Application Dates Announced for Cape Breton Moose Hunt

The application process for the 2010 annual moose licence lottery begins at 5 p.m., Friday, May 7.

This year, 325 licences will be available in four moose-management zones within Victoria and Inverness counties -- the only counties in the province where moose hunting is permitted. Hunters must pick a zone and one of three seasons in which to hunt.

The first season is Sept. 27 to Oct. 2. The second season is Oct. 4 to Oct. 9. The third season, which is limited to zone one, is Dec. 14 to Dec. 16. Last year, more than 10,000 applicants entered the draw.

"The Cape Breton moose hunt is a tremendously popular tradition and we look forward to another bountiful and safe hunt this year," said Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell.

Hunters should 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 weather conditions can vary between the northern and southern zones.

Applications will be accepted until midnight, June 13. Applicants must have their wildlife resources card number when calling the application line at 1-900-565-3337. Calls to this number can only be made from a land-line and a fee of $7.11 will be charged to the phone from which the call is made. Application forms can also be mailed with a fee of $11.86 to Moose Draw, Wildlife Division, 136 Exhibition St., Kentville, N.S., B4N 4E5.

Also, for a fee of $7.11, applicants can apply on-line at www.hmcgroup.ca/moosedraw/.

The draw will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 24 at the Baddeck Fire Hall, Victoria Co.

This is be the only occasion when winners will be publicly announced. Winners will also be notified by mail shortly after the draw. Applicants can use their wildlife resource card number to check their individual draw results on-line or by calling a local Department of Natural Resources office.

Detailed information on the Cape Breton moose hunt is available at department offices and on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/moosedraw/ .