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ALBERTA GAME MANAGEMENT ADVISORY GROUP

9:00–4:00 December 3, 2014 Spruce Grove FWD office

250 Diamond Avenue Spruce Grove

Link to Google Map Directions: Spruce Grove ESRD office

Invitees: Alberta Association Of Municipal Districts & Counties Alberta Beef Producers

Alberta Bowhunters Association Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society

Alberta Fish & Game Association Alberta Professional Outfitters Society Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Delta Waterfowl Foundation Hunting For Tomorrow Pheasants Forever

Safari Club Alberta Wild Elk Federation Wild Sheep Foundation

9:00 – Welcome and introductions of stakeholders and AB Gov’t staff 9:10 – Review and discussion of minutes from May 2014 meeting. 9:25 – SRD review and group discussion of proposed 2015 regulation changes

1. High Priority Draw Process

2. Upland Bird Season Extension

3. Align Upland Bird Season Dates

4. Game Bird Licence Changes

10:15 – Break 10:35 – Continue discussion

5. Outfitter Registration

6. Mountain Goat Season

7. Antlerless Elk Landowner Licence

8. Suffield Elk WMU 732

9. Elk WMU 163

10. Elk WMU 162

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12:00 – Lunch (provided) 12:45 – Continue discussion

11. Antlered Mule Deer to draw WMU 347_350

12. Whitetail Deer Supplemental Licence WMU 151_162

13. Sunday Hunting WMU 163-164, 166

14. Black Bear Baiting Restriction WMU 507

15. Moose WMU 102,116,118,119,124,148,150

16. Moose Archery Season Special Licence.

3:00 – Break 3:15 – New Business. 4:00 – Adjourn

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ADJUST DRAWING PROCESS FOR HIGH PRIORITY DRAWS

CURRENT STRATEGY

Most special licence draws benefit those who apply annualy for the same special

licence.

Priority within the draw code increased each year you are not drawn.

Applicants for special licences is increasing annually, as are wait times.

CONCERN

With the exception of those who applied the first year draws were created, some

special licence draw codes will never offer a realistic opportunity to be drawn.

Most hunters are excluded from an opportunity to participate these hunts,

including youth.

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CHANGE

Draw Code 34 WMU 437 sheep – 420 years to get through current applicants

Draw Code 37 WMU 444/446 – 470 years to get through current applicants

Many other special licences require > 10yrs wait to be drawn.

RECOMMENDED CHANGE

A weighted randome draw when wait times for a draw code reach 10 yrs.

For example;

10 years =10 times name entered in random draw,

11 years = 11 times name entered in random draw

12 years = 12 times name entered in random draw

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EXTEND THE HUNTING SEASON FOR SELECT UPLAND BIRDS

CURRENT STRATEGY

With exception of sharp-tailed grouse and ptarmigan, hunting seasons for upland

birds ends November 30.

Hunting seasons for migratory birds end either December 16th

or December 21st.

CONCERN

Currently there is lost opportunity for resident Albertans. Many take holidays in

December and upland bird hunting could provide opportunity for families to

further enjoy Alberta’s outdoors with little biological risk.

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CHANGE

Significant opportunity is lost when hunting seasons for birds end November

30th

.

December offers little bird hunting opportunity in central and northern Alberta.

With the holiday season, many families are together and children home. Bird

hunting offers opportunity to hunt and increase

There is expected to be little biological risk to extending the hunting season for

these species.

Cold weather may deter many from hunting at this time, but breaks of moderate

weather entice Albertans to go outside, bird hunting will provide an alternate

opportunity.

Saskatchewan’s upland bird hunting season ends December 31, a full month later

than Alberta. This end date encapsulates the holiday season.

RECOMMENDED CHANGE

Extend upland bird seasons ending on November 30th

to January 15th

. This does

not include Sharp-tailed grouse or Pheasant in WMUs 102-166 and 300-312.

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ALIGN GAME BIRD OPENING DATES IN WMU’S 404-410, 841, 936

CURRENT STRATEGY

In WMU’s 404-410, 841 936 the hunting season for upland game birds begins

September 8.

