(Quebec) From now on, it will be forbidden to feed white-tailed deer in Quebec and we are counting on denunciation to repress this action.
A regulation to this effect comes into force on Thursday and fines will be provided later, according to what the Minister of the Environment, Benoit Charette, suggested on Wednesday afternoon, at the end of the meeting of the Council of Ministers.
In addition, other measures should also soon allow deer hunting in national parks to tackle overpopulation.
The by-law was put in place due to the proliferation of the species in several urban areas, as recalled by all the controversy that arose in Longueuil due to the planned slaughter of deer, but also the problems of cohabitation near the park. national of the Îles-de-Boucherville.
“People wanted to do well” by feeding the deer, commented Mr. Charette.
The ban on feeding is a “measure that becomes necessary”, he added, indicating that it is not recommended and healthy to feed these animals.
In addition, overcrowding causes malnutrition problems in herds.
On the other hand, there will be no deployment of wildlife officers or inspectors to crack down on those who violate the regulations.
“We rely on reporting. There are not inspectors everywhere. In fact, it’s a lot of education. »
The minister did not give details on the sanctions regime that will come into force later.
However, he indicated that other measures will be taken to reduce the deer herd.
Because the overpopulation of deer is problematic in the Iles-de-Boucherville National Park: however, hunting is prohibited on a territory of the Society of Outdoor Establishments of Quebec (SEPAQ), recalled the Minister.
“There are regulations that need to be changed, there are also regulatory enhancements that will be made in the coming months. »
Mr. Charette, however, recalled that legal proceedings had been filed in court to stop the slaughter of deer in 2022.