Deer control

[Slick_Jig 6]

Has the MNR looked into giving out nuisance deer tags to control deer populations near the town and roadways? (Especially to archery hunters)

[Guest MNR]

The deer population in and around Thunder Bay has been on the rise for approximately the last ten years and MNR has noticed a corresponding increase in the number of complaints regarding human-deer conflicts (damage to gardens and crops as well as motor vehicle collisions). The increase in the deer population has been a direct result of the weather, mild temperatures and low snow depths experienced during the winter.

In response to the increasing deer population, MNR has increased the number of antlerless deer tags it allocates for WMU 13. Currently, there are 2500 antlerless deer tags allocated during the regular draw and an additional 1600 antlerless tags are available, which allows deer hunters in WMU 13 to potentially harvest up to 3 deer each.

The increase in the deer population in and around the City of Thunder Bay can also be attributed to individuals feeding deer, fewer predators and a no discharge of firearms bylaw within the City limits and some portions of neighbouring municipalities. The no discharge of firearms bylaw (which includes archery), effectively prohibits hunting. This no discharge of firearms bylaw is under the authority of the City of Thunder Bay and/or other organized municipalities and MNR has no jurisdiction. The feasibility of allowing an archery deer hunt in some locations within the City of Thunder Bay is currently being discussed.

Some of the municipalities surrounding Thunder Bay do allow hunting in portions of their jurisdictions. Oliver-Paipoonge for example allows archery only in the area north of the Kaministiquia in Paipoonge Twp. South of the Kam River there are no restrictions. The Municipality of Shuniah also allows hunting in parts of the municipality.

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act allows property owners on their own land to destroy wildlife that is damaging or about to damage their property. The exception to this is for moose deer, elk and caribou. They cannot be shot in protection of property.