Hunting Season Results Released

Nova Scotia hunters bagged 9,554 deer during the 2001 hunting season, down 44 per cent from the year before.

"There was a significant decrease in the number of deer taken last year for a couple of reasons," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Natural Resources. "The provincial deer herd size decreased because of the severe winter conditions last year, which resulted in fewer stamps being issued to hunt antlerless deer. Also, initial figures indicate a drop in hunting license sales."

The Department of Natural Resources issued 13,200 stamps to hunt antlerless deer (does) last season, but only 3,057 of those hunters were successful. Another 6,497 hunters bagged buck deer for a total of 9,554.

Again in 2001, Lunenburg and Colchester counties registered the highest number of deer taken, at 1,695 and 1,032 respectively. Registrations were down in all counties, with Cape Breton and Inverness counties having the greatest percentage decrease.

"Though not as severe as last year, we have had a long period of deep snow again this winter, which plays a significant role in the overall condition of the deer herd," said Mr. Fage. "But we will have to wait and see how they fare once all the biological data is gathered this spring."

The 2001 moose hunt saw 92 per cent of licensed hunters bagging moose. Hunters took 185 moose during the season, compared to 190 in 2000. The moose herd population in the Cape Breton Highlands is estimated at 5,000 animals.

Hunters and trappers were also successful in their pursuit of bear in 2001. Hunters took 286 bear, compared to 318 in the 2000 season.

Three hunting-related accidents, with no fatalities, were reported during the 2001 season.

"Exercising safety precautions when hunting or enjoying our forests is extremely important," said Mr. Fage. "Common sense and hunter safety courses go a long way toward reducing the risk of accidents."

NOTE: Following is a breakdown, by county, of the number of deer bagged during the last three hunting seasons.

Nova Scotia Deer Harvest by County, 1999-2001

County 1999 2000 2001

Lunenburg 1,986 2,429 1,695 Queens 617 747 481 Shelburne 530 725 465 Yarmouth 633 768 492 Digby 528 536 337 Annapolis 605 671 394 Kings 775 855 453 Halifax 1,230 1,379 779 Hants 1,401 1,535 841 Cumberland 1,414 1,384 694 Colchester 1,639 1,805 1,032 Pictou 1,377 1,508 700 Antigonish 631 605 322 Guysborough 713 710 339 Inverness 508 399 134 Victoria 81 30 20 Cape Breton 428 461 148 Richmond 576 541 210 Unspecified County 146 72 18

TOTAL 15,818 17,160 9,554