Province Accepting Applications for Non-Motorized Moose Hunt

Applications for the 2010 non-motorized moose hunt in the Pollets Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness area of Cape Breton will be accepted from 7 a.m., Saturday, July 10, to 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 25.

Only 20 licences are available. Hunters who have already applied for the general moose draw can enter the lottery for the non-motorized hunt. However, successful applicants can only select one hunt.

As part of changes to wildlife regulations announced in June, the trial hunt will have minimal impact on the sensitive natural landscape and gauge interest before the schedule ban of motorized vehicles in the area beginning in 2012.

The departments of Natural Resources and Environment are working with the Mi'kmaq and provincial stakeholders to achieve a successful transition to a viable moose hunt that avoids the significant safety and environmental risks associated with the use of off-highway vehicles in this area.

This trial hunt is designed to reduce human impact in the area which is consistent with the objectives of designated wilderness areas.

The hunt will run from Monday, Sept. 20, to Saturday, Sept. 25 and resume on Monday, Oct. 11, ending on Saturday, Oct. 16. Successful applicants can hunt during both weeks.

The extremely rugged terrain, steep slopes and potentially long travel distances will be physically demanding on participants and hunters should consider this before applying.

Non-motorized hunts for large game are conducted in other jurisdictions in Canada and the U.S. where guides and hunting parties operate from remote camps and utilize pack horses, wheeled carts and backpacks to transport equipment and game over difficult terrain.

Applications for the hunt are available by calling 1-900-565-3337. The application fee is $7.25 plus HST.

For more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/moosedraw/ or contact a department office.