AFGA 2011 Proposed Resolutions
ALBERTA FISH AND GAME ASSOCIATION
RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 2011
SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS
AFGA Membership Fee Increase
SPECIAL RESOLUTION NUMBER S-1-2011
Submitted by: AFGA Executive
Drafted by: AFGA Executive
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Fish and Game Association membership fee increase $2 per year for the next three years, effective January 1, 2012.
BRIEF: The reason for the increase is that the AFGA is subsidizing the costs of memberships by approximately $6.00 per member and such an increase will help to eliminate this gap.
• General services (occupancy including utilities, parking, maintenance, repairs; office supplies/equipment; postage; telephone; IT; wages & benefits, etc.) = $396,185
• Outdoor Edge magazine = $62,221
• Leadership expenses (meetings; volunteer travel & expenses; zone fees) = $33,356
• Insurance. = $41,462
Total cost of running the Association NOT including habitat programmes is approximately $28.00 per member.
Raising the fees to prevent the subsidization of membership dues will allow AFGA monies to be used for their original purpose of obtaining habitat and providing programs for the members.
GENERAL RESOLUTIONS
Signage and Enforcement in Camping Areas
GENERAL RESOLUTION NUMBER G-1-2011
Submitted by: Zone 3
Drafted by: Rocky Mountain House Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Fish and Game Association request that Alberta Sustainable Resource Development place appropriate signage at popular random camping areas throughout the Province and conduct extensive enforcement to ensure random camping does not result in litter being left in these areas.
BRIEF: Some random campers are leaving litter behind them in many areas of the Province, and we fear that all random campers may suffer from the actions of a few. Targeting the offenders now is necessary to ensure the freedom of responsible random camping to continue..
Side-by-Side ATV Restrictions
GENERAL RESOLUTION NUMBER G-2-2011
Submitted by: Zone 2
Drafted by: High River Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Fish and Game Association request the current regulations restricting the use of ATV’s be changed to allow hunters who are paraplegic or quadriplegic, or have permanent spinal injuries that confine them to a wheel chair, to hunt any big game throughout the non-motorized Forest Land Use Zones (FLUZ’s) along the East Slopes Region of Alberta with the use of a ‘side-by-side’ ATV.
BRIEF: The definition of a side-by-side ATV refers to quads, and restricts the use of argos and the slightly larger double-passenger OHV’s/ATV’s. Currently along the East Slopes Region, OHV use (including ATV’s) is restricted to motorized access Forestry Land Use Zones (FLUZ’s). These FLUZ’s get used by hunters and other recreationalists on a regular basis and would be a challenge for persons with a disability since there are many users and could likely be a safety issue. A person with a disability that is paraplegic or quadriplegic is unable to get off a quad at ANY time. Permits exist for those person’s to be allowed to discharge a firearm from a motorized vehicle, including a quad, legally.
Trappers in some of the non-motorized FLUZ’s have a ‘grand-father’ clause that allows them to register with the Forestry Area Office, permitting them to use snow machines during the trapping season (winter) to access their trap lines only. For enforcement, a recommendation would be to have the hunter register with the local Forestry Area Office responsible for those areas they wish to hunt. The registration will ensure that each quad user is registered with the forestry office for safety purposes, and also to allow the hunter to provide their proof (in the form of a permit) to the Conservation or Forestry Officers enforcing the area. The documents required would be the same documents those person’s need to show to receive a “handi-cap” parking permit. Any illegal ATV use would cause the hunter to lose their license for any given period of time, or permanently.
Removal of “No Hunting with Pistols or Revolvers” Clause
GENERAL RESOLUTION NUMBER G-3-2011
Submitted by: Zone 3
Drafted by: Provost Fish & Game Association
WHEREAS not all pistols and revolvers fall under federal jurisdiction, and
WHEREAS it is within the powers of the Chief Firearms Officer to issue Authorizations to Carry for those firearms that do fall under federal jurisdiction,
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Fish and Game Association request Alberta Sustainable Resource Development remove the “No Hunting with Pistols or Revolvers” clause from the hunting regulations.
BRIEF: It has been mentioned by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development in the past that they don’t want to make a specific handgun season because of the federal position on most handguns; however, simply removing the restriction from the regulations would allow those with handguns that are not federally controlled to use them, as well as open the door for individuals to press the Chief Firearms Officer for permits to carry for the legal purpose of hunting.
