The Ontario Federation of…

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Membership (OFAH Membership) is Ontario’s largest, non-profit, fish and wildlife conservation-based organization, representing 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 675 member clubs. We have reviewed 025-0781: Proposals to reduce regulatory and administrative burden, and enable increased economic opportunities for licensed trappers and fur dealers, and are supportive of the implementation of all four changes:

1. Expand business opportunities for licensed fur dealers
2. Reduce reporting burden for licensed fur dealers
3. Burden reduction for trappers dispatching lawfully trapped furbearers after dark
4. Enable actions for protecting infrastructure on Crown land by trappers

Trapping is an indispensable part of our natural heritage and plays an important role in contemporary wildlife management. The proposed changes to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2005, will help make trapping a more viable source of income, recreation, and connection to the land for Ontarians; ensuring this important activity remains a part of our culture for years to come.

OFAH Membership is appreciative of the opportunity to comment on this matter and looks forward to working alongside the province to ensure conservation and recreation remain priorities now and into the future.