Applications Available for Cape Breton Moose Hunt

Applications are being accepted for the 2011 annual moose licence lottery, which will allow selected hunters to participate in one of four seasons in Cape Breton.

"The Cape Breton moose hunt remains a popular tradition and we look forward to another bountiful and safe hunt this year," said Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker.

A total of 345 licences will be available again this year. Last year, more than 11,000 applicants entered the draw.

There are five 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 season in which to hunt. Season one is Sept. 26 to Oct. 1. Season two will be held Oct. 3 to Oct. 8, while season three, limited to zone one only, runs from Dec. 13 to Dec. 15. Season four is a two-week split-season for a non-motorized hunt in zone five only, and will be held Sept. 19-24 and from Oct. 10-15. Hunters, who can apply for their choice of zone in season one, two or three, are also allowed to submit a second application for the season four, non-motorized hunt.

Hunters should note that the non-motorized hunt in zone five is challenging and participants should be highly prepared and in good physical condition to hunt in this difficult and steep terrain.

The application period is from April 8 to May 31. For $8.51, applicants can apply on-line at www.hmcgroup.ca/moosedraw/.

They can also call the application line at 1-900-565-3337. They must have their wildlife resources card number when making an application. Calls can only be made from a landline and $8.51 will be charged to the phone from which the call is made. Application forms can also be mailed with $12.31 to Moose Draw, Wildlife Division, 136 Exhibition St., Kentville, N.S., B4N 4E5.

The draw will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 21, at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Center, Inverness Co.

The names of the winners will be publicly announced at the draw. Winners will also be notified by mail. Applicants can also use their wildlife resource card number to check their individual draw results on-line or by calling a local Department of Natural Resources office.

More information on the Cape Breton moose hunt is available at Department of Natural Resources offices and on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/moosedraw/ .