Environment and Conservation
September 10, 2015
Supporting Sustainable Resource Management
Big Game Hunting Season Starts Saturday in Newfoundland and Labrador
The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today reminded residents and visitors to Newfoundland and Labrador that the general seasons for big game in the central and western management zones of the island and Labrador open on Saturday, September 12. General seasons for the eastern region big game zones will open on October 3.
"Hunting and trapping play an important role in the management and conservation of our wildlife resources and have tremendous social, cultural and economic value in our province. Our government is committed to ensuring healthy and sustainable wildlife populations and will continue to invest in programs and resources to monitor and protect wildlife and habitat for the benefit of the people of the province."
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation
Hunters are also reminded that moose hunting seasons have been established in two new Moose Reduction Zones on the island portion of the province which are adjacent to the Trans-Canada Highway in central and eastern areas. Seasons for the Moose Reduction Zones occur two weeks earlier than the regular seasons for those regions. Moose Reduction Zone 101 Central opened on August 29 and Moose Reduction Zone 100 Eastern will open on September 19.
"The Moose Reduction Zone project has been designed to measure the effectiveness of the removal of moose near the roadside in reducing moose vehicle collisions. Hunters are reminded that existing traffic and hunter safety laws must be observed at all times within these zones."
- Minister Crummell
Responsible and safe hunting and trapping practices are a priority particularly when using firearms. All new hunters must complete the provincial Firearms Safety/Hunter Education Course. New hunters interested in the big game licence draw for 2016 must complete the course on or before November 30, 2015, to meet eligibility requirements. All outdoor users should also prepare for unexpected emergency situations such as becoming lost or having to deal with adverse weather conditions.
For further information on hunter safety, licensing, education, training and workshops in the province, contact the Department of Environment and Conservation at 709-637-2025 or visit www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/education/index.html
QUICK FACTS
- The big game season opens on Saturday, September 12, in central and western regions of the island and Labrador. The eastern region big game season opens on October 3, 2015. Small game and trapping opens in the coming weeks.
- Sunday hunting is permitted between October 4, 2015, and April 30, 2016, in all areas, provided hunters have a valid licence and the season for the game being hunted is open.
- Two new Moose Reduction Zones have been established in the central and eastern areas of the island. MRZ 100 Eastern opens September 19 and MRZ 101 Central opened on August 29.
- To be eligible for the big game licence draw in 2016, new hunters must complete the provincial Firearms Safety/Hunter Education Course on or before November 30, 2015.
- Information on hunting season and bag limits is subject to change from year to year. All hunters and trappers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the information contained in the 2015-16 Hunting and Trapping Guide: www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/pdf/HuntingGuide2015_16.pdf
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Media contact:
| Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation 709.729.2575, 689.8605 jennifercollingwood@gov.nl.ca |
2015 09 10 10:35 a.m.