The hunting opportunities listed are for the 2022-23 hunting season.
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed deer populations have been steadily increasing throughout the province in recent years. However, we expect the severity of this past winter may have caused above-average white-tailed deer mortality in the forest fringe and parkland regions of the province.
Moose
In order to ensure sustainable moose populations in non-forest WMZs (1-54), the ministry will reduce harvest pressure on cow and calf moose. These zones will have exclusively either-sex seasons, except urban WMZs (Regina and Saskatoon) which retain antlerless seasons.
For 2022, the total quota will remain the same, except in some WMZs along the Manitoba border and WMZs in the grassland region, where there is concern regarding low moose populations. Mandatory harvest reporting will help assess the impacts of this change. Season dates for draw either-sex moose have been aligned in all non-forest WMZs.
Moose populations in the forest remain low in most northern areas, so hunting opportunities in all forest WMZs will remain bulls only.
Elk
Elk populations support strong hunting opportunities across much of the province. Large quotas and late antlerless seasons are available in several WMZs for the 2022 hunting season, including a new draw opportunity for antlerless elk in WMZ 53. We encourage hunters to take advantage of the two-bag limit opportunity for draw antlerless elk in WMZ 33 (including Moose Mountain Provincial Park).
Mule Deer
Mule deer populations in some eastern grassland and parkland regions are at or close to long-term averages. Therefore, there will be additional draw hunting opportunities in many WMZs.
Over the counter, quota-limited antlerless mule deer licences will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through HAL in WMZs where the total draw quota was greater than the number of applications. This will include WMZs 3, 7E, 7W, 8, 11, 12 and 14W for 2022. See page 24 of the guide for details.
Regular archery mule deer opportunities are unchanged for 2022.
Pronghorn
Pronghorn populations have shown strong growth across their range, but some populations may have been affected by recent winter weather. Wildlife managers are proposing to maintain current hunting opportunities in 2022, with either-sex quotas in all eight pronghorn management units. Ground surveys conducted in July will help confirm population status and whether we will adjust quotas this year.
The pronghorn draw will occur in July, using applications submitted during the Big Game Draw in May. Draw results will be posted on the HAL website and sent out via email.
Game Birds
Upland game bird populations vary across the province.
Bag limits for sharp-tailed grouse have increased in the southeast due to growing populations. Elsewhere, local pockets may have recovered, but populations generally remain below target levels in many other areas. Gray partridge populations are also increasing in many areas, leading to increased bag limits in the east central region. Ring-necked pheasant populations are stable and bag limits remain unchanged. Forest grouse populations remain near a low point in their natural cycle, but there are signs of recovery.
Although spring and summer conditions may have an impact, waterfowl populations remain at or above target levels across much of the province. Pending approval in federal regulations, the five-bird restriction on greater white-fronted geese will be removed, allowing for an aggregate dark goose bag limit of eight birds daily. Please see pages 34 of the guide for more information.