For those who love the outdoors as much as I do, the arrival of the annual Hunting and Trapping Guide heralds the beginning of another much-anticipated hunting and trapping season in Newfoundland and Labrador. As Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, it is my pleasure to share the 2019-20 Hunting and Trapping Guide with you, and to highlight some of our ongoing initiatives to enhance conservation and increase participation in hunting and trapping.
This guide is more than a sign of great outdoor adventures ahead – it reflects the science-based decisions our wildlife resource managers have made to support public and stakeholder interests in sustainable wildlife and game management in Newfoundland and Labrador.
You’ll find some exciting new initiatives outlined in this year’s guide.
- In 2019, my department will relocate up to 15 caribou from the St. Anthony caribou herd to Grey Islands to re-establish a resident caribou population and enhance this iconic species’ conservation status.
- Our youth are the wildlife stewards of the future. Beginning this season, we will foster greater interest in hunting and trapping by entering youth hunters into the big game licence draw system at a higher priority pool. This will give first-time youth applicants a better chance of receiving a licence, and the opportunity to learn safe and responsible hunting and trapping skills under the guidance of experienced mentors before being eligible to receive a hunting licence without requiring supervision.
- We are furthering our commitment to best management practices through an enhanced education program that will provide hunters with information regarding the best brass wire brands for retaining snowshoe hare that minimize the impact of snaring on threatened Newfoundland marten.
These initiatives are part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to managing wildlife species effectively – with conservation always at the forefront of planning – to support inclusion, and to increase participation in hunting and trapping.
Hunters and trappers are essential participants in wildlife management planning. Your feedback via licence returns provides important information that helps us monitor wildlife health and populations. Your actions as stewards of our wildlife resource helps preserve wildlife populations, and ensure the safety of all who enjoy our great outdoors.
Please be responsible and safe during this hunting and trapping season, and enjoy your days in the woods.
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources