Over 80,000 applications for the 2007-08 moose and caribou draw and black bear licences have been mailed to all qualified resident big game hunters in the province. Enclosed with each application is a copy of the 2007-08 Newfoundland and Labrador Hunting and Trapping Guide.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, said, "The guide is a valuable resource for hunters and trappers. It includes specific details about wildlife management plans for provincial game and furbearer species, as well as opening and closing dates and hunting and non-hunting zones. Before completing an application form, I encourage all hunters to carefully read the guide."

This year, 26,725 moose and 2,760 caribou licences are available on the island for the 2007-08 hunting season. This represents an overall increase of 570 moose licences and a decrease of 1,325 caribou licences compared to the 2006-07 hunting season. In Labrador, the number of moose licences available remains unchanged at 185.

"Moose populations are relatively stable throughout the province, however, the current information for Newfoundland woodland caribou populations suggests significant declines are occurring in many of our herds," said the minister. "Officials are now monitoring and researching caribou in the south coast area and will continue this work in other areas during the next year to determine population and range status. This information is necessary to help make important decisions about future management plans and sustainable use of our caribou."

Aerial surveys of several island moose and caribou management areas are being conducted and analyzed. As a result of these surveys, changes may occur to licence quotas, without notice, in areas affected before the draw is complete.

Minister Jackman noted last year nearly 25,000 residents used the online Internet service to apply for a moose or caribou licence. The option of applying in the provincial moose and island caribou draw for a licence or pool advancement is available for all eligible resident big game hunters at www.wildlife.gov.nl.ca. The mail-in application process is still available for those who prefer to use this method to apply.

"The economic, cultural and social value of our wildlife resources is tremendous. We all have a role to play to ensure our wildlife is properly managed, sustained and conserved for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians now and in the future," said Minister Jackman.

Copies of the 2007-08 Hunting and Trapping Guide are available at wildlife division offices and in electronic format by visiting www.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/publications.htm.

For further information, please contact: John Blake, 709-637-2354, e-mail johnblake@gov.nl.ca or Chris Baldwin, 709-637-2020, e-mail chrisbaldwin@gov.nl.ca.

• Ministerial Statement - Big Game Applications for 2007-08 in the Mail

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Media contact:
Diane Hart
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 685-4401
dianehart@gov.nl.ca 

Application Deadlines
The deadline for moose/caribou applications for the 2007 draw is the close of business on Friday, April 20, 2007. Spring black bear applications and payments must also be submitted by Friday April 20, 2007. Fall black bear applications must be submitted by the close of business on Friday, June 15, 2007. Note that black bear applications and payments must be mailed separately from moose and caribou applications.

Hunting on a Sunday
Beginning November 4, 2007, hunting on Sunday is permitted up to and including the last Sunday in April 2008 throughout all areas of Newfoundland and Labrador provided a person is in possession of a valid licence and the season for the game being hunted is open. The Sunday hunting zones that previously existed have been eliminated. The hunting of game on a Sunday is permitted throughout all inland and coastal areas of Newfoundland and Labrador during this period. This change from last year will improve consistency and awareness of regulations. The wildlife division wishes to advise hunters that this approach is on a trial basis and will be monitored in the coming season to determine its effectiveness and use in future seasons.

Caribou Health Monitoring
The wildlife division is seeking the help of caribou hunters to assess the condition of woodland caribou on the island. Samples of caribou taken during the 2007 hunt will be used to determine the body conditions of caribou. More information on how to participate is outlined in the 2007-08 Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Wildlife Information Management System
The wildlife division requires all residents on our Wildlife Information Management System provide a Newfoundland and Labrador photo identification number or driver licence number from the Department of Government Services, Motor Registration Division. Residents who have not provided this information will not receive a big game licence application and should contact the wildlife division as early as possible. For more information on obtaining a photo identification number please visit: //www.gov.nl.ca/gs/mr/dl.stm

Online Licence Return
Beginning this year, 2007 big game licence holders, trappers and guides can complete licence return information using the Internet. For more information, please visit www.wildlife.gov.nl.ca.

Youth Hunting/Fishing Exchange Program
To recognize and encourage participation among young hunters and anglers in Atlantic Canada, the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island have endorsed the Youth Hunting/Fishing Exchange Program for 2007. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the opportunity to be considered for the Youth Hunting/Fishing Exchange Program is open to all residents between the ages of 12 and 17 who complete a Firearm Safety/Hunter Education Course between July 2006 and June 2007. More details are outlined in this year�s Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Moose (Island)
On the island, increases to licence quotas have occurred in Moose Management Area (MMA) 1 (+300), MMA 5 (+100), MMA 6 (+50), MMA 13 (+50), MMA 19 (+50), MMA 29 (+100), MMA 32 (+100), MMA 35 (+50), MMA 36 (+50) and MMA 38 (+20) and MMA 40 (+50) while decreases have occurred in, MMA 15 (-100), MMA 21 (-100), MMA 22 (-50), MMA 26 (-100), MMA 31 (-50), and MMA 44 (-50). Two new sub areas have been created, MMA 2a (Cow Head � St. Paul�s Enclave) and MMA 5a (Rocky Harbour Enclave), and each has a quota of 50 either-sex licences. MMA 3a and 22a no longer exit and their quotas have been incorporated within their respective management area, MMA 3 and 22.

Caribou (Island)
On the island, decreases to licence quotas have occurred in Caribou Management Areas (CMA) 61 (-120), CMA 62 (-115) CMA 63 (-200), CMA 64 (-275) and CMA 66 (-90) CMA 67(-120), CMA 69 (-200) CMA 79 (-75), CMA 78 (-30) and CMA 79 (-100). The Department of Environment and Conservation will conduct significant monitoring and research of the Newfoundland woodland caribou over the next several years to determine population and herd range status.

Trapping Seasons 2006-07

Newfoundland

2007 03 22                                              2:15 p.m.