Hunting seasons officially open

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, wishes to advise the public that the general opening of the hunting season for big game in many parts of Newfoundland and Labrador begins this weekend.

"I am very pleased that for the 2003-2004 hunt, we have organized a new tagging system for moose and caribou," said Minister Bettney. "The tag style resembles a ski pass which is attached to each quarter and jawbone of a big game animal. We expect that the tag will be well received by hunters but our officials will use this year to determine how well this system works and whether or not it will be continued in future years."

Hunters should note that information pertaining to this year�s seasons and bag limits can be found in the 2003-2004 Hunting and Trapping Guide available at various government offices including the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods and Inland Fish and Wildlife Division offices. The guide is also available on the Newfoundland and Labrador Government web site www.gov.nl.ca/tcr/wildlife/publications/wildlifeguide.pdf .

"Hunters and trappers play an important part in helping to manage our province�s wildlife resources and these activities have been a part of our culture and heritage for hundreds of years," said Minister Bettney. "Together we share responsibility for making sure we sustain wildlife resources for the benefit of future generations. I wish all hunters and trappers a safe and enjoyable season."

For further information:

John Blake, Manager, Conservation Services,
Wildlife Division, (709) 637-2354 or johnblake@mail.gov.nf.ca
Chris Baldwin, Training Specialist,
Wildlife Division, (709) 637-2020 or chrisbaldwin@mail.gov.nf.ca

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0928

Moose (Island)
On the island, increases to licence quotas have occurred in three Moose Management Areas (MMA) - MMA 29 (+50), MMA 32 (+50) and MMA 45 (+100), while decreases have occurred in 10 MMAs, MMA 4 (-100), MMA 15 (-100), MMA 17 (-150), MMA 18 (-50), MMA 22 (-100), MMA 22A (-50), MMA 23 (-300), MMA 24 (-50), MMA 25 (-50) and MMA 27(-50).

Moose (Labrador)
No changes have occurred to the overall quota for moose in Labrador. However, all licences available in MMAs 49, 50, 54 and 85 have been converted to either-sex to reduce the chance of hunters harvesting a female moose on a male-only licence during late winter when male moose shed their antlers.

Caribou (Island)
On the island, decreases to licence quotas have occurred in CMA 64 (-500) and CMA 67 (-50). Caribou quotas in all other CMAs for the island are unchanged. CMA 65, Avalon Peninsula, will remain closed to caribou hunting in order to collect sufficient data on the general health and status of the herd as a result of the outbreak of brainworm.

Boundary changes have occurred in CMA 63, 67 and 69 and were made to improve hunting area map reference points. For complete boundary area descriptions, please refer to Big Game Hunting Area maps that are issued to licence holders or visit our website at www.gov.nl.ca/tcr/wildlife

Black Bear (Island)
Beginning in the fall 2003, BMA 1 and 45 will be open to black bear hunting. The open season for BMA 1 and 45 for the fall (2003) and spring (2004) black bear hunt is consistent with seasons dates for all other BMA�s on the island. Fall seasons for all BMA�s have been extended by one week and will open September 13, 2003 and close November 8, 2003.

Black Bear - Labrador

HIGHLIGHTS - SMALL GAME

The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation wishes to advise small game hunters that the date published in the 2003-2004 Hunting and Trapping Guide for the closure of ptarmigan shooting for Remainder of Island is incorrect. The correct closing date for ptarmigan shooting for the Remainder of Island is December 13, 2003.

Snowshoe Hare             Shooting                                           Snaring

HIGHLIGHTS - TRAPPING

Renewal applications for beaver trapline licences on the Island must be received on or before Oct. 15, 2003. Failure to renew beaver trapline licences may result in forfeiture of the trapline.

In Labrador, boundaries and season dates for furbearer species in the Southern Zone have occurred as a result of input from trappers and Departmental staff in that region. The southern section has been divided into Labrador West Zone and Labrador East Zone. Season dates are also adjusted in these new zones (see tables below).

The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation wishes to advise beaver trappers that the date published in the 2003-2004 Hunting and Trapping Guide for the closure of beaver trapping season for the Labrador East Zone is incorrect. The correct closing date for beaver trapping in the Labrador East Zone is May 31, 2004.

TRAPPING SEASONS 2003-04

2003 09 11                                         3:10 p.m.