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HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 2016-17 CITIZEN SCIENCE: WE WANT YOUR HELP! Arctic Hare Sightings Arctic Hare are native to Newfoundland and Labrador and are distributed throughout several regions on the island portion of the province. Population levels for Arctic Hare appear to be stable but continued research and management of their populations and habitat is important. Arctic Hare typically inhabit higher elevation areas above tree lines or in open barrens near forest. The Arctic Hare is brown or grey in summer and almost completely white in winter with black on the inside and tips of ears. Arctic Hare are much larger than Snowshoe Hare, measuring up to 70cms. We would like your help in reporting all sightings of Arctic Hare. If you spot an Arctic Hare in your travels, please send us your findings (along with photos and GPS coordinates, if possible). Send any sightings to chriscallahan@gov.nl.ca or call 709 637- 2043. Red Crossbill Recovery Efforts Red Crossbill are a medium-sized finch, which uses its crossed beak to pry open conifer cones. The Newfoundland subspecies, percna, are listed as endangered under both provincial and federal endangered species legislation. Red Crossbill are associated with conifer forests, with the highest numbers of observations occurring in the older, mature forests of western Newfoundland. The island of Newfoundland may be the only location where this rare subspecies breeds. Males are a dull red colour with brown shading and females are grayish olive with yellow rumps. They look very similar to Whitewinged Crossbills, but can be distinguished by the lack of white wing bars that White-winged Crossbills have. Many recent sightings in Newfoundland have been from bird feeders at houses and cabins throughout the Island. Please keep on the lookout for these colorful birds and report any sightings (along with photos and GPS coordinates, if possible)! Please pass along any sightings and photos to the Wildlife Division at endangeredspecies@gov.nl.ca or call 709 637-2067. Thank you for your support! 52 Be Safe and Be Seen: Wear Blaze Orange While <strong>Hunting</strong>!
HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 2016-17 Bowhunting Tips The requirement to take a specific bow-hunter education course is not mandatory in order to hunt with archery equipment in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, a person is still required to complete a provincially recognized hunter education course and possess the appropriate hunting licence(s) (including their Outdoor ID Card) in order hunt the game animals they intend to pursue. Generally speaking, the number of hunters who pursue game with a bow is far less in this province compared to other jurisdictions though interest in the activity is becoming more popular, especially for those who want to experience newer challenges in hunting. During the fall, an early two week bowhunting only season exists for moose, caribou and black bear within many Island big game management areas (see page 23, 28 & 32). At the end of this two week period, rifle hunting is permitted and hunters have a choice of using a gun or bow throughout the remainder of the season. The pre-season bowhunt offers some exceptional hunting opportunity mostly because there are generally less people afield at that time and big game animals tend to be a little less sensitive towards human activity. The spring black bear season is another favorite time for bowhunters. Early season weather is always a factor and should be an important consideration for big game hunters as warmer temperatures can lead to meat spoilage. The opportunities for small game hunting with a bow also occurs throughout the entire small game seasons and is a great way to practice shooting skills and distance judging techniques. The greatest challenge for those who are new to bowhunting is realizing just how critical it is to practice and develop their shooting skills. These skills help ensure shots in the vitals, which are more humane and aid in the faster recovery of animals. Bowhunting is far less forgiving than firearms hunting and while practicing is important for the development of marksmanship skills with both - it is even more important when using a bow. Another important consideration for a bowhunter is choosing the right equipment including the correct arrow and broad heads for their hunt and ensuring they match their bow draw length and weight. You must choose a bow that has a suitable draw weight for your build and understand your correct draw length; choose a bow that fits your body size and that you are capable of pulling back and holding the string at peak draw. It is possible for example to use someone else’s gun that has been sighted in properly and shoot it accurately if you have some basic skills but borrowing a compound bow or long bow and arrows that belong to a person’s who is 6’ 2” will not properly suit you if you’re 5’ 8”. This diagram provides a general idea of how to estimate your draw length but confirming with a knowledgeable bowhunter or bow manufacturer is important. Provincial Wild Life Regulations permit the use of compound bows or long bows that have minimum draw weight of 10kg (22 lbs) for small game hunting and 20 kg (44 lbs) for big game hunting. Crossbows are not legal for hunting in this province. Small game arrows must be tipped with a blunt or bludgeon head that is designed to kill by shock whereas big game arrows must be equipped with broadheads with at least two or more sharp cutting edges. Practice tips are designed to be used for shooting at targets only and are not permitted for hunting. Big Game Tips Only Small Game Tips Only For more information about bow hunting regulations, contact the Wildlife Division at 637-2006. Be Safe and Be Seen: Wear Blaze Orange While <strong>Hunting</strong>! 53
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Hunting & Trapping Submit your Big
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