Hunting Seasons Set to Open in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador’s hunting season is about to get underway as big game firearm season opens tomorrow (Saturday, September 14) in the central and western areas of the island region and in Labrador. The eastern region big game season opens on Saturday, October 5. Small game and trapping season will open in the coming weeks.

“This time of year brings with it a significant amount of interest in the outdoors as many people participate in various hunting and trapping activities,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. “Newfoundlanders and Labradorians play an important part in the management and conservation of our wildlife resources and, in doing so, contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of our wildlife and wildlife habitat.”

“As the 2013-14 hunting and trapping season begins, I encourage residents to participate in hunting and trapping activities with friends and family,” said Minister Hedderson. “By doing so, traditions and values are passed on to future generations. Have a safe and enjoyable hunting and trapping season.”

Information on hunting seasons and bag limits is subject to change from year to year and hunters and trappers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the information contained in the 2013-14 Hunting and Trapping Guide: www.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/hunting/hunting_guide_2013.pdf. 

For further information relating to licensing, hunter and trapper education, training, workshops, and research and management of wildlife in the province, contact the Department of Environment and Conservation at 709- 637-2025 or visit www.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/education/index.html. 

Hunters are also reminded of the five-year ban on all caribou hunting in Labrador for conservation purposes that was announced by the Provincial Government last season. The hunting ban is intended to safeguard the viability of the George River caribou herd and to allow it to recover to a point where sustainable harvest can occur. The response of the remaining population to the closure of hunting will be monitored and an initial review of the results conducted after two years.

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Media contact:
Deborah Thomas
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 728-8092
deborahthomas@gov.nl.ca 

2013 09 13                               10:15 a.m.