FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Regulations for Hunting of Turrs in Newfoundland and Labrador

ST. JOHN’S --- August 24, 2001 --- Environment Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service advises residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who intend to hunt turrs (also known as murres) this fall and winter that they will require a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit because of a change in regulations. Hunters who purchase this permit to hunt ducks and geese will also be covered for turr hunting.

Previously turr hunters were not required to have a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit. After discussion and consultation, the migratory bird hunting regulations were changed this year. Starting in September 2001, all turr hunters must be in possession of a valid Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit and a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp.

The cost of the permit, including the mandatory Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp, is $17.00 plus HST. Since this is the same permit that is presently required to hunt ducks, geese and snipe, a majority of turr hunters will not have to do anything different. Wildlife Habitat Canada, the non-government organization which collects funds from the conservation stamp, has agreed that additional funds derived from the sale of the conservation stamp to turr hunters will be designated for the conservation and management of turrs.

Only residents of Newfoundland and Labrador can hunt turrs. It is legal to hunt turrs from a power boat, however hunters are reminded that it is illegal to hunt from a power boat for all other migratory birds, for example eiders.

At present there is no mandatory requirement for the use of non-toxic shot for turr hunting. However, if there are demonstrated valid concerns about public health or secondary effects, the mandatory non-toxic shot requirement would be considered in future.

Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permits and the accompanying Canadian Habitat Conservation Stamp may be purchased at post office outlets.

Information on the hunting seasons and bag limits can be found in the Newfoundland and Labrador Summary of the Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations 2001 publication available at post office outlets, and also on the Environment Canada web site located at : http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/hunting.html.

Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment Canada
6 Bruce Street
Mount Pearl, NF, A1N 4T3
709-772-5585 or 709-535-0601
e-mail: cws.nfandlab@ec.gc.ca