Moose Draw Deadline Approaching

Prospective moose hunters have less than a week to apply for one of the 345 moose hunting licences. The application deadline is midnight Thursday, May 31.

There are four moose management zones within Victoria and Inverness counties, the only counties in the province where moose hunting is permitted. There are three 2007 hunting seasons. 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, is Dec. 11 to Dec. 13.

"We remind hunters of the application deadline because most are not thinking about hunting at this time of year," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "The draw happens in the spring so winners are able to save vacation days for this unique experience and have time to plan their hunting trip."

As of May 21, 6,387 entries had been received. Last year, there were 10,407 applications for the three hunts in Inverness and Victoria counties. The hunts have been successful in recent years, with 88 per cent of hunters getting a moose in 2006.

Mr. Morse reminds prospective hunters to consider the season 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," said Mr. Morse.

Applicants can call 1-900-565-3337 or mail application forms to Moose Draw, Wildlife Division, 136 Exhibition St., Kentville, N.S., B4N 4E5. They must have a Wildlife Resources Card and apply for one of three hunting seasons and one of four zones.

Winners' names will be announced during a public draw event at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre on Tuesday, June 12 at 11 a.m. All winners will be notified by mail. After the draw, applicants can check to see if they won by entering their Wildlife Resources Card number on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/moosedraw .

Detailed information on various hunt options and zones is available at Department of Natural Resources offices, in newspaper ads and on the website address above.