This week marks the opening for hunting season across Manitoba and many outdoor enthusiasts are taking to the forests and fields, lakes and marshes for the sport.

Rob Olson is Managing Director of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation. He speaks to some of the new incentives Manitoba has to offer in recognition of the sport of hunting across the province, starting with the hunter education course. He says the Hunter Education Course is now available on line. However, verification is still required with a Hunter Education Instructor.

Olson notes the availability to conduct the course online is attracting a younger generation of hunters.

The Annual Provincial Hunting Day is always held the 4th Saturday in September. This year falls on Saturday, September 24th and is open to any and all who are interested in the sport of hunting, either seasoned or novice.

Travel Manitoba has initiated a new incentive to celebrate the experiences for hunters by achieving different levels of recognition in the Manitoba Master Hunter program. “As one travels through the province and hunts different species, you can receive a pin for each successful hunt in different parts of the province.” Olson adds, “So, it’s kind of a neat way for hunters, and especially kids and new hunters, to chart their successes as they grow.”

The population of the white-tail deer had dropped significantly during the years from 2010 to 2014 due to extreme winter conditions. Those numbers are recovering quite favourably thanks to the milder winters these past 2 years. Olson says not just deer populations, but also water fowl numbers are healthy.

As hunting enthusiasts start to head out this hunting season, Olson reminds us all to think safety first and to be sure to ask for permission before venturing out on to someone else’s land.

The 7th Annual Provincial Hunting Day will be held at the Winnipeg Trap and Skeet Club on Saturday September 24th. Visit mwf.mb.ca for more information.

Visit huntfishmanitoba.com for details on how to become a Manitoba Master Hunter.