New Alberta Elk Opportunity

[BigUglyMan]

As far as Suffield goes the Indians have been coming out in droves to Slaughter Bulls. 400 head+ bulls taken in the past few weeks. If these people spent half as much time teaching their kids some respect as they do "subsistence" hunting they would be the burden that they are currently. What a pizz off

So they shoot a whack of bulls which has a very low impact on the population which in turn provides a bunch of people the opportunity to go out and do the real conservation by thinning out the cows.

My experience is that people hunting as subsistence hunters rarely score antlers. They might shoot big animals but I've never seen one scored in my years living in areas with large FN populations. Generally subsistence hunters are looking for big animals that they don't have to spend a ton of time searching out. Not saying that they're lazy, just motivated to go out and get something big in the body which also likely has big headgear. But they're not going to spike out for days in order to search out every last inch of antler.

Not sure if you can do it in the South but up north there is no issue with taking an animal for local elders. In fact it is encouraged. Some elders don't have grandkids that are inclined to go out and hunt for their grandparents. Very rewarding public service that is always appreciated in the community.

 

[track]

150sask natives kill 400bull elk in 4days.? There will a lot less bulls now.fish cops didn,t want this to come out? Got to wild elk federation fb look for your self. No tags or lottery for them or cost. They took all bulls too. No sence putting in for a bull elk down there any more. The report says 80% of the bulls were 350 inch or larger. I hope someone (s) is going to loose their jobs! Maybe a minister too!

There are two main levels of government involved in this cull, and for good reason. The elk are over populated and causing havoc with landowners by damaging fences and damaging the fertile, sensitive grasses that are needed for cattle. Governments are at a crossroad and require immediate balance and sustainable populations.
Regardless of bulls, cows or caves being harvested, they must be reduced. Wildlife is a renewable resource and they will return in healthy numbers once this cull and other methods are completed, such as their continued draw system for hunters in and outside of the Suffield base.
To organize a trophy bull hunt on the base would not be practical to reduce their immediate robust numbers, therefore the First Nations program is their best choice.

 

[Buckmastr]

Srd knew there was going to be an issue with the elk population over 10 years ago. Did nothing meaningful.
Now the MND is taking care of the problem with Indians. Can't complain as this is just another piece of mismanagement by srd and the associations that are supposed to look after resident interests. And I doubt this wakeup call will change anything going forward.

 

[bbobie]

I personally new a fellow who was Metis , you wouldn't know it to look at him.He has taken animals ,rams elk ,antelope etc to some of the horn measuring .He was told that his heads would be scored but not entered as they were not killed during a open season like the rest of the entries.
His kills were impresseve 400+ Cypress hills elk ,180+ rams etc they where all book animals.
So there are some out there that want the fame.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

There are two main levels of government involved in this cull, and for good reason. The elk are over populated and causing havoc with landowners by damaging fences and damaging the fertile, sensitive grasses that are needed for cattle. Governments are at a crossroad and require immediate balance and sustainable populations.
Regardless of bulls, cows or caves being harvested, they must be reduced. Wildlife is a renewable resource and they will return in healthy numbers once this cull and other methods are completed, such as their continued draw system for hunters in and outside of the Suffield base.
To organize a trophy bull hunt on the base would not be practical to reduce their immediate robust numbers, therefore the First Nations program is their best choice.

Best?: By all means, I can see increasing the numbers allocated to native groups on a 'controlled' basis but why not 'also' increase the numbers allocated to non native groups?

 

[guido]

Isn't the challenge of the hunt the most alluring part of hunting????
Harvesting a 400" bull elk from the inside Suffield block would not mean near as much as calling in a 300" bull in 400.
I use to have a desire to hunt these elk, but it has diminished immensely the last couple years.

 

[sask378]

There are two main levels of government involved in this cull, and for good reason. The elk are over populated and causing havoc with landowners by damaging fences and damaging the fertile, sensitive grasses that are needed for cattle. Governments are at a crossroad and require immediate balance and sustainable populations.
Regardless of bulls, cows or caves being harvested, they must be reduced. Wildlife is a renewable resource and they will return in healthy numbers once this cull and other methods are completed, such as their continued draw system for hunters in and outside of the Suffield base.
To organize a trophy bull hunt on the base would not be practical to reduce their immediate robust numbers, therefore the First Nations program is their best choice.

 

[sheephunter]

T
To organize a trophy bull hunt on the base would not be practical to reduce their immediate robust numbers, therefore the First Nations program is their best choice.

They are doing it this year by the looks of things...not sure I see the difficulty. Same thing as the cow hunt. 600 tags proposed.

