March 19, 1998
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Reduction in Black Bear bag limits

Kevin Aylward, Minister responsible for wildlife, wishes to provide clarification to hunters regarding the recently announced restrictions on black bear bag limits and the effective date for this new restriction. The Big Game Licence 1998/99 Resident Application Guide outlines the rationale for this measure. The new bag limits, which apply only on the island portion of the province, will continue to provide an opportunity to harvest one bear per licence. This is a change from previous years when opportunities to harvest two bears per licence was provided.

The minister wishes to advise hunters that the effective date for this restriction will begin with the 1998 fall black bear hunting season. This restriction will not apply to this spring's hunting season.

Minister Aylward said today, "I would like to wish all hunters a safe and enjoyable hunting experience and remember that our wildlife resource is one of the province's most valuable assets for which we all share a responsibility."

Contact: David Wells, Communications (709) 729-6183