THUNDER BAY — The head of the Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen's Alliance says anglers are anxious to get their fishing rods in the water after weeks of feeling cooped up by COVID-19.
"They're itching to get outside and do recreational activities." said John Kaplanis, NOSA's executive director.
Kaplanis said that although the province's emergency orders include no ban on fishing or hunting, it's important that people "be smart, maintain physical distancing, and keep group sizes to less than five."
The six-week spring bear hunting season begins Friday.
Seasons vary for fish species. Many anglers are already fishing for steelhead, and the walleye season starts in a few weeks.
Kaplanis said the COVID-19 pandemic has created a fluid situation, resulting in daily announcements by the provincial government, however he feels it's unlikely that it will shut down fishing and hunting.
"I think we've had strong indications from the messaging from the province that they are not going to be impacted...Anything could change, of course. But it's encouraging that hunting and fishing, which are mostly solitary activities for a lot of people, are going to be allowed to continue," he said.
"We hope that continues right through to the end of the pandemic," Kaplanis added.
He said he's receiving more questions about how social distancing requirements and recommendations impact fishing and hunting than about any other subject.
"They want to know if they can go out and associate with their friends when they hunt and fish. I did seek clarity on that from the (MNRF's) enforcement branch.
The message is that conservation officers will not be applying fines or charges to anyone not in compliance with social distancing, except for violations of gathering in groups larger than five people," Kaplanis said.
Tbnewswatch asked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for confirmation of its enforcement strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spokesperson Jolanta Kowalski said officers will enforce Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act regulations as well as the province's Emergency Orders, including the order prohibiting social gatherings of more than five people.
"Conservation officers are using a graduated approach to compliance that prioritizes education wherever appropriate," Kowalski said.
Kaplanis believes it's possible to practise social distancing even in a boat, given that most boats are longer than four metres.
"That's a common sense recommendation. If you're going out there together to do these activities, do your best" to keep a two-metre distance from each other, Kaplanis said. "Use common sense, exercise good judgment, and be careful."
He suggested anyone who remains unsure about what's permitted and what's not should contact the appropriate agency.
So far, Kaplanis said, he believes most Thunder Bay area residents are respecting social distancing requirements.
At boat launches and popular fishing lakes, he expects that's going to be easier to accomplish this year because of the travel restrictions that prevent Americans from visiting Ontario.
There's also likely to be fewer anglers from southern Ontario.
"You're going to see far less people visiting resorts, fewer people on the lakes and in the bush," Kaplanis predicted.
Although provincial boat launches will be open, recreational camping on Crown land is banned as part of the COVID-19 emergency orders.
There is also a ban on campfires and all open fires under a Restricted Fire Zone declaration.
In Thunder Bay, the city has closed its boat launches at Marina Park and on the Kam River as part of its COVID-19 measures.
