Beaton Tulk, Minister responsible for wildlife, announced today that effective today (November 4), the Orma North Caribou Zone will be closed to caribou hunting. The minister advises that a strong westerly movement of the herd out of the zone has been detected from observing the movements of satellite-collared animals. As well, hunters report few animals remaining in the vicinity of Sail Lake and poor hunting success along the Orma Road.

Mr. Tulk also noted that one of the satellite collared animals of the Red Wine herd was shot in this zone. As this sedentary herd is already at a low population level, it is particularly vulnerable to human harvest. There is the concern that further hunting activity in the Orma North zone might inadvertently focus on this caribou population.

"This staff of the Wildlife Division of my department will continue to monitor the movement of the George River caribou herd," said the minister. "Hunters are advised that additional areas may be opened as the caribou migration continues."

Contact: Derek Leboubon, Regional Wildlife Manager, Happy Valley/Goose Bay, (709) 896-2732 or Oscar Forsey, Wildlife Biologist, Gander, (709) 256-1460/62