News Release Archive
NATURAL RESOURCES--BUCK LAW REINSTATED FOR 1996 SEASON ----------------------------------------------------------------- A "buck" law, which allows hunters to bag only male antlered deer, will continue in Nova Scotia for another season. Natural Resources Minister Eleanor Norrie, and Business and Consumer Services Minister Don Downe announced reinstatement of the buck law at the annual meeting of the Nova Scotia Wildlife Federation in Truro. "After three seasons with a buck law, there is evidence the deer herd is increasing," said Mrs. Norrie. "We want to ensure that the herd continues to increase, so the buck law will remain in place for at least one more year." During the 1995 deer season, 7,100 bucks were bagged, an increase of nearly 35 per cent over the previous season. The buck law was introduced in 1993 as a conservation measure to protect doe deer so that the herd could expand. "If the deer population continues to increase, management zones may be an option in the future, perhaps in 1997 or 1998," Mrs. Norrie said. "Under the system, a limited number of does could be bagged in zones where scientific data demonstrates a hunt for does could be sustained." It was also announced that application forms for the 1996 moose license lottery are now available from Department of Natural Resources offices across the province. Deadline for receipt of the applications is May 30. A draw for 200 moose licenses will take place in June. -30- Contact: Blain Henshaw 902-424-5252 jlw April 2, 1996 4:45 p.m.