Hunting Season for Big Game Opens in Newfoundland and Labrador

Hunters in the province are gearing up for another big game hunting season which opens this weekend in many parts of Newfoundland and Labrador. In the central and western portions of the Island, and in Labrador, the season opens on Saturday, September 11. Seasons for other big game management areas and for small game hunting, waterfowl hunting and trapping are set to open in the coming weeks. Sunday hunting will begin the first Sunday in October. The opening of the big game hunting season does not pertain to the George River caribou hunting season in Labrador.

"The hunting opportunities that exist here in Newfoundland and Labrador are tremendous and enable hunters to experience the outdoors in very unique ways," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "Hunting is intrinsically linked to the social and cultural aspects of life in our province, and numerous hunters annually pursue game and enjoy our abundant wild spaces. I wish all hunters and trappers a safe and successful hunting season."

During the hunting season, participants are reminded to keep safety first and foremost in their minds, particularly when using firearms. Proper preparation before the hunt is critical to ensuring safety and comfort should an unexpected situation arise such as becoming lost or having to deal with adverse weather conditions. Having the proper clothing, compass, communication equipment, and first-aid and survival gear is essential to a hunter's well-being in an emergency situation. Additionally, a trip plan should be left with someone and should contain details such as the hunting location and planned return time.

The George River caribou hunting season in Labrador, which had been scheduled to open on August 10, was delayed as the result of preliminary information from a post-calving census conducted in July in partnership with the Government of Quebec, Laval University, the Nunatsiavut Government, Torngat Wildlife and Plants Co-Management Board and the Institute for Environmental Monitoring and Research. The opening of the hunting season will be further delayed, pending the final analysis and results of the census later this fall.

Information on hunting seasons and bag limits are subject to change each year and, as such, all hunters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the information contained in the 2010-11 Hunting and Trapping Guide. Hunters are also advised to carry a copy of the guide while in the field, or leave a copy at their base camp for reference purposes. The guide can also be accessed online at: www.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/hunting/hunttrap.pdf 

"Responsible hunting and trapping play an important role in the overall success of our province's game and fur management programs," said Minister Johnson. "Hunters and trappers provide valuable information which aid wildlife managers in addressing key issues, as well as assist with the development and implementation of sustainable management and conservation measures for wildlife and their habitats."

For more information on hunting and trapping in Newfoundland and Labrador, please 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 

2010 09 10                                                    9:55 a.m.