Nova Scotia revamps hunting regulations

[Wendell]

Hunters can use .410 slugs for deer hunting and larger buckshot sizes for big game, coyotes, fur-bearing animals and certain small game.

Halifax, NS | Sat, June 26th, 2010​

Province revamps hunting regulations
Biggest change involves deer hunting zones

By IAN FAIRCLOUGH Staff Reporter
Fri. Jun 25 - 4:54 AM

More deer-hunting zones, a doubling of the limit on the number of bears that can be snared and the ability to hunt with a crossbow are among several changes to hunting regulations that the province has announced.

The most extensive change is a redrawing of the existing deer hunting zones, turning eight areas into 12.

That change, made after public consultation, is designed to increase the possibility of hunters bagging two deer a year in zones where the deer population is high. The goal is to cut down on the number of collisions between deer and cars and to reduce other problems associated with deer increasing in number and coming into contact with humans.

Another change creates a non-motorized moose hunt in Cape Breton.

Separate from the regular moose hunt, it will take place Sept. 20-25 and Oct. 11-16 in the Pollets Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area.

The Natural Resources Department wants to gauge from the trial hunt how much interest there is in a non-motorized hunt and to evaluate hunting and hauling techniques before a ban on motorized vehicles in the wilderness area comes into effect in 2012.

Only 20 special licences, to be drawn in the coming months, will be available for the trial hunt.

Mike O’Brien, acting manager for the large mammals program with Natural Resources, said the trial hunt will determine if it’s feasible for hunters to bag a moose and then get it out of the wilderness to a place where they can use a vehicle.

"This is much different than the other hunt, where you’re allowed to use motorized vehicles," O’Brien said.

"You have to think about where you’re going to hunt, how far you are capable of going in (the woods) with the gear you are going to need, and more importantly, how far you are capable of carrying out a 75- or 80- or 100-pound backload of moose meat when you successfully get an animal," he said.

"You’re going to need help, you’re going to need three or four or more other people who understand what they’re getting into and are willing to help you get that animal out through difficult terrain."

People who snare bears will be allowed to bag two instead of one because of an increase in the bear population, O’Brien said. He said there has been a gradual increase in problems and complaints involving bears.

Among other changes to the regulations:

•Teenagers aged 16 to 19 can be licensed to guide when supervised by a licensed guide older than 19. Hunters aged 12 to 15 can take guide courses.

•Hunters with a disability can hunt on their own, as long as someone is available to help retrieve game.

•Camouflage orange clothing is permitted while hunting.

•Crossbows can be used for any hunt in which conventional bows may be used, except the special open season for hunting deer with a bow.

•Hunters can use .410 slugs for deer hunting and larger buckshot sizes for big game, coyotes, fur-bearing animals and certain small game.

( ifairclough@herald.ca)

© 2010 The Halifax Herald Limited
http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1189031.html

 

[Wendell]

Changes to Wildlife Act Regulations

http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20100623012

News Releases​

Changes to Wildlife Act Regulations
Department of Natural Resources
June 23, 2010 2:28 PM

The latest changes to regulations under the provincial wildlife act will provide greater opportunities to all Nova Scotia hunters, including youth and the disabled.

Wildlife regulations are reviewed by the Department of Natural Resources, based on requests and advice from wildlife division biologists.

"These revisions ensure that our wildlife resources are used in a sustainable and equitable manner, making life better for Nova Scotia families," said John MacDonell, Minister of Natural Resources, today, June 23.

Perhaps the most noteworthy change is the replacement of eight deer management zones by 12 new zones, which was done in broad consultation with the public, hunters and wildlife biologists. The goal is to provide greater deer-hunting opportunities in areas where there are large deer populations, bringing a number of vehicle-deer collisions and other human-wildlife conflict.

Another regulation change is a transition project which will create a non-motorized moose hunt in the Pollet's Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area in Cape Breton. It will be separate from the regular moose hunt and motorized vehicles will not be permitted in the area. The hunt will be Sept. 20-25 and Oct. 11-16.

The departments of Natural Resources and Environment will use the trial to gauge hunter interest and evaluate hunting and hauling techniques before the motorized vehicles are prohibited for moose hunting in the area in 2012. Only 20 licences, awarded through a special draw, are available for this hunt. Application details will be announced in the coming weeks. Hunters who have applied for the general Nova Scotia moose draw may also enter the non-motorized hunt draw.

In an effort to attract more young people to the joys of hunting, changes to regulations will allow youth age 16 to 19 years of age to hold a guide licence. They can serve as a guide when supervised by a licenced guide older than 19. Hunters 12 to 15 years of age will now be eligible to take guide courses.

In another rule change, hunters with a disability will now be permitted to hunt on their own, providing someone is available to help retrieve game.

