Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement

We’d like to remind game bird hunters that it is unlawful to possess a game bird which does not bear evidence of sex and species, before it has been transported to the usual residence of the person who killed it or is prepared for immediate cooking. Evidence of sex and species consists of one completely feathered wing attached to the carcass of the game bird, except for Merriam’s turkey for which evidence of sex and species consists of the complete head and beard attached to the carcass. Game bird hunters who transport birds from their residence to a meat processor must adhere to these requirements. More information about game bird regulations can be found on page 29 of the Alberta Hunting Regulations book: https://albertaregulations.ca/2020-Alberta-Hunting-Regulati

Wetaskiwin fish and wildlife officers are seeking information regarding a portion of an elk carcass that was discarded in a ditch and wasted. On October 27, officers received a report of a carcass that was located on Township Road 502, east of Range Road 215 in the Ministik Game Bird Sanctuary. Two whole hind quarters and a portion of the front half of the elk was located. It is believed that the elk was harvested this year and disposed of within 24 hours of being reported. I...t is unlawful for a person who has killed or is in possession of a game bird or big game animal, other than a mountain lion or bear, to abandon, destroy or allow any of its flesh to become unfit for human consumption. Anyone with information that may help solve this case is asked to call the 24-hour Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800 or send information through the Report A Poacher web page at https://www.alberta.ca/report-a-poacher.aspx Anyone reporting information by phone or through the web can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.

Fish and wildlife officers would like to remind hunters of the regulatory requirements around retaining the evidence of sex, species and class to the animals they harvest. Officers frequently conduct inspections of game birds and big game while in the field and at licenced premises, like taxidermists and meat processors, to ensure compliance with the regulations. One of the more common issues they encounter is when hunters remove the evidence of sex and/or species from their ...big game harvest before it has been delivered for processing. Failing to retain the evidence of sex and species on the carcass of any wildlife could result in enforcement actions. For moose, elk, deer, antelope, bison and non-trophy sheep, the evidence of sex, species and class must remain attached to the carcass (cannot be surgically or otherwise removed) until: the carcass is delivered to premises that has a Food Establishment Permit issued under the Public Health Act or Licence for the Operation of an Abattoir issued under the Meat Inspection Act, or The carcass is cut up and packaged for consumption at: - the usual residence of the person who killed the animal, or - the usual residence (a residence that is neither a business premises nor attached to such a premises) of a resident of Alberta and that resident is in attendance. More information about these regulations can be found on page 41 of the Alberta Hunting Regulations book: https://albertaregulations.ca/2020-Alberta-Hunting-Regulati

If you plan to go hunting, plan your schedule ahead of time. It is illegal to hunt any wildlife or discharge a firearm between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise. Check out the sunrise/sunset table on page 48 of the Alberta Hunting Regulations book: http://www.albertaregulations.ca/2020-Alberta-Hunting-Regul

When hunting in bear country, it’s important to remove the carcass as quickly as possible. If you have to return to the carcass later, here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of a bear encounter: - Separate the carcass from the gut pile. If you can, move the carcass at least 200 metres from the gut pile before you leave. Bears will often be attracted to the gut pile first. - Hang the carcass. The carcass should be suspended at least 3.5 metres (11.5 feet) off th...e ground, and 1.5 metres (5 feet) from nearby trees in an area easily seen from a distance. - When returning to the kill site, use caution. Approach the site from upwind, use binoculars to see if the site is clear and make as much noise as possible. - If you see a bear at your kill site or if the carcass has been moved or buried, do not approach. Leave the site immediately and advise Fish and Wildlife by calling 310-0000. - Do not drag the carcass back to camp. Doing so will leave a scent trail that a bear can follow directly to your campsite. If a bear is a public safety concern, call the 24-hour Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.