Hunting seasons for big game officially open on Saturday

Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today announced that the hunting season for big game begins this weekend in many parts of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Most big game hunting seasons in central and western portions of the island and in Labrador opens on Saturday, September 9, while the season open for other areas of the province on October 7.

The season for coyotes also begins province-wide this weekend, and small game, waterfowl hunting and trapping seasons have either already opened or will open in the coming weeks depending upon the species and zones.

In total 26,340 moose licences and 4,085 caribou licences have been allocated this year. The caribou quota was decreased by 550 additional licences in Caribou Management Area 64 as a result of a winter census conducted after the 2006-07 guide was published.

Minister Jackman reminded hunters and trappers to always keep safety in mind during the season and to review all regulations outlined in the 2006-07 Hunting and Trapping Guide before going in the field. �Wise and responsible use of our wildlife resources is key to ensuring future generations will be able to enjoy hunting and trapping opportunities, and all the wonderful surroundings that our environment has to offer,� said the minister.

Detailed information on this year�s hunting seasons and bag limits can be found in the 2006-07 Newfoundland and Labrador Hunting and Trapping Guide available at various government offices, including the Department of Natural Resources and Wildlife Division offices. The guide is also available on the government web site at
//www.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/hnttrapfish/index.htm

�Responsible hunting and trapping is a critical component towards the overall success of our province�s game and fur management programs,� said Minister Jackman. �Hunters and trappers provide valuable information by submitting game and fur licence return information and by participating in the collection and submission of biological samples such as the caribou health monitoring and coyote carcass collection programs. This information is very important to wildlife managers in helping them understand and manage our game and fur populations. I thank hunters and trappers for their contributions and involvement as we work together to manage our wildlife populations for future generations.�

Hunters interested in assisting with management efforts through the collection of samples or public interested in information on hunting and trapping in the province, may contact John Blake or Chris Baldwin, Wildlife Division, (709) 637-2006.

Media contact: Tina Coffey, Communications, (709) 729-5783.

2006 09 08                                         9:50 a.m.