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OFAH INFO PAGE
New
fall wild turkey hunt a "go"
M.N.R. Minister, staff confirm fall season at O.F.A.H. Annual Conference
MISSISSAUGA– Before an audience of several hundred outdoor enthusiasts, Ministry of Natural Resources
(M.N.R.) Minister Donna Cansfield announced that there will be a fall wild turkey hunting season in designated Wildlife Management
Units in Ontario, beginning this year.
The Minister gave the welcome news on March 14, during her speech to the delegation of the Ontario Federation
of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) 80th Annual General Meeting and Fish and Wildlife Conference. Several key M.N.R. staff were
on hand for the Minister's presentation to O.F.A.H. members.
"The O.F.A.H. is delighted that Minister Cansfield chose the O.F.A.H. Conference to confirm that there will
be a fall wild turkey hunt, as promised last year by former Minister Ramsay," said O.F.A.H. Executive Director Mike Reader.
"Our members and other outdoor enthusiasts are pleased that the M.N.R. is moving ahead with the regulations in time for a
2008 fall season. We are also pleased that three additional Wildlife Management Units will enjoy spring wild turkey seasons
this year."
The M.N.R. posted the long awaited wild turkey management plan and regulations to the Environmental Bill of
Rights (EBR) registry for public comment in mid-January. On March 14, new spring wild turkey hunting seasons in St. Joseph
Island, Bracebridge and Minden were announced on the Ministry's website.
Wild Turkey Facts:
- The O.F.A.H. initiated the highly successful program to bring back the extirpated eastern wild turkey to Ontario more
than twenty years ago.
- There has been a hunting season since 1987, and during that time wild turkey populations and hunting opportunities have
continually increased. Moderate estimates place Ontario's turkey population at well over 70,000 birds.
- The wild turkey is a popular game bird, even though hunters require special training and certification to obtain the designation
on their hunting licence.
- Since 1987, the O.F.A.H. has trained 78,300 turkey hunters in seminars held across Ontario.
- Last year, wild turkey licence sales contributed $936,789 to provincial revenues.
With over 83,000 members and 655 member clubs, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is the leading
fishing, hunting and conservation organization in Ontario, and the voice of anglers and hunters.
Peers choose local outdoorsman for honour
Lifetime member of Sydenham
Sportsmen's Association recognized
At the recent 80th O.F.A.H. Annual General Meeting and Fish and Wildlife Conference in
Mississauga, Fred Geberdt received the Jack O'Dette Conservation Leadership Award.
Jack O'Dette was a member of the Order of Canada, an angler, hunter and conservationist
who served the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) for many years, including several terms on the Board of
Directors and as its President. In 2005, the O.F.A.H. created the Jack O'Dette Conservation Leadership Award, to be given
annually to an individual currently serving as an O.F.A.H. Director. The recipient is selected by his or her fellow Directors
for their hard work and dedication to the rich traditions of the O.F.A.H.
"It is no surprise to me that Fred was chosen by his peers for this prestigious award.
He is passionate about the outdoors, and generous with his time and experience," said O.F.A.H. Executive Director Mike Reader.
"For more than 30 years, Fred has been involved in almost all aspects of conservation. This recognition by his fellow directors
is well deserved."
Fred is a life member of the Sydenham Sportsmen's Association. Through the club, he has
worked on fish and wildlife projects such as the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular Fishing Derby and the Sydenham club's fish
hatchery. He is currently co-chair of the O.F.A.H. Fisheries Advisory Committee, and is an O.F.A.H. Provincial Director at
Large.
With 83,000 members and 655 member clubs, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
is the leading fishing, hunting and conservation organization in Ontario and the voice of anglers and hunters.
April is O.F.A.H. Month at Bass Pro Shops®
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