Other changes will:
-- double the bear snaring bag limit to two
-- repeal the mandatory registration of bait sites for hunting bears, making it consistent with the regulations for snaring bear and hunting deer
-- allow the use of camouflage orange garments while hunting (in addition to blaze orange)
-- allow the use of crossbows in all hunting situations where conventional bows may be used, except the special open season for bowhunting deer
-- allow the use of .410 slugs for deer hunting and larger shot sizes (buckshot) for hunting big game, coyotes, furbearers and certain small game, as safe alternatives in higher populated areas where animals such as deer are creating problems.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Changes to regulations under the provincial wildlife act, announced today (June 23rd) will provide greater opportunities to all Nova Scotia hunters, including youth and the disabled. The changes announced today will replace eight deer management zones with 12 new ones to provide greater deer-hunting opportunities, offer a transition project of a non-motorized moose hunt in the Pollet's Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area this fall in Cape Breton; and encourage youth to take guide courses and offer more independence for disabled hunters. Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell says the regulations make life better for Nova Scotia families by ensuring wildlife resources are used in a sustainable and equitable way.

-30-

Media Contact: David Salter
Natural Resources
902-424-5239
E-mail: salterdj@gov.ns.ca

Crown copyright © 2010, Province of Nova Scotia, all rights reserved.

Page last updated 2010-07-12.​

http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20100623012

 

[Wendell]

Non-motorized hunt discriminatory

http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opini...e-1593344/Non-motorized-hunt-discriminatory/1

The province says we cannot use an all-terrain vehicle or any motorized device to help get a moose out of the woods during this hunt due to the risk of destroying the habitat. When the Stora destroyed the whole highlands in the ‘80s, how much habitat disappeared that will never grow back?

There are already trails in place but we are not allowed to use them under these new regulations.

In 2012, the government is stating, there will be no ATVs allowed in protected areas. How are hunters supposed to hunt, then? I know they hunt like this in Newfoundland so maybe we should go with the way Newfoundland does its draw though a pool system, which would be fair to all individuals. Some people here have been picked three or four times while others haven’t been picked at all.

This is not providing equal opportunity to all the individuals who wish to participate in the hunt. If we are going to follow Newfoundland habitat regulations, then why not follow the pool system as well?

- Peter MacDonald
Sydney Mines


Cape Breton Post © Copyright 2008 - 2010
http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opini...e-1593344/Non-motorized-hunt-discriminatory/1

 

[Wendell]

The new regulations are on the website.

Deer Hunting Regulations
made under Section 113 of the Wildlife Act
R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 504
O.I.C. 88-348 (March 29, 1988, effective May 1, 1988), N.S. Reg. 59/88
as amended up to O.I.C. 2010-251 (June 22, 2010), N.S. Reg. 91/2010

http://www.gov.ns.ca/just/regulations/regs/wideerht.htm

Firearm and Bow Regulations
made under Section 113 of the Wildlife Act
R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 504
O.I.C. 89-837 (July 18, 1989, effective August 1, 1989), N.S. Reg. 144/89
as amended up to O.I.C. 2010-244 (June 22, 2010), N.S. Reg. 84/2010

Big game hunting - permitted weapons

4 (1) Subject to the Act and regulations and to subsection (5), any person may possess in a wildlife habitat during an open season for hunting big game, except during the special open season for bow hunting deer, any of the following items:

(a) a rifle and ammunition of .23 calibre or greater;

(b) a shotgun, of .410, 28, 20, 16, 12 or 10 gauge, using a single projectile or shot having a diameter of .24 in. or 6.10 mm (AAA or No. 4 Buckshot) or larger;

Clause 4(1)(b) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

(c) a muzzle loaded firearm of .45 calibre or greater; or

(d) a bow with a draw weight of 50 pounds or greater within the draw length of the archer when hunting moose and 40 pounds or greater within the draw length of the archer when hunting big game other than moose and any arrow fitted with a broadhead;

(e) a crossbow with a minimum draw weight of 68 kg (150 lbs) and bolts with heads measuring more than 2.2 cm in diameter.

Clause 4(1)(e) added: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.


Hunting small game - permitted weapons

5 (1) Subject to the Act and regulations and to subsection (2), any person may possess in a wildlife habitat during an open season for hunting small game any of the following items:

(a) a shotgun loaded with shot;

Clause 5(1)(a) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

(aa) a rifle/shotgun combination firearm, provided the person does not carry or use rifle ammunition during a season in which the use of a rifle is not permitted;

Clause 5(1)(aa) added: O.I.C. 2003-186, N.S. Reg. 102/2003.

(b) a bow and arrows with or without broadheads;

Clause 5(1)(b) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

(c) a crossbow and bolts or arrows with or without broadheads.

Clause 5(1)(c) added: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

(2) During the open season for hunting snowshoe hare, a person may possess a rim fire rifle of .22 calibre or less or a muzzle loaded rifle of .40 calibre or less.

