In Alberta, wildlife are considered a public and shared resource. It is the responsibility of the provincial government to make appropriate wildlife management decisions for the benefit of all Albertans.

Canada lynx. Photo © AWA files.

Black bear in Jasper. Photo © N. Douglas

Cougar photographed in zoo. Photo © I. Ross

Alberta is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from towering mountains and rushing rivers to dense forests and open grasslands. Within these habitats are an equally diverse range of species, vital to the function and health of these ecosystems.

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Wildlife fulfill many of the roles essential to the health of the ecosystem. They aid in seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and pest removal. Predators help to control herbivores, preventing overgrazing and extensive loss of vegetation, which in turn stabilizes and filters soil, absorbs water, and buffers against drought, flood, fire, and other natural disasters.

AWA is focused on the protection of wild spaces. We believe that hunting, trapping, fishing, and other wildlife harvest should only be conducted where it is proven, through repeated and valid scientific studies, to be sustainable and not harm populations.

Habitat loss

Development, industry, and climate change continues to threaten Alberta’s ecosystems. Many of these ecosystems developed over hundred or thousands of years, and are difficult, if not impossible to recover. This includes peat bogs, old growth forests, grassland soils, and many other habitats lost due to oil and gas, mining, forestry, agriculture, and infrastructure.

As habitat is lost, many of the species that rely on them are also lost. The best way to protect and recover biodiversity is to restore habitat and ecosystems.

Overharvest

Historically, overharvest has been a cause of species decline and extinction. Several of Alberta’s wild species, such as river otter, Canada lynx, beaver, mountain goat and many others were extirpated from parts of their range, or showed massive population declines, due largely to overharvest. Sustainable harvest limits, when based in science and accurate population data, supports wildlife management. These limits are necessary to prevent overharvest and the loss of our wildlife.

2025

In January, AWA once again opposes the legalization of harvest preserves, where “hunting” of farmed elk and deer could occur within penned in areas.

In March, Bill 41, the Wildlife Amendment Act, is released. This bill would allow the use of new technologies aimed at making hunting more efficient and accessible.

AWA writes an open letter, including statements from biologists questioning the sustainability of current wildlife management practices.

In August, the hunting regulations were amended to allow the use of dogs to hunt black bears, lowering the minimum age of hunting to 10 years, and the wasting of double-crested cormorant meat.

2024

In March, cougar hunting quotas are increased. Female cougar quotas are more than doubled. AWA writes to the Minister requesting evidence to support this change, although the response does not provide the requested evidence.

In March, a complete Strychnine ban was implemented in Alberta. This ban meant that it could no longer be used to control predators labelled as “pests” or problematic to people such as coyotes, wolves, and skunks.

In June, the Wildlife Act was amended to allow the hunting of “problem” bears by members of the public. This is the first time hunting of a Threatened species was allowed.

In November, trapping limits on sensitive furbearers, including wolverine, river otter, lynx and fisher, were removed.

In December, the area of Cypress Hills, which houses a relatively isolated cougar population, was opened for cougar hunting.

2023

Alberta’s Fish and Wildlife branch, responsible for wildlife management and species-at-risk, is split into three separate ministries. AWA opposes this decision, as an integrated management approach is needed to be effective.

In March, Strychnine was banned for controlling Richardson’s ground squirrel populations in Alberta. This ban was met positively by ENGOs including AWA as the poison easily travels through the food chain and can harm and kill non-target wildlife, including species at risk and keystone predators.

2022

In September, AWA is informed that black bear baiting and off-leash hunting dogs are allowed in some protected areas.

2021

AWA opposes the lobbying for legalization of harvest preserves, where “hunting” of farmed elk could occur within penned in areas.

2020

A Sandhill Crane hunting season is established in Alberta based on updated population numbers, despite concern from conservation groups surrounding sustainability and the potential to impact Whooping Cranes inadvertently.

2011

AWA advocates against proposed changes to Bill 11, the Livestock Diversity Amendment Act, which would allow for penned “hunting” of domestic cervids like deer and elk.

2006

The spring grizzly bear hunt was paused in March after a successful AWA campaign and political pressure on the provincial government.

1970

Alberta’s Wildlife Act is established, replacing the Game Act. The Wildlife Act establishes additional allowances for habitat creation, although remains heavily focused on hunting, trapping and game species.

1955

The Game Act is amended. Parks and bird sanctuaries are considered “game preserves” where hunting is prohibited, unless issued a special license.

1922

The Game Act is established in Alberta, aiming to protect game animals. This Act defines game species, restrictions on amount, season and species that can be hunted, and the methods used. It also limits the transport and use of animal parts.

November 7, 2024

In Alberta, wildlife are considered a public and shared resource. It is the responsibility of the provincial government to make appropriate wildlife management decisions for the benefit of all Albertans.

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2011

2006

1970

1955

1922

Minister response to AWA concerns on hunting “problem” grizzly bears

AWA Statement: Unacceptable Removal of Trapping Limits on Furbearing Animals

AWA letter to Minister Loewen on the hunting of Grizzly Bears

News Release: Controversial Hunt Returns for Alberta’s Threatened Grizzly Bears after Ministerial Order

Response from Minister on cougar hunting quotas

Letter to Minister Loewen on increasing cougar hunting quotas

Black Bear Food Baiting and Off-Leash Hunting Dogs Now Allowed in Certain Protected Areas

AWA Comments on AEP’s draft “Wildlife Management and the Vision for Recreational Hunting”