Wild turkey season opened today be SAFE!

Wild turkey season opens today

Permission to access private property and safety are hunters’ top priorities

Every spring, thousands of hunters take to the outdoors to participate in
the spring wild turkey hunt. This year, the season opens on April 26 and
runs until May 31 in many parts of southern Ontario. The Ontario Federation
of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) and the Ontario Conservation Officers
Association (OCOA) remind hunters heading out this spring to be safe and to
obtain permission to hunt on private property.

“Wild turkey season is eagerly anticipated by thousands of trained and
licensed men and women, and is growing in popularity, thanks in large part
to the generosity of landowners who grant hunters access to their private
property,” said O.F.A.H. Executive Director, Mike Reader. “The majority of
turkey hunting is done on private property, and responsible hunters seek
permission well in advance of the season, and while enjoying their time in
the field, hunt safely and respect the regulations.”

The eastern wild turkey, once completely removed from Ontario, has been
successfully reintroduced to the province thanks to the efforts of many
partners, including the O.F.A.H. and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Southern Ontario wild turkey populations are now estimated to be between
70,000 and 100,000 birds and the numbers are increasing.

“Hunters require permission to hunt on private land, and in most of
southern Ontario it is illegal to shoot from or have a loaded firearm on
public roads or on the right-of-way,” said OCOA President, Dan VanExan.
“Our officers always investigate reports of trespassing and road hunting,
and we encourage those hunting responsibly to report illegal activity. This
will help keep everyone safe during the hunt.”

Anyone with information about a natural resources or public safety related
crime is encouraged to call the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
violation reporting line at 1-877-TIPS-MNR (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 www.ocoa.ca, or contact your local
Conservation Officer. To view or download the 2010 MNR wild turkey
regulations, visit www.ontario.ca/hunting.

With over 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 660 member
clubs, the O.F.A.H. is the largest nonprofit, charitable, fishing, hunting
and conservation-based organization in Ontario, and the voice of anglers
and hunters. Visit www.ofah.org for more information.