The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) wishes to remind all hunters that during the 2010 Bird Shooting Season, which opened on Saturday, August 14, there is to be absolutely NO HUNTING in Game and Forest Reserves. Based on previous experience, special attention is being paid to the boundaries of the Amity Hall Game Reserve in St. Catherine and the Black River Lower Morass Game Reserve in St. Elizabeth.   

Hunters are also reminded to hunt only within the prescribed times which are from sunrise to 9:00 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to sunset on Saturdays. There is only one session on Sundays, from sunrise to 9:00 a.m.   

During the Season which ends on Sunday, September 19, only four types of birds may be shot. They are the Zenaida Dove; White-winged Dove; Mourning Dove and the White-crowned Pigeon. Only twenty birds may be shot at each shooting session, with the exception of the White-crowned Pigeon. Hunters are only allowed to shoot fifteen of these at any one shooting session.

The penalties for breaching the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA), which regulates activities related to the Bird Shooting Season is a fine of up to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), or up to twelve months in prison, or both. If you observe a breach while hunting, please contact Richard Nelson at: 508-8081, or the Control Centre at:  754-7567.