Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association (MLOA) is pleased to learn the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced yesterday modernization of the Migratory Birds Regulations (MBR) as a balanced approach between protecting birds, hunting, land use, and conservation. MLOA has been a key collaborator with Delta Waterfowl on a comprehensive review of the MBR, and the regulations are now clearer, easier to understand, and will improve management of migratory birds in Canada. The official Government of Canada news release can be found here. 

“Delta Waterfowl has led these efforts to modernize MBR and this has been a decade-long commitment and collaboration with them to have regulations the average migratory bird hunter can understand.” said Paul Conchatre, former MLOA President and current Chair of the Waterfowl Committee. “A huge amount of thanks goes to Delta Waterfowl and the Canadian Wildlife Services for including MLOA in the consultation process to provide feedback from the outfitter perspective. We thank Minister Guilbeault for these amendments which allows our members and their guests greater flexibility, reduces waste and encourages proper resource management. Recognition of Indigenous harvesting rights, Charity Permit and Youth Migratory Game Birds Hunting Permit all highlight our shared connections and the understanding that sustainable harvesting and conservation can co-exist.”

MLOA is a membership organization founded in 1986 with the intent to ensure the sustainability of fish and wildlife resources while providing world-class experiences and showcasing resource tourism in Manitoba. Delta Waterfowl is a leading conservation group founded at Delta Marsh in Manitoba, with the vision of abundant waterfowl and endless opportunities for hunters.

The recognition of Indigenous rights aligns with MLOA’s commitment to shared resource management and we are pleased to see the modernized MBR recognize existing Aboriginal treaty harvesting rights. Additionally, amendments have been made to the hunting rules to provide clarity and flexibility to hunters, most importantly:

To reduce waste and encourage hunters to preserve birds for future use, harvested birds that have been preserved (with the exception of murres) no longer count in the hunter’s possession limit.

Labelling requirements have been reduced (one label for a group of birds instead of one label per bird).

The new regulations come into effect July 30, 2022 and has been published in the Canada Gazette, Part II.

https://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2022/2022-06-08/html/sor-dors105-eng.html