The hunting opportunities listed are for the 2023-24 hunting season.
White-tailed deer
Population surveys indicate white-tailed deer populations have declined in the province's forest, forest fringe and parkland regions following a severe winter in 2021-22. Therefore, the additional quota-limited antlerless white-tailed deer licence (second licence) will not be offered in WMZs 33-35, 37 and 39 in 2023. Quota-limited antlerless white-tailed licences will continue to be available in the southwest region of the province (WMZs 1-14, 19) on a first-come, first-served basis. Regular either-sex white-tailed deer seasons will remain unchanged.
Moose
In non-forest WMZs (1-54), the ministry has adjusted quotas to maintain moose populations near the current level and ensure sustainable harvest for all hunters. These quotas will remain unchanged for several years to enable a detailed assessment of reduced harvest pressure on cow and calf moose. Antlerless moose seasons will be maintained in all three urban WMZs (Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert).
Hunting opportunities will remain bulls-only in the forest as populations remain low in most northern areas.
Elk
Elk populations continue to support good hunting opportunities across much of the province. WMZs with high landowner concerns will retain antlerless quotas and seasons for the 2023 hunting season, with five areas increasing their antlerless quotas. New opportunities also include a bull-only regular and draw antlerless season in WMZ 68N. Hunters are strongly encouraged to take advantage of antlerless opportunities across the province. Regular and draw elk season dates remain unchanged from last year.
Mule deer
Changes to either-sex and antlerless mule deer quotas were made in some WMZs to reflect current survey information on mule deer population status. Quota-limited antlerless mule deer licence opportunities will continue to be available in WMZs 3, 7E, 7W, 8, 11, 12 and 14W. Regular either-sex archery opportunities remain unchanged.
Pronghorn
Pronghorn populations have shown strong growth across their range over the past ten years. Wildlife managers are proposing an additional 275 either-sex licences to take advantage of additional hunting opportunities while pronghorn populations grow. Ground surveys conducted in July will help confirm population status and whether quotas will be adjusted 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
Although upland game bird populations vary across the province, most are stable or increasing. As such, bag limits for sharp-tailed grouse have been increased in Game Bird Management Units 3-6. Gray partridge and ring-necked pheasant populations are relatively stable and bag limits remain unchanged. Forest grouse populations are showing signs of recovery from a low point in their natural cycle.
While spring and summer conditions may have an influence, waterfowl populations remain at or above target levels across much of the province. White goose populations have undergone declines in recent years but continue to be abundant. Seasons and bag limits remain unchanged from last year.