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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.
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