October 16, 1998
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods
announces amendments to the extended moose and caribou hunting season.

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods and Beaton Tulk, Chair of the Committee on the Use of Outdoor Resources have announced changes to the season dates for hunting caribou and moose, effective immediately.

All moose and caribou management areas will return to season durations similiar to the 1997-98 seasons, with the normal calendar adjustments for Saturday closings. All 1998 season extensions on the island of Newfoundland are now being amended.

The Committee on the Use of Outdoor Resources has completed meetings throughout the island portion of the province with Ferryland remaining. There was a high representation of hunters and residents voicing their concerns during the public consultation process.

"The Consultation Committee on Outdoor Resources is listening to the views expressed by the people who have made presentations to the committee. We are now taking actions based on what we have heard," said Minister Tulk, Chair of the Committee.

"We will continue to listen to what people have to say but we feel there is a degree of urgency on this particular issue because people may want to rearrange their plans given the changes being made," said Minister Tulk.

Minister Aylward stated: "From the comments we have heard, one of the major issues for people is the extension of the hunting season. There is a perception among the general public that big game populations will be over exploited if the extended season is permitted."

Initially when the extended season was established, the rationale was to distribute the hunting effort over a longer period, to assist in reduction of crippling losses and to reduce game spoilage. It was felt that the extended season would increase residents' opportunity for hunting related activities and would better distribute the hunting effort. It was also felt by the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods that hunting big game in late season would provide ideal tracking conditions when tree foliage is at a minimum, thereby helping reduce crippling losses estimated at 20 per cent of the legal harvest.

"There was significant representation throughout the island against the extended hunting season. We must re-evaluate the extended season and review the merit of extending the hunt," said Minister Aylward.

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications, (709) 729-6183.

1998 10 16 10:17 a.m.