MNRF Proposes a New Management Framework
and Regulation Changes for Small Game and Furbearers
December 20, 2017
 NOTO has been notified that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has posted a draft small game and furbearer management framework and a suite of proposed small game and furbearer regulation changes to the Environmental Registry for consultation. MNRF is suggesting that the framework would modernize policy direction for these species while the proposed regulatory changes would streamline and simplify small game and furbearer regulations.
The following details were taken directly from the MNRF notice:
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The draft small game and furbearer management framework provides guiding principles, management objectives and strategies to help ensure the long-term, ecological sustainability of small game and furbearer populations.
A summary of proposed regulatory changes, intended for implementation in 2017, includes:
- Reducing the number of different seasons and streamlining the different daily bag and possession limits for these species.
- Streamlining possession limits and some daily bag limits among small game hunters and those hunting with falconry birds.
- Standardizing the daily bag and possession limit for Ring-necked Pheasant.
- Restricting Snapping Turtle harvest across Ontario in accordance with guidance provided by the draft Small Game and Furbearer Management Framework, in consideration of the biology of the species, and consistent with recommendations in the Proposed Management Plan for the Snapping Turtle ( in Canada.Chelydra serpentina)
- Modernizing the description of areas where furbearing mammals may be trapped.
- Modernizing the description of areas where Bullfrogs may be harvested.
- Allowing licensed non-residents to hunt rabbit and hare in areas where currently prohibited and allow licensed non-residents to hunt raccoon at night.
- Permanently eliminating the commercial bullfrog licence.
For additional information regarding the draft small game and furbearer management framework and the proposed small game and furbearer regulation changes, please visit ontario.ca/ebr and search # 012-9169 and # 012-9170. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is seeking public input concerning these postings for 47 days from December 14, 2016 to January 30, 2017.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the draft small game and furbearer management framework, or the proposed regulation changes, please feel free to contact Steve Mills, Senior Policy Advisor, Wildlife Section at stephen.mills@ontario.ca, (705) 755-1207.
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We encourage tourism business owners who have concerns regarding the draft document and proposed regulation changes to notify NOTO (laurie@noto.net) at their earliest convenience so that we may incorporate your concerns into any comments that NOTO puts forward to MNRF.
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