Alberta is home to the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the world, and hunting and trapping are integral to Alberta's cultural heritage. These activities provide thousands of Albertans with opportunities to put food on their table, spend time with friends and family, and in many cases, support their livelihoods in rural communities. That is why updates to the Wildlife Act need to reflect the importance of maintaining these incredible landscapes, while ensuring that these practices remain sustainable for generations to come.
Alberta’s government is proposing amendments to the Wildlife Act to update regulations and modernize wildlife management practices. The proposed changes aim to improve the effectiveness of wildlife management, enhance hunting and trapping practices, support accessibility for hunters with disabilities, and streamline enforcement. They are also designed to ensure Alberta’s regulations are aligned with other jurisdictions and reflect the latest technological advancements in wildlife management.
“These proposed amendments to the Wildlife Act are a reflection of Alberta's commitment to responsible stewardship of our wildlife and natural landscapes. By modernizing our regulations, we are ensuring that hunting, trapping, and wildlife management practices remain effective, sustainable, and aligned with technological advancements. These changes not only enhance accessibility for all Albertans, but they also support the long-standing cultural heritage of hunting in our province, while prioritizing the health of our ecosystems and wildlife populations for future generations."
Key changes include clearer definitions, such as establishing a minimum six-month residency requirement for resident hunters and trappers. Amendments also recognize the growing role of technology in modern hunting and trapping practices by allowing the use of laser aiming devices that do not illuminate the whole target, as well as enabling the option to offer electronic tags and clarifying rules for the use of electronic licences or permits.
"The Alberta Wildlife Federation welcomes the proposed updates to the Wildlife Act, recognizing their importance in supporting a sustainable future for Alberta’s wildlife. The inclusion of digital licenses and electronic tags is just one example of the changes made that reflect the adoption of modern technology in hunting practices. 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."
The amendments also focus on inclusivity and wildlife protection by ensuring that individuals with disabilities can hunt, by clarifying the definition of a vehicle for mobility-challenged hunters.
To support responsible wildlife management, the amendments also clarify rules on edible portions of harvested animals, including additional provisions supporting the harvest of black bear and mountain lion for food. They also simplify rules concerning the transportation of sick or injured wildlife.
“SCI Northern Alberta fully supports the proposed amendments to the Wildlife Act. By embracing technological advancements and focusing on inclusivity and wildlife protection, we are ensuring Alberta remains at the forefront of wildlife stewardship, and we are confident these amendments will positively impact our communities across the province while contributing to the sustainability of our wildlife and landscapes for generations to come.”
Additionally, the changes would protect wild sheep populations by prohibiting domestic sheep and goats in certain areas. Changes would also streamline and enhance enforcement measures by removing judicial order requirements to enable Fish and Wildlife officers to carry out their duties more efficiently.
"These changes will clarify regulations, improve enforcement options, provide increased opportunities and ensure Alberta's regulations can adapt to the modern world. Thank you to Minister Loewen and his staff for bringing these changes forward."
New regulations on wildlife attractants, including the feeding of wildlife, would also help reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife, promoting safer coexistence across the province.
“We are pleased to see the Government of Alberta taking steps to improve and modernize the Wildlife Act. It has been many years since comprehensive changes have been made, and the Ministry has worked hard over the last few years to engage with stakeholders and move this package through the necessary channels. These modernizing changes will help to reduce red tape and align Alberta more closely with other Canadian jurisdictions.”
The amendments propose common-sense updates to outdated rules, regulations, and definitions in wildlife management, while introducing new provisions that help reduce human-wildlife conflicts, improve safety, and maintain the health of wildlife populations. The updates are crafted to simplify the process for hunters, trappers, and wildlife officers, ensuring Alberta remains a global leader in wildlife management and conservation, while reducing unnecessary regulatory red tape.
“This effort to modernize Alberta's rules and regulations is an important step and effectively brings us ever forward in wildlife stewardship. Alberta continues to be a leader in ensuring new provisions and timely updates to effectively remain a global leader in wildlife protection and effective, ethical and humane harvests.”
These changes would ensure that Alberta’s rules are aligned with modern practices, and reflect advancements made in technology and wildlife management, placing Alberta at the forefront of wildlife stewardship in Canada.