As Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, I am delighted to present the 2023-24 online edition of the Newfoundland and Labrador Hunting and Trapping Guide. I am also very proud to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all those in the department who support the many programs and services contributing to the sustainable management of our province’s valuable fish and wildlife resources.
Throughout the history of Newfoundland and Labrador, hunting and trapping have continued to play an integral role in our society for many reasons, for example: the enormous interest in traditional values and food security, the wonderful recreational benefits, and the significant economic opportunities. Responsible hunting and trapping practices are necessary if we want to ensure that these resources are utilized sustainably; in this way, people can experience the same benefits that we enjoy now for many years into the future. Conserving and protecting wildlife resources in Newfoundland and Labrador remains a priority for our government, and this department is committed to supporting hunting and trapping opportunities.
During this past year, we introduced several key initiatives including enhanced public access to wildlife licencing services, as well as opportunities for new hunters to participate in a component of our mandatory hunter certification program online. We continue to develop new technologies for reporting hunting and trapping activities which lead to improved decisions around the management of our wildlife resources. Among other initiatives, this year we will also be working on enhanced access to big game licencing programs for persons with disabilities, and we will be adding more moose density mapping information to the online Hunting and Trapping Guide which can be used by hunters to determine the best places to hunt.
As you prepare for the hunting and trapping seasons, I encourage you to review the Hunting and Trapping Guide so that you are familiar with the changes to quotas, seasons, bag limits and other regulation changes for 2023-24. Please have a safe and successful hunting and trapping season.
Sincerely,
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture