Minister Loewen will attend the Wild Sheep Foundation Sheep Show in Reno, Nevada from Jan. 17-19. While in Nevada, the minister and his team will connect with outdoor enthusiasts from around the world to highlight Alberta’s unique hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Minister Loewen will also promote the Minister’s Special License for bighorn sheep, which will be auctioned during the show. Funds raised from the auction will be used for conservation initiatives across Alberta.

The recipient of the Minister’s Special License will be eligible to hunt year-round for one bighorn sheep from a Wildlife Management Area that has an existing hunting season for the species.

“Hunting remains central to Alberta’s cultural heritage, and I’m proud to promote our province as a world-class destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The auction of the Minister’s Special License for bighorn sheep supports valuable conservation efforts, ensuring this incredible species will remain in the Rocky Mountains for generations to come.”

Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks

The minister will be joined by three ministry staff. Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

Itinerary for Minister Loewen

Jan. 17
  • Travel to Reno, Nev.

Jan. 17-18
  • Attend the Wild Sheep Foundation Sheep Show and meet with stakeholders

Jan. 19
  • Return to Alberta

*Subject to change.

Quick facts

  • The Minister’s Special License was created in 1995 and offers a unique opportunity each year for non-resident and resident hunters, via auction and raffle, to hunt certain game species with enhanced season lengths and an expanded hunting area.
  • The Minister’s Special License for bighorn sheep will be auctioned in Reno, Nevada at the Wild Sheep Foundation Sheep Show on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
  • The Minister’s Special Licenses for moose, elk, mule deer, turkey, pronghorn, cougar and white-tailed deer will be auctioned in Salt Lake City, Utah from February 15 to 16, 2025.
  • Holders of a Minister’s Special License are allowed to hunt year-round for the species associated with their tag and harvest one animal from a Wildlife Management Area that has an existing hunting season for that species.
  • Last year, the bighorn sheep license sold for $320,000 USD at auction, supporting conservation projects across Alberta.
  • The holder of the Minister’s Special Licence is required to follow all applicable legislation, regulations, and municipal by-laws – including weapons use restrictions.

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