FISHERIES RESOLUTIONS
Non-Resident Canadian Angling License Fee
FISHERIES RESOLUTION NUMBER F-1-2011
Submitted by: Zone 1
Drafted by: Willow Valley Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Alberta Sustainable Resource Development increase the non-resident Canadian angling license fee to achieve parity with neighbouring provinces.
BRIEF: Presently Alberta has a one price system for residents and non-resident Canadians. Each year we notice a higher influx of non-resident Canadians fishing our streams and lakes.
Disclosure of Number of Walleye Tags for Special Lakes and Fish Sizes
FISHERIES RESOLUTION NUMBER F-2-2011
Submitted by: Zone 5
Drafted by: St. Paul Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the number of walleye tags (i.e. in each lake and for each size grouping) to be issued in any year be made available to anglers prior to the draw.
BRIEF: The angler should be made aware of the number of available tags prior to the draw so that they are able to make better choices before entering the draw and spending money on walleye draws that have small opportunities for success.
FWIN Program Walleye Management
FISHERIES RESOLUTION NUMBER F-3-2011
Submitted by: Zone 5
Drafted by: St. Paul Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the killing of fish by government for the Fall Walleye Index Netting Program be terminated until clear justification be provided that describes why this information is necessary and why this information cannot be gathered from fish harvested by anglers, commercial fishermen or domestic fishermen.
BRIEF: The need for gathering walleye population information by killing the fish, especially at small lakes, does not appear to be warranted, as no harvests are being permitted. A limited walleye harvest based upon lake productive capability could be established and anglers could be allowed to harvest and use this limited harvest.
• FWIN lakes tested in 2010 included 38 lakes and included the following: o Jackson Lake (complete), Kinnaird Lake (complete), Blackett Lake (complete), Lac La Biche (complete), Pinehurst (in progress), Winefred (was scheduled but will not be complete due to low temperatures)
o Net Lake, Unnamed (Brutus) Lake, and Keith Lake, all located within the Richardson back country area
o Smoke and Iosegun Lakes were not surveyed because of water temperatures
o Orloff, Skeleton, Amisk, Long, Seibert, Laurier, Cold, Garner, Brutus, Net, Keith, Jackson, Bluett, Kinnard and Pinehurst Lakes. Also Lac Bellevue and Lac La Biche are all planned
o Rolling Hills Reservoir and Crawling Valley Reservoir
o Sylvan Lake, Wizard Lake, Pigeon Lake, Buck Lake
o Lesser Slave Lake, Snipe Lake, Winagami Lake, North Wabasca Lake, South Wabasca Lake
• Fall gill netting program that has been conducted in over 50 lakes during the past 10 years by ACA and by the Alberta Government
• Establish CPUE (# walleye/100 sq. m/24 hours). Numbers range from Heart Lake at 2 to Buck Lake at 44.3
• H. Norris indicated the government program (prior to 2009) was testing about 11 lakes per year and killing about 300 walleye/lake and 100 pike/lake plus other fish.
Northern Pike Management
FISHERIES RESOLUTION NUMBER F-4-2011
Submitted by: Zone 5
Drafted by: St. Paul Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the general provincial catch limits for northern pike be changed to allow a maximum daily catch of 2 fish with no size limit restriction, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT lakes requiring special northern pike limits be established when specific biological information supports either increased or more restrictive regulation.
BRIEF: Many lakes with smaller sized pike are not being utilized. Risk to the elimination of northern pike is extremely low. Fish habitat is linked to high production years that influence pike production more than angling. Simplification of fisheries regulations would be desirable.
Yellow Perch Management
FISHERIES RESOLUTION NUMBER F-5-2011
Submitted by: Zone 5
Drafted by: St. Paul Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the general provincial catch limits for yellow perch be changed to allow a maximum daily catch of 15 fish with no size limit restriction, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT lakes requiring special yellow perch limits be established when specific biological information supports either increased or more restrictive regulations.
BRIEF: Many lakes with smaller sized perch are not being utilized. Risk to the elimination of yellow perch is extremely low. Fish habitat is linked to high production years that influence yellow perch production more than angling. Simplification of fisheries regulations would be desirable.
