February 24, 1998
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, announced today that the 1998 Resident Big Game Licence application guide has been sent out and qualified resident hunters should be receiving their applications in the mail soon. The applications are being mailed to all the province's qualified big game hunters and are also available at District Wildlife Offices and Government Service Centres throughout the province.

To become eligible for the 1998 Big Game Licence Draw, new hunters must have completed the province's Firearms Safety/Hunter Education course before December 31, 1997. Persons must also be 18 years of age or older by August 31, 1998 in order to apply. To become eligible for the 1999 Big Game Licence Draw, new hunters will be required to complete the Firearms Safety/Hunter Education Course before November 30, 1998.

Applications for the big game licence draw and spring bear applications must be received at the Inland Fish and Wildlife Division Office in St. John's before the close of business hours on March 20, 1998. Applications for fall black bear licences for the island must be received by the close of business hours on June 26, 1998.

Minister Aylward strongly recommends that hunters consult the 1998 Big Game Licence Application Guide before filling out their application. The minister said: "One of Newfoundland and Labrador's greatest assets is our wildlife resource and we all (hunters and non-hunters) share a responsibility to ensure that we use the resource wisely in order to maintain it for ourselves and future generations."

Contact: John Blake/ Chris Baldwin (709) 729-3509, David Wells, Communications (709) 729-6183.