Shilo Stag

CFB Shilo soldiers, veterans and seniors living in Manitoba will no longer need an angling licence.
As part of ongoing efforts to reduce red tape, the provincial government is implementing modernized, streamlined angling regulations effective April 1, announced Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt.
“We’ve heard from Manitobans that they want angling licences to be modernized. Our government has listened and we are taking concrete action,” said Nesbitt. “As part of Manitoba’s Recreational Angling Strategy, modernizing regulations will further improve the vibrant recreational angling opportunities in the province while enhancing the protection of valuable fish stocks.”
Under the new regulations, a single, annual fishing licence for each residency type will replace the former “conservation” and “regular” licence categories. In addition, a new one-day angling licence will also be available.
The minister noted Manitoba seniors, as well as active military members and veterans residing in Manitoba, will no longer need to obtain an angling licence and will simply need to show acceptable identification to conservation officers upon request.
“Our government wants to make things easier for the 22,000 Manitoba seniors who take part in recreational fishing,” said Nesbitt. “Instead of having to apply for a Manitoba resident senior angling licence on an annual basis, Manitoba seniors would need to show proof of age and residency when requested by conservation officers.”
This is no April Fool’s joke — starting April 1, the following changes are coming into place:
• there will be a single, annual angling licence for each residency type, which will replace the former “conservation” and “regular” licence categories;
• a new one-day angling licence will be available;
• seniors, active military members and veterans residing in Manitoba will no longer need an angling licence and will simply need to show acceptable identification to conservation officers upon request;
• allowing open fishing year-round for certain abundant species coupled with enhanced sustainability measures;
• introducing increased protection for large spawning fish and for certain species to protect high-value fish;
• amending ice fishing shelter requirements; and
• creating consistent residency definitions for anglers, hunters and trappers.
These new streamlined regulations are meant to ease the burden on anglers looking to obtain a fishing licence, starting this spring, according to the province.
It was important for the provincial government to ease the process for seniors who take part in recreational fishing, noted Nesbitt, because this age group have never had to pay for an angling licence, but still needed to apply for one online. With this step now eliminated, he’s hopeful more seniors will take up fishing and, in turn, become healthier and more active.
“For a lot of seniors, going online didn’t work well for them. They had to get family and friends to do it for them. So, we think that’s a great change for them.”
Nesbitt said he worked closely on eliminating fishing licences for military members and veterans residing in this province with Brandon East MLA Len Isleifson, who is the special envoy for military affairs.
The changes for fishing enthusiasts in Manitoba stem from results of the provincial government’s consultation efforts, including a survey, as well as meetings and events with stakeholders and the public to solicit feedback. For more on the provincial angling changes visit http://wfp.to/SpL

New fishing regulations for Manitoba anglers will see military members calling CFB Shilo no longer needing to apply for a fishing licence. This April 1 change also includes veterans and seniors — you just need to provide proof if asked by a Conservation officer, whether you are ice fishing or angling from a boat or shoreline. Here, 1RCHA soldiers on Ex FROSTY GUNNER fish for walleye (also known as pickerel) using different ice fishing techniques. Photo Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag