A series of hunter and trapper education workshops designed to teach individuals the proper methods for hunting coyotes in the province will take place this month. The How to Hunt Coyote workshops will also help improve general awareness about the Newfoundland Woodland Caribou, its predators, and predator hunting and trapping.

"Hunting and trapping play a key role in assisting with wildlife management in our province," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "As part of our five-year, $15.3 million caribou strategy, we committed to the implementation of an enhanced information and education program. This component of the strategy focuses primarily on ensuring hunters and trappers continue to be effective in wildlife and predator management through legal participation in wildlife harvesting."

Three workshops have been scheduled for September in the following locations:

Additional workshops are being planned for later in the fall/winter in the following areas: Baie Verte, Bay d�Espoir, Buchans, Burgeo, Carbonear, Gander, Marystown, Parsons Pond, Plum Point, Port aux Basques, Springdale, St. Anthony, and St. John�s.

There is no cost to participate in these workshops, but attendance is limited. Interested individuals are asked to contact the Wildlife Division in Corner Brook at 709-637-2009 to reserve space.

"A number of groups have expressed considerable interest and support in seeing these kinds of workshops developed and delivered throughout the province," said Minister Johnson. "I�d like to express appreciation to the various local Rod and Gun Clubs, the Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Trappers Association, hunter education instructors, and members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Officers Association, for their involvement and participation in these events."

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