Environment and Conservation
June 4, 2008

Big Game Draw Completed and Licence Notifications Sent Out

More than 47,000 applications involving almost 58,000 hunters were submitted for the 2008-09 big game licence draw, and 27,470 moose and 1,235 caribou licences are available for this year�s hunt. Another 21,451 hunters are asked to advance their priority status for next year.

"Hunting and trapping is an important part of our culture and lifestyle and is enjoyed by thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, as well as visitors to our province each year," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "Managing the province's wildlife resources is a responsibility we all share, and we must ensure that they continue to be used in a sustainable and conscientious manner."

During the past winter, census work was conducted for several moose management areas in the province. Based on the information garnered from each of these areas, an additional 410 moose licences are available on the island portion of the province, compared to the 2007-08 hunting season.

All big game applicants have been notified by mail whether they have been awarded a licence. To ensure licences and tags are received prior to the opening of the big game season, successful applicants are asked to pay their licence fee online by July 31. These fees may also be paid by mail or in person at the central cashiers office, East Block, Confederation Building by June 27. Applicants who make payments after these dates may not receive their licences and tags prior to the opening of the big game season.

"A healthy environment and a rich natural heritage are important to our province as a whole," said Minister Johnson. "It is important that we employ appropriate measures so Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can continue to hunt big game while, at the same time, preserve the legacy of our natural heritage for future generations. Our five-year, $15.3 million scientific and management strategy for the island woodland caribou populations which we announced in February is one such significant measure."

Resident hunters who have not received a licence notice can obtain information about draw results and priority status by visiting the Provincial Government website at www.wildlife.gov.nl.ca or by contacting the Department of Environment and Conservation in Corner Brook at 709-637-2025, or St. John's at 709-729-2630.

Hunters are also reminded that fall black bear licences are available. Hunters may apply for a licence and make payment online, however payment for a black bear licence is subject to the same deadlines as big game.

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Media contact:
Melony O�Neill
Director of Communications
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca

2008 06 04                                                     10:25 a.m.

 


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