Changes to Hunting Regulations

Some changes have been made to the Nova Scotia hunting regulations for 2000-01.

This year, hunters will pay $2 for the wildlife habitat stamp, which is needed to validate the base hunting licence. All money collected from the stamps will be put into the Habitat Conservation Fund for wildlife habitat projects.

The wildlife habitat stamp was introduced in 1999 as part of the licence system for hunting and trapping. The stamp is one way of keeping track of the number of hunters and of helping to protect and enhance wildlife habitat. The fund will finance projects such as land purchases, habitat improvement, research and education programs.

"This fund ensures that moneys are available for and will go directly toward improving wildlife habitat," said Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage. "Projects will be recommended by a board of directors, which will include members of our wildlife groups."

This change was made as a result of a request from the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

"Generally, hunters in Canada pay for wildlife conservation," said Tony Rodgers, executive director of the federation. "This $2 fee will be used to improve wildlife habitat and is a continuation of our contribution."

Another change this year is that there is no age limit for purchasing a wildlife habitat stamp. Ages for hunting are determined for each type of hunting.

Other changes include an earlier season for hunting and snaring snowshoe hare. The season runs from Nov. 1 to Feb. 15. As well, bowhunters will be allowed to hunt in the Chignecto Sanctuary during the special open season for bowhunting deer and the general deer season.

Details on hunting seasons and bag limits can be found in the 2000 Hunting and Furharvesting Summary of Regulations. It will be available at all Department of Natural Resources offices and vendors throughout the province by the beginning of September.