September 26, 2020
Province Celebrates 11th Annual Provincial Hunting Day
– – –New Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund Created to Support Manitoba's Fish Stocks and Wildlife Populations: Pedersen
The Manitoba government is recognizing Provincial Hunting Day by encouraging hunters to share their passions and time-honoured traditions by mentoring new hunters, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today.
“Hunting has a long and rich tradition in Manitoba, and should be celebrated, promoted and valued,” said Pedersen. “Provincial Hunting Day is an opportunity for all Manitobans to reflect on the great hunting opportunities we have here in Manitoba.”
Every year, the Manitoba government proclaims the fourth Saturday in September as Provincial Hunting Day to highlight one of Manitoba’s most time-honoured pursuits, and to celebrate the role hunting plays in wildlife management and conservation.
The minister also announced the creation of the new Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund model through a trust administered by The Winnipeg Foundation. In the last fiscal year, the province invested $20 million to create the fund, which will generate approximately $1 million in 2020, Pedersen noted. This represents a more than 40 per cent increase in annual funding to support fish and wildlife enhancement initiatives led by for non-profit groups, local agencies and research organizations.
Previously a portion of hunting, trapping and angling licence fees supported the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund, which provided approximately $699,000 to support delivery of fish and wildlife enhancement projects in 2019-20. These annual licence revenues will continue to be allocated to activities that support sustainable fish and wildlife populations in Manitoba.
The Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Committee will continue to review grant applications from the fund with eligible activities from the new fund including:
• conserving and enhancing Manitoba’s fish and wildlife populations,
• scientific study of fish and wildlife populations,
• promoting sustainable and ethical hunting and angling practices through education,
• protecting or improving critical fish and wildlife production habitat, and
• securing property or an interest in property to provide public access to angling and hunting opportunities or to protect critical fish and wildlife production habitat.
“The Manitoba Wildlife Federation’s mentored hunt program is a great introduction to hunting, and provides new hunters with the concepts of ethical use and stewardship of wildlife resources. They provide an educational opportunity and help to ensure a high-quality learning experience for those interested,” said Chris Heald, executive director, Manitoba Wildlife Federation. “We also welcome the news of the new model for the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund, which will provide sustainable and enhanced funding to organizations supporting the enhancement of fish and wildlife initiatives.”
For more information on hunter education and mentored hunts, visit the Manitoba Wildlife Federation’s website at www.mwf.mb.ca or for general Manitoba hunting information; visit the Manitoba Hunting Guide at www.gov.mb.ca/sd/pubs/fish_wildlife/huntingguide.pdf.
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