Revised April 10, 2024
The following Spring Bird/Egg Harvest and Conservation Guidelines have been developed based on a combined knowledge of the land and wildlife and are designed to encourage a traditional lifestyle in a sustainable and responsible manner to balance conservation and ensure food security measures for NunatuKavut Inuit.
Without prejudice to the rights of the Indigenous peoples of Labrador, upon review by the Governing Council of the NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) and in consultation with communities and individuals, NCC is issuing the following interim guidelines to protect migratory and domestic birds and gull eggs for the spring and summer of 2024.
Hunters must be familiar with, and respect, these guidelines at all times, when partaking in the 2024 bird/egg harvest.
Members can pick up a printed copy of the guidelines at NCC’s offices in Cartwright, Port Hope Simpson, and the head office located at 200 Kelland Drive in Happy Valley – Goose Bay.
Bird Hunt
| Opening Date | Effective Immediately |
| Closing Date (Regional) | Upper Lake Melville and Labrador West: May 26, 2024 – 30 minutes after sunset |
| Closing Date (Regional) | All Other Areas: May 19, 2024 – 30 minutes after sunset |
| Seasonal Take | Geese: maximum 3 per household |
| Seasonal Take | Other Birds: maximum 15 per household (with a maximum of 5 eiders) |
| Restrictions | Endangered, threatened, or protected species shall not be harvested (e.g. Harlequin ducks) |
Egging (Gull)
| Opening Date | Effective Immediately |
| Closing Date (Regional) | Upper Lake Melville: June 9, 2024 – 30 minutes after sunset |
| Closing Date (Regional) | All Other Areas: June 9, 2024 – 30 minutes after sunset |
| Seasonal Take | 24 eggs per household |
| Restrictions | Under no circumstances will nesting areas of any species be disturbed while hunting |
Endangered, threatened, or protected species that shall not be harvested:
- https://www.gov.nl.ca/ffa/wildlife/endangeredspecies/
- https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-public-registry.html
Protected Areas – Hunting and Egging Not Permitted:
- Table Bay or St. Peter’s Bay areas (the area between White Point and Long Point)
- Salt Pond in Muddy Bay (Cartwright Area)
Note: These areas have been excluded from the NunatuKavut Spring Bird Hunt until a conservation strategy is negotiated between NCC, NunatuKavut communities and relevant authorities.
General Guidelines:
- Hunters must have their valid, Full Member NunatuKavut membership card in possession at all times, as well as a copy of these guidelines.
- Generally accepted regulations and guidelines for hunter safety must be observed at all times.
- Under these guidelines, if approached by a wildlife enforcement officer, hunters must identify themselves as Indigenous, show their membership ID card, and state that they are hunting under the conservation guidelines of NCC.
- The NCC is asking hunters to look for any signs of potential Avian Influenza (HPAI) in birds this spring and report any sightings to NCC’s Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) department. Symptoms may include:
- tremors or lack of coordination;
- swelling around the head, neck, and eyes;
- lack of energy or movement;
- coughing, gasping for air or sneezing;
- diarrhea; or
- sudden death.
These guidelines have been approved by NCC’s Governing Council proclaimed on April 15, 2024, pursuant to the inherent authority of NCC. Amendments to the guidelines may be made at the discretion of the Council. For more information, contact NCC’s ENR department at (709) 896-0592 ext. 229 or grussell@nunatukavut.ca.
PLEASE NOTE:
The primary intent of issuing these guidelines is for conservation and harvesting management purposes. Enforcement Officers have been inconsistent in the past in how they deal with NunatuKavut members. NCC encourages members to practice their Indigenous right to hunt for food, social and ceremonial purposes. Members may be harassed and prosecuted for practicing their Indigenous right to hunt even under these guidelines. NCC will, on a case-by-case basis and to the best of its ability, provide assistance to Full Members who may be charged while hunting under these guidelines.