From: Peaceful Parks Coalition
April 25, 2005, Toronto: An Ontario Ministry of Transportation report
released last year cites deer hunting as a major cause of car collisions
in Ontario. The report states that 'in Ontario, higher numbers of
animal-vehicle collisions were found to occur in October-December. This
could be attributed to fall hunting seasons (Sept.20-Dec15), where
people chase and force animals into rights of way. When animals are
being shot at, they run and may venture onto highways.'
The report also confirms that most wild animal collisions occur
during early morning (5am-7am) or after sunset (5pm-11pm). Deer hunting
is permitted one half hour before sunrise and one half hour after
sunset.
These are the times sport hunters are also most active.
Yet the McGuinty government is considering expanding deer hunting yet
again this year after initiating a massive cull last year. "If
municipalities agree, McGuinty will allow hunting on Sundays," says
AnnaMaria Valastro of the Peaceful Parks Coalition. "And it will be up
to each municipality to consult their constituency."
McGuinty has sent out a promotional letter in partnership with the
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters to all municipalities in
southern Ontario asking them to consider deer hunting on Sundays during
the scheduled deer hunting season. While the proposal only applies to
private land, the letter makes it clear that in southern Ontario, most
land is private.
"It is negligent and irresponsible to jeopardize people's safety just
to make a few measly bucks from the sale of hunting licenses," says Gus
Zylstra.
"Landowners who oppose adjacent properties being opened to sport
hunters should put their neighbours on notice for liability, and ensure
that they have proper insurance coverage," says Zylstra. "Deer hunting
is very dangerous, and not just because of the bullets, but also because
it causes car collisions with wildlife."
