Published June 6, 2024

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The Ville de Gatineau hopes to reduce the presence of migratory birds and protect crops by allowing hunting on agricultural land.

Council approved a pilot program submitted by Rivière-Blanche district councillor Jean Lessard at its meeting on May 14.

While it wasn’t a city-wide issue, Lessard said the pilot program came as a request from farmers who have faced “significant financial losses” trying to manage the birds.

“(They) want to have the same right as the MRCs … to be able to take up arms to destroy these migratory birds,” said Lessard.

Running from mid-September to December, the program will allow farmers to hunt 10 birds per day on cultivated land. Council would later analyze the results of the short-term measure.

“Elsewhere, it works. That doesn’t mean it will succeed in destroying everything, but it has an impact.”

Photo caption: A pilot program proposed by Rivière-Blanche district councillor Jean Lessard aims to assist farmers in mitigating migratory birds and protecting their crops.

Photo credit: Screenshot from Mêlée de presse du 14 mai 2024 – Caucus préparatoire

Scroll to Top