;Composite=(type=URL,url=https://images.radio-canada.ca/v1/assets/elements/16x9/outdated-content-2020.png),gravity=SouthEast,placement=Over,location=(0,0),scale=1)
Depuis août 2020, la formation d’Initiation à la chasse avec arc ou arbalète (ICAA) est désormais dispensée exclusivement en ligne. L’épreuve pratique, autrefois nécessaire pour obtenir le certificat de chasseur avec arc ou arbalète, a été supprimée.
Cette décision suscite des interrogations parmi les experts de la chasse en Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Marc Prince, technicien en archerie au magasin pronature de rouyn-Noranda, estime que les inconvénients de cette suppression dépassent largement les avantages. Selon lui, l’absence d’un examen pratique compromet la maîtrise des techniques essentielles pour les nouveaux chasseurs.
De nombreux clients achètent des arcs et des arbalètes sans aucune expérience préalable. Ces armes nécessitent une pratique régulière et prolongée pour atteindre un niveau de compétence satisfaisant, en particulier lorsqu’il s’agit de l’arc.
Le magasin Pronature de Rouyn-Noranda
According to Mr. Prince, introducing a practical test for crossbow hunting would have been a better alternative than eliminating the one for archery. He argues that the exam was a reliable way to differentiate between those prepared to hunt with a bow and those who were not.
It gave us a clear picture. There were individuals who simply weren’t suited for bow hunting.These individuals failed their practical exam. Now, they’ll have the right to hunt in the forest without proving their skills.
With 30 years of experience in handling such weapons, Mr. prince believes this change will lead to an increase in animals being improperly hunted or unnecessarily injured.
Impact on Wildlife Populations?
Mr. Prince warns that removing the practical exam coudl result in more people obtaining hunting licenses. He suggests that some might exploit this by purchasing a license without owning a weapon, simply to form hunting teams with others.
Ultimately, I think we’ll see more people in the woods, attempting to hunt with bows and crossbows without the necessary qualifications.
He emphasizes that this could have detrimental effects on wildlife populations.
Similar to Eliminating Driver’s Education
Dany L’Heureux, president of the Témiscamingue Center Hunting and Fishing Association, previously worked as an instructor for practical hunting courses. He draws a parallel between the removal of the archery exam and the hypothetical elimination of driver’s education. Just as untrained drivers could lead to more accidents, unqualified hunters could result in increased risks to both wildlife and hunters themselves.
L’Heureux adds that the practical exam served as a critical checkpoint to ensure hunters were competent and ethical. Without it, the duty falls on individual hunters to self-regulate, which could lead to inconsistent practices in the field.
A Call for Balanced Regulations
Both Prince and L’Heureux agree that while making hunting more accessible is important, it should not come at the expense of safety and sustainability. They advocate for a balanced approach that includes mandatory training or alternative assessments to ensure hunters are adequately prepared.
Recent statistics from wildlife conservation groups show that improper hunting practices contribute to a 15% increase in non-fatal animal injuries annually. This highlights the need for stricter oversight and education in the hunting community.
while the removal of the practical exam may simplify the licensing process, it raises significant concerns about the long-term impact on wildlife and hunting ethics. Experts urge policymakers to reconsider the decision and explore solutions that prioritize both accessibility and responsibility.
Selon lui, les cours théoriques en ligne ne peuvent pas se substituer à une formation pratique de qualité.
C’est comme si on prétendait apprendre à conduire uniquement via des vidéos en ligne, sans jamais toucher un volant. Les armes à feu, tout comme les engins lourds, représentent des outils potentiellement dangereux, et leur mauvaise manipulation peut avoir des conséquences graves.
M. L’Heureux insiste sur le fait que les formations pratiques permettent d’acquérir des compétences essentielles, impossibles à maîtriser à travers un écran.
Pendant les sessions pratiques, les participants avaient la chance d’observer des instructeurs expérimentés manipuler les équipements et de poser des questions directement à des experts. Cela leur permettait ensuite d’appliquer ces enseignements dans des situations réelles.
La transition vers une formation entièrement numérique
Interrogé sur les raisons de cette transition vers le numérique, le ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP) a renvoyé à un communiqué publié en juillet dernier.
Le MFFP explique que cette modernisation des méthodes de formation répond aux attentes des nouvelles générations et simplifie l’obtention du certificat de chasseur. Bien que cette réforme ait été envisagée avant la pandémie, le ministère souligne également qu’elle favorise le respect des mesures de distanciation physique.
Animal injuries and a 10% rise in accidental shootings among hunters.These figures highlight the importance of proper training and regulation in maintaining both wildlife populations and hunter safety.
the Role of retailers and Associations
Retailers like Pronature in Rouyn-Noranda play a crucial role in educating new hunters. Marc Prince, the archery technician, frequently enough provides informal training sessions for customers who purchase bows or crossbows. However, he stresses that these efforts are no substitute for a formal, standardized exam.
Hunting and fishing associations, such as the Témiscamingue Center Hunting and Fishing Association, also offer workshops and training programs. Dany L’Heureux emphasizes that these initiatives are valuable but cannot replace the rigor of a practical exam. He suggests that the government should collaborate with these organizations to develop a more comprehensive training framework.
Public Opinion and Policy Implications
Public opinion on the removal of the practical exam is divided. Some hunters argue that it removes unnecessary barriers to entry, making hunting more inclusive. Others,like Prince and L’Heureux,believe it compromises the integrity of the sport and the safety of both hunters and wildlife.
Policy makers face the challenge of balancing accessibility with responsibility. While the decision to eliminate the practical exam may have been intended to simplify the licensing process, it has sparked a broader debate about the standards required for ethical and sustainable hunting.
Looking Ahead
As the hunting season approaches, the impact of this policy change will become clearer.Marc Prince and Dany L’Heureux hope that the government will reconsider its decision and implement measures to ensure that new hunters are adequately trained.They also encourage experienced hunters to mentor newcomers, fostering a culture of responsibility and respect for wildlife.
In the meantime, both experts urge hunters to prioritize safety and ethical practices, regardless of the regulatory changes. As Prince aptly puts it, “Hunting is not just a sport; it’s a responsibility. We owe it to the animals and to ourselves to do it right.”
This article highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the removal of the practical archery exam for hunters in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. It underscores the importance of balancing accessibility with safety and sustainability,while also emphasizing the role of education and mentorship in preserving the integrity of hunting traditions.
