Alberta Wildlife Federation asks province to reassess how wildlife tags are allocated

To generate discussion about how wildlife tags are allocated in the province, the Alberta Wildlife Federation released a detailed report last December, sending it to everyone with a stake in the province’s wildlife. The ultimate goal of the discussion paper is to get the provincial government to reassess how wildlife tags are allocated, says the AWF’s CEO, Kelly Carter. “We need to do our part to stand up for resident hunters to ensure that access is fair and equitable and following a policy,” he says.

While collecting data for the report, Carter says, the AWF noted some concerning elements, particularly when it comes to the number of tags allocated to outfitters. While resident hunters have understandably seen reductions in the number of tags that mirror declines in wildlife populations, there have not been similar reductions for outfitters.

And although the province drafted a policy on tag allocations back in 2001, it’s not being followed, Carter says. “What policy has the government been using to determine the allocations that have gone out to outfitters in Alberta?” he asks. “We haven’t been provided with a clear policy from government that’s been guiding those decisions.”

According to the AWF, the tag allocation process is secretive, arbitrary and unfairly favours outfitters. “If the draft policy was followed,” Carter says, “then there would need to be some significant reductions to the number of tags that are provided to outfitters.”

To rectify the imbalance, the AWF says the province needs to adopt the following four recommendations, outlined in its report:

• Return to the table in good faith and honour the commitments it made in the 2001 Outfitter Guide Allocation Policy.
• As a priority, involve all stakeholders and formally update the management plan for all of Alberta’s major big-game species.
• Immediately cancel the one-time addition to commercial outfitters of all extra tags issued as COVID-19 pandemic relief.
• Immediately reduce the annual standard allocation to commercial outfitters for each of Alberta’s major big-game species, reflecting the government’s commitment covered in its 2001 Outfitter Guide Allocation Policy.

The discussion paper has been sent to the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society, the Alberta Conservation Association and various government departments, including the premier’s office, the Ministry of Forestry and Parks, and the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas. At press time, the AWF had received acknowledgements that the report was received, but no formal responses.

Learn more about the AFGA’s programs and positions at www.afga.org.