3 Year Plan to phase in trapper education in the province

The Minister of Natural Resources, Dr. Rex Gibbons, in conjunction with the Newfoundland and Labrador Trappers Association (NLTA), is pleased to announce today a three year plan to phase in trapper education for existing trappers in the province. This trapper education course is a mandatory pre-requisite of licensing for all trappers. However, given the large number of existing license holders throughout the province, a phased in approach was necessary to accommodate the trappers in each geographic region. The NLTA will be responsible for delivery of the courses which will concentrate on humane and efficient trapping and proper pelt preparation. In making the announcement, Dr. Gibbons stated: "The NLTA are to be commended on their dedication and commitment towards educating the trappers of this province".

The schedule for the phase in of mandatory trapper education is: the western half of the island of Newfoundland in 1996, the eastern half in 1997, and Labrador in 1998. Trappers residing in the 1996 mandatory zone will be notified of the requirements imminently. All new trappers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are required to take the trapper education course as a prerequisite for securing a trappers license. A new trapper is defined as someone who has not trapped In the two years prior to this announcement or has not completed a trapper education course.

NLTA Trapper Education Coordinator, Howard Noseworthy, expressed satisfaction on behalf of the association with the minister's announcement, adding "it is the diligent cooperative efforts of the NLTA and the Provincial Wildlife Division over the past two years that has made this possible. We look forward to working with all trappers to improve and preserve the future of trapping in Newfoundland".

Contact: Howard Noseworthy, Trapper Education Coordinator, Newfoundland and Labrador Trapper Association, (709) 634-2111; John Blake, Education Coordinator, Wildlife Division, Department of Natural Resources, (709) 729-2549.