A major economic boost to Pelee Island has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
The annual Pheasant Hunt has been going on for 80 years, but council has decided to cancel it, erring on the side of caution.
The hunt is scheduled for five weeks in the fall around October, but Mayor Ray Durocher says preparations need to take place now to raise the birds in time for the hunt.
"We have to purchase the pheasants and we would have to have an employee doing the pheasant farm," he says.
An estimated 10,000 to 12,000 pheasants are raised for the hunt.
Durocher admits the hunt is a huge boost to the island and cancelling it is tough.
"It is always estimated that it brings in $250,000 to the island with the number of hunts, bookings and restaurants. It is a big big economic thing for the island but that's why it is such a tough decision," he says.
The island is offering refunds and/or transfers for licences already purchased.