Sunday hunting to be permitted for portion of hunting seasons

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne today announced government will make changes to the Wildlife Regulations to permit hunting on Sunday for a specific period during hunting seasons. Once the regulations are amended, hunting will be permitted on the first Sunday after October 31 up to the conclusion of the moose and caribou big game seasons in all regions of the province as outlined in the annual hunting and trapping guide - www.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/hnttrapfish/index.htm. During that period, licensed hunters will be permitted to hunt all game species.

"Hunters have been requesting government to review the Sunday hunting matter for quite some time, and we agreed to that request. As such, government received input on Sunday hunting from a variety of stakeholders, both hunters and non-hunters, and we have carefully reviewed all that information," said Minister Osborne.

"The decision announced today is a compromise for all stakeholders," added the minister. "By allowing Sunday hunting for a portion of the hunting season, we are striking an appropriate balance for all those who want to enjoy the outdoors. Sunday hunting will not be permitted during the spring, summer and early fall, which enables non-hunters, such as berry pickers and hikers, to enjoy the outdoors on Sundays and not be concerned about hunting activity."

Government is committed to a wildlife management plan that ensures safe and sustainable hunting seasons and incorporates the latest practices and policies from across the country. The decision to permit Sunday hunting for a portion of the hunting seasons is in keeping with the practices in other Canadian jurisdictions. Some degree of Sunday hunting is permitted in seven provinces and territories: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Northwest Territories and the Yukon.

Minister Osborne noted that Newfoundland and Labrador has a high hunter safety record. "The province�s firearm accident rate is one of the lowest reported anywhere in Canada during the past five years," he said. "Furthermore, all hunters in our province must complete a two-day hunter education program, recognized nationally as one of the most progressive and comprehensive programs of its kind in the country."

Government will immediately proceed with amending the Wildlife Regulations and a further announcement will be made when the amendments are finalized.

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications (709) 729-2575, 685-4401

2005 12 19                        2:40 p.m.