The Provincial Government is reminding members of the Labrador Metis Nation (LMN) that they are required to obtain a provincially-issued licence and tags before engaging in hunting activity.

This reminder is in response to a recent press release from the LMN regarding the 2007-08 caribou hunt that fails to mention that the province does not recognize LMN-issued tags. This has resulted in inquiries to the department from LMN members looking for clarification.

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador does not provide special hunting rights for members of the LMN," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "The federal government has not accepted the LMN's land claim and the issue of whether the LMN and its members hold constitutionally-protected aboriginal rights remains in dispute. Accordingly, the Provincial Government requires members of the LMN to adhere to the provincial Wildlife Act and regulations and to have provincially-issued tags when hunting caribou. I have clearly communicated this to the president of the LMN in a recent letter."

Until the LMN�s outstanding claim is resolved, the Provincial Government has a restrained seizure policy for LMN members in regards to the Wildlife Act and regulations. This means conservation officers will gather the necessary evidence for a successful prosecution with respect to any perceived hunting infraction, but seizures will not be made unless the violation compromises conservation, public health or public safety, or in any other case where seizures may be necessary to ensure a successful prosecution.

LMN hunters need to be aware that even though conservation officers may not decide to make seizures, the courts may still order forfeiture of items used in the commission of the offence.

"We implemented this policy in 2006 and it will remain in place until the LMN's assertions of aboriginal rights are finally dealt with," said Minister Dunderdale. "The provincial policy is a �restrained seizure� policy, not a �no charge� or �no enforcement� policy. The LMN should accurately advise its members of the provincial rules and regulations that pertain to them."

Information about the regulations, guidelines, hunting zones and licences regarding the hunting of caribou in Labrador is available in the 2007-08 edition of the Newfoundland and Labrador Hunting and Trapping Guide or at //www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/HuntingGuide%20Apr2.pdf

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