Newfoundland and Labrador has opened up hunting and trapping on Sundays throughout the game seasons, eliminating a prior restriction that prohibited Sunday hunting for certain portions of the waterfowl season.

Newfoundland and Labrador was one of several Atlantic Flyway provinces and states that imposed Sunday bans or restrictions. The province began to allow Sunday hunting in 2006, but kept the ban in place for the month of September out of concern for berry pickers. On Aug. 26, provincial leaders announced that Sunday hunting will now be allowed all season effective immediately.

“We are continuously improving the hunting and trapping experience to ensure these cherished activities are conducted in a safe, ethical and responsible manner,” said the Hon. Derrick Bragg, minister of fisheries, forestry and agriculture for Newfoundland and Labrador. “By permitting Sunday hunting throughout the season, hunters and trappers will see improved opportunities for a safe and successful hunt, and have more time to enjoy our province’s great outdoor experiences.”

Delta Waterfowl has continually pushed for the elimination of Sunday hunting bans and restrictions in Canada and the United States to increase opportunities for duck and goose hunters, as well as to boost hunter recruitment activities.

“We applaud the government leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador for fully opening up hunting on Sundays,” said Jim Fisher, vice president of Canadian policy for Delta Waterfowl. “For people who can only hunt on weekends, it doubles their number of hunting days in September. It also makes it easier to take young people and new hunters out.”

Delta Waterfowl has seven active chapters in the province. Delta members are thrilled with the change, which allows a great opportunity to enjoy more hunting in better weather before the birds migrate, Fisher said.

Duck and goose seasons for most of Newfoundland open on Sept. 17, while in Labrador, seasons began Sept. 3. — Paul Wait