In WMU’s 404-410, 841 936 the hunting season for migratory game birds begins

September 1.

In all WMU’s surrounding WMU’s 404-410, 841, 936 the hunting season for

upland game birds begins September 1.

Affected WMU’s are associated with provincial parks that permit hunting,

beginning September 1.

CONCERN

Hunters who are legally permitted to hunt for migratory game birds may be

charged for harvesting an upland game bird. Such a charge is supported in

regulation but there is no biological need.

This regulation increases risk of conviction to all bird hunters.

Hunting regulations are more complex as a result of the delayed upland game bird

hunting season in these select WMU’s.

EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT CHANGE

There is no biological reason to delay the upland game bird hunting season in

these selected WMU’s.

Hunters are already present in these WMU’s hunting migratory birds

Perceived conflict with other user groups the first week of September is mitigated

by long term existence of a migratory game bird hunting season that begins

September 1.

Conflict between user groups is minimal through the province where hunters

share the landscape with other user groups starting September 1.

Currently, opportunity to hunt upland game birds is lost, and risk of conviction is

heightened.

RECOMMENDED CHANGE

Align start of upland game bird season to that of the migratory game bird season

in WMU’s 404-410, 841, and 936. This aligns with the rest of the province (with

the exception of sharp-tailed grouse and a select pheasant area).

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GAME BIRD LICENCE CHANGES

CURRENT STRATEGY

Currently there are 10 provincial licences for game birds.

NRA: 6-day waterfowl, upland bird, pheasant

NR: game bird, 3-day game bird, pheasant

RES: game bird, pheasant, turkey, youth partner turkey

CONCERN

Many licences do not offer additional information and complicate both licencing

and regulations. Additionally, reporting of hunter demographics in both activity

and harvest is difficult due to few analogues between residencies.

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CHANGE

Aligning licence types and eliminating licence for which there is not extra data

obtained will simplify the licencing process for hunters as well as administrators.

Additionally, fewer licence types will make it easier to compare harvest and use

metrics across demographic (residency) level.

RECOMMENDED CHANGE

Employ the following, and only the following, licences for all game birds,

NRA: Game Bird

NR: Game Bird

RES: Game Bird, Turkey, Youth Partner Turkey.

Proposed fees will follow the levy increase proposal and NRA game bird will

align with proposed 6-day waterfowl licence fee.

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REGISTRATION OF NRA SHEEP AND COUGAR BY OUTFITTER

CURRENT STRATEGY

Mandatory attendance of hunter in registering sheep and cougar

CONCERN

NR and NRA are tourists and are often on restricted timelines for travel (Often on

weekends) they work and live outside of Alberta.

The 30-day period to register sheep is not ALWAYS feasible or economical for

NRA AND NR hunters. Remaining in Alberta to try and meet qualified

registering officers, can costs substantial additional dollars per day.

Wildlife offices are not open 24-7, and generally not putting in overtime, and only

limited officers are able to age and score sheep.

Offices are undermanned in regards to performing registrations.

Persons doing registrations have other responsibility and are often not available

when offices are open.

Outfitters are capable of providing pertinent info for registration.

The outfitters and guides are the ones with all the pertinent information on

location etc.

Guides or outfitters in cases of NRA and NR hunters be allowed to complete

registration, on hunters behalf, OR provide documents in camp for hunter to

provide statement and sign in camp, after which, the outfitter can submit with

head to ESRD within the acceptable 30 days.

Offices could complete registration over a longer more convenient period of time

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CHANGE

Cost of officers working overtime

Inconvenience frustration and expense to visitors to our province would be

eliminated.

No adverse impact on the resource.

RECOMMENDED CHANGE

Allow outfitter to register NR and NRA client’s sheep and cougars on behalf of

NR’s and NRA’s.

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Mountain Goat GMA-A - WMU’s 303, 306, and 402

CURRENT STRATEGY

Establish new Goat Hunting Area (GHA) in Goat Management Area (GMA) - A

within WMU 402. Change would expand goat hunting opportunities provincially

and increase GHA’s in Crowsnest District from 3 to 4, provincially to 9. (Table 1)

CONCERN

WMU402 has high motorized access, leading in part, to high harvest rates on other

species such as bighorn sheep. Because GHA will be on LEH and for one permit,

access is felt not to be significant related to influencing harvest rates, however,

ongoing disturbance and displacement from key subalpine habitat needs to be

addressed.

