Moose Management Progress in Cape Breton

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Department of Natural Resources staff will increase their enforcement presence this year in northern Cape Breton to ensure the moose hunt is conducted lawfully. Hunting includes attracting, pursuing, searching for, shooting at, or stalking wildlife.

Nova Scotians are reminded that it is illegal for a non-Mi'kmaw person to hunt wildlife without the proper licence issued by the Department of Natural Resources. The penalties for infractions of hunting regulations can be quite severe, and conservation officers are determined to protect moose from illegal hunting practices.

The province and Mi'kmaw representatives are currently involved in discussions on moose management issues to establish a future management plan that is science-based, sustainable, and allows an increased level of Mi'kmaw self-government and self-management. These matters involve constitutional and treaty rights. The process will take time, but this year's collaboration shows that real progress can be made through discussion.

The Department of Natural Resources will implement interim measures to ensure that animals taken by Mi'kmaw harvesters, are used primarily to benefit the Mi'kmaw community.

Any non-Mi'kmaw person will continue to need a permit to possess more than 15 pounds of moose meat. Changes to these moose meat possession permits have been made to better control how the meat can be transferred. Permits must be obtained at local Natural Resources offices.

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FOR BROADCAST USE:

     Department of Natural Resources staff will increase their

enforcement presence on moose hunting in northern Cape Breton

this year.

     The department is working co-operatively with the Mi'kmaw

community to promote safe and responsible moose hunting practices

in Cape Breton.

     The Department of Natural Resources will ensure that animals

taken by Mi'kmaw harvesters, are used primarily to benefit the

Mi'kmaw community.

     Any non-Mi'kmaw person will continue to need a permit to

possess more than 15 pounds of moose meat. Permits must be

obtained at local Natural Resources offices.

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Media Contact: Barry Sabean
              Natural Resources
              902-679-6139
              E-mail: sabeanbc@gov.ns.ca