Post by POINTY STICKS on Sept 12, 2008 22:21:27 GMT -4
Nova Scotians have another tool for harvesting deer, thanks to recent changes to regulations under the Nova Scotia Wildlife Act.
Changes to the Firearm and Bow Regulations will allow the use of crossbows by qualified individuals for hunting deer in the province.
"We are also making efforts to reduce the deer population in some areas where it has risen significantly," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "In Lunenburg County, there have been hundreds of motor vehicle accidents involving deer. We are exploring many options to help municipalities with this problem."
Hunters meeting certain requirements that harvest and register a doe deer in the South Shore Zone 2A will qualify for a bonus stamp for a second deer of either sex.
"Once the success of these options is measured, we are prepared to implement additional methods to reduce deer population if necessary," said Mr. Morse.
The changes are among a number of amendments made to regulations under the Wildlife Act. Others changes include:
-- remove snapping turtle from the list of wildlife available for harvest;
-- lower the minimum age for companion moose hunters to 16 to allow more youth and family participation in the moose hunt;
-- extend bear snaring season so it is consistent with the closing of the bear and open deer hunting seasons;
-- allow a licenced fur harvester to appoint another licenced fur harvester as a partner, allowing both to legally set and tend to each others traps;
-- increase bag limits for beaver to better reflect sustainable harvest levels for regional populations.
Changes to the Firearm and Bow Regulations will allow the use of crossbows by qualified individuals for hunting deer in the province.
"We are also making efforts to reduce the deer population in some areas where it has risen significantly," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "In Lunenburg County, there have been hundreds of motor vehicle accidents involving deer. We are exploring many options to help municipalities with this problem."
Hunters meeting certain requirements that harvest and register a doe deer in the South Shore Zone 2A will qualify for a bonus stamp for a second deer of either sex.
"Once the success of these options is measured, we are prepared to implement additional methods to reduce deer population if necessary," said Mr. Morse.
The changes are among a number of amendments made to regulations under the Wildlife Act. Others changes include:
-- remove snapping turtle from the list of wildlife available for harvest;
-- lower the minimum age for companion moose hunters to 16 to allow more youth and family participation in the moose hunt;
-- extend bear snaring season so it is consistent with the closing of the bear and open deer hunting seasons;
-- allow a licenced fur harvester to appoint another licenced fur harvester as a partner, allowing both to legally set and tend to each others traps;
-- increase bag limits for beaver to better reflect sustainable harvest levels for regional populations.