ANTLERLESS ELK HUNTING OPPORTUNITY FOR THE CYPRESS HILLS AREA

The Ministry of Environment is offering elk management licences to Saskatchewan residents who would like to hunt antlerless elk in the Cypress Hills area.

The management hunt will take place from September 10 to December 19, 2008 and January 5 to February 28, 2009. There will be 500 antlerless elk management licences available. To be eligible for an elk management licence, hunters must be Saskatchewan residents and possess a valid Wildlife Habitat Certificate.

The hunt will be in Wildlife Management Zone 6 and that portion of Zone 7 located east of Highway 271 and Grid Road 615.

The $19.62 elk management licences will go on sale Thursday, August 21, 2008, in person from Ministry of Environment offices located in Maple Creek, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (Centre Block), Leader, Swift Current, Kindersley, Shaunavon, Assiniboia, Moose Jaw, Regina and Saskatoon. Hunters can also purchase licences by calling 306-787-2847.

Management hunts are a tool the ministry uses to reduce the number of animals in an area when overpopulated. This elk management hunt was developed with consultation and support of area landowners, lessees and local First Nations representatives. Hunters must obtain permission from landowners or lessees prior to hunting or using vehicles on all private or Crown lease lands.

Hunters are also reminded to plan well in advance, as landowners or lessees may restrict the number of hunters on their property, firearms that will be allowed, or restrict access while pastures are occupied by livestock.

Please note that the Bear-Piapot and Birch-Maple Grazing Co-op pastures will remain closed until November 1, 2008. The Cypress Hills Park (Centre Block) is closed to all hunting and all firearms must be encased while traveling within the park boundaries.

All regular hunting regulations apply to the elk management hunt. Additional hunting conditions and requirements and a zone boundary map will be provided with each licence upon purchase.

Hunters are encouraged to turn elk heads in to any Ministry of Environment office for Chronic Wasting Disease testing. Hunters who submit heads will be entered into a special draw for free hunting licences for the winner and three companions for the 2009 hunting season.

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For more information, contact:

Shawn Burke
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8665
Cell: 306-530-2127