Public input requested through a provincial small game questionnaire

The Minister of Natural Resources, Dr. Rex Gibbons, announced today that, in response to growing public inquiries concerning snowshoe hare (rabbit) and partridge populations, a small game questionnaire is being distributed to hunters throughout the province. The purpose of the questionnaire is to evaluate public concerns and opinions on aspects of current small game management strategies.

The minister said about 90,000 copies of the questionnaire will be distributed in the hope of reaching as many small game hunters as possible. A copy of the questionnaire is included with the 1996-97 Big Game Application Guide currently being mailed to all big game hunters in the province. As well, copies have been mailed to members of the Partridge Forever Society, a wildlife conservation organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of ptarmigan populations in the province. Hunters who have not been included in these mailouts may obtain a copy of the questionnaire from Wildlife Division regional offices in Clarenville, Gander, Pasadena, and Happy Valley/Goose Bay, or from headquarters office in St. John's.

"In order to gather a good representation of public opinion on this issue, I encourage all small game hunters to participate in this survey. This is an excellent opportunity to become directly involved in managing these important species," said Dr. Gibbons.

Contact: Oscar Forsey, Wildlife Division, Gander, (709) 651-2055; or Anna Buffinga, (709) 729-3750.