Enhanced coyote management plan announced

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne today announced amendments to the Wildlife Regulations that will significantly enhance the province�s coyote management plan by introducing a new coyote harvest for the province.

"Government is committed to ensuring a sound coyote management plan," said Minister Osborne. "Changing our Wildlife Regulations to introduce a new harvest strategy enhances our management options in addressing a number of concerns related to coyotes, such as predation on livestock and our wildlife populations, particularly big game. A coyote hunting season will also allow for greater hunter participation, resulting in increased recreational and economic opportunities."

Minister Osborne said establishing a specific coyote hunting licence and a designated hunting season for coyote is a prudent approach and the best option to addressing concerns raised about the expanding coyote population. He added that the new coyote hunting season will complement existing coyote management strategies, including a trapping season, a shooting season during big and small game seasons, and an individual permit system to remove problem coyotes.

The minister said the firearms permitted under the coyote hunting licence include the small calibre centre fire rifles, not greater than the .225 calibre, and shotguns with shot size #2 and larger. "The effective and humane harvest of coyotes, as with all wildlife populations that are hunted in this province, is a key consideration in the establishment of firearm regulations for coyote hunting," he said.

Minister Osborne stressed the purpose of the new coyote strategy is not to eliminate coyotes from the province, but rather to help manage the population more effectively. "Given the adaptability and reproductive capacity of the coyote, total elimination of the species is not a feasible option."

The 2004-05 coyote hunting season begins May 1 and ends July 2005. The season will be closed from July 11 to September 10, 2004. It will begin again on September 11 and close on July 9, 2005. Given that the majority of this season has elapsed, the 2004-05 coyote hunting licence will be valid throughout both periods. Thereafter, the coyote season will begin on the second Saturday in September and end on the second Saturday in July. Coyote licences will be available from Government Service Centres and wildlife licence vendors.

Media contact: Sonia B. Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575

• The 2004-05 coyote hunting season will begin May 1, 2004 and will be suspended on July 10, 2004 for a closed season from July 11 to September 10. It will re-open September 11, 2004 and close July 9, 2005.
• Thereafter, the annual coyote hunting season will begin on the second Saturday in September and end on the second Saturday in July.
• A new coyote hunting licence will cost $ 10.00 (+ GST) and can be obtained through Government Service Centres and wildlife licence vendors. The 2004-05 coyote hunting licence will be valid from May 1, 2004 to July 9, 2005.
• Firearms permitted for the coyote hunt include small calibre centre fire rifles, not greater than .225 calibre and shotguns with shot size #2 and larger. Examples of the small calibre centre fire rifles include the 22 hornet, 222 remington, 223 remington, 22-250 remington, and the 204 ruger.

• A coyote trapping season runs from October 20 - February 1, annually.
• Holders of small game and big game licences are permitted to harvest coyotes during the periods and in the areas for which their licences are valid.
• A permitting system is also in place to address specific problem coyote situations. This system is designed primarily for livestock farmers who experience coyote predation problems.

General:

• Coyotes were first reported in the province in 1985 near the Port au Port Peninsula. The animal has since increased its range to include all of insular Newfoundland.
• It is impossible to determine the exact number of coyotes in the province, but the population is increasing and is permanently established on the island.

For more information on the coyote management plan, contact Wayne Barney at (709) 637-2014 or John Blake at (709) 637- 2354.

Ministerial Statement

2004 04 21                                         2:10 p.m.