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SUCCESS OF ALBERTA'S 1st PROVINCIAL HUNTING DAY
LEADS TO

ANNUAL EVENT
July 15, 2008

In 2007, Alberta declared the first Provincial Hunting Day for the province on September 22nd. This day promoted hunting as an important wildlife management tool, as well as a healthy outdoor activity that fosters strong connections to and awareness about nature and the environment.  A number of organizations provided opportunities, for committed hunting enthusiasts and those who might be interested in hunting, to learn more about this activity.

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development is please to inform you that the success and support of Alberta's first Provincial Hunting Day led to the Alberta government recently announcing this special day as an annual event on the fourth Saturday in September.

Letter from Alberta Sustainable Resource Development PDF File: 126 KB

 

 

LEARN TO HUNT THROUGH THE 
OUTDOOR BOUND
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

 

 

HUNTING DRAWS
RESULTS

Just a reminder, that if you haven’t already checked for your draw results,
visit www.albertarelm.com and check to see if you were successful this year.

 

 

 

ACA
AERIAL UNGULATE SURVEYS
June 26, 2008

Aerial Ungulate Surveys for moose, white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bison, and caribou across the province are the primary method used to determine: 

  • Population status and trends  

  • Hunting guidelines and tag allocations (managed by ASRD)

  • Evaluate and inform land use decisions (managed by ASRD)

 Alberta Conservation Association and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development work in partnership to conduct aerial surveys, many of which are made possible through levies on hunting tags.

 To find results for 28 ungulate surveys conducted in wildlife management areas across Alberta
visit www.ab-conservation.com for the draft report or call toll free: 1-877-969-9091 for more information.

 


 

2009 APPLICATION FORMS
for funding assistance under the Minister Special License program
are now available. 

Deadline to Submit is December 31, 2008

2009 Minister's Special Licenses Grant Application Word File 65 KB

2009 Minister's Special Licenses Grant Application     PDF File 35 KB

 

 

 

FUNDING PROVIDED FOR
BASELINE GRIZZLY BEAR
RESEARCH WORK

DNA information key to recovery plan success

 Hinton... The Alberta government has provided a $733,000 grant to Foothills Research Institute to help continue its state-of-the-art DNA-based census surveys of grizzly bears in Alberta.

 “The Government of Alberta is pleased to support the continuation of this work to supply baseline information needed to safeguard grizzly bear populations in our province,” Sustainable Resource Development Minister Ted Morton said in presenting a cheque for the funding to Jim LeLacheur, President of Foothills Research Institute, at the opening of an international conference in Hinton. 

Foothills Research Institute – formerly Foothills Model Forest – has been conducting DNA-based grizzly surveys since 2004. The surveys meet a key recommendation of the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan accepted by the Government of Alberta in 2007, by improving knowledge of grizzly bear populations, mortality, health, recruitment and habitat. 

“Foothills Research Institute is proud of its partnership with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development,” Jim LeLacheur said. “The grizzly bear DNA work is an excellent example of how good science and management tools guide decisions about Alberta’s forests and wildlife.” 

The presentation was made during remarks by Minister Morton to the International Model Forest Network Global Forum, a five-day gathering of representatives from 30 countries who are meeting to discuss common approaches to the sustainable management of forested landscapes and natural resources. 

Foothills Research Institute, a 16-year-old partnership of more than 80 stakeholders, is a leader in developing innovative science and knowledge for integrated management of the forest landscape. Its research programs include focus on grizzly bears, fish and watersheds, mountain pine beetle, integrated access, natural disturbance, wildland fire and aboriginal involvement.

 For more information about grizzly bear management in Alberta, please visit http://srd.alberta.ca/fishwildlife/ and click on ‘Wildlife in Alberta’ in the menu box on the left, then on ‘Grizzly Bear Management.’

 Media inquiries may be directed to:

Darcy Whiteside
Public Affairs Officer
Sustainable Resource Development
Darcy.whiteside@gov.ab.ca
780-415-9545

 

To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

 

 

CONTESTANTS NEEDED
FOR NEW HUNTING & FISHING TV SERIES

Active Video Productions based in Michigan and its’ award winning producer, Tim Gauthier is on the search for dynamic, competitive, and energetic individuals to compete in a NEW and EXCITING hunting and fishing TV series. Are you spontaneous, adventurous, and seeking some serious thrills in your life? Do you have what it takes to compete in unique challenges that put your outdoor skills and abilities to the ultimate test?  If so, then this is the challenge for you!

