Big game hunting licences draw extended

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, advises big game hunters in the province that the date for return of applications for consideration in the 2002 big game hunting licences draw has been extended until 4:30 p.m. on April 19, 2002.

"These applications were previously supposed to be returned by April 5, but officials in the Inland Fish and Wildlife Division of my department have become aware that some of the applications which were mailed during the week of March 4-8 have not yet reached their destinations," said Minister Aylward. "We are currently in consultations with Canada Post to determine the reasons for the delay in the mail delivery to the affected hunters. Canada Post will track down the applications and send them out."

Minister Aylward assures hunters that alternate arrangements are being implemented to ensure that eligible hunters have an opportunity to participate in the draw for 2002-2003 big game hunting licences. For example, blank applications and copies of the Hunting and Trapping Guide are available at the offices of the Inland Fish and Wildlife Division located in Corner Brook and St. John�s and also at the regional and district offices of the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods. Also efforts are ongoing to have blank applications and guides available in the post offices at the communities which experienced this mail delivery problem. If necessary, additional measures will be considered and hunters will be advised accordingly.

In the meantime, the minister encourages all those hunters who have received their applications to read the Hunting and Trapping Guide which has been provided to them and to return their applications as soon as possible if they wish to participate in this year�s draw.

For further information: Clare Brown (709) 637-2009 or Beverley Howe (709) 637-2010

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-0857.

2002 03 27                       11:20 a.m.