Hunting Arrangements

Issues related to future Algonquin hunting and fishing rights will need to be clearly addressed as central questions in these negotiations. Ontario will ensure that any Algonquin settlement agreement harvesting rights are fairly balanced with continuing non-Aboriginal interests, both inside Algonquin Park and across the claim area.

As in previous years, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has come to an arrangement with the Algonquins of Ontario on the terms under which an Algonquin big game harvest can take place within Algonquin Park and in Wildlife Management Units around the park.

These annual hunting arrangements are seen as an interim measure to help support a calm environment within which negotiation of the comprehensive land claim can be pursued. The hunt management plans are without prejudice to the Algonquins' land claim with Ontario and Canada or to the positions any of the parties may take.

The 2007 Algonquin hunt management plan is similar to those that have been established since 1991 to ensure that Algonquin big game food harvesting activities are conducted in a safe, orderly and lawful manner.

Since 2003, the Algonquins have conducted their game harvests using an adult moose tag system which is similar to that used throughout the rest of the province. The Algonquin harvest limits are negotiated with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and based on that ministry's survey information.

The annual arrangements contain clear provisions which set out when and where the hunt can occur, what the total harvest is to be, who is eligible to hunt, and required enforcement provisions.

Anyone who asserts Algonquin rights, and meets the eligibility criteria established by the Algonquins, is eligible to hunt under the terms of the Algonquin hunt management plan. The annual hunting arrangements have always put conservation first and have tried to balance the interests of all users.

Previous Algonquin hunt management plans took the form of signed agreements for a number of years. Copies of the hunting agreements signed by Ontario and the Algonquins are available through the Pembroke Information Centre.

Questions regarding the hunting arrangements should be directed to:
Paul Moreau, District Manager
Ministry of Natural Resources
Pembroke District
31 Riverside Drive
Pembroke, ON  K8A 8R6
Email: paul.v.moreau@ontario.ca