 

[tokguy]

It's a good deal every one they take out, natives or draw.
I grew up on the south boundary of the block. Know lot's of folk on the northern and southern fences, it's badly overpopulated.
Didn't get drawn...bummer, get over it. For once I'm on the native's side, get some on the ground. Usually I'm not fond of some of the antics that go on in that quarter. This time...just do something, it's out of control.
Every now and again I read things that make my brow furrow on here, like " I wish we had a feral hog / wild boar problem in my area" is another gem...
Ecologically the elk situation is out of control out there, good that the natives found a loophole that took some out. Other than the hunting privileges, few here would trade places with your average native...their lot in life isn't that easy or privileged.
Petty jealousy, over an elk?
Get over it, it's not very becoming.

 

[track]

Best?: By all means, I can see increasing the numbers allocated to native groups on a 'controlled' basis but why not 'also' increase the numbers allocated to non native groups?

If for some reason that they did implement non-native hunters in the block hunting bulls, along with the first nations, I'm sure many would complain for one reason or another about something. (ie: natives killed all the big bulls, to many hunters, interference of my hunt and the list probably continues on) First and foremost, landowners have to be protected, their land is increasing destroyed by the elk. Hunters with bull tags, myself included, must be patient and wait and see what happens. Yes, the government was somewhat neglectful and now they are trying to remedy it. In this case, landowners first, to reduce the herd ASAP............hunters will just have to take a second seat, besides, hunting is a privilege, look at the glass half full, lets be content, instead of mal-content.

 

[Suka]

Isn't the challenge of the hunt the most alluring part of hunting????
Harvesting a 400" bull elk from the inside Suffield block would not mean near as much.

....and yet it's what, P14 for a bull tag 1' on the other side of the fence; exactly the same hunt? And make no mistake, it's Exactly the same hunt. The elk don't know if they're on the p14 side or the undersubscribed side.

I hope most feel the same, it'll take me much less priority to get drawn.

My personal point of view; it's a chance for elk meat 40 minutes from my house.

FYI, I hunted 402 until it got too crowded(it got too crowded 30 yrs ago), while I got skunked many times I was done in 20 minutes there a couple times too. It is what it is.

 

[FreedomIsn'tFree]

I'll be there on the 9th with my brother to take 2 more off the base.

 

[Moon]

Hi,
Managed to fill my undersubscribed tag Monday.
Had mom and dad over for elk steak tonight and all I can say is, "Holy Fu^&% was that good!"

marinade:

Kansas City BBQ

5 tablespoons butter
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
5 finely chopped garlic cloves
2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons chili powder
Salt to taste
Cayenne to taste (used a couple level tsp's)
Cook the minced onion in the butter over medium heat until soft, but not browned. Add the garlic and cook another minute or two, then add the remaining ingredients, bring to a light boil and then cook gently for 15 minutes.


Made the marinade the day before and put it in the fridge overnight. Split it into a bowl and a small dish(for brushing on bbq)
Tossed in the thawed steaks before heading to work, shook the container a few times through the day, took the steaks out, rinsed them off, patted them with paper towel and dried them for an hour or so.
BBq'd for 5 minutes on one side, flipped, brushed with the small dish of sauce, another 4-5 minute's at around 600-650 degrees, came out rare-med rare, melt in your mouth and g-d tasty!

With the warm weather we had it all arranged just in case. On the way home from the base wife phoned sister and nephew, they met us at our place. 2 hrs later the elk was broken down. We kept one backstrap, one tenderloin(both now cut into steaks), the ribs(smoker ribs for a spring gathering) and the neck meat(for sausage/hamburger). Neice/ newphew in law? got some meat, the bones(they have working dogs that earn their keep) and the hide (he does leather work and will make it into rawhide), sister, bil and nephew(kids to feed) split the rest as they saw fit.

I read haters on other forums, screw'em. I feel very fortunate to be able to have the opportunity for some Great meat to share with family. Far as the hunt itself, it's 2700sq km. We did a PILE of spotting to find a herd of cows, and I don't miss much. Wife looked at the map on the way home, figure's I walked about 6 miles to get mine. You have the opportunity, you go. I'll be applying next year.

Best of luck to anyone fortunate enough to have Feb. tags. And ya, the cows can get pretty big. It was a real rodeo with wife and I loading the elk using a 7' ramp, ratchet straps and swear words.

Great job Suka! Love the recipe too.

 

[Suka]

Thanks, definitely try it. Being apple based it seems to compliment rather than hide the taste of the meat. Good luck Freeif., perseverance will pay off. Let us know how you make out!

