SHOOT! MORE GUN CALLS AS ORANGE VESTERS PROWL LANDSCAPE

ORILLIA Gun calls are on the rise — again.

Not only in cities — but especially in the country at this time of year, remind provincial police.

So expect to hear more random shots fired in the coming months as men and women in orange vests and camo prowl the rural landscape for small game and deer.

OPP in Orillia received a number of calls this weekend from concerned citizens hearing gunshots in the nearby townships.

They say police dispatch received “many calls.”

It’s not unusual.

Police receive the same volume of calls is reported every year during the fall hunt.

They are often generated from the Townships of Ramara, Severn and Oro-Medonte.

Orillia OPP would like to remind people that hunting season is upon us and in many areas hunting is legal.

And that all hunters need an Ontario Outdoors card and a hunting licence from the province.

They also remind hunters to be aware of their surroundings and abide by the laws and best practices for a safe, enjoyable and respectful hunting season.

WHAT SEASON IS IT?

Mid-September generally marks the open season for small game and waterfowl hunting, as well as moose and deer. The season lasts to mid-December. Bear hunting is also in the fall season.

Check the MNR for specific rules for hunting regions.

WHO YOU GONNA CALL:

OPP: If you are concerned of illegal shooting of firearms or feel there is an immediate danger to the public please call police.

MNR: If you have questions about hunting season and regulations please visit the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) at www.Ontario.ca and search for their page. Alternatively, you can call the local MNRF office at 705-325-7500 with questions or concerns.

The sight and sound of hunters the next couple of months will be familiar for rural Ontario.