 Interested Sportsmen and women can learn more about the application process by going to www.theultimatesportsman.com

 

 

 

EDMONTON- BASED
WESTERN SPORTSMAN MAGAZINE
TO AIR NATIONALLY

For Immediate Release
June 9, 2008
 
EDMONTON — Western Sportsman magazine, Western Canada’s oldest and most widely read hunting and fishing publication, is making itself known on every media source: print, Internet, and soon — radio and television.
Beginning in July, Western Sportsman magazine will be airing 30-second commercials on Canada’s premier hunting and fishing TV network, Wild TV.
Viewers can get a special sneak preview of the commercial on YouTube.com by clicking:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=R8om9rqWWT4.

Also in July, Western Sportsman editor David Webb, as well as several of the magazine’s writers, will be making appearances on Let’s Go Outdoors Radio with Michael Short.
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
 
David Webb, Editor
Western Sportsman magazine   
dwebb@outdoorgroupmedia.com
780.643.3963
www.westernsportsman.com

 

 

NEW HUNTING & FISHING COMMUNITY
WEBSITE LAUNCHED

 



Alberta's best hunting and fishing info now found at My Wild Alberta
Edmonton... The Government of Alberta has launched My Wild Alberta (http://www.mywildalberta.com), a new website bringing together the best information for and from Alberta’s hunting and fishing community.

“This new website will be the first stop for hunters and anglers in Alberta,” said Ted Morton, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development. “Hunters and anglers are our partners in wildlife conservation and habitat management. Through My Wild Alberta, we can work together to build a stronger hunting and fishing culture in this province.”

My Wild Alberta is a joint initiative between Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, the Alberta Conservation Association, the Alberta Fish and Game Association, Alberta Outdoorsmen magazine, the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Hunting for Tomorrow, the Alberta Trappers Association and Trout Unlimited Canada.

My Wild Alberta features hunting and fishing information, as well as a discussion board, events calendar, stories, videos, Alberta’s hunting and fishing regulations, and links to the Government of Alberta’s online licensing site, https://www.albertarelm.com. It will also highlight key initiatives and programs of the stakeholder organizations.

 

Media enquiries may be directed to:

Mike Jenkinson
Communications
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
780-427-8636

Public enquiries may be directed to:

Information Centre
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
1-877-944-0313

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

 

 

 

WILD WISHes:
ART COMPETITION LAUNCHED

Media Release: June 5 2008

 

The International Coalition for Women in Shooting and Hunting (WiSH) are excited to announce the launch of their first ever art competition: ‘Wild WiSHes’. ‘Wild WiSHes’ welcomes paintings, sketches, or similar works expressing the broad themes of wildlife and the natural world, human interactions with the environment, and hope for future generations. The winning piece will be featured on the WiSH website and in promotional material.
Entry is open until December 5
th, 2008.
For further details,
please email
- info@ic-wish.org

 

 

 

PASSING OF THE HUNTING HERITAGE ACT
  BILL 201

  The Alberta Hunting Heritage Act--Bill 201 received third and final reading and was passed by the Legislature. Many of you wrote letters or sent in e-mails to express support of this important piece of legislation. This piece of legislation will recognize Hunting, Fishing and Trapping as legitimate, rightful privileges under the protection of law and will serve us well in the future.  

To view this Act please go to
http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/documents/Acts/H15P5_08.cfm?frm_isbn=9780779733002

 Additionally, if you are so inclined you may wish to send a note of appreciation and indeed congratulations to the key players that made this happen. Thanks go to Mr. Leonard Mitzel (PC) MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat who presented the bill with the full support of ASRD Minister Ted Morton.

Following is their contact information:

 Mr. Leonard Mitzel 
MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat

Constituency Office

Trans Canada Place
#5 1299, Trans Canada Way
Medicine Hat, AB
Canada T1B 1H9
Phone: (403) 528-2191
Toll-Free: 1-866-339-2191
Fax: (403) 528-2278
cypress.medicinehat@assembly.ab.ca

 

 

 

GUIDE TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE NOW AVAILABLE

This colourful 68-page guide is the perfect companion for outdoor enthusiasts. It contains accurate, need-to-know information about finding and accessing more than 200,000 acres of uniquely Albertan outdoor adventures.
Inside, you will find details on 361 properties managed by Alberta Conservation Association and our partner conservation organizations. There are 259 properties to hunt on, 130 angling sites including 16 Lake Aeration and 54 Enhanced Fish Stocking sites. All locations offer activities such as wildlife viewing, berry picking and bird watching.

