Big Game Draws Pending
For many big game hunters across western Canada, taking part in the draws for limited entry licences is an annual spring rituals. For the government agencies that set and issue these permits it’s an opportunity to micro manage game populations of a specific area by providing access to a pre-determined number of hunters. For hunters who take part in the draws and manage to score on one of the limited permits, it provides the promise of better than average success ratios, sometimes on above average animals. Here’s a rundown of the upcoming draws. In some cases, the web links provided were not yet updated when this report was prepared, so check them periodically for 2009 specifics. And, if you do take part, good luck to you.
British Columbia
Information on the LEH draws come available during the first week of May and application forms will be available from most licence vendors at that time or download from the government website. Deadline for applications is mid June. You’ll find details for the draw timetable as well as specific species permits at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/resident/leh.html#Synopsis.
Alberta
The big game hunt draw booklets are issued in late May and application forms are available in early June with a deadline for all draws toward the end of that month. Get details on the draw dates as well as draw application proceedures at http://www.mywildalberta.com/Hunting/HuntingDraws.aspx.
Saskatchewan
Information on the draws should come available shortly and paper application forms will be available at licence vendors such as sporting goods stores as of early May. Online applications can be made at a substantially lower price. Deadline for applications is the end of May. For applications and details, go to https://secure.gov.sk.ca/biggame/default.asp.
Manitoba
This one is now closed. Info usually comes available in early March with a deadline during the first week of April. For future reference, check it out at http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/draw09.html.
