Last week marked the opening of hunting season across Manitoba and many outdoor enthusiasts are taking to the forests and fields, lakes and marshes for the sport.

Rob Olson is Managing Director of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation. He speaks to some of the new incentives Manitoba has to offer in recognition of the sport of hunting across the province, starting with the hunter education course. He says the Hunter Education Course is now available online. However, verification is still required with a Hunter Education Instructor.

Olson explains this new accessibility to the Hunter Education Course, as well as the most encouraging change for families who enjoy the sport of hunting as a family affair.

"We got a lot of feedback from parents that said they wanted to take their kids bird hunting, maybe not rifles and big game hunting, but they thought their kids were ready at ten and eleven. We have a lot of experience with that with junior rifle programs as well, we see kids really able to shoot very well at the age of ten and eleven and there was a lot of discussion among hunter education instructors and it came out to be something that people really wanted. We are really thankful that the government went ahead and made that change for use."

TheAnnual Provincial Hunting Day is always held the 4th Saturday in September. This year falls on Saturday, September 24th and is open to any and all who are interested in the sport of hunting, either seasoned or novice.

Travel Manitoba has initiated a new incentive to celebrate the experiences for hunters by achieving different levels of recognition in the Manitoba Master Hunter program. "As one travels through the province and hunts different species, you can receive a pin for each successful hunt in different parts of the province." Olson adds, "So, it’s kind of a neat way for hunters, and especially kids and new hunters, to chart their successes as they grow."

The population of the white-tail deer had dropped significantly during the years from 2010 to 2014 due to extreme winter conditions. Those numbers are recovering quite favourably thanks to the milder winters these past 2 years. Olson says not just deer populations, but also waterfowl numbers are healthy.

As hunting enthusiasts start to head out this hunting season, Olson reminds us all to think safety first and to be sure to ask for permission before venturing out on to someone else’s land.

"Let's go out and have fun, but let's always be safe. Muzzle control is always number one, we treat ever gun, loaded or not, like it is loaded, so safety is always number one with hunting. Number two, respecting the landowners, just being really careful to make sure that we always ask permission. It is not only required by law but it is just the right thing to do. Making sure you are respecting landowners and making sure you are safe. If you take care of those two you are going to have a heck of a good time out there."

Visit huntfishmanitoba.com for details on how to become a Manitoba Master Hunter.