Copies of the guide are available to the public free of charge anywhere fishing and hunting licences are sold in Alberta.

http://www.ab-conservation.com/properties/downloadguide.htm

 

 

UPDATE FROM WILLMORE WILDERNESS
ROCK LAKE PARK ISSUES

Andy VanImschoot

 I want to thank everyone for sending their input on Rock Lake. We compiled a list on all 43 Orders In Council¹s which were signed on November 22, 2006. There are other areas like the Sulphur Gates Staging Areas that I am aware of that hunting was eliminated with no public consultation. I have attached a pdf listing all 43 areas that were effected by the Orders In Council.

The Orders In Council include:

  • # Provincial Parks Act (November 22, 2006) -- 06603

  • # Provincial Parks Act (November 22, 2006) -- 06604

  • # Provincial Parks Act (November 22, 2006) -- 06605

  • # Provincial Parks Act (November 22, 2006) -- 06606

  • # Provincial Parks Act (November 22, 2006) -- 06607

  • # Provincial Parks Act (November 22, 2006) -- 06608

  • # Provincial Parks Act (November 22, 2006) -- 06609

For more Information go to
http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/display_orders.cfm?page=200611


The Willmore Wilderness Foundation is doing an independent Grizzly Bear Survey from May 1 to October 31, 2008.
Information on the study is in the Willmore Wilderness Spring & Summer Newsletter which is being mailed out this week.
The Final Report and Recommendations will be sent to Robin Campbell MLA who will brief the Alberta Government Caucus. Please contact the Willmore Foundation office to add your input to this inventory.
Please report any grizzly sightings, tracks, scat or sign. Also note the following:


€ date, time of day & location of the bear (GPS or provide land description).
€ the number of bears.
€ the colour of the bear.
€ picture of the bear, scat or tracks.
€ describe tracks or scat - date, time & place.
€ What was the bear doing - activities?
€ email as much information as possible to info@willmorewilderness.com.



Last but not least please remember that the Annual General Meeting will take place on Sunday June 8/08 at 1 pm the Willmore Wilderness Foundation office.
4600 Pine Plaza Grande Cache, Alberta T0E 0Y0. For information phone (780) 827-2696.



 

 

RELEASE OF THE DRAFT LAND-USE FRAMEWORK
GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND ASSOCIATIONS

The Honourable Ted Morton, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development
today released  the Government of Alberta’s Draft Land-use Framework.

The Draft Land-use Framework charts new direction in how land-use decisions are made in Alberta. It provides a strategic blueprint for all levels of government and Albertans as we make decisions today about the province we want in the future.

The draft Land-use Framework, the Draft Land-use Framework Public Feedback Survey, the Land-use Framework Multi-Stakeholder Working Groups Roll-up Report and the Jurisdictional Review Report are now available on the LUF website: www.landuse.gov.ab.ca 

Attached is the draft framework, the announcement package and the public Q&A's for your information.

Draft Land-use Framework   PDF file:1.52 MB
Land-use Framework Goals  PDF file:37 KB
Cumulative Effects Management  
PDF file:37 KB
Regional Land-use Plans  
PDF file:37 KB
Land-use Framework Six Key Strategies
 PDF file:52 KB
Draft Land-use Framework Public Questions & Answers
  PDF file:41 KB
News Release
   PDF file:41 KB
Public Feedback Survey
  PDF file: 1.20 MB

 

 

 SPECIAL BISON HUNT

Fish and Wildlife Division of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD), with endorsement of the National Wood Bison Recovery Team, is implementing a hunting season as an interim strategy to manage the Hay-Zama wood bison herd.

The Hay-Zama wood bison reintroduction program was started in 1983 to re-establish a healthy population of wood bison in north western Alberta capable of sustaining an annual harvest. Establishing this population was a significant element in the national wood bison management plan to have at least one self-sustaining wood bison herd in each of Alberta, B.C., Yukon and Northwest Territories and Wood Buffalo National Park.  Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division, Canadian Wildlife Service and the Dene Tha’ First Nation were partners in the reintroduction program. The original management plan called for the release of bison born in the paddock for a two to three year period. The proposed releases were cancelled by 1985 amid growing concerns and fears of the disease issues in bison in and around Wood Buffalo National Park. In 1994, the bison escaped and moved into the vicinity of the confluence of the Hay and Chinchaga Rivers.

The Hay-Zama bison herd has grown in numbers and distribution since 1994 to an estimated 700 in the spring of 2008. The distribution of bison has expanded and they are at risk for contacting diseased bison from WBNP as well as being a vehicle hazard on area roads and highways. The wood bison hunt is being implemented to:

      1. Control expansion of the Hay-Zama herd eastward, preventing contact with and contracting of diseases such as bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis from bison moving westward from Wood Buffalo National Park.

