NLIS 2
June 6, 2000
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Big game licence draw completed

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, today announced that the 2000 Big Game Licence Draw for moose and caribou has been completed.

Notifications have been sent to applicants advising them as to whether or not they were successful in receiving a licence for the 2000/2001 big game hunting season. Hunters who have not received a notice in the mail by June 9, 2000 can call the headquarters office of the Inland Fish and Wildlife Division in St. John�s or one of the forestry/wildlife regional offices located in Gander, Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay to obtain information about the outcome of the draw. The telephone numbers are:

St. John�s                                     (709) 729-4203
Gander                                         (709) 256-1460
Corner Brook                               (709) 637-2409
Happy Valley/Goose Bay              (709) 896-2732

The minister said: "Recent enhancements to the department�s computer network allow us to make this information available from the regional offices for the first time. This will improve the level of services available for hunters.

"Participation rates in hunting in Newfoundland and Labrador are among the highest in the country. As a result of the draw, 40,499 resident big game hunters of the province will be provided with hunting opportunities for this year�s hunting season. I also remind successful applicants that they should submit their licence fee of $46 by June 30, 2000 if they wish to receive their licences and tags before the opening of the big game hunting season. I wish all hunters a safe and enjoyable experience when they go afield this fall."

This year 56,905 applications, involving 74,019 hunters, were received to be considered in the draw. As well, in excess of 20,000 other hunters submitted applications indicating that they only wished to advance their priority status for next year.

Hunters are reminded that the deadline for receipt of fall black bear applications for the island is June 30, 2000 as well.

Media contact: Craig Renouf (709) 637-2923, fax: (709) 637-2403.

2000 06 06                                     11:55 a.m.