Environment and Conservation
February 9, 2010Public Advisory:
Lac Virot and Sawbill Lake Zones in Labrador Close for
Caribou Hunting
The Department of Environment and Conservation
advises the public that, effective February 12, the
Labrador hunting zones known as Lac Virot and Sawbill
Lake will be closed for caribou hunting.
The department has received information which indicates
that caribou observations in these hunting zones are
inconsistent with the current winter distribution of the
George River Caribou Herd. There is concern that the
animals in the Lac Virot and Sawbill Lake zones may
belong to threatened woodland populations and closure of
these hunting zones is required to protect these
animals.
Wildlife staff and conservation officers will continue
to monitor the movement of the George River Caribou Herd
and the locations of threatened woodland caribou herds.
Hunting zones may open or close pending the locations of
these respective herds.
The Labrador Caribou Hunting Zones currently open are
the George River, Bay of Islands, Big River, Nipishish
Lake, Grand Lake, Seal Lake, Orma North, Orma South,
Michikamau East, Michikamau West, Twin Falls, Colville
Lake, McPhayden River and Milner Lake.
Hunting zone descriptions can be found at
www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/hnttrapfish/trpmngearea/labrador/caribou/caribou.htm
Hunters can also contact the Department of
Environment and Conservation office in Happy
Valley-Goose Bay or Department of Natural Resources
offices in Wabush, North West River and Happy
Valley-Goose Bay to obtain additional information on
hunting zone openings and boundary descriptions.
For further information, please call 709- 896-5107 or
e-mail
TonyChubbs@gov.nl.ca
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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
2010 02 09
11:50 a.m.