Hunters in Alberta could soon be able to kill bears and cougars for meat and do it with a laser sight after purchasing a digital permit.
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Those are just a few of the changes coming through amendments to the province’s Wildlife Act that will make hunting more widely accessible and easier for fish and game officers to take action to reduce animal-human conflict, said Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen on Wednesday.
“These amendments are not only about keeping up with the times but making common-sense changes to support both wildlife protection and the people who rely on these resources,” said Loewen.
“The proposed changes will simplify regulations, preserve fair chase practises and ensure our wildlife management practises are both sustainable and adaptable to new challenges and opportunities.”
Previously, hunters had to ensure they were using the hide of big game they’d bagged.
But an intention to use those animals for food will also be allowed if Bill 41 is passed, said Loewen.
“We want to ensure that when animals are harvested, it’s done ethically and that no part of the animal goes to waste,” he said.
The use of laser-guided rifle sights could soon be allowed, though illuminating the entire animal with the devices would still be prohibited, while the minimum draw weight for bows will be reduced from 40 lbs to 35 lbs., making the activity more accessible to smaller or younger hunters.
Under the legislation, the province would also require hunters to be at least six-month residents of Alberta.
And instead of the usual practise of acquiring physical hunting tags, electronic tags issued on a phone app could soon be a reality, say provincial officials.
“We’re bringing our regulations more in line with modern practises and technological advancements as hunting and trapping continue to evolve,” said Loewen.
Rules governing the feeding of wild animals are being strengthened while fish and wildlife officers would no longer require a judicial order to remedy what they see as potential conflicts between humans and animals, he said.
“We are empowering officers to respond swiftly to protect wildlife ecosystems and public safety,” said the minister.
He said people not acting responsibly by allowing animal attractants could be among those targeted by the new policy.
As Alberta’s population increases along with encroachment on wilderness areas, the province has raised concerns about a rise in human-animal confrontations.
Concerns raised over recent wildlife management trends
Some groups representing conservationists, hunters and outfitters endorsed the proposals, saying they’ll boost recreational opportunities and sustainability.
“Regulated hunting is an integral part of Alberta’s heritage, with over 70 per cent of Albertans supporting it for both food and wildlife management purposes, reinforcing the need to maintain both the act and regulations in alignment with best practices,” said Kelly Carter, CEO of the Alberta Wildlife Federation.
But some recent trends in the province’s wildlife management have drawn the ire of environmental and conservation groups.
Last July, the province said it was ending Alberta’s 18-year moratorium on grizzly bear hunting with plans to limit the activity to culling a limited number of problem animals.
But allowing the bears to be hunted goes against the views of some wildlife biologists — including the government’s own — who say research runs counter to it. It has also attracted the ire of conservationists who fear the practice could reverse progress made in the recovery of the grizzly population.
Provincial officials have also been gathering feedback from stakeholder groups such as game ranchers who have lobbied for being allowed to conduct hunting in their enclosures.
But critics say that activity is unethical and unsportsmanlike and that game ranching is a threat to wildlife that should be phased out.
On Wednesday, Loewen said easing access to hunting won’t increase the number of animals killed, adding big game quotas will remain unchanged.
But a spokesperson for the Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) voiced skepticism, particularly with the provision to allow hunting for food.
“I’m concerned about how that will (ultimately) affect quotas,” said conservation specialist Ruiping Luo.
A proposal to allow hunting access for the disabled by allowing the use of motorized wheelchairs could damage sensitive areas, she said.
“They could be ignoring reasons why some areas are not accessible,” said Luo.
The AWA, she said, is in favour of tougher fish and wildlife enforcement that’s included in the bill but would like to see more clarity, she said.