It is time to get your hunting license for this year. Mitch Murphy, Minister of Technology and Environment today announced the migratory bird season is scheduled to open on October 5 and licences will be available by mid-September at various vendor locations across the province. Minister Murphy also noted it is a good time for hunters to brush up on rules that govern the hunting season.
"With proclamation of the new Wildlife Conservation Act on September 15, several new sections come into effect this hunting season, and hunters should make themselves aware of what these changes are," said Mr. Murphy. It has always been illegal to be intoxicated while hunting, but now possession of an intoxicant while hunting is also prohibited. It is also prohibited to shoot at any game within two hundred metres of any school, church, meeting place or any dwelling, farm building, or livestock, without permission of the owner. The previous distance allowed was two hundred yards. This provision has also been extended to prohibit shooting at any game within three hundred metres of a location where migratory birds are kept by permit issued under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. Another change involves the possession of a loaded firearm while in a boat or floating blind. Previously, this was only allowed if the floating blind or boat was at anchor or beached. It is now permitted to posses a loaded firearm if the floating blind or boat is being propelled only by poles or paddles. Also new is the prohibition of being in possession of a firearm in the field that is not cased or broken between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. The only exception to this is if possession has been authorized by a permit to hunt at night. Hunters are reminded that if they have already purchased a Wildlife Conservation Fund license for 1998, they need not purchase one for the hunting season. They will however, still be required to purchase their provincial hunting license. Season and bag limits remain the same as last year, and for the third year, the open season for black ducks will coincide with other ducks and geese. An assessment of the effects of hunting on the local black duck population continues this year. This is the second year federal regulations governing the use of nontoxic shot are in effect. The use of lead shot within 200 metres of a wetland anywhere in the province is prohibited when hunting migratory birds. A summary of season dates, bag limits and regulatory provisions is available from license vendors, Regional Service Centres and the Fish and Wildlife Division.
Mr. Murphy advises hunters they must possess a valid firearm safety certificate to be eligible to purchase a hunting licence. "Safety is always important and I encourage hunters to take advantage of the firearm safety courses offered by the Fish and Wildlife Division. It not only allows them to meet the requirement for purchase of a licence but makes them more aware of safe practices when hunting." Firearm safety courses are currently underway and more information on the course schedule is available from the Fish and Wildlife Division.