AWA Statement: Alberta quietly allows dogs to help hunt black bears, among other hunting changes.

August 1, 2025

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• Wildlife
• Wildlife Management

Alberta Wilderness Association opposes the further opening of hunting and new changes to hunting regulations without scientific direction or public consultation.

In July, the government of Alberta quietly updated the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations for 2025, with a message from Minister Todd Loewen (Forestry and Parks) on changes for the new hunting season. Several of these changes pose threats to wildlife, the environment, and human safety.

Black bear hunting with dogs

One particularly concerning change is the use of dogs to hunt black bears in certain areas. Previously, dogs were only  allowed  to hunt cougars during the winter season. Off-leash dogs can pose a risk to non-target wildlife, including species-at-risk, by damaging nests, dens and habitat or causing stress. Even well-trained dogs can startle and chase wildlife that is not meant to be hunted. Additionally, the use of hunting dogs may interfere with other hunters who prefer to hunt without dogs. Since the black bear season is earlier than the cougar season that allows hunting dogs (September and October vs. December to March), this would extend the time off-leash dogs are allowed and could inflate the harm caused.

The change is “to support predator management in areas where caribou recovery is a concern,” the 2025 Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations states. However, some of the Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) where dogs are now allowed are outside caribou range, and do not have suitable habitat for caribou. There is little evidence that this change could significantly improve caribou populations.

However, the WMUs selected largely contain grizzly bears. While the regulation is for black bear hunting, dogs trained to hunt black bears are also likely to chase grizzly bears. This not only causes stress for the bear, but it could lead to dangerous encounters for the dog or the hunter. Such incidents can lead to the grizzly being labelled a “problem” animal and subsequently killed.   In past years, up to four grizzlies have been killed in a year because they were “mistaken for a black bear.” This number, as well as the number of bears killed as problem animals, could increase with the use of hunting dogs.

Lowering minimum age to hunt to 10 years

The minimum age for youth hunting big game has been lowered to 10 years old. This allows 10-year-olds to apply for and hold a big game license. This age is below the federal age for a firearms permit, which is 12 to 17 years old. As well, under Alberta’s regulations, youth holding a federal minors firearm permit can hunt without adult supervision.

This action could be unsafe for the youth and children, other people using the area, and the surrounding environment. Compared to experienced hunters, youth are more likely to make mistakes. Youth are often less aware of or understanding of the rules and regulations, both for personal safety and for the harm they can cause.

Wasting meat of double-crested cormorants

Last year, double-crested cormorants were classified as a game bird. However, unlike other game birds, where the breast meat must be recovered, the flesh of cormorants that are killed can be abandoned and wasted. This suggests hunting of cormorants is not for food.

Changing the definition of “Resident”

The requirement to be defined as a resident was changed from a person who “has his or her only or primary residence in Alberta” to “a person whose primary residence has been in Alberta for at least a six-month period immediately preceding the relevant date.” The requirement to be a Canadian citizen, have lived in Canada for 12 months, or be in the Canadian Armed Forces and registered to vote in Alberta remains.

This new definition affects eligibility for resident hunting permits. It also affects other hunter restrictions, for instance, big game guides designated by the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society (APOS) are not able to guide more than two non-residents at a time, though there are not restrictions on residents.

Other changes

Continuing the trend from last year, the new regulations also extend and open additional hunting seasons for elk, as well as extending black bear hunting seasons. Recent changes made through the Wildlife Amendment Act, such as allowing bear and cougar skins to waste if meat is harvested, are mentioned.

Changes include:

• Relaxing of the requirement to include a Wildlife Identification Number to identify baiting stations. AWA opposes baiting to hunt bears as it can habituate bears to humans, and encourage unsafe interactions.
• Changes in wording from “trophy” and “non-trophy” sheep and antelope to “Class I” and “Class II,” obscuring the intent of trophy hunts.
• Anyone guiding residents for game bird hunting, if they receive any gain from guiding, must be a registered guide or outfitter, or working for a registered outfitter.
• As noted in the Wildlife Amendment Act, hunters can now shoot from a motorized boat without anchoring, if the boat is not moving.

The Minister’s message states, “We work hard to ensure hunting rules and regulations reflect current scientific knowledge and align with best practices across Canada.” Yet, this is not shown in the changes made here, or previously, which fail to use the current science and are not aligned with many best practices.