Hello Everyone,
I listened today to an important radio show regarding Fishing and Hunting and what the situation is right now.
It was an update from John Yakabuski the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and he joined Angelo (radio host) to discuss how the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting MNRF operations.
To listen to the radio please click on the link below:
I took specific notes from the radio show for those that just want to quickly read straight facts.
So far the 2020 Ontario Fishing Season is a GO even with the threat of Covid19 and hunting was mentioned as a GO as well.
Here are the straight rules. Share them and abide by them please!
1) If you live on the lake or a river or have a permanent house on a lake or river yes you can fish provided you follow the 2 metre social distancing rule set by the Ontario government. This does not apply to seasonal cottages at this time unless it is your permanent home. However you could technically launch your boat from your seasonal property if that is the only launch you have.
2) If you have a friend that wants to launch their boat from your private property it’s okay but again you must follow the 2 metre social distance rule.
3) If you can find a launch that is open elsewhere, you are allowed to launch your boat, kayak, or canoe provided you follow these specific rules:
a) You must reside in the same household. (So a family living in the same house under the same roof or a couple living together under the same roof is allowed to go on their boat.)
b) 2 buddies, 3 buddies or 4 buddies for examples from different addresses are not allowed to be on the same boat as there is no way to ensure a 2 metre social distance.
d) We are all allowed to shore fish but you will need to keep 2 metre social distancing while doing so for example (two buddies) must keep 2 metre social distance at all times. If you’re from the same household you are allowed to be together.
Turkey hunting was specifically discussed. It will open on time as this hunting practice is not normally done in groups. So basically during hunting season you will still have to follow the 2 metre social distancing rule and this means if you go two people at a time (meaning if you don’t reside in the same household you will most likely have to take separate vehicles to be able to abide by the 2 metre social distancing rule). If you are hunting with people from the same household, social distancing would be the same as if you were in your own homes so it’s okay.
Be careful with both activities when coming across other people or groups either on the lake, near a launch or in the forest. Make sure to keep the 2 metre social distance at all times.
Mr. Yakabuski said that if anyone violates the 2 metre social distancing rule; they will have no choice but to change and / or make adjustments, issue fines or put further stricter bans.
These are the statements made this week by the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and applies for the next 28 days to May 11th for now.
PLEASE FOLLOW THE RULES.
AGAIN THIS MAY CHANGE BUT FOR NOW WE’RE OKAY.
CONTINUE TO SHARE AND SIGN THE PETITION SO THAT WE HAVE BACKUP JUST IN CASE.
Thank you,
Brigitte
P.S. I will keep an eye out for any changes and provide an update if I see something you need to know. Hope this is helpful.
P.P.S. I typed these notes as a simple courtesy by the way not because I had to but because I know other people don't feel like sitting through an entire radio show.