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CHANGE

Significant informal (conversation, complaints) and formal (meeting with

landowner groups and AFGA clubs) consultation with landowners, FWO’s and

hunters support changes. Very positive.

Harvest strategy changes supported and outlined in Management Plan for Mountain

Goats in Alberta (ASRD 2003).

Establishing GHA U allows potential of another GHA along the south end of the

continental divide including Crowsnest Mountain. Reassessment for proposed GHA

T will be forthcoming after next survey cycle.

Communication and collaboration with regional BC Ministry staff to align harvest

and management strategies ensures persistence and abundance of shared mountain

goat populations.

RECOMMENDED CHANGES

Figure 1. Proposed Boundary of GHA U in GMA A – WMU 402

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Table 1. Goat Harvest strategy proposal – SSR Crownest GHA-A WMU Season

Restriction Archery General LEH Current Proposed Current Proposed

Current Proposed

Current Proposed

U 402 - Adult - - - - - S17-O31

O 400 Adult - - - - - S17-O31 -

Q 400 Adult - - - - - S17-O31 -

R 400 Adult - - - - - S17-O31 -

Streamline registration by directing registrations from GMA A (GHA’s O, Q, R,

and U) to Blairmore or provincially certified designated offices.

Harvested goats have mandatory submission of incisor bars for age verification.

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ELK LANDOWNERS LICENSES PROCESS

CURRENT STRATEGY

Currently a landowner has to apply for an antlerless elk special license and be

unsuccessful in the Special Licence draw process in order to obtain an antlerless

elk Landowner license from a local office (other rules also apply).

Currently Albertans can only apply for one elk special license in the Alberta draw

system.

CONCERN

Many landowners do not want to use their only elk special license application for

antlerless elk but would rather apply to hunt an antlered elk.

Generally elk are rapidly colonizing the grasslands of SE Alberta and they have

no predators to control growth. Agricultural depredation by elk also is a concern

throughout other areas of the province as well.

Efforts are being made to increase harvest and mitigate landowner concerns over

increasing elk populations and agricultural depredation.

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CHANGE

Currently there is minimal uptake on Landowner Antlerless Elk Special Licences.

Throughout many areas of the province, elk depredation and concern from

agricultural producers is increasing. This change will allow landowners the

ability mitigate some of these concerns.

RECOMMENDED CHANGE

Remove the requirement for landowners to have to apply for an antlerless elk

special license and be unsuccessful. Allow for landowners who are unsuccessful

in any Elk Special Licence draw to apply for an antlerless elk Special Licence

where a season exists. Remaining conditions for applying on Landowner

Licences will be unchanged.

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ELK HUNTING AT CANADIAN FORCES BASE SUFFIELD (WMU 732)

CURRENT STRATEGY

The 2014 elk allocation at CFB Suffield is 600 antlerless elks licenses and up to

60 antlerless elk licenses (10 per season) could be issued to the military in

recognition of the effort and resources expended to manage these hunts.

There are six four-day seasons running Monday through Thursday between

November 17-December 04 and January 12-29 in 2015.

CONCERN

Generally elk are rapidly colonizing the grasslands of SE Alberta and they have

no predators to control growth.

The current population estimate for this elk herd is over 7000 individuals and it is

growing at approximately 22% annually.

Hunting only began at CFB Suffield in 2012.

We are receiving increased pressure from local stakeholders including the Eastern

Irrigation District, County of Cypress as well as area landowners to take

aggressive action to stop the growth of this herd and to reduce current population

numbers.

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CHANGE

In February of 2014, wildlife biologists undertook an aerial survey (total count) of

this herd at CFB Suffield. The estimate at that time was 5950 animals.

In considering historic data from the Canadian Wildlife Service about this herd, it

was estimated that the growth of this herd is approximately 22% annually which

means that as of spring of 2014 there were an additional 1200-1300 animals

added to this herd.

