Some 3,000 black bear hunters will be contacted this winter as part of the Ministry of Natural Resources’ first survey on the species in eight years.
From January to March, some 2,000 hunters living in Ontario and 1,000 non-resident US hunters will be randomly asked to participate, the ministry announced in a Jan. 6 email to partners, including the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).
The analysis is part of a regular cycle of surveys of hunters, recreational anglers, and other nature-based recreationists, and trappers, officials stated. They are in addition to mandatory hunter activity and harvest reporting.
Invited hunters will be able to complete the survey online at ontario.ca/BearHunterSurvey using the unique access codes provided in their invitation letters or by filling out and returning a paper questionnaire using a provided postage-paid return envelope.
“These surveys complement the information we receive from other sources — like mandatory hunter reporting – to provide a richer understanding of who is engaging with these activities in Ontario and how, as well as insights into the perspectives and preferences of participants and the types of benefits that these activities provide to individuals and to the province,” Fish and Wildlife Policy Branch Director Christie Curley wrote.
Last survey in 2017
The last survey of black bear hunters was conducted in 2017. It was primarily designed to estimate the economic contributions of the spring and fall black bear hunting seasons to Ontario from hunter expenditures. Other goals included assessing awareness of, participation in, and barriers to participation in the voluntary black bear premolar teeth submission program, and profiling Ontario’s black bear hunters.
The 2024 survey is also designed to enable economic expenditure estimates by hunting season, profile Ontario’s black bear hunters, track awareness and participation with the voluntary black bear premolar teeth submission program, and learn about current hunting styles and preferences, officials stated.
The scope of the survey has also been expanded to include additional questions about hunting styles (such as methods for identifying female bears) and preferences (such as travel and location preferences), and hunter experiences hunting with licensed bear operators. Hunter perspectives on black bear management in Ontario (such as barriers to reporting of bears taken in protection of property), will also be sought.
I understand the need for animal surveys! AS LONG as it’s used in the proper way!! Not used in a negative way for we bear hunters, like what happened when Mike Harris bowed down to animal activists with absolutely NO scientific info and cancelled the spring bear hunt!! Then the MNR wonders why there is a decline in moose and deer populations across the province, when in reality our own OFAH did a study prior to the cancellation if I recall correctly, that 75 % of the spring bear harvested had consumed moose calf or fawn deer! Thats a large number of animals lost!! Granted the MNR have gotten somewhat better with working with organizations like OFAH and the Ont Big Game Association, a balance has to be found for all, thats the way we are if we are true conservationists, now ask me if I trust the MNR whole heartedly! NOPE! Years back, i was pushing the local MNR rep, and she is still with the MNR, for a turkey hunt, her reply to me was, as long as i am the biologist for here there will never be a turkey hunt, well guess what she caved and we have turkey season now here in Muskoka! What was her point and how did she come about to think we didn’t or couldn’t have a hunt! I do believe there is numbers of MNR employees that are really not supportive of us! Safe hunt to all