|
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce that government has enhanced its coyote management plan by amending our Wildlife Regulations to introduce a new coyote harvest for the province. Mr. Speaker, introducing a new harvest strategy strengthens our management options in addressing a number of concerns related to coyotes, such as predation on livestock and our wildlife populations, particularly big game. A coyote hunting season will also allow for greater hunter participation, resulting in increased recreational and economic opportunities. Government is committed to ensuring a sound coyote management plan for our province, Mr. Speaker. We believe that establishing a specific coyote hunting licence and a designated hunting season for coyote is a prudent approach and the best option to addressing concerns about the expanding coyote population. The new coyote hunting season will complement existing coyote management strategies, which include a trapping season, a shooting season during big and small game seasons, and an individual permit system to remove problem coyotes. Mr. Speaker, the firearms permitted under the coyote hunting licence include the small calibre centre fire rifles, not greater than the .225 calibre, and shotguns with shot size #2 and larger. The effective and humane harvest of coyotes, as with all wildlife populations that are hunted in this province, is a key consideration in the establishment of firearm regulations for coyote hunting. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the new coyote harvest strategy is not to eliminate coyotes from the province, but rather to help manage the population more effectively. Given the adaptability and reproductive capacity of the coyote, total elimination of the species is not a feasible option. Mr. Speaker, the 2004-05 coyote hunting season begins May 1 and will end July 2005. The season will be closed from July 11 to September 10, 2004. It will open again on September 11 and close on July 9, 2005. Given that some of this year�s season has elapsed, Mr. Speaker, the 2004-05 licence will be valid until July 9, 2005. Thereafter, the coyote season will begin on the second Saturday in September and end on the second Saturday in July. Coyote licences will be available from Government Service Centres and wildlife licence vendors. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. |
||
|
