Richard Froese
South Peace News
Kimiwan Lake in McLennan has been given special designation in the updated Alberta Wildlife Regulation.
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, says a news release Aug. 5.
Alberta is updating the Wildlife Regulation to improve wildlife conservation, enhance opportunities for hunters and trappers, and provide economic relief for outfitters. It sets out rules about wildlife use, such as fees, licences, reporting requirements and hunting and trapping activities.
The changes effective Aug. 25 will give hunters and trappers clarity on rules and provide them with more opportunities to get outdoors and do what they love.
“These updates to the Wildlife Regulation are long overdue and provide countless conservation benefits that we will see for years to come,” Environment and Parks Minister Jason Nixon says.
“As a hunter myself, I am also pleased that these amendments will allow hunters to spend more time outside and less time filing paperwork, in keeping with the Alberta government’s overall efforts to cut red tape.”
The updated regulation will help improve wildlife conservation, eliminate outdated administrative requirements, reduce conflicts between wildlife and people and protect important habitats for vulnerable wildlife.
Alberta resident hunters will be temporarily allowed to hold hunting licences and participate in guided hunts that are normally designated for non-resident hunters.
Quick facts
Some highlights of the Wildlife Regulation amendments include:
- -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 times 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.
- -Penalties of up to $500 for feeding dangerous wildlife, such as wolves, bears, and cougars, in situations other than baiting for hunting.
- -Extending seasons in some fur management zones while removing restrictions on sale of fur-bearing animals lawfully trapped.