Changes to the identification requirements for salmon angling and small game hunting licences were announced today by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation. A driver�s licence, Motor Registration Division photo identification or MCP card can now be provided as proof of residency for the purchase of salmon angling and small game hunting licences.

"I am very pleased to announce these changes which are effective today," said Minister Jackman. "They demonstrate our government�s goal to ensure the people of this province have every opportunity to utilize and enjoy the province�s natural fish and wildlife resources."

Minister Jackman noted persons who obtained a photo identification card from the Motor Registration Division solely for the purpose of obtaining a salmon angling or small game licence between April 20 and June 22 are eligible for a refund. A refund can be applied for up to and including July 31, 2007. To obtain a refund, residents can go to the office at which they purchased the photo identification card. Individuals will be required to return the photo identification card and show the angling or small game licence purchased.

Individuals unable to return to the Motor Registration Division for a refund can mail the photo identification card and a photocopy of the licence to the Motor Registration Division, Department of Government Services, P.O. Box 8710, St. John�s, NL A1B 4J5. All refunds will take up to three to four weeks to process. If the purchaser is under the age of 18, a refund can be made out to the parent or guardian specified.

"Participation in hunting and angling activities is an important part of our lifestyle and our culture," said the minister. "The changes we are implementing as of today allow residents ease of access to salmon angling and small game hunting."

The use of MCP cards for the purchase of coyote, resident Labrador caribou and resident Labrador black bear licences will continue.

"Previous measures were taken to encourage involvement in hunting and angling through the reduction and elimination of some licence fees," said the minister. "This adjustment of the identification requirements eliminates the financial burden encountered as a result of the previous photo identification requirement for all individuals." Minister Jackman asks all vendors to implement the changes effective immediately.

Photo identification issued by the Motor Registration Division is still required by hunters who participate in the big game draw for moose and caribou licences, island black bear hunters, trappers and guides who are associated with the department�s computerized Wildlife Information Management System.

For more information, contact the Wildlife Division at 709-637-2010.

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Media contact:
Tina Coffey
Public Relations Specialist
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-5783, 728-8650
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca 

2007 06 22                                               3:45 p.m.