Lake Sturgeon Management
FISHERIES RESOLUTION NUMBER F-6-2011
Submitted by: Zone 5
Drafted by: St. Paul Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the government should provide detailed information on the status and population trends of lake sturgeon for public review prior to any consideration for endangered species designation.
BRIEF: There is a concern about the possibility the lake sturgeon will be declared an endangered or threatened species in Alberta. The concern is in the accuracy of the government information on numbers of lake sturgeon inhabiting the North Saskatchewan River.
Ban on Use of Kernel Corn as Bait
FISHERIES RESOLUTION NUMBER F-7-2011
Submitted by: Zone 5
Drafted by: Edmonton Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Alberta Sustainable Resource Development list in the Provincial Fishing Regulations that all stocked trout lakes ban the use of kernel corn as bait.
BRIEF: When kernel corn is used as bait, the fish cannot digest the large kernels as it plugs up the digestive tract of the trout and they lose weight and eventually die, as the corn cannot pass through the anus of the trout.
WILDLIFE RESOLUTIONS
Black Bear Baiting
WILDLIFE RESOLUTION NUMBER W-1-2011
Submitted by: AFGA Executive
Drafted by: AFGA Executive
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the baiting of black bears be allowed province wide.
BRIEF: Due to the fact that there is no grizzly season and bears are more easily identified at closer range, there would be less chance of an accidental shooting of a grizzly bear. This would also help in the counting of the grizzly bear population as all sightings could be reported.
Outfitter Allocations
WILDLIFE RESOLUTION NUMBER W-2-2011
Submitted by: Zone 1
Drafted by: Willow Valley Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT all allocations for big game to outfitters be terminated in each WMU where residents are applying for more than 3 years to be successfully drawn.
BRIEF: Currently in many WMU’s, and for certain draws, residents may have to wait up to 14 or 15 years to be drawn. Meanwhile that animal continues to be hunted by the out-of-province hunter. Once again, the Alberta resident should have priority.
Change of Elk Three-Point or Better Rule
WILDLIFE RESOLUTION NUMBER W-3-2011
Submitted by: Zone 1
Drafted by: Willow Valley Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Alberta Fish & Game Association strongly urge Alberta Sustainable Resource Development to change the elk three-point or better rule to a five-point or better rule in WMU’s 302-308 and 400-402.
BRIEF: The quality of our bull elk population has rapidly deteriorated over the past 10 – 15 years. Very few trophy bulls are harvested any more in these WMU’s. Willow Valley Trophy Club records verify this situation. Our observations reveal that most legal three-point bulls are harvested each year leaving many poor quality bulls to do the breeding. A short period of time would bring back the quality we once appreciated.
Bighorn Sheep License Waiting Period
WILDLIFE RESOLUTION NUMBER W-4-2011
Submitted by: Zone 1
Drafted by: Willow Valley Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT after a Bighorn Sheep hunter has successfully harvested a trophy sheep, they must wait 5 years to purchase another sheep license.
BRIEF: This change would encourage the hunter to be more selective after they have already harvested a ram. This would allow more sheep to mature and also provide better opportunities for more hunters in the field.
Permit Big Game Hunters to be Accompanied by a Pack Dog
WILDLIFE RESOLUTION NUMBER W-5-2011
Submitted by: Zone 2
Drafted by: Sarcee Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish & Wildlife Division change the law to permit hunters in 400-series WMU’s to be accompanied by a pack dog while hunting big game.
BRIEF: Alberta is currently the only western state or province that does not allow big game hunters to be accompanied by a dog while hunting big game in the mountains. These dogs are used as pack animals and serve as an excellent deterrent against grizzly bears when camping in remote areas and when field dressing game in grizzly country. These dogs are in no way permitted to assist in the harvesting of game and are serious working dogs that are in direct control by the hunter at all times. By permitting the use of pack dogs in grizzly country, human/bear confrontations could be greatly reduced.
Use of a Dog to Track a Wounded Animal
WILDLIFE RESOLUTION NUMBER W-6-2011
Submitted by: Zone 29
Drafted by: Drumheller Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Alberta Sustainable Resource Development change the hunting regulations to allow a big game hunter to use a dog to track a wounded animal.
BRIEF: Though no hunter wants to wound an animal, it does happen. Many times there is no snow on the ground during hunting season and tracking of a wounded animal with a dog would help in recovering lost game when tracking can be very difficult. The use of a dog would allow for more recovery of wounded animals. The dog would have to be kenneled prior to the wounding and right away after game retrieval.
