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Minister extends Firearm Safety and Hunter Education Requirements For Labrador Hunters The minister responsible for inland fish and wildlife, Kevin Alyward, announced today several modifications to the Firearm Safety / Hunter Education program requirements in Labrador. "Several areas of Labrador are encountering a high level of participation in the Firearm Safety / Hunter Education Course," stated the Minister. "And, in some cases, through no fault of their own, persons may not be able to avail of the course prior to the start of this hunting season. I have advised my staff that, for this hunting season only, persons living in Labrador who are legitimately registered for the course may proceed to hunt this fall, if they have the appropriate hunting licence." The minister went on to say that the intent of the mandatory Firearm Safety and Hunter Education course is not to restrict anyone from participating in hunting activities. The 15-hour course was first announced in December 1995 as a requirement for all new hunters and hunters without previous training who wished to hunt big or small game. In April 1996, the program became mandatory on the island. At that time, a one year delay for the mandatory program was applied to Labrador to allow sufficient time to evaluate and enhance course delivery strategies in remote areas and to consult with aboriginal communities on adapting the program to embody their cultural and social lifestyles. "Today's extension for Labrador hunters is in keeping with the approach taken on the Island last year when the same problem occurred in some areas," stated the minister. "For the upcoming hunting season only, possession of a receipt from the college proving registration will act as the hunter's interim Outdoor Identification Card until such a time as he/she completes the course and is issued a permanent Outdoor Identification Card from the Inland Fish and Wildlife Division." Since April of 1996, participation in the Firearm Safety and Hunter Education program throughout the province has been excellent with over 9,000 persons attending the course. Completion of this course meets the federal requirement to obtain a Firearms Acquisition Certificate as specified in the Criminal Code of Canada to acquire firearms. Individuals who have completed the course are issued a provincial Outdoor Identification Card. This card is required to be in the possession of the hunter when hunting game with a firearm. The minister added that the Outdoor Identification Card is not required for those who intend to acquire a Regular Labrador Caribou Licence and wish to use a designated hunter. Minister Aylward also wished to remind new hunters interested in entering the 1998 Big Game draw that they must have the course completed prior to December 31, 1997 in order to qualify. Contact: John Blake or Chris Baldwin Anna Buffinga
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