The hunting season largely wrapped up at the end of November, although cougar and cow elk seasons remain ongoing.
“For the most part, it was quieter than previous years,” said Adam Mirus, district Fish and Wildlife officer, adding the number of hunters heading out to the backcountry was down a fair bit.
While he was not certain whether that was a provincewide trend, this district certainly was not as active with hunters as past seasons. That decline could be attributed to a number of variables, including the economy, he said.
Despite lower numbers, officials maintained a presence and continued to patrol the region. Although there were some infractions, outdoorsmen exercised caution and authorities did not have to mount any rescues, he said.
“So far, everything has been safe. We didn't get any calls for assistance, which is unusual because we usually have that happen every year,” he said, quickly adding, “it's nice for that not to happen.”
But even though hunters took precautions, some nevertheless broke the rules.
“We took part in the apprehension of night hunters,” said Mirus, adding firearms cannot be discharged in the dark simply because of the danger the situation presents.
“When people are shooting at night, they don't know what's behind their targets — are there residences, farm equipment, people, cattle? Every year we seem to have livestock shot,” he said, adding reports of slain cattle or horses are not unheard of.
With assistance from an RCMP helicopter, Fish and Wildlife authorities in the region managed to apprehend some culprits, but he could not reveal details such as the approximate location while the investigation was being prepared to go before the courts.
There have also been some instances of poaching. A bull elk was seized in November during an investigation of an illegal harvest along the Bergen Road, while a bull moose was recovered after being shot and left to waste west of Carstairs, also in November. Officials have suspects, and both files are still pending court, he said.
“Other than that, it was a pretty dull year — not that I'm complaining! It makes up for the crazy years.”
Officially over are the whitetail and mule deer seasons, as well as bull elk, moose and black bears. Cow elk season continues until Jan. 20, while cougar season ends once a specific quota of male and female specimens has been reached. Fish and Wildlife strives to ensure the balance of the cougar population is maintained by keeping track of the numbers of each sex to avoid over-hunting either one. Cougar season typically continues until the end of February, he said.
During snowy deep freezes such as the one the area has recently been experiencing, it is not uncommon for wildlife to resort to feeding on the likes of hay bales or grain that might still be out in the fields, he said.
“We just ask that if farmers are having those issues that they call us sooner rather than later so we can help mitigate the damage.”
As of last week there had surprisingly not been any such calls for assistance, although Mirus anticipated that would only be a matter of time.
The district Fish and Wildlife office can be reached at 403-638-3805. Additionally, he encourages anyone with information that could lead to charges being laid against poachers to contact 1-800-642-3800. Callers are potentially eligible for a cash reward worth upwards of $2,000.
