The following letter is addressed to Mono Council and CEO Keith McNenly

I understand that you have been commissioned to set up a committee to deal with the lack of firearms by-law in the Town of Mono. If so, as I've requested before, I would very much like to be a part of this committee.

The Town as such owns very little land in Mono and a by-law in regard to hunting has not been necessary or a consideration in the past. The fact that the majority of land here is privately owned makes this problem all the more difficult. Added to that is the increasing population, more residential homes in Mono, the proximity to the city which makes it an easy drive for hunters to come into our area from outside and the growing concern for citizen's safety during the hunting season, of which most residents do not realize can run from September to January each year.

The fact is that the deer need to be culled as well as the wild turkeys. I think what most residents are concerned about is the fact that hunting is done randomly here in Mono and most do not know when the seasons occur and who is hunting where. Mono is unique in that the Provincial Government is encouraging and promoting growth in what they now refer to as the Greater Golden Horseshoe. What isn't promoted is the problem that Mono is left facing: that of having to deal with wildlife that does need to be controlled and that it has to be done through culling.

My last communication to the council suggested that the most reasonable way to go about culling wildlife is through the local anglers and hunters club here in Mono. Mr. Gordon Witty spoke at the last council meeting and offered whatever help the club could offer. I strongly suggest that Mono consider Mr. Witty's offer. If the culling was organized, residents informed of where and when it was taking place, I feel that this could be a good solution to a difficult problem.

Residents need to be educated as to the problems of overpopulation of wildlife; farmers need to be considered in the ability to deal with wildlife on their farms and residents need to feel safe from hunters, who, regardless of whether they are reported to the police, are not protected from careless, aggressive and disrespectful hunters who come to our Town without consideration for those who live here.

I feel that the answer has to lie with Mr. Witty's club and their ability to organize a responsible hunt and cull.

Sandra Proudfoot

Mono