 

[Johnn Peterson]

If for some reason that they did implement non-native hunters in the block hunting bulls, along with the first nations, I'm sure many would complain for one reason or another about something. (ie: natives killed all the big bulls, to many hunters, interference of my hunt and the list probably continues on) First and foremost, landowners have to be protected, their land is increasing destroyed by the elk. Hunters with bull tags, myself included, must be patient and wait and see what happens. Yes, the government was somewhat neglectful and now they are trying to remedy it. In this case, landowners first, to reduce the herd ASAP............hunters will just have to take a second seat, besides, hunting is a privilege, look at the glass half full, lets be content, instead of mal-content.

Just questioning, thereby trying to understand and trying very hard to see the rationale behind some of the decissions that are coming down the pipe.

 

[track]

Just questioning, thereby trying to understand and trying very hard to see the rationale behind some of the decissions that are coming down the pipe.

I'm not aware what occurs behind government closed doors, however; I speculate that the Federal Government is having the final decision. Suffield is Federal land and jurisdiction, therefore I believe that the provincial government has to dance to the tune of the higher level. This is possibly the reason for First Nation people hunting prior to anyone else. I'm trying to understand it myself, however I "will not" complain, because Alberta, besides BC, has the most diverse abundance of wildlife in North America................the cup half full.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

I'm not aware what occurs behind government closed doors, however; I speculate that the Federal Government is having the final decision. Suffield is Federal land and jurisdiction, therefore I believe that the provincial government has to dance to the tune of the higher level. This is possibly the reason for First Nation people hunting prior to anyone else. I'm trying to understand it myself, however I "will not" complain, because Alberta, besides BC, has the most diverse abundance of wildlife in North America................the cup half full.

Considering the success I've experienced on two previous Mule Deer hunts on draw in Alberta and this years Antelope hunt, my cup is full.

 

[FreedomIsn'tFree]

Anyone else going to be there Monday the 9th?

 

[silver69]

It's a good deal every one they take out, natives or draw.
I grew up on the south boundary of the block. Know lot's of folk on the northern and southern fences, it's badly overpopulated.
Didn't get drawn...bummer, get over it. For once I'm on the native's side, get some on the ground. Usually I'm not fond of some of the antics that go on in that quarter. This time...just do something, it's out of control.
Every now and again I read things that make my brow furrow on here, like " I wish we had a feral hog / wild boar problem in my area" is another gem...
Ecologically the elk situation is out of control out there, good that the natives found a loophole that took some out. Other than the hunting privileges, few here would trade places with your average native...their lot in life isn't that easy or privileged.
Petty jealousy, over an elk?
Get over it, it's not very becoming.

BS! No retail tax, no school fees, free post secondary education, free land and in Some cases a free house, no land tax, free prescriptions, free health care, no need to apply/pay/ train for a gun licence, can own and use at will on "their" land restricted guns with no prob, can hunt whenever they want what they want and depending on what band they are with and what reserve they are on, when they turn 18, each resident gets a fat cash tax free cheque that is anywhere from about $18k and in some cases over $100k.

And if they do business with you, they can disappear onto the reserve and you will have no legal recourse to recoup losses! He'll most RCMP won't even investigate smaller crimes perped by a native on a reserve because they can't get clear cooperation!?

....yes they have a "lot" in life for sure but the ones that are on the lower end of the scale need to look only as far as their band leaders for the money and support because the $$$ has been paid out.

My guess is that there are "MANY" of us that would trade for their "lot"....and my guess is that the same many would show to be doing a LOT better with it!

PS: I live just outside of 2 big reserves, if things are so bad for this bunch how can they justify/afford brand new trucks that they just wreak after a year or so, or maybe the $1000 in thug life clothing and jewelry that each of these punks wear as they swayed around here with great destain for everyone else?

 

[FreedomIsn'tFree]

BS! No retail tax, no school fees, free post secondary education, free land and in Some cases a free house, no land tax, free prescriptions, free health care, no need to apply/pay/ train for a gun licence, can own and use at will on "their" land restricted guns with no prob, can hunt whenever they want what they want and depending on what band they are with and what reserve they are on, when they turn 18, each resident gets a fat cash tax free cheque that is anywhere from about $18k and in some cases over $100k.

And if they do business with you, they can disappear onto the reserve and you will have no legal recourse to recoup losses! He'll most RCMP won't even investigate smaller crimes perped by a native on a reserve because they can't get clear cooperation!?

....yes they have a "lot" in life for sure but the ones that are on the lower end of the scale need to look only as far as their band leaders for the money and support because the $$$ has been paid out.

My guess is that there are "MANY" of us that would trade for their "lot"....and my guess is that the same many would show to be doing a LOT better with it!

PS: I live just outside of 2 big reserves, if things are so bad for this bunch how can they justify/afford brand new trucks that they just wreak after a year or so, or maybe the $1000 in thug life clothing and jewelry that each of these punks wear as they swayed around here with great destain for everyone else?

I sense some bitterness.