Newfoundland's hunting and fishing regulations have always been notoriously behind the times. It's only been a few years since broad Sunday hunting was approved, along with an open coyote season, and the myriad small game licenses amalgamated into one. Today was a very big day for those of us who have been making major pains of ourselves advocating reform, as the Liberal Ball government announced major changes to the province's age restrictions and access to wildlife/hunting opportunities for persons with disabilities. Now we just need to keep hammering them on approving crossbows, allowing permitless carry of non-restricted firearms in the bush for recreational purposes and over the counter sales of bear tags!
With these changes I'll be able to take my nephew, (who just celebrated his 12th birthday yesterday), hunting,with the shotgun I gave him, while there's still a chance to wean him from the temptations of the Xbox and Internet!
******
Province Opens Opportunities With Changes To Hunting Laws
October 27, 2017 | 12:46 pm
VOCM.com
Hunting laws in Newfoundland and Labrador are being changed, meaning more people will have the opportunity to partake.
Changes include lowering the minimum hunting age, updating the Program for Hunters and Anglers with a disability, and having earlier application dates for the provincial big game draw.
The minister responsible for wildlife, Gerry Byrne, made the announcement in Corner Brook this morning with hunting and trapping organizations and the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities.
The minimum age requirement to shoot small game has been lowered to 12 from 16, and the minimum age to shoot big game is now 16 instead of 18. Youth hunters are only permitted to use a firearm under the supervision of an adult.
As for persons with disabilities: A hunter can remain within 800 metres or line of sight of the person with a disability, and a new policy is being developed to give persons with disabilities priority access to moose put down by conservation officers for humane or public safety reasons.
Check out details at the Wildlife division, of the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources website: www.flr.gov.nl.ca/wildlife/.
******
Province Opens Opportunities With Changes To Hunting Laws
October 27, 2017 | 12:46 pm
VOCM.com
Hunting laws in Newfoundland and Labrador are being changed, meaning more people will have the opportunity to partake.
Changes include lowering the minimum hunting age, updating the Program for Hunters and Anglers with a disability, and having earlier application dates for the provincial big game draw.
The minister responsible for wildlife, Gerry Byrne, made the announcement in Corner Brook this morning with hunting and trapping organizations and the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities.
The minimum age requirement to shoot small game has been lowered to 12 from 16, and the minimum age to shoot big game is now 16 instead of 18. Youth hunters are only permitted to use a firearm under the supervision of an adult.
As for persons with disabilities: A hunter can remain within 800 metres or line of sight of the person with a disability, and a new policy is being developed to give persons with disabilities priority access to moose put down by conservation officers for humane or public safety reasons.
Check out details at the Wildlife division, of the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources website: www.flr.gov.nl.ca/wildlife/.