Pruposed new Moose Reg

I was just reading about the proposed new opening for Moose south of North Bay. It will open this year on Saturday Oct.22 and go to the Friday. This screws with my holiday now. I always book off the week. I leave Friday late afternoon. Set up camp on Saturday, scout Sunday and hit it hard to hunt on the Monday for opening. If this new change goes through I will have to take 2 extra days now, Thursday/Friday so I'm ready to hunt Saturday. This change will make it difficult for a lot of people to arrange their time off so they can hunt.

They aren't doing anybody any favours. Most of the guys in our group have to book holiday time for the next year in November/early December of the present year so it makes planning rather difficult. Apparently with the new provincial budget, licence fees are going up as well. I guess if you want to hunt moose in Ontario you make the sacrifices or stay home. Rant over. B525

So let me get this straight.... they are extending the season by a few days or are they shifting the whole season by a few days?

It adds one extra day to the hunt, but they are moving it 2 days forward. It has always been for the last 2 or more decades the 3rd Monday of October for opening. We always take the week off which has been booked. Leave Friday, set camp Saturday and have a great Jam, good to see you again bash. Scout on Sunday for opening on Monday. Now we will have to leave Thursday to set camp, scout Friday so we can hunt on Saturday. And we have to rearrange the Good to see you Jam and party to Thursday night. Now I and most of our crew halve to take 1.5 weeks off of work.

Is it mandatory that you be in the bush ready to go for opening morning? I don't think I've ever been out for a moose opener....mind you I also haven't hunted my regular area for the past 2 years due to changing tags and seasons! But we make the 18 hr drive every year and are just glad to be out!

I hunt that area, unless there are more tags than last year. The chances of getting an adult tag are mighty slim. I will likely go , but have been toying with the idea of just going up earlier and do some fishing and bird hunting. I am retired and have a good camp, so can go anytime. MNR tag policy, is making me a bit pi$$ed off. Getting to be a bit of a money grab. My rant for the evening. old243

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Originally Posted by roybo

I was just reading about the proposed new opening for Moose south of North Bay. It will open this year on Saturday Oct.22 and go to the Friday. This screws with my holiday now. I always book off the week. I leave Friday late afternoon. Set up camp on Saturday, scout Sunday and hit it hard to hunt on the Monday for opening. If this new change goes through I will have to take 2 extra days now, Thursday/Friday so I'm ready to hunt Saturday. This change will make it difficult for a lot of people to arrange their time off so they can hunt.

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If this is correct, there will be no week between the moose and deer hunts .

Well the obvious solution is you do what youve always done and dont start seriously hunting until Monday. Carry a gun while you're scouting and if you happen across a moose....you're done.

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Originally Posted by Foxx

If this is correct, there will be no week between the moose and deer hunts .

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First Monday in November is 7th, so yes, there will be. I think there would be one year out of seven where they would run back to back.

The way its set is that the moose hunt starts on the Saturday closest to the 22nd each year. So it could be earlier then that or after it.

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Originally Posted by roybo

I was just reading about the proposed new opening for Moose south of North Bay. It will open this year on Saturday Oct.22 and go to the Friday. This screws with my holiday now. I always book off the week. I leave Friday late afternoon. Set up camp on Saturday, scout Sunday and hit it hard to hunt on the Monday for opening. If this new change goes through I will have to take 2 extra days now, Thursday/Friday so I'm ready to hunt Saturday. This change will make it difficult for a lot of people to arrange their time off so they can hunt.

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Do you mean the six-day Moose hunt for WMU46-63(southern Ontario)? My copy of the 2016 proposal shows the opener on Oct17-22incl. That would be the Monday following Thanksgiving until the following Saturday. It's kind of goofy this year because it's a leap year. Has there been a change that no one is aware of?

with the amount of tags they hand out in that area, they could have a month long season and it would not matter.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Do you mean the six-day Moose hunt for WMU46-63(southern Ontario)? My copy of the 2016 proposal shows the opener on Oct17-22incl. That would be the Monday following Thanksgiving until the following Saturday. It's kind of goofy this year because it's a leap year. Has there been a change that no one is aware of?

