Wildlife Information - 2004
Proposed Introduction of Wild Turkey - New Brunswick
One of the resolutions that the NBWF put forward to the Dept. of Natural Resources in 2003 requested the province permit the NBWF to introduce wild turkey into the Province. This resolution can be viewed in the resolution section of our website. The proposal was refused by the DNR.
The resolution originated from one of the Branches of the NBWF, the Sussex Fish and Game Association. The Sussex Fish & Game has also started up the first Chapter in N.B. of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). This Chapter has already held two very successful fund raisers and there exists a lot of interest in introducing wild turkey into the Province.
If you want more information on the Sussex Chapter of the NWTF please e-mail Leo Moore at mvision@nb.aibn.com.
The NBWF is getting ready to make a second presentation on this issue to the Dept. of Natural Resources and is anxiously awaiting the decision regarding the introduction of wild turkeys into Nova Scotia. More information on the N.S. proposal can be found below.
Wild Turkeys are doing well in the State of Maine, have been an incredible success in Ontario and are doing well in Quebec. The NBWF believes with a possible introduction into Nova Scotia we will eventually have wild turkeys in this Province migrating from Maine and Nova Scotia.
If you are interested we could use your support.
Proposed Wild Turkey Introduction - Nova Scotia (update September 13, 2004)
The idea of introducing wild turkeys to Nova Scotia has been raised many times by hunting interest groups for more than 40 years. However no properly prepared, scientifically researched proposal for an introduction had ever been received by the Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR). The Nova Scotia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) submitted their proposal in 2001. The Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources wanted to ensure a thorough, fair and objective consideration of their review, taking into account potential benefits while at the same time ensuring that potential impacts and risks had been carefully evaluated. To accomplish this a number of steps have been required.
Initially there was a two month period for public review and comment ending in October 2001. Many submissions were received from interested parties. After considering this input, Minister Fage (Minister of Natural Resources at the time) requested the assistance of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA) to complete an independent scientific review of NWTF's proposal and the issues raised by the public. IAFWA's report was completed in spring 2003. It identified a number of outstanding issues to be addressed and suggested some useful future steps for NSDNR. A supplemental submission by NWTF in July 2003 addressed most of the questions raised in the scientific review.
The final outstanding wildlife science/management related issue to be addressed was the need for an assessment of wildlife disease and parasite risks associated with an introduction of wild turkeys from other areas of North America. A panel of experts led by Dr. Ted Leighton of the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (CCWHC) conducted this assessment. Their report, Health Risk Assessment of the Introduction of Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) to Nova Scotia, indicates that, overall, the parasite /disease risks to agricultural animals and/or wildlife are low. We have been advised by veterinary authorities that these risks can be adequately addressed by an appropriate pre-introduction testing protocol which would be set by Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (NSDAF).
In early September 2004 NSDNR convened focus group workshops involving the Nova Scotia Chapter of NWTF, various invited wildlife management and agricultural experts from Ontario and elsewhere, NSDAF, and representatives of interest groups which had expressed concerns or specific interest during the public review phase of this process e.g. naturalist groups, hunter groups, agriculture commodity groups, etc. The purpose of these workshops was to communicate new scientific/management information collected through the proposal review process, to facilitate a fuller understanding of what would be entailed in the proposed introduction, and to allow for discussion of the proposal. These sessions were successful in disseminating information and generated considerable discussion on this information, the proposed introduction, and concerns of workshop participants.
There has, of course, been great interest in this proposal by the recreational hunters of Nova Scotia, and the Department of Natural Resources recognizes the potential recreational and spin-off economic benefits of this introduction. However, there have also been many concerns raised and issues to be addressed. Not surprisingly there has been a diversity of opinion on this proposal. The Department of Natural Resources has made every effort to ensure that we have the best possible information available to facilitate a fair, well-informed decision. After three years of review and supplemental investigation of various concerns, we are nearing the completion of our considerations. We are pleased to provide this update.
Anyone with questions or comments about NWTF's proposal and/or the information provided in this update may contact the Wildlife Division of NSDNR by emailing Furbearer and Upland Game Program or by mail to: Wildlife Division N.S. Department of Natural Resources.
