New Brunswick increases moose hunting licences, changes draw system

<p>FREDERICTON – The number of moose hunting licences issued in New Brunswick is being increased by almost 800 permits, starting this fall.</p> <p>More than 4,350 licences will be made available by the government in a new system that it says will give a better chance of getting a permit to those who’ve been unsuccessful in the past.</p> <p>Last year, almost 63,000 people applied for a licence.</p> <p>The pool system is also being changed to improve the odds for hunters who have been waiting for a licence.</p> <p>It creates a separate pool for hunters who haven’t been successful for at least five years and gives them three ballots, while there will be another pool for those who have been unsuccessful for at least 10 years, with nine ballots in their name.</p> <p>Another pool for those who haven’t had a licence for at least 15 years will give them 27 ballots each.</p> <p>The government is also reducing the legal hunting age for the “designate” moose hunter to 16 from 18.</p>