Justice and Public Safety
November 24, 2015

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division Reminding People to
Practice Firearms and Hunting Safety

With the big game hunting season well underway, the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division is reminding the public to exercise safe firearms and hunting practices. So far this hunting season, the number of detected violations of the Wildlife Act has increased by approximately 24 per cent over the same period last year. Particularly troubling is the fact that the number of firearms violations has increased by approximately 54 per cent. A number of charges have been laid for incidents including carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm from or across a highway.

Since the start of the big game hunting season, numerous trucks, ATV/UTVs and boats have been seized along with 25 moose and caribou, 35 firearms and other associated hunting equipment. If this unfortunate trend continues, it is anticipated that this will be the busiest big game hunting season for Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers since the division was formed in 2011.

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division continues to remind the public that it is illegal to have a loaded firearm in a vehicle. Officers arerequesting that all hunters follow safe hunting practices. Officers rely on the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to help protect big game resources and to improve public safety, and encourage anyone to report suspicious activity. Information can be provided anonymously at 1-877-820-0999 (toll free) or by visiting www.stoppoaching.ca .

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2015 11 24                              10:25 a.m.