      2. Address public safety concerns within the communities of Chateh and Zama and along roads in the area. ASRD has responded to complaints of bison in communities and there have been several dozen vehicle collisions with bison on area roads resulting in property damage and the potential for serious injuries to people.

      3. Maintain Hay-Zama wood bison population at approximately 400 and limit distribution of these animals until diseased bison issues in and around Wood Buffalo National Park are successfully resolved.

The hunting season for Wood Bison will occur in WMUs, 536 and 539 excluding a core protected area, consisting of the 6 townships (Townships 112 to 114, Ranges 2 and 3, West of the 6th Meridian), see attached map.

The details of the initial 2008/2009 hunt include:

    • All hunters (Aboriginal and Recreational) hunting bison will require a Resident Bison Special Licence.

    • The area of the hunt is Wildlife Management Units 536 and 539, excluding the Core Protection Area where bison will be protected,

    • Successful hunters will have to register their kill(s) with Fish and Wildlife,

    • Biological samples from killed bison for disease testing will be requested from all hunters, and

    • All hunters will receive a Bison Hunting Education booklet detailing the hunt, what to expect, disease testing and other important information.

The interim strategy to manage the Hay-Zama wood bison herd will be closely monitored. Future management plans will be based on the results from this interim strategy.

Should you have any questions regarding this matter please do not hesitate to contact
Lyle Fullerton in our Peace River Office     
780-624-6496

David Walty
Program Manager
Fisheries and Wildlife Management
Peace Upper Hay Area
Bag 900 -26
Peace River, Alberta.
T8S 1T4
phone # 780-624-6248
e-mail dave.walty@gov.ab.ca

 

 

UNDER SIEGE
THE ATTACK IN WATERFOWL HUNTING
IN CANADA IS IN FULL SWING

JUNE / JULY WILDFOWL MAGAZINE

Outdoorsmen and women alike must fight the efforts to disarm hunters; the greatest single threat to hunting.

FULL ARTICLE: Under Siege: The Attack in Waterfowl Hunting in Canada is in Full Swing

 

 

 

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

MODEST INCREASE
IN 2008 HUNTING & ANGLING LICENCE FEES
BENEFIT CONSERVATION IN ALBERTA

March 29, 2008

 The Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) announces a levy change for Alberta hunting and angling licences. Costs of providing key programs have risen and the levy increase will go toward those programs, as well as provide the opportunity to increase fisheries, land management and wildlife activities. Starting April 1, 2008, prices will increase by $0.20 to $3.20 for Alberta resident licences and $0.20 to $5.97 for non-resident. The slight adjustment means Albertans will still enjoy similar or lower fees than surrounding jurisdictions.

 For example, for Alberta residents, this will mean an increase for the following licences:

  • Game Bird - $0.34

  • Black Bear - $0.40

  • Elk - $1.20

  • Sportfishing - $2.55

  • Moose - $3.20

  • Whitetail and mule deer - $3.20

 With this increase in levy revenue, the ACA can more effectively focus on key program areas that benefit fish and wildlife and their habitats. These programs include projects such as aerial ungulate surveys; fish stock assessment and monitoring, lake aeration for enhanced fishing opportunities and habitat securement. In addition, well-known programs such as Report A Poacher and predator compensation will be continued.

 In addition, revenue is applied to necessary support areas such as health and safety training for ACA staff who are involved in field work; improved information technology for geographic information systems (GIS) in the field; and communications, which is used to promote the conservation ethic in the general public, as well as the retention and recruitment of hunters and anglers. In 2008-09, ACA plans to spend 90 per cent of its collected levy fees on fish, wildlife and land programs.

 The efforts and contributions of hunters, anglers and a growing number of partners help to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and habitat for all Albertans to enjoy, value and use. ACA plays a key role conducting conservation work for Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) as a delegated administrative organization. We work closely with SRD to ensure provincial fish and wildlife resources are available for future generations to enjoy.

For more information on Alberta Conservation Association and the levy increase please go to www.ab-conservation.ca, or call Lisa Monsees, Manager of Communications (780) 410-1994.

 

 

 

2008

ALBERTA HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR'S ASSOCIATION

YOUTH CAMPS

OUTDOOR YOUTH SEMINAR
AUGUST 23 & 24

For Youth Aged 10 - 19

The outdoors is for everyone, especially our youth.  To increase awareness of outdoor recreational opportunities, The Alberta Hunter Education Instructors’ Association is holding their annual seminar for youth, up-and-coming outdoor enthusiasts (ages 10 -19) and their parents or guardians.  The seminar is a two-day event filled with fun and learning activities.  Numerous experts will sharing information and instruction in various outdoor pursuits.