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Here is the proposed change

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https://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-Ex...tusId=MTkxNjc4

The proposed changes would require an amendment to Ontario Regulation 670/98 (Open Seasons – Wildlife) made under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997, specifically to change the firearm moose hunting season length and timing for Wildlife Management Units 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55A, 55B, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62 and 63. The proposed new firearm season dates would be from the Saturday closest to October 22 to the following Friday, in any year.

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This year, that means it starts right on the 22, and would run until the 28th.

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Originally Posted by blasted_saber

Here is the proposed change

This year, that means it starts right on the 22, and would run until the 28th.

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Well,isn't THAT just lovely! I guess we'll have to wait until the new regs are printed before we actually get to see what the changes are. That's going to screw up a lot of people.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Well,isn't THAT just lovely! I guess we'll have to wait until the new regs are printed before we actually get to see what the changes are. That's going to screw up a lot of people.

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I like the changes, personally.

I don't!!!! My crew and myself will have to book off extra days now. We have a good area and we need to hunt it first and hard to fill the freezer. I feel that the MNR should of given at least a years notice so people can arrange their lives. This is again another fast and rude decision by people who do not hunt. Why move up the opening 2 days. Does this help the management plan, I think not.

IMO it sure seems idiotic to open the season on a Saturday???? Most cottages/camps are rented from noon Saturday to noon Saturday. Most vacations from employers also run Monday to Friday. And usually the MNR have their openings (especially big hunts) on days that do not conflict will the general public. Weekends - almost every one is off. Non hunting locals will be out cutting wood, raking leaves, winterizing. Kids could be out 4 wheeling/fishing etc. Toronto cottagers might just try to get one more weekend in before the snow arrives.

So whyTF would the MNR figure out that Saturday is the best day???

Why does the bear season open in most the southern units OPEN on the day AFTER Labour Day when most of Ontario is Aug 15? It's this way to avoid conflicts with cottagers/hikers/anti-hunters.


Anyway I have been posting for a long time about the MNR's mismanagement. This is just another example!

The proposal explains the reasoning, for anyone who wants to actually read the details:

"[COLOR=#2D514A]Under this proposal, the moose hunting season in southern Ontario would be extended by one day (i.e., from the current six days to seven days), to begin at the same time as the calf hunting season in northern Ontario, resulting in increased consistency. This proposed change is intended to improve hunter distribution across the landscape by reducing the possibility hunters will hunt adult moose in one area and calves in another."

I like the change. Hunters have been calling for a change to calf hunting without completing eliminating it, so this MIGHT reduce the number of calves that are harvested opportunistically. The hunting opportunity continues to exist, but its impact is potentially reduced.

It seems that most are upset about how it's going to affect booking their time off work, rather than how it might be beneficial to those who actually live in the area. I'm pretty sure that's why blasted-saber welcomes the changes.

Not the same species, but I'd be more than happy if the MNR decided to start the firearms deer season in my areas on Saturday rather than Monday. No more waiting around all weekend for the opener. Head to camp Friday afternoon, get unpacked, hit the bush Saturday morning. I sure wouldn't be too impressed if they catered to the Northern residents who head south to hunt deer.

Moose hunting isn't done only buy those who pack up and drive north.

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Originally Posted by Dude Bro

The proposal explains the reasoning, for anyone who wants to actually read the details:

"[COLOR=#2D514A]Under this proposal, the moose hunting season in southern Ontario would be extended by one day (i.e., from the current six days to seven days), to begin at the same time as the calf hunting season in northern Ontario, resulting in increased consistency. This proposed change is intended to improve hunter distribution across the landscape by reducing the possibility hunters will hunt adult moose in one area and calves in another."

I like the change. Hunters have been calling for a change to calf hunting without completing eliminating it, so this MIGHT reduce the number of calves that are harvested opportunistically. The hunting opportunity continues to exist, but its impact is potentially reduced.