Clause 5(2)(a) replaced and renumbered subsection 5(2): O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; amended: O.I.C. 2007-229, N.S. Reg. 229/2007.

(2A) During the period of time that the open season for hunting snowshoe hare overlaps another open season or time period listed below, a person may hunt snowshoe hare with the items specified, in addition to the items listed in subsection (1):

(a) open season for hunting big game - any firearm permitted under Section 4, provided that the person holds a valid licence and a valid unused tag for hunting the type of big game that corresponds to the open season;

(b) the time period from the closure of the general open season for hunting deer to March 31 of the following year - any weapon permitted under subsection 6(2), provided that the person holds a valid base licence and is hunting coyote in accordance with subsection 6(2); or

(c) open season for harvesting fur-bearing animals - any weapon permitted under subsection 7(2), provided that the person holds a valid Fur Harvester’s Licence, as defined in the Fur Harvesting Regulations.

Clause 5(2)(b) renumbered as subsection 5(2A): O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; replaced: O.I.C. 2002-268, N.S. Reg. 75/2002.

(2B) Despite clause (1)(aa), no person shall hunt a game bird with the rifle portion of a rifle/shotgun combination firearm.

Subsection 5(2B) added: O.I.C. 1999-367, N.S. Reg. 78/99; replaced: O.I.C. 2004-223, N.S. Reg. 163/2004.

(3) No person shall hunt small game with a weapon, and arrow or ammunition other than the items prescribed in subsections (1), (2) and (2A).

Subsection 5(3) amended: O.I.C. 1999-367, N.S. Reg. 78/99; O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

Non-protected wildlife - permitted weapons

6 (1) Subject to the Act and regulations, any person authorized by the General Wildlife Regulations may possess while hunting other harvestable wildlife as identified in the General Wildlife Regulations any of the following items:

(a) a shotgun loaded with shot;

Clause 6(1)(a) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

(b) a bow and arrows with or without broadheads;

Clause 6(1)(b) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

(ba) a crossbow and bolts or arrows with or without broadheads;

Clause 6(1)(ba) added: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

(c) a rim fire rifle of .22 calibre or less or a muzzle loaded rifle of .40 calibre or less from October 15 to the last day of March in the year following, both dates inclusive; or

Clause 6(1)(c) replaced: O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; amended: O.I.C. 2007-229, N.S. Reg. 229/2007; O.I.C. 2008-458, N.S. Reg. 376/2008.

(d) a rifle/shotgun combination firearm, provided the person does not carry or use rifle ammunition during a season in which the use of a rifle is not permitted.

Clause 6(1)(d) added: O.I.C. 2003-186, N.S. Reg. 102/2003.

Subsection 6(1) amended: O.I.C. 94-688, N.S. Reg. 145/94.

(2) In addition to the items mentioned in subsection (1), a person may, for the purpose of hunting coyotes, use a rifle or shotgun with rifled slugs or ball after the closure of the general open season for hunting deer until March 31 of the year next following.

Subsection 6(2) amended: O.I.C. 91-836, N.S. Reg. 165/91; O.I.C. 96-460, N.S. Reg. 109/96; O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; O.I.C. 2002-268, N.S. Reg. 75/2002.

(3) In addition to the items mentioned in subsections (1) and (2), a person who is the holder of a valid hunting licence may during the open season for big or small game hunt other harvestable wildlife as identified in the General Wildlife Regulations with any weapon, arrow or ammunition permitted during those open seasons.

Subsection 6(3) amended: O.I.C. 94-688, N.S. Reg. 145/94; O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

(4) No person shall hunt other harvestable wildlife as identified in the General Wildlife Regulations with a weapon, arrow or ammunition other than the items prescribed in subsection (1), (2) and (3).

Subsection 6(4) amended: O.I.C. 94-688, N.S. Reg. 145/94; O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

Fur-bearing animals - permitted weapons

7 (1) Any person who is the holder of a valid Fur Harvesters Licence may possess a rim fire rifle of .22 calibre or less during the open season for harvesting fur-bearing animals, including Sundays during that season, for the purpose of dispatching animals in traps.

Subsection 7(1) amended: O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; amended: O.I.C. 2007-229, N.S. Reg. 229/2007.

(2) Subject to the Act and regulations, any person authorized to hunt raccoon, bobcat, fox or weasel during the day may use any of the following items:

(a) a shotgun loaded with shot;

Clause 7(2)(a) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

(b) a bow and arrows fitted with broadheads;

Clause 7(2)(b) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

(ba) a crossbow and bolts or arrows fitted with broadheads;

Clause 7(2)(ba) added: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

(c) a rim fire rifle of .22 calibre or less or a muzzle loaded rifle of .40 calibre or less; or

Clause 7(2)(c) amended: O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; amended: O.I.C. 2007-229, N.S. Reg. 229/2007.

