I highly recommend those opposing this latest antlerless elk season submit letters or emails to the Ministry of Environment. Here's a draft letter/email to use for those interested. ChatGPT is a great tool if you struggle putting your thoughts into words. I believe that the Ministry has lost sight of wildlife management and are now having knee-jerk reactions to landowners/farmers pressure over proper herd management. The changes/reductions to quotas and season structure that were established ahead of the draw application period are not in-line with this latest short-term free for all, and is much in-line with last season's ridiculous quota short-term hunts.
Email to:
Hon. Travis Keisig,
env.minister@gov.sk.ca
Room 322, 2405 Legislative Drive, Regina, SK, S4S 0B3
Chief of Staff Kenneth Cotterill,
kenneth.cotterill@gov.sk.ca
Room 322, 2405 Legislative Drive, Regina, SK, S4S 0B3
Inquiry Center,
centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca
Director Wildlife Joann Skilnick,
joann.skilnick@gov.sk.ca
4th Floor, 3211 Albert Street, Regina, SK, S4S 5W6
Fish and Wildlife Health Biologist Erin Moffatt,
erin.moffatt@gov.sk.ca
201-255 2nd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 1P4
Wildlife Ecologist Ffion Cassidy,
ffion.cassidy@gov.sk.ca
201-255 2nd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 1P4
Population Ecologist Graham Thibault,
Graham.Thibault@gov.sk.ca
201-255 2nd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 1P4
Team Lead, Wildlife Allocation Specialist Travis Williams,
Travis.Williams@gov.sk.ca
201-255 2nd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 1P4
Licensing and Allocation Specialist Matthew Weiss,
matthew.weiss@gov.sk.ca
4th Floor, 3211 Albert Street, Regina, SK, S4S 5W6
More at
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/directory?ou=26ec8924-fe19-4a3a-b161-56c8264e5274
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/directory?ou=7987f2a7-9909-48bb-8e28-4a787ae125b0
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment’s recent announcement of a last-minute, short-term antlerless elk season across all southern Wildlife Management Zones (WMZs). While I understand the concerns of agricultural producers regarding crop damage, this abrupt decision undermines the integrity of wildlife management and the rights of resident hunters.
The lack of transparency and consultation surrounding this decision is deeply troubling. Neither the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation nor the Saskatchewan Bowhunters Association has publicly supported or adequately addressed this issue, leaving many hunters feeling unheard and disregarded. The absence of meaningful dialogue with stakeholders erodes trust in the province’s wildlife management process.
Furthermore, the recent shift to bull-only over-the-counter elk tags during the regular season has already restricted opportunities for harvesting antlerless elk. Many residents have waited years to draw a quality antlerless tag through the Big Game Draw, only to see their chances diminished by this sudden, unrestricted hunt. This undermines the fairness of the draw system and devalues the commitment of ethical hunters who follow the rules and respect conservation principles.
Access to hunting land remains a significant barrier. The Ministry has stated that the success of this program “rests with landowners,” yet no formal access agreements or incentives have been established. Without guaranteed access, many hunters will be unable to participate, rendering the initiative ineffective and inequitable.
Moreover, the ecological impact of this hunt has not been adequately studied or communicated. Antlerless elk—primarily cows and calves—are the reproductive backbone of the herd. A poorly managed harvest could destabilize populations and compromise long-term sustainability. Implementing such a hunt without clear population data or a transparent management plan is irresponsible.
In conclusion, this rushed antlerless elk season disregards the principles of fair access, sustainable harvest, and stakeholder engagement. I urge the Ministry to reconsider this decision, engage in meaningful consultation with wildlife organizations and hunters, and prioritize long-term conservation over short-term appeasement.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
