OFAH Insider: How bear hunters are contributing to wildlife management

Some black bear hunters have begun receiving a 2017 Ontario Black Bear Hunter Survey in the mail from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). A total of 3,000 surveys were sent to randomly-selected black bear licence holders across Ontario. The survey was specifically developed to gather additional information about expenditures related to bear hunting in the province. Bear hunters are also required to submit mandatory harvest questionnaires. Questions in the most recent survey cover harvest, hunting activity and location, hunting methods, equipment used, and spending (accommodations, bait, guiding, meals, transportation, butchering, taxidermy, etc.). The information will be used to assess how the expanded spring bear hunt pilot project has influenced economic activity in Ontario. Permanent season needed The OFAH fought the cancellation of the spring bear hunt for the better part of two decades, even engaging in a court battle with the Provincial government. While the expansion of spring bear hunting opportunities announced in 2015 was a welcome development, the OFAH continues to push for the pilot project to turn into a full-fledged return of the spring bear hunt. “The OFAH knows that spring and fall bear hunting is important in Ontario,” says Mark Ryckman, OFAH manager of policy. “It is vitally important for hunters to respond to this survey to demonstrate this to the government.” Crest for premolars In addition to this socioeconomic survey, the MNRF is also encouraging bear hunters to submit premolar teeth from their harvested black bear. Through analysis of these samples, the MNRF is able to collect information about the age structure of local bear populations, which helps with the sustainable management of Ontario black bears. In return for submitting samples, the MNRF will send hunters an Ontario Bear Hunter crest and information about the age of the harvested bear. Information on how to submit a molar can be found on page 76 of the 2017 Hunting Regulations Summary. Originally published in the April 2018 issue of Ontario Out of Doors For more guns and gear, click here Click here for more outdoors news Watch on-demand videos anytime on OFAH Stream