Wild turkey hunting season is here

The Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) wants to wish all of 

Ontario's wild turkey hunters a safe, enjoyable, and successful hunt. The 2019 spring wild turkey season in most of Ontario opened last week and is a result of the reintroduction of wild turkeys to Ontario in the late 1980s. The subsequent growth of turkey populations allowed for a limited hunt that has expanded over the years as the number of birds continues to grow. 

“Wild turkey season gives hunters a chance to get back out into the outdoors and enjoy nature in the spring,” said Sean Cronsberry, OCOA president and active turkey hunter. “Wild turkey hunters can expect to encounter our officers in the field as we conduct hunter inspections to ensure everyone is following the rules and to ensure that the sport of turkey hunting continues to be a safe sport.” 

Hunters are reminded that the hunting and fishing licensing system in Ontario has seen some recent changes, this includes changes to the tagging requirement of certain harvested animals.  Hunters are encouraged to review the new regulations in the 2019 Hunting Regulations Summary which is available online at 

https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-hunting-regulations-summary. If hunters still have questions about the new regulations they are encouraged to contact their local Conservation Officer for more information.  

“Hunters should also be aware that many of the set fines for offences under the 

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act changed this year,” adds Cronsberry, “Safety related offences such as having a loaded firearm in a vehicle and shooting from 

a road way now have a set fine of $500 plus surcharge.”  A complete list of set fines for offences under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 can be found at http://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/how-do-i/set-fines/set-fines-i/. 

Anyone with information about a natural resources or public safety related violation is encouraged to call the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry violation reporting line at 1-877-847-7667, contact their local CO directly, or call Crime Stoppers at 1800-222-TIPS (8477). 

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