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After a quick e-mail and conference call meeting with our entire Moose crew,it appears that we are all in rock solid agreement with this schedule change for exactly the reason stated. Evidently,it was a huge concern of our crew that, until now,I wasn't aware was so extensive. This will eliminate hunter migration to the southern areas from the north putting a crap-load of extra pressure on the southern herd. It makes perfect sense. :thumbup::moose:

Not that I hunt moose in 55B anymore, but if I did, I would favor the changes.

One major irritant there was the influx of hunters on ATVs on Saturday and Sunday as people were 'scouting'. By Monday the moose are holed up in inaccessible areas or moved north into the park.

I has one of these guys come up to me on a Tuesday evening, baffled that the moose had disappeared. "I don't know where they went" he said. "We were seeing lots of them on Saturday and Sunday."

I'm not sure if it's a good move or not but if a bunch of paper pushers spent a year to think about how to help our moose population and that's the best they got, moose are in deep S......

Need to book time for moose hunt, is October 22 a for sure for opener in the south #50 ??

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Originally Posted by dunc

Need to book time for moose hunt, is October 22 a for sure for opener in the south #50 ??

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We won't know for a couple of more weeks until the 2016 Moose schedule comes out. I'm getting conflicting reports that it will be Oct 17 to coincide with the calf seasons in all the northern WMU's. I sure hope not becuse it'll bugger us all up to no end. This is turning into a first class cluster f**k.

Someone please pass the Tylenol I am getting a head ache......lol
We hunt WMU 49 so I will be interested to see the dates for 2016

I looked in the regs last night and they haven't changed in e-laws yet. It is the same description as the season last year.

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Originally Posted by redd foxx

I looked in the regs last night and they haven't changed in e-laws yet. It is the same description as the season last year.

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Exactly,they're being morons. They can put out "proposals" all they want,but,until it's in writing............

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Exactly,they're being morons. They can put out "proposals" all they want,but,until it's in writing............

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For sure. If it doesn't happen soon it may not happen until next year if at all. Problem is people trying to book hunting vacation time!!

sick of the omnrf non management policies that's why I'm hunting in Quebec

And the clock keeps on ticking!!

the moose season will be moved in 2017 it will fall on the closest saturday to the 22 in any given year. and it will be 7 days instead of six

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Originally Posted by redd foxx

I looked in the regs last night and they haven't changed in e-laws yet. It is the same description as the season last year.

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Considering the 2016 regulations arent out yet im curious how exactly you did this.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/tentativ...unting-seasons

This may help !!

According to this, the changes won't take place until 2017.

http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-Ext...k4&language=en

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Considering the 2016 regulations arent out yet im curious how exactly you did this.

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https://www.ontario.ca/laws

Go to this site and it will give access to all Provincial law in Ontario as well as the regulations made under each act. Look up the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the regs with seasons are there as well. This site is usually kept very well up to date.

Don't forget that the reg books that MNR put out are only summaries. Go to the e-laws site to read the black and white of the legislation. Once you've played with the site and learn your way around the site (then the complexities of the law) it is a great place to read the actual rules. There is also a similar site for federal legislation where you can look up the Migratory birds and Fisheries acts and regs.

I believe the majority is not in favor with the proposed start date change. My camp has 14 members that travel from different parts of Ontario. We like most, use Saturday as travel and camp set up, Sunday as Scouting and hunt safety plan (designated hunting lanes), Monday hit the ground hard in a safe and structured manner. With the average person only having limited vacation to split between hunting seasons and family, changing the date is a take away and will jeopardize work life balance but also hunter safety as now camps will be rushed, not rested and no time to make a solid hunt safety plan. I think this is a topic that needs to be brought to OFAH to represent our interests as responsible hunters.

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Originally Posted by Johnnyz36

I believe the majority is not in favor with the proposed start date change. My camp has 14 members that travel from different parts of Ontario. We like most, use Saturday as travel and camp set up, Sunday as Scouting and hunt safety plan (designated hunting lanes), Monday hit the ground hard in a safe and structured manner. With the average person only having limited vacation to split between hunting seasons and family, changing the date is a take away and will jeopardize work life balance but also hunter safety as now camps will be rushed, not rested and no time to make a solid hunt safety plan. I think this is a topic that needs to be brought to OFAH to represent our interests as responsible hunters.

