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Hunting on some ABCA lands

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Hunting opportunities on some ABCA lands

The days are getting shorter but the public use of Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) properties continues to be strong and will even increase with the deer hunting seasons coming up in November. 

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority is the largest single owner of forests in the watershed. The forests have been acquired over the past 60 years for protection of water, soil, and habitat for living things, but they are important recreation areas for thousands of citizens as well. When people purchase a Conservation Pass, they are permitted to hunt at certain ABCA properties designated as those Conservation Forests where hunting is permitted. 

“Many hunters don’t own land where they can hunt and they appreciate the opportunity to hunt on our land in those areas where hunting is permitted with a Conservation Pass,” said Kate Monk, ABCA’s Manager of Stewardship, Land and Education.

Hunters can purchase an annual pass which applies to a section of properties such as Hay Swamp or a Super Pass which allows them to hunt on all the properties where hunting is allowed. They can choose an annual pass or a three-year pass. People have to respect neighbouring landowners, follow all applicable legislation, and provide proof of $2 million insurance in order to receive a Conservation Pass for hunting. This is usually provided through their membership in Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. 

Hunting is not permitted at any of the ABCA’s properties categorized as Conservation Areas. Hunting is also prohibited at L-Lake Management Area in Port Franks. These are places where people can hike safely during the hunting seasons. 

For maps of areas where hunting with a purchased Conservation Pass is permitted, and those areas where hunting is not permitted, visit the abca.ca website at this link:

The Conservation Pass hunting application form is also located on this page.

For more detailed property boundaries, please visit the CAMaps.ca website at these links: 

There are currently close to 300 active Conservation Passes for hunting purchased at the moment for designated ABCA lands. 

ABCA does not receive government funding to cover the costs of property management and stewardship on their conservation lands so Conservation Pass hunting fees help to cover costs of property ownership such as property taxes, signs, and inspections. 

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