WHEREAS the elk population has increased over the last few years in areas of the province; and

WHEREAS landowners continue to be burdened with crop in storage bags and piles, fences, infrastructure, grazed pastures, and compensation is not provided; and

WHEREAS diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease can spread rampantly through large herds and the possibility of mutation of the disease increases which could impact cattle health; and

WHEREAS Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation compensates producers for damages for the lost crop but does not compensate for costs for obtaining and hauling replacement feed where swathed grazing areas are lost; and

WHEREAS the groups of elk are in herds of 40 or more.

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Ministry of Environment to increase the season for antlerless elk tags for zones with high and increasing elk populations; better manage herd populations so financial impacts to agricultural and cattle producers are reduced, overall health of the elk population is improved, and the risk of increased predator populations (ex. wolves) is reduced; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that SARM lobby Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation to include coverage on crops in bags until at least January 31.