In the absence of a management plan for this herd and having only recently

started (2012) hunting at CFB Suffield, immediate actions are necessary to

address herd growth.

CFB Suffield range biologists are seeing negative impacts to range health due to

the large wintering herds at CFB Suffield

Increasing impacts to range health, agricultural crops and fences outside of CFB

Suffield.

CFB Suffield Base staff has determined that each hunt be limited to 100 hunters

for safety reasons. They have accepted the risk that there may be more than 100

hunters on Thursday of each hunt with the proposed change. Hunter’s pursuing

antlered and antlerless elk will likely be hunting in different geographical

locations.

Population growth models and hunter success rates indicate that this elk

population can sustain this level of harvest. Increased harvest in future years will

be required to reduce the population. It may be necessary to issue general tags in

adjacent WMU’s in the 2016-17 hunting season to prevent crop damage.

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RECOMMENDED CHANGE

Keep current six weeks of hunting at CFB Suffield following existing timing

(November-December/January).

Each week would be expanded to six days of hunting.

Monday through Thursday – 100 antlerless licenses to be issued via special

license.

Issue two tags for each Antlerless Elk Special Licence issued for CFB Suffield

(WMU 732)

Implement an Antlered Elk Special Licence hunting season for CFB Suffield

(WMU 732). Special Licences would be allocated through the current draw

process for Draw Code?? Thursday would be an overlap day with 100 antlered

elk special licenses being issued. Licensed antlered elk hunters would be able to

hunt Thursday through Saturday for each week.

ELK SEASON ANTLERLESS

LICENSES

ANTLERED

LICENSES November 16-19 200*

November 19-21 100

November 23-26 200*

November 26-28 100

November 30-December 03 200*

December 03-05 100

January 11-14 200*

January 14-16 100

January 18-21 200*

January 21-23 100

January 25-28 200*

January 28-30 100

Total 1200 600

Total Elk Licenses Available at

CFB Suffield in 2015/16 1800

* = double tag issued on 100 licenses

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ADD WMU 163 TO WMU 164/166 ELK ZONE

CURRENT STRATEGY

There is currently no season for elk in WMU 163.

CONCERN

Reports of elk in WMU 163 are few, however, there are currently elk seasons in

adjacent WMUs 164, 200, and 202 and a new season is being proposed for WMU

162.

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CHANGE

At a game management meeting at Hanna in April 2014, there was unanimous

consent for opening an elk season in WMU 163. Adding WMU 163 to the current

WMU 164/166 elk zone would provide a larger land base to hunt elk, while not

restricting hunters to WMU 163, where presence of elk is sporadic. It would also

allow landowners in WMU 163 the opportunity to purchase antlerless landowner

tags for elk. There are current elk seasons in place to the north and west of WMU

163.

RECOMMENDED CHANGE

Add WMU 163 to the current 164/166 elk zone.

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ADD WMU162 TO WMU 151/152 ELK ZONE

CURRENT STRATEGY

There is currently no hunting season for elk in WMU 162.

CONCERN

Reports of elk and agricultural damage associated with elk are increasing in

WMU 162 and there is a low tolerance for increased elk populations in this area.

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CHANGE

During Pronghorn surveys in July 2014, several groups of elk (both bulls and

mixed groups) were observed in the WMU. At a game management meeting at

Hanna in April 2014, there was unanimous consent for opening an elk season in

WMU 162. Adding WMU 162 to the current WMU 151/152 elk zone would

provide a larger land base to hunt elk, and not restrict hunters to WMU 162,

where presence of elk appears to be sporadic. It would also allow landowners in

WMU 162 the opportunity to purchase antlerless landowner tags for elk.

RECOMMENDED CHANGE

Add WMU 162 to the current 151/152 elk zone.

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ANTLERED MULE DEER WITHIN WMUS 347 AND 350 TO DRAW CODE 14

CURRENT STRATEGY

Antlered mule deer within WMUs 347 and 350 currently have an Archery Only

A25-S16 season and a General S17-N30 season.

