The province has proclaimed the fourth Saturday in September as Provincial Hunting Day in Manitoba to celebrate the role hunting plays in wildlife management and conservation, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced.
Provincial Hunting Day will feature a Hunting Appreciation Day at Whittier Park on Saturday.
“Hunting is a vital part of our rich natural heritage as Manitobans and our government is committed to ensuring this heritage continues to be recognized and embraced,” said Struthers. “Hunting is the foundation of wildlife management and ensures sustainable populations of game for the benefit of future generations. It is important to inform all Manitobans about the role hunting plays in wildlife management and conservation, as well as its cultural significance to Manitoba’s Aboriginal people.”
“Hunting is part of a healthy lifestyle for thousands of urban and rural families, and we are extremely pleased that the province has formally recognized the valuable role hunters and hunting play in wildlife management and conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat,” said Dale Garnham, president of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation. “Hunting Appreciation Day is an excellent opportunity for the public to learn more about our natural resources and Manitoba’s hunting heritage.”
Hunting Appreciation Day celebrates the proclamation of Provincial Hunting Day and is organized by the Manitoba Wildlife Federation with representatives from Manitoba Conservation, Ducks Unlimited, the Manitoba Lodge and Outfitters Association, the Delta Waterfowl Foundation and the Manitoba Métis Federation.
Manitobans can learn about wildlife, conservation, hunting and the great outdoors through a variety of activities at the event at Whittier Park on Saturday. Activities include seeing retriever dogs in action, learning about wildlife management, participating in wildlife identification exercises, meeting wildlife photographers and artists, and learning how to prepare, cook and enjoy wild game.
In the field, the province reports the fall archery seasons for white-tailed deer, non-draw moose, non-draw caribou and draw elk are underway in specific game hunting areas (GHA). The fall black bear season is open until Oct. 11.
Changes for the 2009 hunting seasons include:
• Simplifying requirements for youth hunting mentors who will require one valid hunting licence or a hunter education certificate before accompanying youth in the field.
• Allowing Sunday hunting provincewide for big game species which will significantly increase opportunities for students and people unable to take time off work during the week.
• Limiting the winter moose season in GHA 21 to 50 licences with 25 tags. GHAs 13, 13A, 18 to 18C, 19, 19A, 19B, 22, 24, 27, 28, 29, 29A, 30 and 31A will not have second deer seasons in 2009.
Youth are encouraged to join a licensed adult hunters using one of the special low-cost licences that are available for youth hunters. Youth hunters between the ages of 12 and 17 who have successfully completed the Manitoba Hunter Education Course or a similar course from another province are eligible to participate using any of the following options:
• shared bag limits or separate bag limits,
• special youth hunting licences or mentored hunting.
The Hunter Education program is operated by the Manitoba Wildlife Federation and is now available online.
Hunters in several western Manitoba game hunting areas are required to submit biological samples (head, upper neck and lungs) to monitor the health of western elk and deer populations. Successful elk or deer hunters in game hunting areas 5, 6, 6A, 11, 12, 13, 13A, 18, 18A, 18B, 18C, part of 22 (west of PTH 83), 23 and 23A must submit the required samples to the designated wildlife biological stations and other drop-off points listed on the department web site.
Further information on season dates and bag limits is available in the 2009 Manitoba Hunting Guide, licence vendors, all Manitoba Conservation offices or online.
