Hunting season to stay closed

More than 5,000 registered hunters are being warned to stay out of the forests following an announcement by Chief Game Warden Anthony Ramnarine that the hunting season would remain closed because of the state of emergency. The season was expected to reopen on October 1, but because of the existing restrictions, Ramnarine said it would be safer for citizens to stay out of the forests. Game warden Steve Seepersad pointed out that currently, criminals who were trying to elude police were hiding out in the bushes. “If you look at Edward Trace, Moruga, there are various hunting camps outfitted with plumbing and facilities where criminals can hide. We are trying to avoid any confrontation with the hunters and the criminals or the hunters and the police,” he said.

Seepersad also noted that people with licensed firearms in the forests may fall victim to criminals. “People may be assembling in these camps for illegal purposes and this is why the season has to remain closed.”
However, several hunters, who requested anonymity, said they were frustrated with the continued closure of the season. “Normally from October we start to hunt so we can sell for the Christmas season,” one man said.
Another hunter said the game wardens should allow hunting in certain areas instead of enforcing a blanket ban.  However, another official said that the agouti and deer were in short supply and the ban might be beneficial to allow breeding. Meanwhile, in a statement sent from the Housing Ministry, it was stated that the Chief Game Warden, in exercising his authority under the conservation of the Wildlife Act Chapter 67:01, recognised that there may be criminal elements who may wish to exploit the open season.

“The suspension is to also avoid any circumstance which could precipitate a confrontation between hunters and security forces engaged in exercises in the forested environment.” The statement also assured  that when the state of emergency is lifted the decision would be reviewed and action taken in the best interest of all.
Game wardens have warned that there would be continuous patrols to ensure that people do not break the law.