Steel Shot Workshops Planned

P.E.I. Minister of Environmental Resources, Barry Hicken, announced plans for two steel shot workshops to be held to educate the hunting public on the use of non-toxic shot for hunting migratory birds. These workshops are being conducted in conjunction with the Canadian Wildlife Service, noted Mr. Hicken, in consideration of existing and new regulations restricting the use of lead shot for hunting migratory birds. The new regulations are scheduled to take effect province-wide for the 1997 hunting season, while existing regulatory restrictions apply to the Hillsborough watershed. Mr. Hicken noted that the first workshop is planned for the Kildare Boy Scout Camp on Saturday, September 14th, followed by another workshop at the Fort Augustus Rec Centre on Saturday, September 21st. Both workshops begin at 9:00 A.M. Hunters are encouraged to bring along their shotguns for patterning. Steel shot will be provided to all participants.

Non-toxic shot zones have existed on P.E.I. since the 1993 season. The first area designated encompassed Pisquid Pond and surrounding lands, while the designation was expanded in 1995 to include the Hillsborough River system. Mr. Hicken noted that the Department has observed a high degree of compliance by hunters in these non-toxic shot zones. All interested hunters are encouraged to participate in the upcoming workshops.

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