What's New in 2020?
Second Black Bear Licence: A second black bear hunting licence is available to Saskatchewan residents in wildlife management zones (WMZs) 17, 30, 32-50 and 52- 55, including Duck Mountain and Greenwater Lake provincial parks, Round Lake Recreation Site (portion within WMZ 48) and in Fort à la Corne Wildlife Management Unit (WMU), where human-bear conflict is a concern and additional harvest is sustainable.
Youth Game Licence: A separate Saskatchewan Resident Youth Game Bird Licence and Saskatchewan Resident Youth White-tailed Deer Licence have replaced the Saskatchewan Resident Youth Game Licence. The previous licence was problematic to configure in the online Hunting, Angling and Trapping (HAL) system. There is no additional cost for customers, with each licence priced at $10.
Mandatory Hunter Harvest Surveys: Completion of hunter harvest surveys is now mandatory. Hunter harvest surveys are critical in helping evaluate game populations. Wildlife biologists use this information to better understand how game populations are responding to current management strategies. We encourage all hunters to familiarize themselves with these surveys. Surveys can be completed by signing on to your HAL account or calling ASPIRA at 1-888-773-8450. More information on hunter harvest surveys and survey dates can be found at saskatchewan.ca/hunter-harvest-survey.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): CWD has now been detected in 55 WMZs in the province, including much of southern Saskatchewan. The disease is particularly prevalent in mule deer but is also present in white-tailed deer, elk and moose. CWD-infected animals may appear healthy and show no signs of the disease. The ministry is working on surveillance and management options to help reduce the spread of CWD, and as a means to better manage big game species across the province. For more information on the 2020 CWD surveillance program, visit saskatchewan.ca/CWD.
Use of Motorized Wheelchairs for Hunting: Permit options for hunters with physical disabilities have been expanded to include the use of a motorized wheelchair for hunting. This permit is available to applicants who are permanently confined to a wheelchair. Visit saskatchewan.ca to download a copy of the Special Authorization for a Hunter with Disabilities Application.
Proposed Changes for 2021
The following changes are proposed for the 2021-22 hunting season:
Antlerless Mule Deer: The ministry is considering changes to the allocation of antlerless mule deer in the province due to consistent underutilization of the licences in many zones. Options for allocating these licences outside the big game draw are being considered.
Buy a Hunting Licence
Buy a hunting, angling or trapping licence through HAL – the government's hunting, angling and trapping licence system.
Regulations
Regulations that apply to hunting and trapping in Saskatchewan are The Wildlife Act, 1998; The Wildlife Regulations, 1981; The Open Season Game Regulations, 2009; The Wildlife Management Zones and Special Areas Boundaries Regulations, 1990; The Fur Animals Open Seasons Regulations, The Firearm Safety/Hunter Education Regulations, 2009, The Dog Training Regulations 1982, the Outfitter and Guide Regulations 2004; The Migratory Birds Convention act, 1994; and The Migratory Birds Regulations. A summary of the regulations is available, and hunters should review the document.