Wolf Bounty-Northern Alberta

[AbLonewolf]

I have hunted the South East area of Peace River since the mid 80's. We have always enjoyed a high population of moose, elk, and both deer species.

Last year, we observed a somewhat higher than normal wolf activities signs. Deer numbers were lower than usual.

One of our guys shot a muley doe one morning. He walked back to camp to get help. Upon his return, the carcass was gone. They followed the skid marks in the snow to a creek bottom, and found the head and half shoulder. The rest was gone. Several wolf tracks noted. This all happened within an hour, in broad daylight.

I heard rumours that the Smoky River MD (or County), and perhaps the Sunrise MD are considering a wolf bounty, but are hesitant due to the cost.

Anyone living in those areas heard anything about this?

Are bounties the answer?

 

[Demonical]

I think that wolf numbers have to be reduced. A bounty program might help, but Alberta hunters have the opportunity to take as many wolves as they want. All you have to have is a valid big game license, and an open season for big game in your WMU, and you can take as many wolves as you want.

Where I run into problems, is I never seem to get the free time, to go out after the bastards.

 

[Both Barrels]

As already stated they need to be thinned out. I did my part last season and will also this year if the opportunity presents itself. Have heard nothing about a bounty (although the rumors are always out there), but you can still sell the hide for some good $$$ if in good shape.

 

[Big Jon]

A bounty to entice people to pick off wolves won't really help in my opinion. A large scale initiative is what needs to happen if Gov. is really interested in reducing wolf numbers.

ie/ bounties in conjunction with trapping incentives, punting "trappers" that are using traplines for back country cabins and shangri-la's and minimal trapping off of the lines, poisoning, aerial gunning...etc...

picking a few off here and there won't have affects...

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Here's the story. Don't know if it's still in effect, but at least they got a few. See you're in Rocky. The Rocky Trappers Association pays what amounts to a bounty, but think you have to be a member.

http://www.vancouversun.com/technol...s+unhappy+with+wolf+bounty/7014403/story.html


Grizz

 

[mooger31]

I know north of fox creek has a bounty on them right now. 300.00 dollars a dog. Think you have to send in the paws and tell them where you got it.

 

[Boomer74]

I wish Southern Alberta had a bounty...

 

[Grizzly Adams]

I wish Southern Alberta had a bounty...

This should make you very happy. Cardston County

Wolf Bounty
This item was discussed at the February 13, 2012 Council Meeting.
Councilor Cam Francis requested more information on the item, and
it was tabled to the March 12, 2012 Meeting.
Moved by: Councilor Cam Francis to give a wolf bounty of $500.00
per carcass, up to a maximum of $ 5,000.00 per year (ten carcases)
and that they must be registered with twenty-four (24) hours.
Carried


Grizz

 

[powder burner]

What do they mean registered within 24 hrs?

 

[AbLonewolf]

The thing is Counties/Mds have their own set of rules (funding),,, if they can afford it, as there is no Provincial funding here.

As stated, hunters have to do their legal share as needed,,,

Thanx for the input...

 

[Boomer74]

I guess a 3hr drive is better than 6...



* if it says "CARRIED" under the motion, does that mean it's approved or 'carried over' to the next meeting ?

 

[fiddler]

The wolf population has definitely been up for a few years but this is a natural cycle. As the food population increases (deer, moose, ect) the predator population follows. As deer have been at a peak until last year, the number of wolves and the size of the packs has grown in numbers. With the decline of deer and such we can expect the predator number to fall in the next few years. The by-product of this is that as the abundance of food decreases, the hungry wolf population will go after domestic and farm herd animals.

As a hunter who enjoys free access on private farm and ranch land, We're asked to take the opportunities to shoot the wolves every chance we get. For the cattle farmers, the wolves take a noticeable percentage of domestic animals.

 

[Mighty Peace]

I believe a few northen Alberta MD's have the bounty for wolves but I think you must be a resident in the MD to receive the bounty from some of the MD's.......I could be wrong.

 

[Grizzly Adams]

I believe a few northen Alberta MD's have the bounty for wolves but I think you must be a resident in the MD to receive the bounty from some of the MD's.......I could be wrong.

Think you're right. Fear is that everybody with a gun will show up and raise Hell, like the gong show around here when the feral hog bounty was first announced. Can't remember the name of the Southern Alberta County but they had a similar program for coyotes a couple of years ago and it was limited to residents.

Grizz

 

[straightshooter]

I guess a 3hr drive is better than 6...



* if it says "CARRIED" under the motion, does that mean it's approved or 'carried over' to the next meeting ?

...means the motion was approved.

 

[Big Jon]

I believe a few northen Alberta MD's have the bounty for wolves but I think you must be a resident in the MD to receive the bounty from some of the MD's.......I could be wrong.

To add...in Clear Hills when the bounty was on there (may still be one) you had to register yourself as being eligble for the bounty and the wolf had to come from the white zone.