OFA provided comments to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry regarding the graduated financial penalties for failing to submit mandatory hunter reports.
OFA acknowledges the important role hunting plays in controlling wildlife populations and as part of sustainable agricultural practices in the province.
OFA supports policies and programs that are evidence-based and data-driven; Data derived from hunter reports promotes sound wildlife management policies and decision-making frameworks. Therefore, OFA supports graduated financial penalties for failing to submit hunter reports.
OFA recommends that the Ministry ensure that the proposed new $50 penalty surcharge is sufficient to meet the goal compliance rate of 95%, but not decrease hunting participation by being cost-prohibitive.