The fall hunting season is underway for several species in many areas of the province and will continue through the winter, Conservation Minister Dave Chomiak said today.
“Hunting helps manage and conserve our wildlife populations, provides recreational opportunities and helps prevent damage to agricultural crops and private property,” said Chomiak. “From white-tailed deer and caribou to elk and game birds, Manitobans are able to take advantage of a wide range of available hunting opportunities right across the province.”
One notable change is the archery deer hunting season in game hunting areas (GHAs) 26 and 36 in eastern Manitoba has been revised to run through the muzzleloader deer season and will end on Nov. 13.
Other changes for 2011:
• the hunting seasons for grouse and grey (Hungarian) partridge are underway and will run until Dec. 18;
• the ptarmigan hunting season runs until Feb. 29; and
• the migratory game bird hunting season is also underway for resident and non-resident hunters in specific game bird hunting zones. These seasons end Nov. 30.
Details on big game hunting seasons for white-tailed deer, moose, elk and caribou are available in the 2011 Manitoba Hunting Guide and on the Manitoba Conservation website. The minister noted a temporary closure of all moose hunting in GHAs 18, 14 and 13 remains in effect.
Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
Young hunters between the ages of 12 and 17 who have successfully completed the Manitoba Hunter Education Course or a similar course from another province are eligible to participate using any of the following options:
• shared bag limits;
• separate bag limits;
• special youth hunting licences; or
• mentored hunting.
“The future of hunting is with our youth and we want our young people to learn about hunting safety and develop a better understanding about wildlife and wildlife conservation,” said Chomiak. “That’s why we’ve worked to develop safe and exciting hunting opportunities for young Manitobans and youth are encouraged to join a licensed adult hunter by using one of our special, low-cost licences.”
Hunters in several western Manitoba game hunting areas are required to submit biological samples (head, upper neck and lungs) to monitor the health of western elk and deer populations. Successful elk or deer hunters in GHAs 5, 6, 6A, 11, 12, 13, 13A, 18, 18A, 18B, 18C, part of 22 (west of PTH 83), 23 and 23A must submit the required samples to the designated biological sample depots listed in the 2011 Manitoba Hunting Guide and on the Manitoba Conservation website.
Further information on season dates and bag limits is available in the 2011 Manitoba Hunting Guide, licence vendors, Manitoba Conservation offices and the website at: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/hunting.
