MNR may end hunting on game farms

News Release
Ministry of Natural Resources

TORONTO - The province is proposing to eliminate the hunting of wildlife in captivity, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced today.
“Many Ontarians have expressed strong views against hunting in captivity and feel it’s inconsistent with Ontario’s hunting heritage,” said Ramsay. “We have heard those concerns and are acting on them.”
Between 10 to 25 game farms in Ontario offer hunting opportunities for captive wildlife such as wild boar and non-native deer. An estimated 200 to 400 animals are hunted in captivity each year, mainly by hunters who are not residents of Ontario.
The province is posting the proposal to amend the Ontario Hunting Regulations to eliminate hunting of wildlife in captivity on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry for 30 days for comment. To view the proposed change, visit www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/env_reg/ebr/english/index.htm and enter Registry Number RB04E6010.
There will be no changes to hunting practices this year while the proposal is being considered and reviewed. Any changes would take effect in 2005.
If the proposal leads to regulation changes, Ontario would join Manitoba and British Columbia as provinces that prohibit hunting wildlife in captivity.