OFAH and OCOA promote a safe and responsible hunting season

PETERBOROUGH, ON, Sept. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - The month of September paves the way for an exciting time of year. For Ontario hunters, fall signals the beginning of big game hunting opportunities in the province. Together, the Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) want to wish all Ontario hunters a safe and enjoyable season.

"In this day and age people lead busy lives, so finding time to get out and enjoy the outdoors is imperative. The OFAH is pleased that a growing number of municipalities in southern Ontario realize this and are allowing for Sunday gun hunting opportunities," said OFAH Executive Director Angelo Lombardo. "As Canadians, hunting is part of our cultural fabric, and hunters understand the future of it is in their hands. That's why obeying all laws is the responsibility of every hunter. Responsible hunters are properly licensed, always ask permission to hunt on private land and obey no trespassing signs, ensure their game seal is properly attached to their harvest, and have profound respect for the wildlife they pursue."

OCOA President Joe McCambridge, a Pembroke Conservation Officer, agrees. "We know that the new licencing system will create some challenges as hunters adapt to the changes. But the basic requirements for hunters remain the same: make sure you have the correct licence for the species you are hunting, read the licencing material BEFORE you head out to hunt, and correctly follow the instructions regarding properly attaching the game seal to a harvested animal. We wish all hunters a safe and enjoyable season."

Anyone who observes illegal or unsafe hunting activity is asked to help C.O.'s protect our natural resources and ensure public safety by calling the M.N.R.'s violation reporting line at 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7677), or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

For more information about natural resources regulations and enforcement, please visit the O.C.O.A. website at http://www.ocoa.ca or contact your local Conservation Officer.

With over 100,000 members, supporters and subscribers, and 675 member clubs, the OFAH is the largest non-profit conservation based organization in Ontario. For more information, visit www.ofah.org and stay connected with Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters