A vast array of wildlife in northern Manitoba and across the province provides many options for hunters throughout the year.
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship (MCWS) outlines the hunting season each year, regulating when, where and for what residents and non-residents are allowed to hunt.
Manitoba is divided into zones based on animal patterns, according to Brian Hagglund, wildlife allocations manager with MCWS. Specific seasons for each animal are devised in a manner that controls animal population without interfering with natural reproduction.
Additionally, the government dictates the type of weapon used in each season. In general, weapons that are more traditional and less automatic, such as crossbows and black-powder guns, are allowed a longer season, transitioning into more mechanized and powerful weapons.
“Archery is given a longer season because it takes longer to harvest an animal with that equipment,” said Hagglund.
During the past few years the number of big-game licences issued by the province has declined.
During the 2012-13 season 29,643 deer general (rifle) licences were sold compared to 24,166 in 2014-15.
Moose general (rifle) licences declined from 2,773 to 2,455 as well. An additional 22 black bear licences were issued over the same time period from 1,671 to 1,693.
However, Hagglund explained that a change in the way licences are issued has distorted the numbers to some extent. Whereas individual licences were once needed for different weapons, now a single deer licence is required.
The number of licences issued across the province for big game is dependent on the animal population. Tickets for moose and elk are given out based on a lottery and caribou licenses are in limited supply on a first come, first served basis.
A limited number of licences are also supplied to outfitters who guide non-Canadian residents in their hunting experience.
In the mid-1980s the number of people hunting and licences purchased was staggering compared to the numbers today; however, Hagglund said the numbers having been improving in recent years.
“The numbers are slowly coming up,” he said. “I think as people in the big metropolitan areas want to stay away from meat filled with hormones and preservatives. They are looking at hunting as a way to harvest their own food.”
Throughout the hunting season, safety is the main concern, and before a licence can be purchased, the individual must show proof of completing the hunter safety course.
“The key points are to know your target and what’s beyond your target,” said Hagglund. Hunters are always to be in safe control of their weapons, to never hunt from vehicles or roadways and must get permission before accessing private property.
Full details on hunting season dates for each zone can be found at http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/hunting/index.html
