(LITTLE CURRENT, ON) – The annual deer hunt on Manitoulin Island is upon us once again. From Monday November 21 through to Sunday November 27 some 5000 hunters will flock to the island. The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) asks everyone to place safety first.
The OPP would like to remind hunters to follow firearms safety rules. While hunting, firearms must always be pointed in a safe direction with the safety “on” until you are ready to safely shoot the weapon. Your finger should never be on the trigger until you have identified your target, sighted it and you are ready to shoot. Anyone who discharges a firearm is responsible for the round coming from their weapon and they must be sure of their target.
Before hunting, check local sunrise and sunset times. Hunters may only hunt from half (1/2) an hour before sunrise until half (1/2) an hour after sunset. If you are in an area inhabited by wildlife, during the period from half (1/2) an hour after sunset to half (1/2) an hour before sunrise you must unload and encase your firearms.
Remember; on Manitoulin Island hunters require written landowner permission along with a valid licence to hunt deer legally. Hunters are required to wear hunter orange above the waist and on the head.
For complete hunting regulations and more hunting safety tips, visit the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) website.
Over the coming days expect to see the OPP conducting roadside checks to prevent impaired driving. Manitoulin Detachment commander, Staff Sergeant Kevin Webb says, “Expect to see officers throughout the week at these checks. We want our road users to arrive at their destinations safely. Also, expect to see our officers conducting checks with MNRF Conservation Officers. We hope to have another safe hunt this year.”
Please do your part, be responsible, and remember to hunt safely.
