Province releases new initiatives for hunting and trapping season

Number of moose licences to decrease slightly

Re-introducing caribou on Grey Islands off the Northern Peninsula and a small decrease in the number of moose licences on the island portion of the province are among what are termed as new initiatives for the Newfoundland and Labrador 2019-20 hunting and trapping season.

The measures are aimed at enhancing conservation and increasing participation in hunting and trapping throughout the province.

“Re-establishing a lost caribou population on the Grey Islands will enhance the conservation status of this species in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources.

“Enabling youth hunters to enter the big game licence draw system at a higher pool supports our commitment to fostering greater interest in hunting and mentorship of youth hunters.

“Best management practices — including the use of higher-quality 22gauge brass wire for snowshoe hare snaring — minimize the impact on threatened Newfoundland marten.”

A maximum of 15 caribou from the St. Anthony herd will be relocated to Grey Islands to re-establish a resident caribou population.

In the Youth Hunter Program big game licence draw priority pool: Youth applicants (age 16-17) will be entered into the big game draw at a

“Enabling youth hunters to enter the big game licence draw system at a higher pool supports our commitment to fostering greater interest in hunting and mentorship of youth hunters.” Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources

higher priority pool (pool 5).

The decrease of 100 moose licences on the Island of Newfoundland will still see a total of 29,160 moose licences available — including 17,650 either sex, 11,035 male only, and 475 not-for-profit.

In Labrador the quota remains unchanged at 369 licences, bringing the total provincial quota to 29,529 licences.

Closure of Caribou Management Area 69 (Northern Peninsula) as announced in 2018-19. An overall caribou quota reduction of 27 licences (related to the closure of Caribou Management Area 69) for the Island of Newfoundland, for a total quota of 575.

Change in the opening date for Zone 11 (Northern Peninsula) for all furbearers (except mink and lynx) to October 20, 2019.

Gros Morne National Park will reduce moose quota by 125 licences.