Manitoba's Premier is aware and understands there are concerns from the province's hunting community right now. Wab Kinew made the comment in light of the recent series of Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) town hall meetings focused on ensuring fair and sustainable access to wildlife resources.
The meetings came on the heels of the province's decision earlier this year to reduce the number of moose draw licenses by 75 per cent in four of Manitoba's game hunting areas, something the MWF felt was done without the full engagement of licensed hunters.
"I think they have been engaged with our ministry who's working on this topic, and I know this is a big one for a lot of Manitobans," says Kinew.
The latest series of MWF town halls were held last week in Pilot Mound, Portage, and Brandon.
"We just had this rising concern," stated Rob Olson, the Federation's Senior Scientific Advisor. "Our members and hunters and anglers are reaching out to us, saying what's happening here? Why aren't we being engaged by the province? So that was one of the impetus for the start of the town hall meetings, but it's just kind of grown from there, and more issues have now emerged, and the concerns I would say are rising."
Again, the Premier feels hunters have been engaged by government, but noted it has a responsibility to listen to what comes out of the town hall meetings.
"I'd be very interested in hearing the conversations and the perspectives people are bringing forward," he adds. "I think, as we go forward into the Fall this year, coincidentally, going into hunting season, I think we're going to be showing that flexibility and the responsiveness, just responding to the concerns and showing we're listening."
Kinew also indicated further steps along that line are forthcoming.
"I think, in the coming weeks, you'll see some further steps from our government that really reassure all Manitobans we support gun owners and we support hunters and fishers," he continues. "We want everyone in Manitoba who likes to live off the land, or likes to fill the freezer heading into the winter time, have the ability to do so safely, but also in a way that builds on the the unity and the great lifestyle we have in this province."
- With files from Candace Derksen -