Monday, October 7 marks the opening of this year's migratory bird hunting season. "The opening of the black duck season is being advanced to correspond with the opening for other ducks, and geese." In announcing this change, Barry Hicken, Minister of Environmental Resources noted that, "Our season traditionally commences on the first Monday in October and concludes on the second Saturday in December."
For the past seven years, the opening of the black duck season was delayed for two weeks in an effort to assess the benefits of a delayed opening in arresting a declining breeding population within the Province. Results were not conclusive, and thus, the season is reverting to a common opening. If our local breeding population is adversely affected with a reinstated common opening, adjustments to the season opening will be made.
"In addition to revisions in the black duck season, hunters are advised that the ruffed grouse season has been extended to the end of December. This extension will result in additional recreational opportunity for hunters," added Mr. Hicken. "Compliance by hunters will be monitored while the status of the grouse population will continue to be assessed," noted Mr. Hicken.
Mr. Hicken reminded hunters to exercise safety while hunting, to respect private land by not trespassing without the owner's permission, and to observe respect for the water if using a boat while hunting. Prince Edward Island has not recorded a hunting fatality since 1981, nor a reported hunting accident since 1989.
For more information contact: Fish & Wildlife Division, 902-368-4683