As the Ford government faces criticism for cuts to public health and other services, the province will spend $100,000 on the ”Hats for Hides” program, which encourages hunters to trade-in deer and moose hides so they can be turned into commercial or artisan goods.

Hunters receive a hat or crest to ensure resources are not wasted.

Natural Resources Minister John Yakabuski says the government recognizes the importance of the hunting industry.

”We have frozen hunting licence fees and we’re currently review how moose are managed in Ontario to make hunting fairer, and more accessible for hunters,” adds Yakabuski.

Government numbers indicate hunting contributes over $431-million-a-year to the economy.