(d) during the period of time that the open season for hunting fur-bearing animals overlaps another open season or time period listed below, with the items specified, in addition to the items listed in clauses (a), (b) and (c):

(i) open season for hunting big game - any firearm permitted under Section 4, provided that the person holds a valid licence and a valid unused tag for hunting the type of big game that corresponds to the open season; or

(ii) the time period from the closure of the general open season for hunting deer to the end of the open season for hunting fur-bearing animals in the following year - any weapon permitted under subsection 6(2).

Clause 7(2)(d) replaced: O.I.C. 2002-268, N.S. Reg. 75/2002.

(3) Subject to the Act and regulations, any person authorized to hunt raccoon at night may use any of the following items:

(a) a shotgun loaded with shot not larger than number 2;

(b) a .22 calibre or less rim fire rifle; or

Clause 7(3)(b) amended: O.I.C. 97-522, N.S. Reg. 101/97; amended: O.I.C. 2007-229, N.S. Reg. 229/2007.

(c) a bow and arrows fitted with broadheads.

Clause 7(3)(c) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

(d) a crossbow and bolts or arrows fitted with broadheads.

Clause 7(3)(d) added: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

(4) No person shall hunt a fur-bearing animal with a weapon, arrow or ammunition other than the items prescribed in subsections (1), (2) and (3).

Subsection 7(4) amended: O.I.C. 2010-244, N.S. Reg. 84/2010.

Quantities of firearms/bows

10 No person while hunting wildlife shall possess more than one weapon unless the additional weapon is either unloaded and disassembled so that it is not readily operable, or is unloaded and encased.


http://www.gov.ns.ca/just/regulations/regs/wifire.htm

 

[Brutus]

Wow.....extensive changes for NS, and mostly good changes I see!

Don't know about 410 with slugs for deer, & #4 buckshot is pushing it too. But the rest is something to behold.
I hope the politicians in NB are thinking about this subject too.

 

[beefman]

.410 slugs for deer hunting....Have they lost their mind.

 

[Wendell]

Rules target coyotes - Trappers to get $20 a pelt, special training will be offered

http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1206725.html

Halifax, NS | Wed, October 13th, 2010​

Rules target coyotes
Trappers to get $20 a pelt, special training will be offered
By PATRICIA BROOKS ARENBURG Staff Reporter
Wed, Oct 13 - 7:10 AM

A small group demonstrates outside the legislature in Halifax on May 10 protesting the NDP government’s decision to offer trappers a $20 bounty to reduce the coyote population. (ANDREW VAUGHAN / CP)

A coyote makes its rounds in an enclosure at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park. The province is offering $20 a pelt for professional trappers. About 15 trappers are getting special training to target coyotes that chase, bite or attack people. (CP)


There are new rules in place to deal with aggressive coyotes as Nova Scotia’s regular trapping season begins on Oct. 15.

The province is offering $20 a pelt for professional trappers and about 15 trappers are getting special training to target coyotes that chase, bite or attack people.

Coyote trappers can place traps on Crown land and on private land with permission of the owner and the new specially trained trappers will be allowed to trap for aggressive animals on privately owned land without permission.

But the province’s new wildlife conflict biologist doesn’t think that’s going to be a problem.

"It would be no different than DNR staff going into the school grounds outside of Jeddore and shooting an animal, removing it from the school ground because it was an issue with it on the school ground. It’s public safety," said Mike Boudreau of the Department of Natural Resources.

Boudreau said these aren’t simply coyote sightings in a residential neighbourhood at night, or cases of outdoor cats killed at night by coyotes, which hunt at night. There are "nuisance operators" to deal with these animals, he said. These are animals that show no fear of people, see humans as at least a producer of food, and eventually attack.

Department workers will investigate complaints about problem animals to determine whether specially trained trappers need to go in, Boudreau said. They’ll interview those involved, talk to neighbours and bring the information back to the panel, which includes Boudreau, for review.

"You have to make sure you have the facts because when you do respond, you’re going to respond in a lethal manner for that animal and you really don’t want to be doing that if you don’t have to," Boudreau said.

If the panel decides that an animal needs to be trapped for public safety reasons, they will go back to the area and talk to neighbours to educate them about the potential danger and the specially trained trappers will set the traps.

The "rubber-jawed soft traps" have no teeth and are designed to hold an animal with minimal injury, Boudreau said. They also have to be a certain distance away from homes for safety’s sake.

Boudreau, who was hired as part of the province’s aggressive coyote plan announced in April, said the department will collect biological information on the animals, such as weight, ### ratio and litter size and will compare that against the last data collected in 1992.

The coyote trapping season ends March 31.

( pbrooks@herald.ca)

© 2010 The Halifax Herald Limited
http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1206725.html