Resolution No. 13-04M

WHEREAS, the population of whitetail deer in Saskatchewan is out of control; and

WHEREAS, the rural communities of Saskatchewan have witnessed the destruction of their trees, shrubs, haystacks, etc. due to the increased deer population; and

WHEREAS, diseases such as the chronic wasting disease increase if people interfere with the natural feeding habits of the deer by putting out feed;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Provincial Government adopt a new population management system for big game which includes the following:
-maintaining accurate game density surveys so conservation officers can make better decisions;
-implementing changes in hunting regulations that will encourage more hunting such as lengthening the hunting season for antlerless deer, lowering the cost of tags for antlerless deer, avoiding the implementation of regulations that dictate walk zones, etc; and
-encouraging all local wildlife organizations to be on board with provincially approved constructive wildlife management policies.

Response from Saskatchewan Environment:

Saskatchewan Environment (SE) recognizes the frustration some landowners are experiencing as a result of damage that deer and elk are causing to crops remaining in the field. SE is prepared to meet with concerned rural municipalities and with the board of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) to discuss options for hunting seasons and changes to current regulations that may be viewed as currently limiting the harvest of deer.

SE continues to seek input from interest groups, including SARM and other provincial wildlife and agricultural organizations, which are represented on the Wildlife Advisory Committee, in developing the annual hunting season strategy. A variety of information including aerial counts and harvest surveys, biological sample analysis and hunter/landowner observation reports are used to determine game population levels and establish sustainable harvest quotas each year.