OPP say they will be working closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Conservation Officers throughout this hunting season to ensure that hunter safety and ethical hunting practices are in the thoughts of all hunting enthusiasts.
Here are some things to consider when planning your day in the bush:
Ensure that you have the appropriate hunting licences for the game that you will be hunting. It is your responsibility to know the game possession limits for your hunting area, as well as the hunting season dates for your wildlife management area.
Check your Firearms Licence and make sure that it is current. You must have a valid licence to carry a firearm and have it with you.
When transporting your firearm and ammunition, ensure that both are properly secured. It is an offence to have a loaded firearm in your vehicle, ATV or vessel. It is also an offence to shoot across a roadway.
The more visible you are, the safer you will be. Wear hunter orange as per hunting regulations.
Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you expect to return. Take a cell phone with you if possible. When walking, let someone know where you will park your vehicle. If you become lost or injured, this will assist searchers in locating you. When lost, hug a tree and wait for searchers to find you.
Dress for the weather and wear proper footwear. Be prepared. Pack items such as water, snacks, matches, a first aid kit, map, compass, knife, flashlight, extra gloves/socks, and a windbreaker. A GPS is always a good idea.
Hunt only where you are permitted.
Practice safe firearm handling practices. Treat all guns as if they are loaded. Ensure that you carry your firearm safely. Keep the safety on and finger off the trigger until you are actually going to fire. Be sure of your target and beyond. If you are not sure of either, do not fire and wait. There may be others in the forest close by.
Unload and "prove safe" your firearm before you put it away or get into your vehicle - This means unloading it, with the clip/ammunition removed and the safety on. Alcohol / drugs and hunting do not mix--period. Be alcohol/drug-free while you are hunting and ensure that all members of your party do the same. The consequences can be tragic.
When using an Off Road Vehicle or ATV, it is your responsibility to abide by the relevant legislation pertaining to its operation and the carrying of a firearm while travelling.
Show consideration for others using the forest. If someone approaches you, unload your firearm as a courtesy. If the area is busy, consider a different area to hunt.
Hunter safety is everyone's responsibility. The OPP and the MNR encourages all Ontario residents to practice safe and ethical hunting practices when using Ontario's Forests.
For more information about hunting regulations go to www.mnr.gov.on.ca.
Report any illegal or unsafe hunting activity; call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667, the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
