8 October, 2008
ATTENTION: 2008 Hunting Closures!
If you're planning to hunt on crown land anywhere near Wawa, Dubreuilville, White River, Marathon, Hornepayne, Manitouwadge, or north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario you better pay attention to the recent 2008 Hunting Closures.
First, read the summary "2008 Hunting Closures in the Wawa District". Pay particular attention to page 2, item #3 where the MNR says:
"Why are some roads closed to vehicular traffic during the first (2) weeks of the moose hunting season? Roads that are near designated remote tourism lakes may have this vehicle use restriction. This reduces the conflict between the hunting guests from remote tourism camps and road-based hunters."
According to Canadian legislation all residents have a right to enjoy equal access to public lands. The MNR is breaking the law and clearly stating that they want to restrict access to Crown Land so that big game hunters from other countries can enjoy the resources that WE taxpaying citizens of Canada own and maintain!
See ALL of the 2008 Hunting Closures and Detailed Maps listed here, or in the IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS section on the right side of this page >
Everyone please add your comments below. Give the MNR a piece of your mind. YES, you can make a difference!
Comments on ATTENTION: 2008 Hunting Closures! »
Reading this makes me sick, the Ministry of Natural Resources being a law enforcement agency should know better.
If an OPP detachment ever tried pulling off a stunt like this there would be a real big stink raised, politicians would be down their neck, the SIU would be investigating, the Attorney General's Office involved…those involved would be sitting at home pending an investigation and a day in court.
These so called Citizen's Committees rather than being formed from a random selection of citizens are appointed and controlled by the MNR…regardless, they don't have the legal capacity to overrule Legislated Law or our rights under the Charter.
Reviewed thru' the public consultation process my butt.
The MNR's actions are akin to dropping the gloves in a hockey game. They're asking all ordinary Ontario anglers, hunters, hikers, canoeists, private pilots, outdoors lovers: "Well, what are you going to do about it?".
Many of us have been vocal about our replies, through letters to the editors, Ombudsman complaints, writing our MPP's (not much support there) but not enough of us are publicly taking the MNR to task. Politics is the grease that keeps the MNR and the government slipping along, and if there is a loud, concerted voice against what they are doing, it will change. Remember the spring bear hunt? So let's find our voices and our word processors or pens to let the public know what's really going on.
We need to take them on where it matters - in the courts. These charges are not supported by the wording of present statutes, but those charged cannot afford lawyers so they plead guilty to get it over with. Let's get a legal fund going and hire a good lawyer to challenge these inappropriate charges.
For starters, how come these changes can be implemented without public input?
Why is it when anything is being done to land by a tax payer / developer / corporation, an impact study of some sort has to be done.
These rules should also aply to MNR staff.