Free licences, training to encourage first-time P.E.I. hunters

First-time hunters on P.E.I. can now receive the required hunter safety training course and hunting licences for free thanks to the provincial government andconservation organizations.

Resident Islandhunters are required to hold a valid hunter safety training certificate topurchase theirannual hunting licences.

"For this yearwhat we have done,we are offering a complimentary licences and complimentary ...hunter safety educationtofirst-time entrants into the program," said Brad Potter, manager of the Fish and Wildlife section for P.E.I.

Any residentwho isinterested in getting into hunting and has not previously held certification is eligible, Potter said.

The potential savingscould be as high as $70 per person.

"There are many barriers to hunting or becoming a hunter or participating in other consumptive wildlife activities," Potter said.

"It is something that we do have control over and can action right now as opposed to other barriers which are long-term and are a bit harder to tackle right now."

Removing barriers for first-time hunters

The department issues approximately 2,000 licences a year,Potter said,with many other residentsholding valid hunting certificates but not activelyhunting each year.

Potter said the provinceworked with several conservation and hunting organizationsto make the necessary changes to allow the free offerings.

The Delta Waterfowl Foundation is one of the organizations thataskedfor the move.

"It was a proposal that we presented to them about a year ago," said John Clements with the foundation.

It is a try-it-before-you-buy-it deal. John Clements

"It's to encouragenew young and new-to-the-sport hunters to come into the program so it is a try it before you buy it deal."

The program would also be a chance to encourage newcomers to the country to get outdoors said Clements.

As someone who was a game warden and chief conservation officer on P.E.I. for many years, Clements said he was pleased the province was removing barriers for first-time hunters.

Youth between the ages of 12-17 are also invited to take part in the annual Youth Hunting Workshop Saturday, September 8th at the Charlottetown Trap and Skeet Club.

Things like waterfowl and wetland identification, archery, wildlife conservation and the safe use of firearms will be taught to the registered participants.

Working to get more people outdoors

"In this digital age, people have become more and more disconnected from our natural world," said Potter.

"Hunting is a tradition on Prince Edward Island and hunters are and have been strong conservation supporters of wildlife habitat programs so if we can instill in that conservation ethic into the youth of today, I think it's important."

The annual Youth Waterfowl Day for young hunters to be mentored by more seasoned hunterswill be on September 15th.

The annual hunting and trapping summary for 2018 is expected to be available early in September.

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