News Release Archive
NATURAL RESOURCES--SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL HUNTING SEASON
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A substantial reduction in the number of hunting accidents
and an increase of nearly 35 per cent in the number of deer
bagged made 1995 a safe and successful year for Nova Scotia
hunters.
"With only two minor personal injury accidents, 1995 was one
of the safest hunting seasons on record," said Natural
Resources Minister Don Downe. "Compared with 1994 when there
were four injury accidents, this represents a reduction of
50 per cent. Best of all, this marks the third consecutive
year without a fatal hunting accident."
The past year was also a successful year for deer hunters,
with a total of 7,101 bucks bagged during the five week deer
season. "This represents an increase of 34.9 per cent over
1994, when 5,264 bucks were taken," said Mr. Downe. "The
numbers were up in every region of the province, but
especially in Cape Breton where the increase was just over
50 per cent.
Lunenburg County reported the highest number of deer bagged
at 814. Colchester County was second highest at 732 and the
lowest number reported was 67 in Victoria County.
Although returns from licence vendors are not yet complete,
an estimated 50,000 deer hunting licences were issued for
the 1995 season.
"A decision whether to continue with the buck law will be
made later this year, after more details are known on the
numbers and condition of the deer herd, as well as the birth
and survival rates of fawns in the spring," Mr. Downe said.
Statistics for the 1995 moose and bear seasons were also
released today.
During the 12 day moose season in October, 200 licenced
hunters bagged 175 moose compared with 177 in 1994. During
the 1995 season, 140 were taken during the first week of
hunting and 35 during the second week. Of the total, 127
were bulls and 48 were cows. In addition, an estimated 90 to
110 were bagged during the Mi'kmaq moose hunt, also in the
fall.
"These figures, together with winter surveys and biological
data collected, indicate that the moose herd in healthy,
productive and stable," said Mr. Downe. The total number of
moose bagged each season over the past eight years appears
to be a sustainable level of use."
During the 1995 bear season, 339 bears were bagged in Nova
Scotia. This compares with 342 taken in 1994.
"Through sound wildlife management policies, we have been
able to maintain hunting seasons for these big game species
in Nova Scotia," Mr. Downe said. "I am grateful hunters
respect and support these policies, which help to ensure
sustainability of our wildlife resources."
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EDITOR'S NOTE: For a chart on deer harvest distribution and
summary by county and region please call.
902-424-4492
Contact: Blain Henshaw 902-424-5252
Tony Nette 902-679-6140
jlw Jan. 31, 1996 9:25 a.m.
