Big game licence applications due today

The Department of Environment and Conservation are reminding eligible hunters in the province the deadline for applications for the 2010 big game licence draw is today, May 14. Big game hunters who have applied online can continue make changes to their application up to that time.

"Although the information is clearly outlined in our annual Hunting and Trapping Guide, which goes out to eligible hunters, I want to remind them of today's deadline," said Minister Charlene Johnson, in a release.

"Hunting is a very important activity for many residents of our province and has significant recreational, cultural and social value, as well as being an important food source."

The big game licence draw is expected to be completed by early June. All big game applicants will be notified by mail whether they have been awarded a licence. Once the draw is complete, individuals who submitted applications can check results online by logging into the provincial Wildlife Information Management System using the login information contained in the application.

All eligible big game hunters are also reminded that they must submit an application in order to advance in the pool system. If an application is not received, a hunter's priority pool will remain the same for next year's draw. To ensure licences and tags are received prior to the opening of the big game season, successful applicants are asked to pay licence fees by mail or in person at the Central Cashier's Office, East Block, Confederation Building, by June 26.

The deadline for payment of fees online is July 31. Applicants who make payments after these dates may not receive their licences and tags prior to the opening of the big game season.

Applications and payments for fall black bear licences can also be completed online. Payments for black bear licences are subject to the same conditions and deadlines as those for moose and caribou.

For more information about the resident big game licence draw or hunter priority status, please visit www.wildlife.gov.nl.ca or call 709-637-2025 or 709-729-2630.