Cape Breton Annual Moose Hunt a Success

Results of the 2006 moose hunt in Cape Breton are in, and the numbers are impressive.

"Of the 345 licensed hunters, the overall success rate was 88 per cent for a total kill of 305 moose last fall," David Morse, Minister of Natural Resources, said today, April 3.

More than 10,000 applicants entered the draw last year. Demand for the limited number of licences has remained high since the hunt was reinstated in 1986.

"Though the odds of being drawn were only one in 30, those who did get a licence had a very good chance of getting a moose," said Mr. Morse. "In reading the comments on hunter report forms, it was apparent the hunters had an excellent hunt."

The Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for the 2007 annual moose draw lottery.

Phone lines for the annual moose licence lottery are now open. The deadline for entries is midnight on May 31.

As in previous years, hunters have to choose a zone and a season to participate in the hunt. There are four moose-management zones within Victoria and Inverness counties -- the only counties in the province where moose hunting is permitted.

Again this year, 345 moose licences will be offered.

The first season is Sept. 24 to Sept. 29. The second season is Oct. 1 to Oct. 6. The third season, which is limited to zone one only, is Dec. 11 to Dec. 13.

This year, winners' names will be announced during a public draw event at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre on Tuesday, June 12. All winners will also be notified by mail.

Applicants will also be able to check online after the draw, by entering their Wildlife Resources Card number on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/moosedraw .

Applicants are reminded that they must have a Wildlife Resources Card to enter the draw.

Prospective hunters should also carefully consider which hunt and zone they apply for. Terrain, access, available guiding services and abundance of moose differ considerably from one moose-management zone to another. Even the weather can differ considerably from the higher elevation of the northern most zone to the more southerly zones.

Detailed information on various hunt options and zones is available at local Department of Natural Resources offices, in newspaper ads and on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/moosedraw .