Beaton Tulk, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, and Wally

Anderson, MHA - Torngat Mountains, announced today the decision to open a limited polar bear hunt for 1997. This season will come into effect on February 8 and extend to June 30, 1997, both dates inclusive, for the area in Labrador from Fish Cove Point in Groswater Bay to Cape Chidley.

Four licences will be issued through the Labrador Inuit Association. As in other years, only one polar bear of either sex can be taken on each licence. Bears equipped with radio transmitters and/or collars and female polar bears accompanied by cubs (young of the year) may not be taken. Also, any polar bears encountered in or near a den that may be active should not be disturbed.

Contact:

     Mike Cahill                                  Jim Schaeffer
     Chief of Conservation and Habitat            Biologist, Goose Bay
     (709) 729-4308                               (709) 896-5107