CONCERN

Over the past 2-3 years, many mule deer regulation changes have been made in

response to declines in population numbers. Most 300 and 500 series units have

now been placed on the draw season for antlered mule deer. WMUs 347 and 350

are the last units within the 300 series (exception WMU 316) outside of caribou

range that still maintain a general season. For clear and consistent management

and ease of regulation interpretation WMUs 347 and 350 should also be placed on

draw.

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CHANGE

Mule Deer numbers across the Province have been trending downwards.

Increased predator populations (cougars and wolves) brought about by increasing

whitetail deer populations, particularly within forested zones, are thought to be

proximate causes for declines. Maintaining a sustainable harvest should be a

priority. Further, consistency of the regulations has been something managers

have been striving for the past several years; have two units with different seasons

amongst all the others creates confusion and public criticism of management

goals.

Stakeholder feedback from other units going to draw within the last 2 years has

been indifferent to very positive; no negative reactions received.

RECOMMENDED CHANGE

Place WMUs 347 and 350 Antlered Mule Deer on Draw code 14 within the S17-

N30 season. Maintain a general archery only season A25-S16.

Maintain WMUs 352, 353, and 355 seasons as is, since caribou management of

alternative prey reductions should be a top priority within these units.

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CHANGE WTDE ANTLERLESS SPECIAL LICENCE TO SUPPLEMENTAL

TAGS IN WMUS 151 AND 162

CURRENT STRATEGY

Currently there is a Special Licence for antlerless white-tailed deer in WMUs 151

and 162

CONCERN

Antlerless special licences are chronically undersubscribed in these units. Reports

of agricultural depredation by deer were frequent during the winters of 2012/13

and 2013/14.

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CHANGE

Population of white-tailed deer was found to be well above department goal in

WMU 162 during aerial surveys in 2014. Reports from landowners and

outfitter/guides also indicate high numbers of white-tailed deer in WMU 151. At a

game management meeting at Hanna in April 2014, there was unanimous consent

for this change. A petition from Acadia Valley in the spring of 2014 also

requested a change to supplemental tags for white-tailed deer. Supplemental tags

for white-tailed deer were issued in these WMUs as recently as 2010.

RECOMMENDED CHANGE

Change antlerless white-tailed deer from special licence to supplemental tags in

WMUs 151 and 162.

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SUNDAY HUNTING IN WMUS 162,163,164, AND 166

CURRENT STRATEGY

There are currently numerous hunting regimes for big game in these WMUs for

archery only and general (rifle) seasons. Specifically these include;

o Archery only season for white-tailed deer and mule deer in these WMUs is

permitted Monday-Saturday.

o General (rifle) season for white-tailed deer and mule deer in WMUs 162,

163, and 164 is permitted Wednesday-Saturday.

o General (rifle) season for white-tailed deer and mule deer in WMU 166 is

permitted Monday-Saturday.

o Archery only and general (rifle) seasons for moose, and elk in WMU

164/166, allow hunting Monday-Saturday.

CONCERN

Legal hunting days for big game are inconsistent among these WMUs. Concern

from landowners in Acadia Valley and Special Areas that interest in hunting is

subsiding and decreased harvest success can be partially attributed to hunters not

purchasing allocated special licences. By allowing hunting seven days a week

hunters are more likely to dedicate the time to travel to these areas, especially if

they have Sunday to hunt as well on weekends. Hunting pressure will be more

evenly distributed throughout the week, rather than focused on the current four

days a week

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CHANGE

Bird game can be hunted seven days/week in these WMUs. Portions of the

affected municipalities (Special Areas, Paintearth, Stettler, and Starland) are in

the 200-series WMUs, which allow Sunday hunting. A petition originated out of

MD Acadia Valley requesting Sunday hunting (Acadia Valley is overlapped by

WMUs 162 and 151).

