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Over 49,000 applications involving almost 60,000
hunters were submitted for the big game draw this year, and another
21,721 hunters asked to advance their priority status for next year.
The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment
and Conservation, today announced the completion of the big game draw,
and noted in total, 26,875 moose and 2,785 caribou licences are
available.
"The winter census count revealed there was
opportunity for a small increase in the number of licences," said
Minister Jackman. "This year, over 32,000 hunters will have an
opportunity to participate in the hunt for either moose or caribou."
The increases are in Moose Management Area 6 where the
either sex quota increased by 100 licences; Moose Management Area 12
where an additional 25 either sex and 25 male only licences are now
available; and Caribou Management Area 72 where the either sex quota
increased by 25 licences. The 2007-2008 Hunting and Trapping Guide was
printed before the winter census count and does not reflect the new
totals.
"This government understands how much Newfoundlanders
and Labradorians value an opportunity to hunt big game," said the
minister. "Resulting from the Provincial Government’s review of all
fees, Budget 2007saw the reduction of fees for both resident moose and
caribou licences from $52 to $40."
All big game applicants are being notified by mail if
they have or have not been awarded a licence. To ensure licences and
tags are received prior to the opening of the big game season,
successful applicants are asked to pay their licence fee online by July
31. Licence fees may also be paid by mail or in person at the Central
Cashiers Office, Confederation Building by June 29. Applicants who make
payments after these dates may not receive their licences and tags prior
to the opening of the big game season.
Resident hunters who have not received a licence
notice can obtain information about draw results and priority status by
visiting the government Web site at
www.wildlife.gov.nl.ca
or by contacting the Department of Environment and
Conservation in Corner Brook at 709-637-2025, or St. John's at
709-729-2630. Contact can also be made to any regional office of the
Department of Natural Resources: in Gander at 709-256-1460, in Corner
Brook at 709-637-2409, and in Happy Valley-Goose Bay at 709-896-2732.
"The wildlife resources of Newfoundland and Labrador
belong to its people and it is our collective responsibility to ensure
these resources are managed in a sustainable manner for future
generations. I wish all hunters a safe and successful hunting season,"
said Minister Jackman.
Hunters are also reminded that fall black bear
licences are available. Hunters may apply for a licence and make payment
online, however payment for a black bear licence is subject to the same
deadlines as big game.
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