Environment and Conservation
April 12, 2010

Over 96,000 applications for the 2010-11 moose and caribou draw and black bear licences have been mailed to all qualified resident big game hunters in the province. Enclosed with each application is a copy of the 2010-11 Newfoundland and Labrador Hunting and Trapping Guide.

"Along with the important information related to this year's upcoming hunting and trapping seasons, the Hunting and Trapping Guide includes information on a number of new initiatives involving game management in the province," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "Some of these changes include improvements to our priority pool system for the big game licence draw; an extension of the moose seasons on the island of Newfoundland by three weeks; a standardization of moose season dates in Labrador; and an expansion of the non-profit moose licence program to continue to allow access to moose licences for charitable community-based groups. The guide also contains information about opportunities for the public and youth to become involved in responsible hunting and trapping through events that are sponsored by local rod and gun clubs, conservation organizations and my department."

On the island of Newfoundland, there is an overall increase of 2,154 additional licences available for the resident draw. Included in this are 50 new non-profit moose licences, bringing that total to 200. The island caribou quota for the 2010 hunting season is 740 licences, a decrease of 85 licences from the 2009 season. In Labrador, 185 moose licences are available for the 2010-11 hunting season.

Eligible resident big game hunters may participate in the provincial moose and island caribou draw for a licence or pool advancement by submitting an application by mail or by visiting www.wildlife.gov.nl.ca . The deadline for receipt of moose and caribou applications is the close of business on May 14, 2010.

"The traditions and culture associated with hunting and trapping are quite significant in our province, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of the many wonderful opportunities that exist," said Minister Johnson. "As a public resource, wildlife must be managed so that it benefits the diverse interests of all stakeholders, while ensuring that populations of animals and their habitats can be sustained for future generations."

Copies of the 2010-11 Hunting and Trapping Guide are available at Wildlife Division Headquarters located at 117 Riverside Drive, Corner Brook and all Department of Natural Resources offices. The guide is also available in electronic format by visiting www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/publications.htm Highlights of the guide can be found in the backgrounder below.

For more information, contact Chris Baldwin at chrisbaldwin@gov.nl.ca or Jason Foster at jasonfoster@gov.nl.ca,  or call 709-637-2006.

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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

The deadline for receipt of moose/caribou applications or applying online in the 2010 draw is the close of business on Friday, May 14, 2010. Spring black bear applications and payments must be submitted or completed online by the close of business on Friday, May 7, 2010. Fall black bear applications must be submitted or completed online by the close of business on Friday, June 25, 2010. Please note that black bear applications/payments must be mailed separately from moose/caribou applications.

The deadline for registered non-profit moose licence applications is the close of business on June 30, 2010. Applications and additional information about this program is available from our website by visiting www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/licences/index.htm

For 2010-11, hunting on a Sunday is permitted between October 3, 2010 and April 30, 2011 throughout all areas of Newfoundland and Labrador, provided that a person is in possession of a valid licence and that the season for the game being hunted is open. The hunting of game on a Sunday is permitted throughout all inland and coastal areas of Newfoundland and Labrador during this period.

Snarers must continue to only use 22-gauge brass wire or six-strand picture cord attached to a firm anchor to snare snowshoe hare (rabbits), grouse or ptarmigan in all areas open to snaring on the island of Newfoundland. Using stainless steel wire, including its use with a modified coil device, is no longer permitted. This assists with ongoing efforts to mitigate the accidental capture of the threatened Newfoundland marten and helping reduce accidental capture of other non-target species.

Grouse limits for the Southern Labrador Zone have been increased to a 25 daily bag limit and a possession limit of 50.

The Wildlife Division is reinstating its ptarmigan wing tip collection program. In order to assess age structure of the harvest and aid in developing population trends of ptarmigan, cooperation is being solicited from hunters to submit the wing tips of harvested birds. For further information please contact 709-637-2067.

To recognize and encourage participation among young hunters and anglers in Atlantic Canada, the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island have endorsed the Youth Hunting/Fishing Exchange Program for 2010. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the opportunity to be considered for the Youth Hunting/Fishing Exchange Program is open to all residents between the ages of 12 and 17 who complete a Firearm Safety/Hunter Education Course between July 2009 and June 2010. More details are outlined in this year's Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Renewal applications for beaver trapline licences on the island must be received on or before October 15, 2010. Failure to renew beaver trapline licences may result in forfeiture of the trapline.

The lynx season for the entire Island remains closed due to low populations. Trappers must surrender all lynx (pelt and carcass) trapped accidentally to a Department of Natural Resources office within seven days after the time of capture.

In Labrador, licenced trappers are asked to voluntarily submit lynx carcasses to the nearest Department of Natural Resources office not later than seven days after the date of capture. The Wildlife Division will pay $50 to Labrador trappers for lynx carcass submissions.