Amendments to provincial Wildlife regulations now permit the use of crossbows to hunt big game and small game species; and the use of .17 calibre HMR ammunition for hunting small game and furbearers. The changes take effect for the 2020 big and small game hunting seasons.
The regulations were amended after extensive review and consideration of feedback received during online public consultations hosted earlier this year by the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources at engageNL.ca. Department officials have also held discussions with hunting organizations and advocates who outlined their support for implementation of these changes.
Additional information is available in the backgrounder below. Further details can also be viewed in the online Hunting and Trapping Guide at the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources website.
Quotes “Amendments to our wildlife regulations recognize the tremendous value of enhancing traditional hunting activities in our province. Permitting the use of crossbows and .17 calibre ammunition builds upon the world-class hunting experiences already available in Newfoundland and Labrador, while attracting still more participants to this great pastime.” Honourable Gerry Byrne Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources
“The Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association Inc. is encouraged by the proactive amendments to the Wildlife Regulations to permit the use of Crossbows and .17 HMR ammunition for hunting in Newfoundland and Labrador. These new regulations will better align hunting and trapping practices in Newfoundland and Labrador with other Canadian provinces and territories and will be welcomed by outdoor conservationists.” Mr. Tony Chubbs President, Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association Inc.
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Media contacts Craig Renouf Fisheries and Land Resources 709-637-2923, 640-6922 craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca
Tony Chubbs Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association Inc. techubbs@cablelab.net
BACKGROUNDER
Amendments to Provincial Wildlife Regulations
Permitting the use of Crossbows
- Amendments to provincial Wildlife regulations now permit hunters to allow the use of crossbows to hunt big game and small game species under a valid licence. Crossbows will now be considered another firearm incorporated for use on the regular big game licenses. No special permitting will be required, however normal mandatory hunter safety training is required. Crossbows are not permitted for use during the two-week early bow hunting season at this time.
- New user guidelines associated hunting with a crossbow, long bow or compound bow will be incorporated into the province’s current Firearms Safety/Hunter Education Program and updated in the online Hunting and Trapping Guide.
- Persons with disabilities advise that new regulations allowing the use of crossbows for hunting could also be beneficial in cases where upper limb mobility issues create challenges associated with being able to draw and hold a bowstring on a long bow or compound bow.
- Permitting the use of crossbows is consistent with regulations in other Canadian jurisdictions and is expected to enhance local interest and involvement in hunting as well as provide new opportunities for the outfitting sector to market by being able to promote new big game hunting experiences for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Permitting the use of Smaller Calibre .17 HMR Ammunition
- Amendments to provincial Wildlife regulations now permit the use of .17 calibre rim fire HMR ammunition for hunting small game and furbearers.
- Ammunition manufacturers recommend that .17 caliber rimfire rifle ammunition is a suitable choice for target shooting, small game hunting and for safe and humane dispatch of furbearing animals caught in restraining traps.
- Permitting type .17 HMR rim fire ammunition for use in Newfoundland and Labrador is recognized as a highly accurate and efficient ammunition type for hunting small game in most other parts of Canada.
