| Clarification from MNR:
Some operators received a letter from MNR asking them to complete forms to add Authorized Helpers to their licences to provide bear hunting services.
- ‘Authorized Helpers’ are individuals that have been given permission by the operator to provide bear hunting services on their behalf. Until now, there was no clear way to identify a helper acting on behalf of a licence holder, so Conservation Officers encountering the helpers in the field may determine they are hunting without a licence.
- These forms help create a record that an individual has been given permission by the operator to act on their behalf.
- The Helper can provide that paperwork to Conservation Officers if they are encountered in the field. The intention of the forms is to provide clarity for Enforcement and any Authorized Helpers using a consistent approach.
- These forms (and process) won’t apply to operators if they don’t use any helpers. In those cases, the forms aren’t needed during the licence renewal process. It is just an option available to support a lingering issue for operators, helpers and Enforcement.
- As stated on the Request Form below, eligibility will be based on a records search for any offenses (generally within the last 5 years). You will note that the form linked below is from the Wawa MNR Office. Each District will have their own contact details listed. We have attached this form as a sample.
NOTO recently asked the following questions and received the following responses from MNR.:
Q. What is the penalty if someone is not on the list?
A. It would generally be a chargeable offence as the person would be ‘hunting’ (per legislative definition) without a licence. A range of potential tickets could likely be used, which would be in the $200-500 ticket range. We understand that Conservation Officers have been using discretion in these cases in recent years when encountered, but this effort with help to address that issue for both enforcement and operators.
Q. Who will be penalized: BMA holder and/or “helper”?
A. Generally it would be the ‘helper’ who would be in contravention (as that person would be ‘hunting’ without a licence).
Q. For eligibility, how far back will they search records for offences?
A. Within the previous 5 years. It is an effort to ensure we are not inadvertently authorizing folks who have a history of non-compliance. |