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Theirs no reason you can't still do this. You just wont be hunting "opener"

That is true however you know what it is like in the South zone, if you haven't claimed your spot opening morning, it is gone. The point being made, I will go with what the majority of hunters want. Just wish the MNR would put more consideration for what we do to hunt in Ontario and the fact we have jobs and family. Less people hunting because of rule changes means less revenue for them.

I'd like to see them stop the calf harvest, have a antler size restriction and mandatory check in stations

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Originally Posted by seabast

I'm not sure if it's a good move or not but if a bunch of paper pushers spent a year to think about how to help our moose population and that's the best they got, moose are in deep S......

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Originally Posted by Johnnyz36

That is true however you know what it is like in the South zone, if you haven't claimed your spot opening morning, it is gone. The point being made, I will go with what the majority of hunters want. Just wish the MNR would put more consideration for what we do to hunt in Ontario and the fact we have jobs and family. Less people hunting because of rule changes means less revenue for them.

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The argument to this is you're getting additional hunting opportunity in the form of an extra day to hunt.

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Originally Posted by blasted_saber

The argument to this is you're getting additional hunting opportunity in the form of an extra day to hunt.

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I would sooner they open on the Sunday to the following Saturday. This way camps can still move and get set up on the Saturday.

There's still nothing definitve posted,anywhere. WTH are they waiting for? With changes to start dates as sweeping as these are,this is ridiculous.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

There's still nothing definitve posted,anywhere. WTH are they waiting for? With changes to start dates as sweeping as these are,this is ridiculous.

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Its right here in the EBR. Thats as definitive as it gets. When the regs come out, I am sure they will have a notice that changes are coming for the 2017 season.

http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-Ext...k4&language=en

Nothing is changing this year. It takes effect next year

So let me get this right?:confused::confused::confused::confused:

Everything is changing BUT actually nothing is changing because the Misfits Of Natural Resources

need 2 years of lead time to make changes to a resource that is managed on a yearly basis.:whacked::whacked::whacked::whacked:

To actually see them manage our resources is mind boggling!:party::party::party:

It's totally impossible for them to react to hunter success (or lack of it) or winter kill or high poaching or native harvest or disease when they need 2 fricken years to implement anything.

DUH??? Is there anyone from the MNR that reads any of these posts? Can any of them even read?

Hello? Anyone home??

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Originally Posted by smallgamer

According to this, the changes won't take place until 2017.

http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-Ext...k4&language=en

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Originally Posted by blasted_saber

Its right here in the EBR. Thats as definitive as it gets. When the regs come out, I am sure they will have a notice that changes are coming for the 2017 season.

http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-Ext...k4&language=en

Nothing is changing this year. It takes effect next year

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this.................

this says proposed changes for 2016 though? or am i reading it wrong?

https://www.ontario.ca/page/tentativ...unting-seasons

Moose Rifles, Shotguns, Bows and Muzzle-loaders Seasons

46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55A, 55B, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63

Adult and Calf Moose October 17

Does this imply you can use a bow in all of these WMU's ?
October 17 is a Monday; so much for the 7 day season in 2016 perhaps.




[COLOR=#000000]

Moose Rifles, Shotguns, Bows and Muzzle-loaders Seasons

46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55A, 55B, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63

Adult and Calf Moose October 17

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Originally Posted by B525

They aren't doing anybody any favours. Most of the guys in our group have to book holiday time for the next year in November/early December of the present year so it makes planning rather difficult. Apparently with the new provincial budget, licence fees are going up as well. I guess if you want to hunt moose in Ontario you make the sacrifices or stay home. Rant over. B525

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Im in the same boat. I need to book my vacation time in November/December for the following year. I understand that they may need to make adjustments from time to time, but most of them could be announced 18 months agreed, so the users of the resource can plan accordingly.

I talked with an MNRF Enforcement manager today and he confirmed that the new rules won't kick in until 2017.