Consultation results to date:

County of Stettler (Councillors): 2 in favor, 1 no concern, 0 opposed

County of Paintearth (Councillors): 3 no concern, 0 opposed

County of Starland (Councillors): 4 no concern, 1 opposed

MD Acadia Valley (Councillors): 4 no concern, 0 opposed

Alberta Fish and Game Association (Provincial Hunting Chair): in favor

Hanna Game Management Meeting Survey Questionnaire: 6 in favor, 6 opposed

MD Acadia Valley Petition (64 in favor): ASB Chairman, Ag Fieldman, 62

additional signatories (30 with residence in Acadia Valley, 32 with residence in

Special Areas)

District Fish and Wildlife Officer (Lori Backen; Hanna): in favor

District Fish and Wildlife Officer (Kelly Wilson; Oyen): in favor

Special Areas 2 Ag Fieldman (Justine Simpson): Indicated she had polled several

of her clients, all were in favor

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Special Areas Board (meeting October 14, 2014): no opposition voiced, but

requested further consultation with Council

Special Areas Council: 7 in favor, 2 no concern, 4 opposed

RECOMMENDED CHANGE

Allow hunting seven days/week for deer, moose, and elk during archery and

general seasons in WMUs 162,163,164, and 16

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BLACK BEAR BAITING RESTRICTION FOR NORTHERN

PORTION OF WMU 507

CURRENT STRATEGY

Baiting black bears is permitted in WMU 507, although restrictions exist for

WMUs within grizzly bear range.

CONCERN

Grizzly bears of both sexes and all ages do frequent the northern portion of WMU

507 (Figure 1), including areas south of the Athabasca River.

Some residents have mentioned that there have always been grizzly bears around

their property.

Increasing human-grizzly bear conflicts along the agricultural fringe of 507, with

many linked black bear bait sites.

Baiting may hold grizzly bears in the fringe for periods longer than normal if

simply wandering through a range/home territory.

This increases the risk of a self-defense shooting, poaching occurrence, and/or

mistaken identity killing, all of which have taken place in recent years.

Figure 1: Grizzly bear occurrences (1999-2010), mortalities, and reported black bear

baiting sites that have attracted grizzly bears within the last 5 years.

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CHANGE

Figure 1 illustrates bear usage within the Swan Hills and that of WMU 507.

Sightings and occurrences, particularly over the last 5-10 years, indicate residency

of grizzly bears within WMU 507.

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Alberta Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan recommends a reduction to human-caused

mortality of grizzly bears and of human-bear conflicts.

The 2014 update to the recovery plan also incorporates a “Support Zone” around

the current grizzly bear recovery zone (core and secondary zones). In the Swan

Hills the newly created support zone overlaps the area of WMU 507 being

proposed for this regulation change (Figure 2). The intended purpose of the

support zone by definition is:

o The area between Recovery Habitat and the approximate recent historic

distribution boundary for breeding females.

o Management focus is on maintaining occupancy, likely at lower density

than in GB Recovery Zones, of grizzly bears with priority given to sows

with cubs. The grizzly bear population in this area will likely not be self-

sustaining without dispersal from adjacent recovery habitat. It will

contribute to GB recovery by increasing the regional population size and

ensuring that bears on the edge of the Recovery Zone can survive.

o Focal area for attractant management as resources and public acceptance

allow.

Figure 2: Grizzly bear Recovery Zone (Core and Secondary) and Support Zone as

proposed in the 2014 Grizzly Bear Recovery Strategy Update.

Currently wildlife staff are spending considerable time delivering the BearSmart

program and dealing with complaints in WMU 507 to promote tolerance of

grizzly bears and manage conflicts. Almost every year over the past 8 years Fish

and Wildlife have had to impose area closures in WMU 507 due to grizzly bears

attending bait sites, and these are only the ones that have been reported. Grizzly

mortalities have occurred within and adjacent to WMU 507 and most recently

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(2014) a grizzly bear was shot over a black bear bait site. Removing active baiting

sites from the northern portion of WMU 507 would help to achieve the goals of

the recovery plan.

RECOMMENDED CHANGE

Implement a no baiting restriction for black bears in the northern portion of WMU

507 (Figure 1). Also, restricting the baiting and snaring of wolves in this area

until December 1 to maintain consistency with the remainder of the Province.

According to the new 2014 outfitter allocations, WMU 507 has 3 outfitters with a

total of 13 black bear allocations. This regulation change will likely impact some

or all of these outfitters.

