OFA has provided comments to Environment and Climate Change Canada through the consultation process on proposed amendments to the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 migratory game bird hunting seasons.

OFA supports science-based, consultative wildlife management processes that rely on population monitoring, harvest data, and adaptive management, and supports Ontario-specific Canada Goose management measures as part of broader nuisance wildlife and crop damage mitigation efforts. OFA supports, in principle, the establishment of a regulated Sandhill Crane hunting season in Ontario as a legitimate management tool, provided it is grounded in science and implemented responsibly; however, OFA is concerned that the proposed geographic scope may not align with areas experiencing the greatest agricultural impacts and recommends that all Wildlife Management Units in the Northern District be included. OFA further notes that a proposed 14-day September season with a daily harvest limit of one crane is unlikely to meaningfully influence crane behaviour or reduce crop damage, and recommends consideration of an expanded season and increased harvest opportunity. Clear, practical definitions of “farmland only” provisions are essential to ensure consistent understanding and enforcement, and OFA emphasizes that strong education, clear compliance requirements, and adaptive monitoring are critical to ensuring any new Sandhill Crane season is effective, enforceable, and publicly defensible.