Well, its official, the first Ontario elk hunt in more than a Century gets under way this fall!
Thanks to Heather Visser of the MNR in Toronto for sending me this Press info:
The first elk hunt in Ontario in more than a century will be held in the Bancroft-North Hastings area this upcoming fall.
The elk population in the area has flourished and continues to grow at a healthy rate since being reintroduced to the province 10 years ago. The elk hunt will help manage the population in this area, and will be carefully harmonized to ensure a long-term sustainable elk population.
“This hunt is a result of the successful restoration of elk in the Bancroft-North Hastings area and the first in more than a century. This is an opportunity to help the region’s economic growth and ensure a healthy elk population in the area for future generations.” – Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources
“The McGuinty government has worked with all community partners to determine the best way to manage the elk population in the area.” – MPP Leona Dombrowsky, Prince Edward–Hastings
“The OFA was pleased to work closely with the Ontario government in establishing the first elk hunt in more than a century. We look forward to the implementation of the hunt which will help address issues raised by farmers in the area while ensuring a sustainable elk population.”- Bette Jean Crews, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
“The Ontario government, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and other partners have contributed countless hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars to restore elk to their original ranges in Ontario. We are pleased that this will provide a new hunting opportunity and some relief for the Bancroft-North Hastings agricultural community from the pressures created by the growing elk population.” – Mike Reader, Executive Director, O.F.A.H.
QUICK FACTS
Applications for an elk licence and seal will be made available in the spring.
The open season for elk will be one week long and take place from the third Monday in September to the following Sunday.
Between 1998 and 2001, the elk population was restored by shipping elk herd from Alberta to four sites in Ontario including Bancroft-North Hastings.
For more information on the Ontario Elk Hunt:
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@mnr/@fw/documents/document/stdprod_068306.pdf
Outdoorsguy