Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, advises hunters in the eastern region of Newfoundland that the Inland Fish and Wildlife Division of his department is conducting a research study into various aspects of snowshoe hare (rabbits). These efforts include investigations into possible interactions between hunting pressure and animal abundance. The project is being conducted in response to concerns expressed in a 1996 survey of small game hunters.

The field work for this study is being carried out at five sites in eastern Newfoundland, near Gambo, Terra Nova National Park, Port Blandford, Butter Pot Provincial Park and St. John�s. Snowshoe hare are being live-trapped, fitted with ear tags, and subsequently released. The minister advises that hunters can continue to hunt in the study areas, but he is seeking their cooperation in the collection of information.

Specifically, hunters are asked to carefully examine the snowshoe hare harvested in these areas to see if they have tags attached to the ears. All recovered tags should be returned to the nearest wildlife/forestry office. Hunters may contact the department�s district offices at Gambo, Clarenville, and Paddy�s Pond for additional information on this project.

Minister Aylward wishes all hunters success in their recreational pursuits and would like to thank them for their cooperation with this study.

Media contact: Christine Doucet, Senior Wildlife Biologist, (709) 729-4690

2000 01 06                                                             9:55 a.m.