This is a word-for-word full text of a letter from OMNR Minister John Snobelen to an Ontario Outfitter dated May 29, 1998 (it was most likely crafted by one of the ministry employees directly under the Deputy Ministry; a civil servant.)

The original letter is in the hands of Mr. Warren Thibodeau, of Green Wilderness Camp, Gogama, Ontario.

I have highlighted the hypocrisies in this communication in red.

 

Dear Mr. Thibodeau:

Thank you for your letter on the spring bear hunt.

As steward of Ontario’s natural resources, the Ministry is responsible for ensuring the sustainability of wildlife populations. From a conservation perspective, the spring bear hunt and the use of dogs for hunting does not pose a threat to Ontario’s bear population. Our black bear population is conservatively estimated to be between 75,000 and 100,000, one of the largest populations in North America. Ontario’s current annual bear harvest is within the recommended sustainability guidelines, and is monitored by Ministry staff to ensure that the population remains at its current stable level. It is important to remember that the issues being raised by those concerned about the spring bear hunt and the use of dogs focus on differing societal values rather than conservation.

The spring is, in many ways, the best time to hunt bears because it tends to target males. Hunting during the spring reduces the chances of hunters encountering female bears with cubs because they are the last to emerge from their winter dens, and their travel and home ranges are very restricted while the cubs are young and vulnerable.

It is illegal in Ontario to shoot cubs or females during the spring season, and I can assure you that the Ministry strictly enforces this regulation. Female bears are careful mothers and their behaviour, as well as care on the part of the hunters and the strict laws protecting female bears in the spring will help ensure that females with cubs are not taken in the spring.

On June 9, 1997, our government introduced Bill 139, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, in the legislature. This Act includes a number of legislative improvements that will provide for better protection and management of black bears in Ontario.

I enclose a news release on this for your information. Bill 139 received Third Reading and approval on December 18, 1997. It will take some time to bring the new Act and its regulations into affect, however, it is expected to be in place by the summer of 1998.

I trust that this information is of assistance to you.

Sincerely,

(Signed) Hon. John C. Snobelen Minister

Enclosure.