MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY – Changes being made to Alberta’s wildlife regulation will increase opportunities for trappers and hunters while improving conservation, says Jason Nixon, area MLA and Minister of Environment and Parks.
The changes involve licences, fees, reporting requirements, and hunting activities.
The amendments to the wildlife regulation took effect on Aug. 25.
“These updates are long overdue and provide countless conservation benefits that we will see for years to come,” said Nixon. “I’m pleased that these amendments will allow hunters to spend more time outside and less time filing paperwork.”
The changes include allowing Alberta resident hunters to temporarily hold hunting licences and participate in guided hunts that are normally designated for non-resident hunters.
Amendments to the regulation include the following:
• Extending seasons in some fur management zones while removing restrictions on sale of fur-bearing animals lawfully trapped.
• Removal of timing restrictions for hunters using off-highway vehicles in certain wildlife management units.
• Penalties of up to $500 for feeding dangerous wildlife, such as wolves, bears and cougars, in situations other than baiting for hunting.
• Guide-outfitters will now 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.
• Reduction in administrative requirements for hunters, trappers and outfitters, such as allowing hunting licences to also be used as an export permit.
Regarding the removal of the timing restriction for hunters using off-highway vehicle, Nixon said, “What that changes is when a hunter can have a firearm on a quad. Hunters still can’t hunt at night.”
Regarding the penalties for feeding dangerous wildlife, he said, “We are trying to match and work with our federal counterparts who recently brought in rules regarding feeding bears on the side of the road.
“This is an attempt to discourage what is obviously a very dangerous thing to do and it is also costing bears their lives. People think they are doing something nice for the bear but they end up hurting the bear.
“We are trying to support the National Parks in the fringe areas when it comes to feeding bears in particular.”
Asked if the new penalties have anything to do with discouraging ranchers from improperly disposing of dead livestock, he said no.
“Hunters and those who benefit from a hunter’s harvest should be pleased with these changes,” says Todd Zimmerling, president and CAO of the Alberta Conservation Association.
