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By CHAT News Today

Province updates Alberta’s Wildlife Regulation

Aug 5, 2020 | 10:58 AM

Changes to Alberta’s Wildlife Regulation will improve wildlife conservation, enhance opportunities for hunters and trappers and provide economic relief for outfitters, says the provincial government.

The changes will give hunters and trappers clarity on rules, while also providing them with more opportunities. As well, the updated regulation will help improve wildlife conservation, eliminate outdated administrative requirements, reduce conflicts between wildlife and people, and protect important habitats for vulnerable wildlife.

And Alberta resident hunters will be temporarily allowed to hold hunting licences and participate in guided hunts that are normally designated for non-resident hunters.

“These updates to the Wildlife Regulation are long overdue and provide countless conservation benefits that we will see for years to come. Hunting has always been a critical wildlife management tool in the province and we are reaffirming that here,” says Jason Nixon, minister of environment and parks, in a release.

The province says the amendments take effect on Aug. 25 and will be incorporated in this year’s hunting and trapping guides.

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“The streamlining of the regulations will reduce paperwork and increase opportunities for Albertans who want to undertake the challenge of harvesting their own wild game for the family dinner table,” says Todd Zimmerling, president and CEO, Alberta Conservation Association. “Hunters and those who benefit from a hunter’s harvest should be pleased with the changes.”

Some highlights of the Wildlife Regulation amendments include:

• Guide-outfitters will be able to register and report sheep harvests on behalf of their clients, creating a more efficient process for international hunters to register their rams.
• Reductions in administrative requirements for hunters, trappers and outfitters, like allowing hunting licences to also be used as an export permit.
• The Alberta Professional Outfitters Society will also be able to refund hunting allocation and use fees back to guide-outfitters that have been unable to use them.
• Changes to when waterfowl hunts open and the location of wildlife sanctuaries in order to protect vulnerable wildlife when required.
• Requiring hunters to report wildlife tracking collars and other devices used to monitor wildlife to ensure biologists can download data to further inform our knowledge of wildlife movements across the province.
• Many formerly restricted migratory game bird waterbodies are now open to waterfowl hunting due to increases in waterfowl populations, affording hunters increased access and opportunity to enjoy over-water hunts.
• Hunters will be allowed to bring a companion dog (pack dog) along with them in mountain area Wildlife Management Units during an open big game hunting season.
• The updated regulation designates Kimiwan Lake as a game bird sanctuary to prevent displacement and disturbance to at-risk trumpeter swans from migratory bird hunting activity.
• Penalties of up to $500 for feeding dangerous wildlife, such as wolves, bears, and cougars, in situations other than baiting for hunting.
• Removal of the timing restriction for hunters using off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in certain Wildlife Management Units.
• Extending seasons in some fur management zones while removing restrictions on sale of fur-bearing animals lawfully trapped.