Wild Turkey - Nova Scotia Decision (December 3, 2004)
The province of Nova Scotia has decided not to approve the introduction of wild turkeys to Nova Scotia at this time. "There is no established business in the province dependant upon the introduction of the species here and there are a significant number of organizations which are firmly opposed to this proposal," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on behalf of Richard Hurlburt, Minister of Natural Resources. "These factors taken together have convinced us that it is not in the best interest of Nova Scotians to introduce wild turkeys."
In 2001, the Nova Scotia chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation submitted a proposal to the province seeking approval to introduce wild turkeys to the area. Wild turkeys are not native to Nova Scotia.
Since that time, the proposal has been reviewed by staff of both the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and a public consultation has taken place. An independent scientific review has been held, a disease risk assessment has been completed and supplementary information on habitat and weather suitability has been provided. Focus groups were recently held with key interest groups to review information provided since the public consultation sessions.
"We've reviewed the matter carefully and are satisfied that we've come to the correct conclusion based on the current situation," said Mr. d'Entremont. "If, at some point, new information is presented to us to suggest otherwise, we'll revisit the issue."
Maine voters reject ban on bear baiting and hunter with dogs
On Tuesday, November 2, 2004 Maine voters narrowly defeated a referendum that would have banned the use of bait and hunting with dogs in the State.
The final tally showed 53 % against the ban and 47 % in favour. More than 700,000 votes were cast on the issue. The no vote was victorious in 13 of the state's 16 counties. The strongest resistance to the ban came from the Northern Maine towns were most of the bear hunting occurs.
Bob Fisk of the Maine Citizens for Fair Bear Hunting said the debate is far from over. Although the Maine Citizens for Fair Bear Hunting will disband by the year's end, Maine Friends of Animals, an advocacy group run by Fisk, will continue to fight the issue. The group will likely introduce bear hunting reform bills for consideration in the next legislative session, which begins in January 2005.
It is important to note that Maine fish & game clubs, national hunting organizations, Gov. John Baldacci and the State's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife opposed the ban.
New Brunswick Wildlife Federation Comments:
As you can see the fight is not yet over in Maine. Are we ready here in this Province to defend our hunting rights and culture? Support your local Fish & Wildlife Clubs and check this website or call us for the Club nearest to you.
2003 New Brunswick Black Bear Information:
| Licences sold | 1,389 resident 3,015 non resident |
| Total Harvest | 293 - resident 1,663 - non resident 87 - Others (includes killed by motor vehicles, nuisances or poached) |
| Best WMZ's | WMZ 17 (168) and WMZ 20 (210) |
| Best Harvest from 1979 until 2003 | 2,043 (2003) |
| Most licences sold between 1972 to 2003 | 12,555 (1976) |
As is the case in Maine the majority of black bears harvested in NB are over bait or using dogs.
Canadian Hunting Hertiage Accord
Whereas hunting is the lawful and responsible pursuit of wildlife, including the opportunity to harvest animals for food, clothing and cultural purposes; and
Whereas hunting remains a relevant and enduring part of our culture and heritage, providing sustenance for the human spirit and a vital link to understanding and appreciating an ever-changing natural world; and
Whereas hunting provides a continuing and sustainable source of healthy natural food that enriches the body, as well as the soul; and
Whereas early leaders of the hunting community - Audubon, Seton, Thoreau, Roosevelt, Leopold, Clark and others - recognized and promoted the need for conservation policies and programs to benefit all wild creatures in Canada; and
Whereas the hunting community has always been in the forefront of ensuring the continuing welfare of all wildlife and their habitats; and
Whereas the hunting community generates many billions of dollars annually in support of habitat conservation, restoration and enhancement that has benefited all wildlife; and
Whereas hunting is carefully regulated to prevent the endangerment of wildlife populations; and
Whereas hunted species continue to be sustainable in response to science-based management, careful regulation and habitat conservation; and
Whereas the hunting community stands ready to work cooperatively with all groups whose goal is to ensure the well-being of all wildlife populations; and
Whereas the hunting community strives to improve understanding among all participants including aboriginal peoples; and
Whereas the hunting community and government agencies have developed and implemented hunter safety and education programs that have reduced accidents to a rate which is lower than most other outdoor activities;
Therefore Canada's hunting community and the agencies that regulate the activity, hereby declare their support for and agree to take action on the following articles. By these undertakings, the activity of hunting will continue to be ecologically sustainable, safe, lawful, responsible and true to the hunting heritage of our forefathers:
Article 1: Canada's hunting community pledges to conduct itself in a responsible manner that will maintain and strengthen public acceptance of hunting and hunters.
Article 2: Canada's hunting community and associated agencies and organizations will work cooperatively and constructively in the funding and delivery of hunting-related programs and in the collection and use of science-based information to manage wildlife populations and their habitats.
Article 3: Canada's hunting community will develop, articulate and personally adhere to responsible hunting practices before, during and after the hunt.
Article 4: Canada's hunting community will maintain and strengthen its longstanding commitment to the conservation of wildlife and its habitat, through the funding and support of ecologically sustainable initiatives.
Article 5: Canada's hunting community will participate, as appropriate, at the global level, in the support of wildlife conservation, including the consumptive uses of wildlife that are legal and ecologically sustainable.
Article 6: Canada's hunting community will continue to support initiatives that promote natural resource conservation and public safety, and preserve hunting cultures and traditions.
Article 7: Canada's hunting community will support a balanced approach to hunting that considers the impact on the resource, the experience, the application of skills and the maximization of opportunities for the hunter.
Article 8: Canada's hunting community, associated agencies and organizations that finance, deliver and regulate hunting programs will ensure staff are knowledgeable of the richness and diversity of our hunting culture and heritage.
Article 9: Canada's hunting community and associated agencies and organizations, will develop and implement initiatives that retain and recruit participants.
Article 10: Canada's hunting community will share the rich history and traditions of hunting in all its forms with future generations in a manner that reflects respect for the quarry and the responsibilities of the hunter.
CWF Says "Enough is Enough!"
Renews Call For an End to Game Farms in Canada
For Immediate Release - August 4, 2004
OTTAWA, ON - The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is renewing its call to have the game farming industry in Canada decommissioned with compensation paid to farmers. This comes in response to an expert panel report on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Canadian Wildlife released today by the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. CWD is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy found in deer and elk (cervids). It belongs to the same family of diseases as mad cow.
The panel, made up of international scientists with the expertise to evaluate CWD in Canadian wildlife, concluded that CWD "is arguably the most important issue in the management of free-living cervids in North America. The disease has the potential to reduce cervid populations in the long-term, and to create major socio-economic impacts as observed in other areas in North America."
CWF has been a long time opponent of game farming because of concern over the potential spread of disease to wild cervid populations. "Our greatest fears were realized when CWD was detected in the wild," says CWF Executive Vice President, Colin Maxwell. CWD was likely introduced to wild deer in Saskatchewan as a result of "spill-over from infected farms" the report states. It has been identified on 40 game farms in Saskatchewan and three in Alberta. Subsequently, the disease was found in the wild in three areas of Saskatchewan in proximity to game farms.
The expert panel recommends a national plan be developed with the participation of federal and provincial governments that will monitor and manage CWD in the wild and increase research on the disease. The panel also recommends a comparable investment in the management of CWD in wildlife as has been made for managing the disease on game farms. "This would be significant," says Maxwell, "given that the federal government has already spent tens of millions of dollars on surveillance, testing, and compensation to game farmers with infected animals."
Although the report stopped short of calling for an end to game farms CWF believes this is inevitable. "This is clearly not a sustainable industry," says Maxwell. "The industry is relying on compensation paid to farmers with diseased animals and other government support programs. All this at the expense of wildlife."
Although pleased with the panel's findings CWF is concerned that it may be too late to effectively implement much of the panel's recommendations. This is especially so given that the panel acknowledged that the infectious prions could persist in the environment for years.
CWF first called for a federal environmental assessment on game farming in the late 1980's out of concern over the risk of disease transmission to wild deer populations. After two decades of frustration with jurisdictional buck-passing between federal and provincial governments CWF took an unprecedented stance by calling for a complete ban on the industry in 2002.
"Game farming is one big field experiment that has failed, "says Maxwell."It's time for governments to admit they were wrong and shut this industry down."
The full Report of the Expert Scientific Panel on Chronic Wasting Disease is available at http://wildlife.usask.ca.
For more information, contact
Sandy Baumgartner
Manager, Programs and Communications
1-800-563-9453, ext. 228
NBWF Comments:
The NBWF are members of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Wildlife Federation.