Minister's Message
 Welcome to the 2008 hunting season. Our province is fortunate to have an abundance of
wildlife and many excellent hunting opportunities. From big game such as deer, moose, elk, or
black bear, to grouse, wild turkey or waterfowl, the great diversity of game animals in Manitoba
provides an ongoing challenge to all who engage in this time-honoured tradition. In addition,
our wildlife is important to a variety of people as part of their culture, as a food source or to
support local economic development.
Hunting is a vital part of our rich natural heritage. Our government recognizes this and is
committed to ensuring that hunting continues to be available to all Manitobans, now, and
in the future. We support this goal with a variety of hunting, wildlife and environmental
regulations, acts and programs. One initiative we are proud to promote is the improvement
of hunting options for resident youth. For example, a shared bag limit allows resident youth hunters to hunt under the direct
supervision of a licensed adult supervisor. Special youth hunting licences for deer, game birds and wild turkey are also available.
Mentored hunting is another way we are actively encouraging young people's participation. Through this program, experienced
hunters lend their time and skills to provide safety and ethics training to first-time hunters. This helps young people re-connect
with the land and teaches them that showing respect for nature and wildlife is the hallmark of a good hunter.
To respond to the changing needs of Manitoba hunters, we are pleased to introduce the following improvements for the 2008
hunting season:
- expanding Sunday hunting for big game to Game Hunting Areas (GHA) 13A, 18A, 18B, 18C,
19 and 19B (Manitoba Conservation is considering a province-wide expansion by 2009)
- in GHAs 23 and 23A, the return of the any elk or moose bag limit to archery, landowner and
firearm elk seasons
- allowing hunting in GHA 13 during winter elk seasons E2 and E3, in addition to GHA 13A and 14
- extending the gray wolf hunting season in Gray Wolf Hunting Zone C to the end of March
- creating a new permit category allowing the use of crossbows and mechanical devices for archers
with permanent upper body disabilities
Our government looks forward to working with hunters, hunting associations and organizations towards continued
conservation and wildlife management while providing more opportunities for hunters in our province. I wish all hunters —
of all ages — a productive, memorable hunting season.
Manitoba Conservation
Honourable Stan Struthers
Minister
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