New elk management program launched in Alberta

With an estimated 45,000 elk in Alberta and expanding herd distribution, populations at times come into conflict with agricultural producers. While recreational hunting seasons for antlerless elk have been the primary tool to manage populations, achieving harvest goals can be a challenge in some areas.

In addition to new extended antlerless elk hunting seasons in many parts of Alberta, the Government of Alberta has introduced the Wildlife Management Responder Program for antlerless elk. Under the new program, and in circumstances where elk are damaging stored feed and grain meant for livestock, a special authorization can be granted to eligible hunters after the close of the normal recreational hunting season for antlerless elk.

Once a conflict with stored feed and grain is received, a Fish and Wildlife Officer will inspect the damage and recommend prevention and mitigation strategies to the producer. If, after implementing the strategies, the elk damage continues, the option to utilize the Wildlife Management Responder Program can be considered. Producers may access financial compensation for feed losses through the Wildlife Damage Program of Agriculture Financial Services Corporation as normal.

It is important to note that only if the producer agrees to access the Wildlife Management Responder Program for antlerless elk will it be considered. Based on the list of eligible hunters who applied in the draw for the Wildlife Management Responder Program, hunters will be contacted and asked of their availability to respond within 48 hours to the site of the conflict. If the drawn hunter is available to assist, they will be provided with the special authorization and placed in contact with the affected producer. It is the responsibility of the chosen hunter to obtain hunting permission from the landowner. Responders must limit their activity to those private lands where the conflict is occurring and any immediately adjacent crown lands, as specifically described in the hunting authorization. Responders are permitted to harvest one antlerless elk and the authorization is valid for a maximum of seven days.

The provincial Ungulate Damage Prevention Program, which is focused on supporting producers through fencing programs for stored livestock feed, remains a focus for the provincial government.