Short Hills Provincial Park to Host First Nation Deer Harvest

Press Release

October 22, 2018

Short Hills Provincial Park will be closed to the public November 3 and 4, November 17 and 18 and November 29 and 30, 2018 for a First Nation deer harvest. The harvest will begin one half-hour before sunrise and end one half-hour after sunset.

Ontario respects Aboriginal and treaty rights, as recognized and affirmed under the Constitution Act, 1982, and is committed to meeting the province’s constitutional and other obligations regarding First Nation and Metis people.

First Nation harvesters will use archery equipment and follow mandatory safety protocols.

The harvest will take place in the southern portion of the park, which has the fewest trails. Park staff will be monitoring access points to make the public aware that the park is closed for public safety.

For more information about the harvest call Greg Wilson, Ontario Parks Southwest Zone Manager, at 519-873-4616.

Quick Facts

• Short Hills Provincial Park is located approximately four kilometres southwest of St. Catharines, along the Niagara Escarpment.
• For many First Nation communities in Ontario, hunting is a traditional activity that is recognized as an Aboriginal or treaty right. The harvested deer will be used by the local First Nation community.
• This will be the sixth year that a First Nation deer harvest has been conducted within Short Hills Provincial Park. In past years, First Nation deer harvests have been held in The Pinery and Rondeau Provincial Parks.

Media Contacts

MEDIA CALLS ONLY: Andrew Brander
Minister’s Office
andrew.brander@ontario.ca
416-314-6743

MEDIA CALLS ONLY: Gary Wheeler
Communications Branch
gary.s.wheeler@ontario.ca
416-314-6666

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