Wildlife Act changes welcomed by Federation

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on March 14, 2025.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

Proposed changes to the Wildlife Act support updated, fair and responsible stewardship of Alberta’s wildlife and landscapes, says the Alberta Wildlife Federation.
Alberta’s government is proposing amendments to the Wildlife Act to update regulations and modernize wildlife management practices. The proposed changes aim to improve the effectiveness of wildlife management, enhance hunting and trapping practices, support accessibility for hunters with disabilities and streamline enforcement.
They are also designed to ensure Alberta’s regulations are aligned with other jurisdictions and reflect the latest technological advancements in wildlife management.
Kelly Carter, CEO of the Alberta Wildlife Federation, says the group welcomes the changes to modernize and update the act.
“We feel that these are very important changes that support a sustainable future for Alberta’s wildlife and will support future generations of hunters by making it more accessible,” says Carter.
Key changes include clearer definitions, such as establishing a minimum six-month residency requirement for resident hunters and trappers. Amendments also recognize the growing role of technology in modern hunting and trapping practices by allowing the use of laser aiming devices that do not illuminate the whole target, as well as enabling the option to offer electronic tags and clarifying rules for the use of electronic licences or permits.
“The recognition of digital licences and electronic tags embraces the use of today’s technology in modern hunting as hunting is a critical component of Alberta’s identity,” said Carter.
He added that the use of lasers is not allowed at the moment, and this amendment aims at changing that, which will increase accuracy of the hunter’s shot. It’s also an important tool that the federation believes it should be available to be utilized by hunters across the province.
The amendments also focus on inclusivity and wildlife protection by ensuring that individuals with disabilities can hunt, by clarifying the definition of a vehicle for mobility-challenged hunters.
To support responsible wildlife management, the amendments also clarify rules on edible portions of harvested animals, including additional provisions supporting the harvest of black bear and mountain lion for food. They also simplify rules concerning the transportation of sick or injured wildlife.
“Right now, in order to transport sick or injured wildlife, they will have to get a permit to do that,” said Carter. “The removal of that requirement will speed up the process and wildlife will be able to be treated faster.”
He said this is usually seen with birds of pray who may be injured and in need of medical attention.
Additionally, the changes would protect wild sheep populations by prohibiting domestic sheep and goats in certain areas. Changes would also streamline and enhance enforcement measures by removing judicial order requirements to enable Fish and Wildlife officers to carry out their duties more efficiently.
“I think this is a critical component because we have seen some cases in the last couple of years where wild sheep populations have been infected and resulted in the removal of a few different herds in different locations here in Alberta,” said Carter.
He added that it is important that domestic goats and sheep do not come into contact with wildlife, because the risk of spreading disease to the wild sheep population is significant.
“The changes to the act will help protect wild sheep populations here in Alberta, so they can continue to thrive and be sustainable in the landscape,” said Carter.
New regulations on wildlife attractants, including the feeding of wildlife, would also help reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife, promoting safer coexistence across the province.
The amendments propose common-sense updates to outdated rules, regulations, and definitions in wildlife management, while introducing new provisions that help reduce human-wildlife conflicts, improve safety, and maintain the health of wildlife populations.
The updates are crafted to simplify the process for hunters, trappers, and wildlife officers, ensuring Alberta remains a global leader in wildlife management and conservation, while reducing unnecessary regulatory red tape.
These changes would ensure that Alberta’s rules are aligned with modern practices, and reflect advancements made in technology and wildlife management, placing Alberta at the forefront of wildlife stewardship in Canada.
Alberta is home to diverse landscapes and hunting and trapping are integral to Alberta’s cultural heritage. These activities provide thousands of Albertans with opportunities to put food on their table, spend time with friends and family, and in many cases, support their livelihoods in rural communities.
The proposed changes were tabled on Wednesday at the Alberta Legislature for first reading.
“We are happy with the process,” said Carter. “A lot of these changes came from recommendations and resolutions made by our membership across Alberta. We are happy to see that the Minister is listening to those recommendations and that action has been taken to improve the act and to modernize it, so it will be helpful for years to come.”

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