In 2019, Ontario implemented mandatory hunter reporting for anyone issued a turkey, deer, bear, elk, or wolf/coyote tag or a moose licence. Mandatory reporting requirements, timelines, and consequences for not reporting were provided.
Prior to that, hunter data was collected via voluntary hunter reporting, surveys, and mandatory harvest reporting for select species. Over time, reporting rates slowly declined to the point where the government was no longer getting high quality information, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Policy Manager Mark Ryckman said. “Voluntary reporting is sufficient when response rates are high and unbiased,” he said. “For the species that hunters care most about, however, we got to the point where reporting rates were so low that the OFAH and MNRF questioned their usefulness for making management decisions like opening new turkey seasons or setting moose tag quotas.”
In 2018, the response rates varied from 40 to 70% depending on the species, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Senior Wildlife Biologist Patrick Hubert said. This made it very difficult to make sound wildlife management decisions and had the potential to jeopardize the sustainability of our resources, he added.
Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service will send automated emails reminding you to submit your hunter reports. Opt-in to ensure you don’t forget to submit.
The MNR is collecting significantly more and better data since mandatory reporting was implemented. Reporting rates have continued to increase, and for the 2023 season, response rates now range from 88% to 100% depending on the species, Hubert explained. This increase in data collected is substantial.
Critical information gathered each year through mandatory hunter reporting is used to support population monitoring, make changes to seasons and bag limits, and inform other policies. It is most directly used to inform WMU harvest management, which results in tag quotas. It has reduced the error associated with harvest estimates and means hunters across the entire province are being heard. Also, it provides basic information on whether or how a hunter participates (hunter effort), and the dates they are harvesting animals. The accuracy of the data is critical to how it gets used by the MNR. Very high response rates are expected to improve the accuracy because the response approaches a census of all hunters. High response rates also reduce the potential for bias that could lead to over or underestimates of harvest.
Data for wild turkey has been most affected by mandatory reporting. Reported spring harvest under the previous system ranged from roughly 7,000-7,800 from 2014-2018, Hubert said. The estimated spring harvest under mandatory reporting has increased to 17,200-19,600 from 2019-2023. The harvest was being underestimated by approximately 150%.
Fall turkey seasons added in 2022 were a direct result of the use of hunter data. The criteria for establishing fall seasons is based on a spring harvest index. Seven WMUs that were previously not meeting the criteria, did so after three years of improved information from mandatory reporting. A win for Ontario hunters.
Taking time to accurately submit your hunter reports at the end of the season is a great and easy way to help contribute to the responsible management of Ontario’s game species. This data helps the MNR make decisions that ultimately affect the sustainability of hunting in the province.
The MNR is pausing the lock-out component of the licensing system that would prevent a hunter from purchasing a licence if they didn't submit two consecutive mandatory reports for that species.
For more information on hunter reporting, visit www.ontario.ca
Originally published in Ontario OUT of DOORS’ 2024-2025 Hunting Annual
Contact Information
PO Box 2800 / 4601 Guthrie Dr.
Peterborough, Ontario Canada K9J 8L5
Phone: 705-748-OFAH (6324)
Fax: 705-748-9577
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