There will be some opposition from some resident black bear hunters and

landowners since this was a recommendation brought forward in 2010. Local

stakeholder meetings at this time indicated in favour of maintaining black bear

baiting in WMU 507. Locally there will need to be another consultation and

awareness meeting/discussion (post hunting) regarding this matter, and others, to

fully gauge the reaction. Although, with more data and relevancy to this issue

since 2010 the regulation needs to be advanced.

Trappers will likely be opposed to a further restriction on wolf trapping, however,

the area in question does not have very active wolf trappers since we have been

advocating for them to trap more for 4-5 years.

Provincial level discussions with APOS and ATA will need to occur.

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MOOSE HUNTING SEASON IN THE MEDICINE HAT VICINITY

(WMUs 102, 124, 116, 118, 119, 148 AND 150)

CURRENT STRATEGY

Presently there is no licensed harvest of moose in the Medicine Hat vicinity.

CONCERN

Moose are becoming more prevalent on the prairies.

Concern from landowners regarding fence breakage and crop loss.

Increased vehicle collisions on the highways.

A moose collision that destroyed a vehicle on Highway 41 was subsequently

confirmed as the first CWD positive individual to be on record for Canada.

Not management of moose in grassland ecosystems.

With growing elk and deer populations, consideration should be given to habitat

availability.

INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CHANGE

Anecdotal observation as well as mule deer aerial surveys indicate moose

populations are increasing in south-east Alberta.

A similar trend has been noted in Saskatchewan where moose populations exist in

51/56 Wildlife Management Zones in SK. (Bob Tether, Saskatchewan Ministry of

Environment)

Increase in moose related problem wildlife occurrences in and around Medicine

Hat, officers had to sedate and remove a bull moose in September of this year.

Moose are thought to be establishing in farmlands for the following reasons:

o Fewer farmers are residing in the countryside.

o No harvest for many years.

o A variety of desirable forage.

o Few local predators.

RECOMMENDED CHANGE

Add Monday to Saturday moose hunting season with special licenses for antlered

and antlerless moose in WMUs 102, 116, 118, 119, 124 148 and 150. Season

dates will be:

o Archery Only September 1 – October 31

o General (Rifle) November 1-30

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MOOSE ARCHERY TO DRAW IN WMUs 500-506, 509, and 510

CURRENT STRATEGY

There are 88 WMUs where a resident antlered, antlerless, or calf moose special

license is required to hunt moose in the archery season.

Current big game archery harvest policy is to put archery seasons on a special

licence when archery harvest exceeds 15%.

Regulation are actively changed to conform to this policy. Most recently for

antlered mule deer (2013), moose (2012, in WMU 337, 338), and antlered elk in.

There are currently few 500-series WMUs that require a special license to hunt

moose in the archery season (WMU 507, 508, 512-523, 526, and 527).

EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT CHANGE

Table 1.1 Estimated Number of Hunter Harvested Moose in Alberta 2009-13.

Within WMUs 500-512, 514-517, and 841, 0 to 52 % of Antlered Moose and 0-

39 % of both Antlered and Antlerless Moose are being taken by archers (Table 2).

Table 2. Archery Harvest of Antlered and Antlerless Moose and Hunting Regime.

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Harvest reported in WMUs 507 and 508 reflects archery on draw (Table 2).

Archery harvest of moose exceeds 15 %t in WMUs 500-506, 509, and 510 (Table

2) and (Figure 1)

Figure 1.1 Status of Archery Harvest of Antlered and Antlerless Moose in Select WMUs 2009-13.

WMUs where archery harvest is > 15% have a 61 day general archery season (S1

-O31).

Currently, special licences are reduced when general archery harvest increases.

General archery seasons have led to overharvest of moose, resulting in no

allowance for special permits (e.g. WMU 505)

Extensive consultation with stakeholders at regional and provincial levels has

demonstrated concern.

RECOMMENDED CHANGE

Follow policy and move general archery licences LEH once harvest by archers

15% of total harvest (e.g. WMU’s 500-506, 509, and 510)

Alternative:

Create separate archery special licences with separate draws, similar to antelope