The government announced yesterday that they are bringing out a new policy on how to control the grizzly bear problem in Alberta. This year, people have been mauled and at least 2 fatalities in B.C. and Alberta. Ranchers in the foothills are having problems loosing calves to these big bears. The record grizzly bear in Alberta is held by a Swan Hills man which shows the problem is getting close to home. I suspect that more tags will be issued as a sort term solution. Cougars are the next big issue that is causing some livestock problems. The cats are mainly night hunters and they love sheep.
Coyotes are getting very numerous, since the bottom fell out of the fur market. A study a couple of years ago, reported that coyotes will take up to 40% of deer fawns. Some areas have seen them pack up like wolves. I personally saw a pack of 14 just outside of Boyle when I was working there along side the highway. They were not scared of us. If you can’t find a deer this fall, that could be part of the problem.
We had a good meeting, and you’re executive is ready for another year. The changes to the range are complete. Some new rule and information signs are in place. We are planning the new year projects and if you have any ideas, next meeting November 26. Hunting season is busy this year and we could use some snow that will hang around for awhile. So straight shooting and keep warm out there —–Joe
