Hunters asked to give feedback on proposed changes to migratory bird baiting regs

If you hunt migratory birds, the Environment and Climate Change Canada ministry wants to hear from you about a proposal to change regulations surrounding the use of bait. Bait includes corn, wheat, oats or other grain, pulse or any other feed that may attract migratory birds to a specific area.

Currently, it’s prohibited to hunt within 400 metres of bait or deposit bait within 14 days of and during an open hunting season for migratory birds.

The proposed changes would discontinue the issuance of bait authorizations that are sometimes issued to agricultural operations in Canada. Currently, the Canadian Wildlife Service issues bait authorizations to landowners/land managers to allow them to deposit bait within 14 days of and during an open hunting season.

As well, the regulation change would prohibit the deliberate modification of an agricultural crop (modification that is not required as part of normal recognized agricultural practices) for the purpose of attracting migratory birds for hunting.

To learn more about the regulation changes, you can go here, then give feedback no later than February 17th, 2017 via the following methods.

By email to: scf-oismiggibiers-cws-miggamebirds.ec@canada.ca; or by mail to: Director, Wildlife Management and Regulatory Affairs, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada K1A 0H3.