From: "MIN Feedback (MNR)" <minister.mnr@ontario.ca>
Date: May 20, 2009 11:09:50 AM EDT (CA)
To: <gayesmit@bmts.com>
MNR3006MC-2009-1372 May 20, 2009
Mr. Gaye Smith
Dear Mr. Smith:

Thank you for your e-mails regarding Ontario’s Moose Program Review.

In the early 1980s, the ministry introduced the selective harvest system and new population objectives for
moose management in Ontario. This new system was developed to address the declining population and
double it from 80,000 to 160,000 by the year 2000. At the time, it was believed there was enough
appropriate moose habitat to support this population increase; however, it was later learned that there
were areas of the province that could not support high enough moose densities to achieve this target (e.g.,
limitations due to habitat, competition with other cervids, climate, predator/prey dynamics etc.).

Although the original 1980 moose population objectives could not be achieved, the selective harvest
system has been very successful at reversing the declines of the 1980s and increased the provincial moose
population to an estimated 109,000 today. Our experience is that the current provincial moose population
is a better representation of what it should be within a broader ecosystem context that considers, among
other things, ecological, social and economic factors at the local level.

My ministry has invested a significant amount of time and resources to engage hunters in the Moose
Program Review and solicit their input about moose management and how hunting opportunities are
distributed. I am delighted to say that we received approximately 1,600 completed questionnaires during
Phase 1 of the review, which were used to prepare new draft policies and guidelines for moose
management. The draft policies and guidelines underwent further public consultation through a 48-day
posting on the Environmental Registry. The comments received during this period are currently being
reviewed and a decision will made in the near future.

It is encouraging to note that since February, approximately 18,000 Phase 2 booklets/questionnaires have
been distributed. The booklet highlights some ideas we heard from hunters about how to improve the
distribution of moose tags and the questionnaire seeks input from the public on these and other ideas. The
ministry has also met with close to 4,000 moose hunters who participated in over 27 public consultation
sessions across Ontario. Stakeholder organizations were solicited for input and invited to participate in the
public consultation sessions as well. Before any changes are implemented, we will consult the public
again on any proposed changes to the moose tag draw system.

I have shared your comments and suggestions with the Moose Review team. My ministry is very
interested in hearing the ideas of moose hunters. Everyone’s input is welcome, whether or not your views
are covered in the materials that have been prepared. Additional information regarding the Moose
Program Review can be found on our website at www.ontario.ca/moosereview.

Thank you again for writing.
Sincerely,
Original Signed By

Donna Cansfield
Minister of Natural Resources