Cost $ 95.00
Deadline for Registration: August 10, 2008

2008 OYS INFORMATION & REGISTRATION FORM

 

All camps will be held at the Alford Lake Conservation Education Centre for Excellence. 
The Alford Lake Camp is located 24 km west of Caroline in the heart of beautiful west-central Alberta.

See individual camp information and registration form for details and map.

For additional information on AHEIA Camps contact:

The Edmonton Conservation Centre for Excellence
# 88, 4003 - 98 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6E 6M8

Phone: 780.466.6682 Toll Free 866.282.4342  Fax: 780.431.2871
Email: edmontoninfo@aheia.com Website: www.aheia.com

 

 

 

 

LETS 'S GO OUTDOORS
RADIO NETWORK

 -

Let's Go Outdoors can be heard Sunday mornings at 7:30
on the and on the Tiesson Radio group and the NewCap Radio network 
 

PLUS: We have added two new stations to the LGO network! 
Welcome Hinton and Whitecourt of the NewCap Radio Group!

 
  • CKBA Athabasca

  • CKSQ Stettler

  • CJPR Blairemore

  • CHLW St. Paul

  • CIBQ Brooks

  • CKKY Wainwright

  • CKDQ Drumheller

  • CFOK Westlock

  • CKVH High Prairie

  • CKJR Wetaskiwin

  • CKWA Slave Lake

  • 106.1FM Airdrie 

  • 95.3FM Cochrane & The MD of Rockyview. 

  • 790-CFCW Camrose

  • Hinton

  • Whitecourt

We can also hear Let's Go Outdoors through these other great sites:  www.myoutdoortv.com

 The Outdoor Trail with Jim Ferguson: www.gaot.net/

 

You can listen to this weeks program at www.letsgooutdoorsradio.com

 See you on the radio!

Let's Go Outdoors would not be possible without the support of the following Sponsors and advertisers:

  • AFGA — www.afga.org

  • Argo Distributor - www.argoatv.co

  • Canadian National Sportsmen's Show - www.sportshows.ca

  • The Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association - www.aohva.com

  • Sustainable Resource Development - Fish and Wildlife Division

  • Sustainable Resource Development - Wildfire Division

  • The Alberta Conservation Association - www.ab-conservation.com

  • Mayfield Toyota

  • Safari Club International - Northern Alberta Chapter

    For further information please contact: 

    Michael Short
    Producer/Host Let's Go Outdoors
    Short Communication Services
    780-987-0030 office         780-441-9433 cell
    www.letsgooutdoorsradio.com

 

 

AHEIA
ONLINE HUNTER EDUCATION SYSTEM

 

The AHEIA on Line Hunter Education system is up and running and can be accessed via our website.

The direct link is: http://www.aheia.com/cart_builder.cfm?ProductID=18658

 Visit our web site at www.aheia.com and click on the "Education" box in the lower right corner of the screen.

 For those rushing to be certified by the hunting season and unable to find a class that suits them,
this will provide them an acceptable option.

See below for a brief summary. 

Online Hunter Education Certification

This comprehensive, easy-to-use online hunter certification program covers important hunting topics, including; 

  • Module 1 -   Role of Hunter

  • Module 2 -   Hunting Ethics

  • Module 3 -   Wildlife Management & Conservation

  • Module 4 -   Wildlife Identification

  • Module 5 -   Clothing & Equipment

  • Module 6 -   Firearms

  • Module 7 -   Bow Hunting

  • Module 8 -   Survival

  • Module 9 -   Field Techniques

  • Module 10 - First Aid

  • Module 11 - Hypothermia

  • Module 12 - Legal Responsibilities

  • Module 13 - Physical Fitness

  • Final Exam

 This course is a Provincial requirement for all first time hunter’s in Alberta and as such complete certification is required with an 80% pass mark on the final exam. 

Certificates will be issued by mail upon successful completion of the program. 

This online course may be taken from any internet enabled computer
and can be paused and returned to at any time.

 

 

 

  

Application forms for funding assistance under the Minister Special License program are now available. 

2008 Minister's Special Licenses Grant Application PDF File 40KB

2008 Minister's Special Licenses Grant Application Word File 77KB

 

Where Does The Money Go?

 Since 1995, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development has offered these special permits, in partnership primarily with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Canada (RMEFC). Funds raised from both the sale of the auction and raffle permits are managed under a segregated fund.   Each year, applicants (individuals or organizations) apply to this fund for financial assistance for their conservation projects.  Categories include wildlife management, habitat improvement or conservation education. A Program Advisory Committee (PAC), comprised of representatives from various conservation organizations within Alberta meets to review, rank and allocate funding.  Since the introduction of these permits, over $4 million