N.B. bow hunters allowed closer to homes
Last Updated: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 | 6:48 AM AT
CBC News
New regulations for hunting deer with a bow and arrow are allowing New Brunswick hunters to get closer to residences, which is a concern for at least one veteran hunter.
The new rules permit bow hunters to shoot within 100 metres of homes. Last year, the restriction was within 200 metres of a residence.
David Bannister, who has been bow hunting for more than 20 years, said he'd like to see regulations to make sure only those with higher levels of experience are allowed to hunt near residences.
He said novice hunters sometimes forget about safety in the midst of a hunt.
"They see something — a big animal, a big buck going … they don't plan, they don't see what's behind them, they don't know what's behind them," he said.
"It's the best thing to go out and scout, before you even start to go in amongst the houses."
Bannister said he needs to be within 20 metres of a deer in order to get a clear shot.
Bow hunting is rising in popularity throughout New Brunswick. More than 600 deer were shot last year with a bow and arrow, which is double the amount five years ago.
The Department of Natural Resources stipulates that anyone hunting with a bow must be at least 13 years of age and have completed the bow hunter education course that is offered in the province.
