Hunter Safety TrainingIn Ontario, all new hunters must successfully complete the mandatory Ontario Hunter Safety Training Course. This course is administered by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

To learn more visit www.ohep.net or contact: O.H.E.P. Administrator(705) 748-6324P.O. Box 957, Peterborough ON K9J 7A5email: administrator@ohep.net

A message from the

THE VOICEof Anglers and Hunters

Printed January 2008

ResponsibleHunting

Ontario Federation of Anglers and HuntersP.O. Box 2800, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8L5Phone (705) 748-6324 Fax (705) 748-9577

Website www.ofah.org Email ofah@ofah.org

The VOICE of Anglers & HuntersThe Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) is the largest nonpro�t �shing and hunting conservation-based organization in Ontario, with 83,000 members and 655 member clubs. If you enjoy �shing or hunting, consider adding your voice to conservation by joining the O.F.A.H. today.

Conservation: Our Hunting Heritage Hunters play a vital role in modern wildlife conservation. They understand and accept their responsibility to future generations for the animals they hunt today. It is largely through the e�orts of hunters that today’s wildlife populations are the healthiest they have been in a century. At the urging of responsible hunters and anglers, legislation was passed in the early 1900’s to end “market hunting” and enable governments to regulate hunting activities. The recovery of North American wildlife, through the actions of responsible hunters, stands as the most successful conservation story anywhere. Today, many wildlife populations are fully restored, and others continue to improve.Hunters contribute �nancially to wildlife conservation management through angling and hunting licence fees, donations, and program participation. Licence fees alone generate annual revenues totalling approximately $60 million, which is earmarked for �sh and wildlife management and conservation in Ontario. Through controlled wildlife harvesting, hunters help maintain the balance between wildlife numbers and habitat. If deer populations are too high to be healthy, hunting is the tool that ecosystem managers need to restore the balance. Caring hunters suppport wildlife conservation by joining groups like the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. The O.F.A.H. supports �sh and wildlife research, habitat conservation and enhancement, and proactive regulations to ensure that Ontario’s natural resources are managed to ensure optimal and sustainable �sh and wildlife populations today, and well into the future.

Becoming a HunterHunting in Ontario o�ers many rewards, including healthy recreation in the extraordinary outdoors and a lifelong connection with wildlife. To take part in this heritage tradition, individuals must �rst become educated and licensed. Prospective hunters: Complete and pass an Ontario Hunter Safety

Training course and a �rearms safety course; Obtain a federal Possession and Acquisition

Licence (P.A.L.), if borrowing or purchasing �rearms;

Obtain an Ontario Outdoors Card and; Obtain appropriate hunting licence(s).

No Trespass on Private PropertyA license to hunt is not a license to trespass. Trespassers and vandals who disrespect private property owners hurt the image of all hunters. Their actions prompt landowners to post their property “No Trespassing”, an action that negatively a�ects law-abiding hunters and wildlife managers. Responsible hunters always do the following: Ask permission to hunt on private land;

Respect all buildings, fences, crops and livestock;

Get to know the landowner, their concerns about the property, other hunters and wildlife;

O�er to help with chores, such as planting trees or fencing;

Show appreciation to the landowner through a gift, or o�er to share prepared game meat;

Seek the landowner’s permission before bringing companions onto the property.

Landowner PermissionLandowners have every right to expect lawful and responsible behaviour from the hunters who enjoy their property. Landowner-O.F.A.H. member agreeement forms, available free from the O.F.A.H. (www.ofah.org) provide a level of comfort and protection for hunters and landowners alike.

LiabilityHunting is safer than many other sporting activities, however a landowner may still be concerned about liability. All O.F.A.H. members are automatically insured for liability.

Hunting is an important part of our cultural heritage. The vast majority of hunters are responsible, law-abiding, and respectful of other people’s values and private property. They come from all walks of life, united in their interest in wildlife, conservation, and their hunting heritage. Hunters have profound respect for the wildlife they hunt, and they maintain the highest standards for public safety and the treatment of wildlife. They understand that the future of hunting is in the hands of every hunter.

The Responsible HunterHunters’ responsibilities surpass the demands of the law. Responsible hunters learn as much as possible about the game pursued, its habitat and lifecycle. They are familiar with the reasons for hunting seasons, restrictions and bag limits. Hunters believe strongly in the sustainable use of resources. Responsible hunters are skilled in the use of the tools of hunting. Whether they use guns or bows, traditional or more advanced firearms, they must be well-practiced and know the �rearm’s capabilities and limitations. When they shoot, they do so accurately and safely.Responsible hunters’ interest in wildlife extends beyond the �eld and table. They have concern for the environment, nongame and endangered species and they support wildlife research, conservation e�orts and law enforcement.

Respect for the Law Virtually every aspect of hunting is regulated by federal and provincial law. Laws determine who can hunt, where and under what conditions. Laws exist to maintain public safety and to ensure that wildlife is conserved. Responsible hunters insist that other hunters obey all laws and they report lawbreakers.

Respect for OthersHunters should be aware that some aspects of hunting may bother other people; respectful hunters avoid o�ensive behaviour and situations. Don’t display your harvest on your vehicle or in

your yard; Strictly obey �rearm storage and transport laws

and observe the rules of safe �rearm handling; Leave your hunting grounds pristine; Do not behave coarsely during or after the

hunt, appear unkempt, or use alcohol in public; Take the time to share your hunting skill and

experience with novices and others.

Respect for Wildlife Hunters have a deep respect for the animal they pursue. Their interest in wildlife extends beyond the �eld, and their concern for wildlife and the environment extends to nongame and endangered species.The responsible hunter is prepared, con�dent in their abilities, and aware of their limitations. They shoot only when a quick, clean kill is assured,

and forgo the long-range or obscured shot that may wound an animal or be unsafe.

They make every effort to avoid injuring game, and go to great lengths to retrieve a wounded animal.

They are not wasteful. Hunters make full use of the animals they take and are aware that it is against the law to let game meat spoil.

They measure the success of the day by the quality of the outdoor experience, not by the game taken.

Respect for HuntersLicensed hunters have a legal right to harvest wildlife, subject to regulations. It is illegal to interfere with a person who is legally hunting, �shing or trapping. In today’s society it is critical that all hunters behave in a manner that is not o�ensive to nonhunters. They must demonstrate their respect for both the written law and the unwritten moral code that dictates a deep respect for the wilderness and the game they seek. Those who act disrespectfully, either by acting illegally or without proper regard, should be corrected.

Hunting has been central to what we are for over 99% of the human experience. We are all descendants of successful hunters.

Greg Clarke