2001 Hunting Season to Begin

With the onset of fall come cooler days and shorter nights and the anticipation of a successful and safe hunting season. Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage urges all hunters to obtain the proper training, permits and licenses required to participate in the various hunting seasons in Nova Scotia.

"Hunting and trapping are two of the largest outdoor sporting activities in this province. They involve close to 55,000 people and are significant contributors to our rural economy," said Mr. Fage. "With such a large number of participants, top priorities should always be hunter safety and respect for the rights of private landowners. These are key to a successful and enjoyable hunting season for all involved."

With three big-game species in Nova Scotia -- white-tailed deer, black bear and moose -- hunting enthusiasts find ample opportunity to enjoy this form of outdoor recreation. As the hunting seasons wrap up for black bear and moose, the general open season for deer takes place between Oct. 26 and Dec. 1. Nova Scotia hunting seasons also provide the opportunity to hunt pheasant, ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare (rabbit), and waterfowl.

All first-time hunters living in Nova Scotia are required to take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course through the Nova Scotia Community College and the Nova Scotia Hunter Education Course through the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Bowhunters are required to take the International Bowhunter Education Program offered by the Bowhunter Instructors Association of Nova Scotia.

The delivery of these courses relies heavily on many volunteers across the province. Instructors schedule courses at various locations based on student applications received by the federation and the association.

"It takes many volunteers to plan and deliver the hunter and bowhunter education programs in Nova Scotia and they deserve our thanks," said Mr. Fage. "Without their dedication on an annual basis, it would be very difficult for us to implement this very important component of licensing new hunters."

Last year's long harsh winter with unusually deep snow meant that many deer -- especially fawns and yearlings -- could not find enough food to survive. Not only will deer numbers be lower this fall, but the potential for the herd to grow will also be reduced. As a result, the number of Antlerless Deer Hunting Stamps has been reduced by half from last year in five of the seven zones. Zones three and seven will remain closed to hunting of antlerless deer due to their low deer population. The results of the lottery for stamps available for the remaining zones were announced in September.

Detailed information on the changes to the 2001 hunting season can be found in the 2001 Nova Scotia Hunting and Furharvesting License and Summary of Regulations booklet produced by the Department of Natural Resources. Information is also available on the department's Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/ .

The public is urged to report illegal hunting activities to the local Department of Natural Resources office or dial 1-800-565- 2224.