ways not to restrict or cancel traditional waterfowl hunting in the park,” said Reader. “It could take a provincial or federal regulation change to provide waterfowl hunters with alternate days, and the O.F.A.H. is eager to continue discussions to that end,” added Reader.