Proposals to modernize Canada’s Migratory Birds Regulations

March 2014

Canadian Wildlife Service Waterfowl Committee

CWS Migratory Birds Regulatory Report Number 42

Proposals to Modernize Canada's Migratory Birds Regulations to Improve Management of Hunting - March 2014

We want to hear from you

As an individual or organization with an interest in the management of migratory bird hunting, your comments are requested on the proposals in this document.

Overview

Environment Canada is proposing changes to the Migratory Birds Regulations to improve the management of hunting for migratory birds in Canada.

These regulations are managed by the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada. They were first drafted in 1917 and have been amended at intervals since then. The revision process currently underway responds to issues, concerns and challenges that have been raised over the past 20 years.

The full set of regulations is being examined, including those that control the hunting of migratory game birds (ducks and geese, cranes, gallinules, rails, mourning doves, murres, woodcock, snipe, and band-tailed pigeons).

Please note that these revisions are not about changes to bag limits or season dates; rather, we are looking at the main text of the Regulations, which provide the rules about such things as possession of migratory birds, labeling, transportation, wastage, processing and others.The Regulations can be found at:
Migratory Birds Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1035)

Your feedback is essential

We are contacting you directly because of your particular interest in the management of hunting of migratory game birds. The Canadian Wildlife Service wants to know your thoughts and preferences on the proposed changes and recommendations, in order to be sure that all viewpoints have been considered before the final proposals are drafted.

As you read through this document and prepare your input, we ask that you keep the following questions in mind:

Do you agree with the recommended option being proposed?

• If so, what do you consider the strengths of the option to be?
• If not, why do you disagree with the proposed option?
  • What are your major concerns?
  • What refinements would you suggest?

These questions are by no means exhaustive and are not intended to limit the amount, depth or focus of your feedback. They are simply suggested to help guide your thinking, and to support us in achieving uniformity and alignment in implementing the feedback we receive.

Please note: Environment Canada will not be able to respond directly to all who provide comments, but rest assured that your input will be considered carefully in the decisions.

Please ensure that the Environment Canada receives your comments no later than June 9, 2014:

• By email to: Mbregs.Reports@ec.gc.ca; or
• By mail to: Director, Population Conservation and Management, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada K1A 0H3.