Hunters encouraged to share the wealth
Food banks may welcome donations of wild game as need for assistance increases

Each fall, tens of thousands of Ontario residents take to the field during moose and deer seasons, which provides them with an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy our valuable natural resources. Those who are fortunate enough to succeed are able to return home with nutritious wild game. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.), reminds hunters across the province that any who may have a surplus of meat, should consider sharing this bounty by making a donation to a food bank in their community.

"In many cases, people have been hit hard by the recent economic downturn, and families may be struggling to put food on the table. Hunters are fortunate to have a chance to harvest their own meat, and many are in a position to share this with others less fortunate," said Mike Reader, O.F.A.H. Executive Director."Wild game is low in fat, high in protein, and we encourage anyone who has extra wild game in the freezer to think of the needs of others, particularly at this time of year."

A recent report by the Ontario Association of Food Banks confirms that there has been a 19 percent increase in the number of people turning to food banks to make ends meet in 2009. In fact, it is estimated that every month, 375,000 Ontarians are forced to turn to food banks as the only alternative. By donating just a portion of the wild game harvested, hunters can make a significant contribution to families in reduced circumstances, who might otherwise have to go without meat in their diets, an expensive item that is not often available to local food banks.

In Ontario, all wild game that is not for personal consumption must be processed at a provincially approved and licensed facility. Some food banks may have a policy that does not allow them to accept wild game, and hunters should check to determine whether a donation of this type would be useful.

"The O.F.A.H. also wishes to remind our members across Ontario that in addition to donations of meat, local food banks have an ongoing need for other high demand items such as vegetables, dairy products and canned goods. The donation of wild game, when available, is an excellent supplement to the donations made by the food industry and individuals each year, and we encourage all anglers and hunters, hunt camps, clubs and others to consider supporting their local food bank," said Reader. "For instance, hunters in the Toronto area should contact groups like the Scott Mission to discuss making a donation."

With over 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters and 660 member clubs, the O.F.A.H. is the largest nonprofit conservation based organization in Ontario and the voice of anglers and Hunters. For more information, visit www.ofah.org.

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Anglers welcome winter fishing opportunities in F.M.Z. 17
New Fisheries Management Plan includes regulations for the Kawartha Lakes area

Anglers in Ontario spend more than a million days fishing every year, and that number may soon rise. The Ministry of Natural Resources (M.N.R.) has announced a new Fisheries Management Plan for Zone 17 that includes a year-round fishing season for panfish. Already a popular destination for anglers, the Kawartha Lakes and surrounding waters within Fisheries Management Zone (F.M.Z.) 17 will no doubt benefit from the new recreational fishing opportunities.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) is delighted with the new regulations, which include a year round panfish season. Bluegill and black crappie are plentiful species that have invaded, become naturalized and now support a popular resident and tourism fishery. The Fisheries Management Zone 17 Advisory Council, comprised of representatives from the O.F.A.H., as well as tourism, the recreational fishery and naturalists, supports the move as part of the implementation of the larger F.M.Z. 17 Fisheries Management Plan.

"Not only is a winter season in F.M.Z. 17 great news for recreational anglers, it also provides economic opportunities for the communities surrounding these lakes," said Mike Reader, O.F.A.H. Executive Director. "Ice fishing is a great way to introduce new anglers and children to the joys of fishing, and to the outdoors. A winter season in the Kawartha Lakes is something that the O.F.A.H. has been working toward for several years now. We’re pleased that the M.N.R. took the advice of the F.M.Z. Advisory Council to move forward with these changes."

Under the new regulations, dozens of area lakes, including such popular angling destinations as Sturgeon, Balsam, Buckhorn, Chemong, and Rice Lake, will see winter fishing seasons for bluegill, yellow perch and black crappie. Walleye seasons will remain closed during the winter in F.M.Z. 17 with the exception of where they previously existed on Lake Scugog, Crowe Lake and the lower Trent River.

Fast Facts:

• As of January 1, year round fishing is in place for yellow perch, crappie bluegill and northern pike.
• New sunfish catch limits are included in the regulations.
• Bass and muskellunge fall fishing seasons are extended to December 15.
• New limits for walleye have been introduced.
• Panfish are important for introducing new anglers to fishing.
• Licence-free Ontario Family Fishing Weekend events, held in February, will expand to F.M.Z. 17
• The regulations take effect January 1 and are included in the 2010 Fishing Regulations Summary (available in print and online on January 1, 2010, www.ontario.ca/fishing).

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. For more information, visit www.ofah.org.