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	Edmonton - The Alberta Professional Outfitters Society (APOS) wants to understand what effect hunting has on the Alberta Black Bear population. For this reason, they have instigated a five-year study, and committed funding to the tune of $100,000, in order to track and analyze black bear movements in Northern Alberta. Dr. Mark Boyce, the Alberta Chair of Fisheries and Wildlife, is carrying out the study at the University of Alberta, along with Ph.D. student Sophie Czetwertynski. "We have completed the first phase of the study which involved the capture of 215 bears. Eighty-five of these are now wearing GPS and VHF collars which allow us to track them within four study areas which encompasses some eight thousand square km." explained Czetwertynski. Public pressure against hunting has recently resulted to a ban on spring bear hunts in Ontario and Colorado. APOS feels that this decision was based more on public sentiment than on any specific research. A lack of objective/reliable/scientific information on how bear hunting affects the long-term sustainability of bear populations makes it difficult for hunters and outfitter guides to argue against popular concerns. APOS President Ryk Visscher says " "We have made this research project one of our priorities over the next five-years. There is no question this going to be the definitive black bear studies undertaken possibly in North America. He adds, "This project will benefit black bears by answering critical questions with regard to the bear hunt, says Visscher, "This study will be essential to the development of ecologically sound management strategies to ensure black bear populations remain a wildlife resource in the long-term." There are more than 380 licensed professional outfitter guides in Alberta who through their privately run businesses, contribute over $48 million annually to our provincial economy. For more information please contact: Owen Voaklander Managing Director APOS:(780) 414 - 0249
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Hunting For Tomorrow Foundation Kelly Semple, Executive Director #87, 4003-98th Street Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6M8 Phone: 780-462-2444 Email: ksemple@huntingfortomorrow.com If you encounter any problems with this site, please contact Kelly Semple. © 2002 HUNTING FOR TOMORROW FOUNDATION   This page was last updated  June 02, 2008