
News

Summary of Data from Deer Check Station 2024
Greg Cull and a student team from Sault College will make a presentation that summarizes the data obtained from the deer check station in November of 2024. The presentation will highlight local trends in the ecosystem and deer herd health. Links to broader research results will also be made. Let your friends and fellow outdoor enthusiasts know. The presentation is on Thursday, February 13th, at 7:30, at the General Membership Meeting held at the Conservation Centre, 1802 Twentieth Side Road, St. Joseph Island.

Canadian Firearms Prohibition Updates
December 2024 Firearms Prohibition
On December 5, 2024, the Government of Canada amended the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted (commonly referred to as the “Classification Regulations.”) The amendments have the effect of reclassifying certain named firearms and their variants as prohibited.
The detailed list of the 324 unique makes and models of the newly prohibited firearms can be found at https://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2024/2024-12-06-x3/html/sor-dors248-eng.html.
As the holder of a valid firearms licence, you are being contacted by the Canadian Firearms Program as you may be in possession of one of these firearms.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:
- As of December 5, 2024, these firearms are now classified as prohibited.
- An Amnesty Order, expiring October 30, 2025, has been introduced which protects owners who were in legal possession of one or more of these newly prohibited firearms on the day the amendments to the Classification Regulations came into force, December 5, 2024.
- The Amnesty Order allows individuals the time to come into compliance with the law.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE NEWLY PROHIBITED FIREARMS:
- Owners are to keep them securely stored in accordance with their previous classification.
- They cannot be legally used, sold or imported.
- They may only be transported under limited circumstances as set out in the Amnesty Order.
- They cannot be legally used for hunting unless allowed through the Amnesty Order.*
- They cannot be used for sport shooting, either at a range or elsewhere.
*The amnesty period allows for the continued use of previously non-restricted firearms in limited circumstances (e.g., by Indigenous persons exercising Aboriginal or treaty rights to hunt and by those who hunt or trap to sustain themselves or their families), until the end of the amnesty period.
WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS:
- Securely store the affected firearms in accordance with their previous classification and wait for further information from the Government of Canada on next steps.
- Have your firearms deactivated by a licensed firearms business certified in deactivation.
- Legally export your firearm.
MORE INFORMATION:
For a list of newly prohibited firearms: https//www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2024/2024-12-06-x3/html/sor-dors248-eng.html.
Information about the announcement of the prohibition: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/news/2024/12/government-of-canada-extends-list-of-prohibited-assault-style-firearms-and-moves-forward-on-regulatory-changes-to-strengthen-gun-control0.html.
Canadian Firearms Program website: https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms.
Canadian Firearms Program
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms
Tel: 1-800-731-4000 (toll free)

NATHAN COOMBS WILL PRESENT DFO UPDATE ON LAMPREY CONTROL
Nathan Coombs will present an update on the DFO Lamprey Control Program at our January General Membership Meeting, at 7:30, at the SJI Conservation Centre, 1802 Twentieth Side Road. Nathan will be presenting a refreshing and positive perspective on recent news reports about an increase in lamprey numbers in the Great Lakes. This is a very timely topic, so please join us! A free event, open to the public. A regular business meeting will follow.

November General Membership Meeting rescheduled
A reminder: The November General Membership Meeting has been rescheduled to November 21st. Reg Perry will be the speaker. His presentation is about Muzzleloader Hunting. All are welcome.

ANNUAL FIRESIDE CHAT WITH THE MNRF TOMORROW!
The MNRF now has staff available to attend our annual August Fireside Chat. Please plan to attend at 7:30 at the Conservation Centre. The Club will be serving sausages and burgers on a bun and the fire will be lit. Bring a chair if you prefer that to a bench seat. Bring a beverage of your choice and come with your questions about hunting, angling, wildlife and/or conservation. All members and guests are welcome.

Steve Chong, Fisheries Assessment Biologist, Upper Great Lakes Management Unit, MNRF
Steve Chong, Fisheries Assessment Biologist, Upper Great Lakes Management Unit, MNRF, is the speaker of the evening. He will provide an update on changes observed in the St Mary’s River fishery since 2018: Creel of the Recreational Fishery, Fish Community Index Netting Survey, Invasive Species Monitoring and also information about a Walleye Acoustic Tagging Project. Members, guests and public are welcome.
Steve is first on the agenda at 7:30 p.m. After a short break, the regular meeting will follow.

OFAH ZONE D MEETING SATURDAY MAY 11
The spring OFAH Zone D meeting is being hosted by the St. Joseph Island Hunters and Anglers on Saturday, May 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Conservation Centre. Lunch is provided. Club members, this is an opportunity that you won’t want to miss. Come to learn, to meet members of other Clubs in the region and to get updates on the latest regulations, best practices and arising issues.

Join us for the 2024 Wild Turkey Contest!
Register By Midnight April 24, 2024
