An evaluation of the Nova Scotia hunter trespass problem

Increasing landowner complaints about hunter nuisances prompted the Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forests, Wildlife Division, to initiate a study to evaluate the extent of hunter trespass problems in Nova Scotia. Of particular interest to the investigation was the Annapolis Valley. While offering a variety of game for all hunters, the Valley is the province's best hunting area for Ring-Necked Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), and Hungarian Partridge (Perdix perdix). Concurrently the Valley is the province's agricultural center. A mail-out questionnaire survey was conducted to, (1) review the problems and attitudes faced by the landowners and hunters of the province, (2) measure the knowledge of present trespass laws held by the province's hunters, land-owners and non-hunters, non-landowners, and (3) examine the ; Suitability of implementing access programs used in other jurisdictions which are designed to alleviate hunter-landowner conflict. Other facts provided by the survey included: a brief description of the Nova Scotian hunter and the Nova Scotian landowner, the rate of posting for the province in general and the Annapolis Valley in particular and the reasons for posting with indications of future trends. The survey results indicated an increasing interest in the sport of hunting in the province, with most hunting time Spent on big game. Access to hunting areas presents very little problem to the hunter. Results also show that the rate of landowners posting in the province is 20.8% with no Statistical difference with the rate of landowners posting in the Valley. The rate of posting increases directly with the size of the property, the amount of income derived from the property and the education of the landowner. Hunter- induced reasons appear to be the major cause of landowners posting. Survey results showed an upward trend in the rate of posting for the Annapolis Valley. Respondents knew very little about present trespass laws but they felt that the landowner should have the right to prevent hunting on his property. Enforcement of present laws was felt to be less than adequate with the Department of Lands and Forests and the R.C.M.P. pin-pointed as those agencies which should increase enforcement efforts. Access programs implemented by other jurisdictions were shown to be acceptable to the majority of landowners but the Situation did not seem to warrant their introduction to Nova Scotia. It was recommended that increased efforts should be made in the field of education of the hunter and landowner. A Safety Zone program was outlined to alleviate hunter pressures on the landowner. Greater use of crown lands by the hunter was also recommended.