Non-Profit Moose Licence Draw Completed

Moose licences awarded under the non-profit moose licence program have now been issued to successful applicants. More than 250 applications were received, and applicants have been notified of the outcome. In September, the Provincial Government announced the availability of up to 150 licences for non-profit groups.

�We received a significant number of applications from organizations and charities that represent a variety of local community and provincial interest groups,� said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. �These groups will now have an opportunity to harvest a moose that can be used to support a range of functions and events that are important for fundraising. This is the first year for this program and aspects of the program, including screening criteria, enforcement and user satisfaction, will be re-evaluated prior to next year�s program.�

The regional allocation of the non-profit moose licences is determined by a formula that considers both the sustainability of the moose resource and the need for the licence as measured through human population distributions. Given that the demand for the licences this year exceeded the 150 licences allocated for these groups, a random draw was held and the regional allotment of licences was awarded.

Charities and non-profit organizations successful in receiving a licence for a particular moose management area must observe special conditions and obligations outlined in this program, as well as all other general regulations for big game hunting under the Wild Life Act and Regulations. A licence will be issued directly to the non-profit organization which, in turn, can designate not more than two qualified big game hunters at any one time to hunt the moose on its behalf.

�I am delighted that so many of our non-profit groups are able to avail of this program which will, undoubtedly, be a significant factor in their fundraising efforts,� said the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister Responsible for the Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector. �The availability of moose meat for this purpose will certainly assist many organizations in carrying out their valuable service to the communities they serve.�

Minister Johnson also reiterated the need for safe and responsible hunting practices by the designated hunters.

�I encourage each of the charities or non-profit organizations who were successful in receiving a licence this year to use our precious resources wisely,� said Minister Johnson. �I also ask that designated hunters, acting on behalf of the organizations, conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner in their outdoors pursuits.�

For more information about the criteria and conditions for a non-profit big game licence, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/licences/index.htm or call 709-729-2025.

For regulations associated with big game hunting, hunters should refer to the 2009-10 Hunting and Trapping Guide which is available at www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/publications/2009-10%20hunting%20trapping%20guide.pdf 

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2009 11 03                                                   10:40 a.m.