Stories This Week

Sunday hunting campaign moves to GCH

by Simon Conolly

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters’ campaign to introduce Sunday gun hunting to Ontario moved into Galway-Cavendish and Harvey Township Tuesday afternoon.

Greg Farrant, OFAH’s Manager of Government Relations and Communications told council there are four main reasons Sunday gun hunting should be allowed in the township:

• an estimated $50 million annually in damage to crops and livestock inflicted by wildlife in the province;

• hunting is the most effective wildlife management tool;

• a Sunday hunt would reduce the number of automobile/wildlife collisions, which occur every 38 minutes across the province; and

• a Sunday hunt could bring an influx of revenue for restaurants, hotels and other businesses.

Mr. Farrant told council he felt the idea had received a favourable reaction from Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield Council. SEL is scheduled to deal with the issue May 13.

Asphodel-Norwood township had made a partial decision the previous night, he said. Asked to explain by Councillor Bev Matthews, he said Asphodel-Norwood had approved Sunday gun hunting only for deer. The Ministry of Natural Resources will not accept that, he added, saying Sunday gun hunting is an “all or nothing” proposition.

But Asphodel-Norwood CAO/Clerk Valerie Przybilla had a different story on Wednesday morning.

“Council deferred any decision,” she said, “and asked staff to check with the Ministry of Natural Resources as to what options it has.”

Douro-Dummer Township has twice in the last few years refused to approve a Sunday gun hunt.

Deputy Reeve Madeline Pearson suggested extending the deer season from two to three weeks would be a more practical solution, and Reeve Tom Flynn agreed, saying he would much prefer to see a third week added.

Councillor Peter Franzen was very clear: “I don’t agree with Sunday hunting,” he said. Council thanked Mr. Farrant for his presentation, but deferred any decision for further discussion.