Transfer of Draw Priority for Seniors
WILDLIFE RESOLUTION NUMBER W-7-2011
Submitted by: Zone 2
Drafted by: Drumheller Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Alberta Sustainable Resource Development implement a system which allows a resident hunter to transfer their priority in a draw or draws after they attain a certain age (e.g. 65 or 70 years) if they so desire. This would be a simple transfer and not a sale or barter. All priority per draw to go to one other Alberta resident hunter with a valid WIN card. Priorities in different draws could go to different hunters.
BRIEF: As many Alberta hunters are getting older, we are finding that we have accumulated priorities in draws that if drawn we would not be physically able to partake in that hunt. It would be nice if we could pass that priority on to another hunter that could enjoy the hunt when drawn since we have spent our money each year in the draws to get that priority.
Archery Season for Elk Draws in 164, 166 and 208
WILDLIFE RESOLUTION NUMBER W-8-2011
Submitted by: Zone 2
Drafted by: Drumheller Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Alberta Sustainable Resource Development implement an archery season for elk in WMU’s 164, 166, and 208 for those that are successful in the elk draws there. This would be a September/October season.
BRIEF: As a draw license for elk in these WMU’s is good for all three WMU’s and as there is no split season in this area, an archery season would give those that are successfully drawn an opportunity to hunt elk in these WMU’s during the rut.
Study of Sharp Tail Grouse Population
WILDLIFE RESOLUTION NUMBER W-9-2011
Submitted by: Zone 3
Drafted by: Rocky Mountain House Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Fish and Game Association request that Alberta Sustainable Resource Development conduct a study to determine if the sharp tail grouse population in WMU’s 320-340 can sustain the current harvest levels, and adjust bag limits by WMU accordingly.
BRIEF: At this time it appears that the current populations of sharp tail grouse cannot sustain the current bag limits. With increased predator populations, we believe that bag limits must be reduced in some WMU’s until such time as numbers increase. A population study is required to make appropriate adjustments to bag limits in each WMU.
Ruffed and Spruce Grouse Seasons
WILDLIFE RESOLUTION NUMBER W-10-2011
Submitted by: Zone 3
Drafted by: Red Deer Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Fish and Game Association request that Alberta Sustainable Resource Development align the opening date of Ruffed and Spruce Grouse seasons with the opening date of the season for ducks and geese in the 200 – 300 WMU’s, which is September 8th in the 2010 Regulations.
BRIEF: Opening date for ducks and geese, ruffed grouse and spruce grouse and big game archery seasons differ by few days in the subject zones. Closer alignment of the season opening dates would reduce confusion, while providing opportunity to hunt more species during one outing in the early season.
Antelope Season Extension
WILDLIFE RESOLUTION NUMBER W-11-2011
Submitted by: Zone 3
Drafted by: Provost Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Fish and Game Association request that Alberta Sustainable Resource Development extend the antelope seasons in the combined WMU’s of 160, 162, 163, 166, to include the WMU’s of 200, 202, 203, 232, 234 as well.11
BRIEF: This area has a healthy population on the extreme northern edge of their range. Limited hunting pressure would not be a factor in numbers when compared to the effect of winter conditions.
Bison Special License Draw
WILDLIFE RESOLUTION NUMBER W-12-2011
Submitted by: Zone 5
Drafted by: Fort Saskatchewan Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Alberta Sustainable Resource Development increase the maximum number of applicants that may apply together for the Bison Special License Draw to two from one.
BRIEF: While understanding the reason for reducing it to one from the previous four to attain the required harvest numbers, we feel that allowing two hunters to apply together would enhance the harvest and the hunting experience. Most hunters apply for a bison license because they wish for the chance of a lifetime to harvest a bison personally. It is not so much a meat hunt (although the meat would be a bonus), nor would most people wish to have a partner harvest their bison. It is not a hunt to take on alone, so having two hunters together make it more appealing and safer. It is a long trip for most, but the chance of harvesting a bison makes it worthwhile. Two successful applicants could likely still find partners if they wished and the hunt could then be more appealing, plus the required harvest could be met.
Coyote Harvest Program
WILDLIFE RESOLUTION NUMBER W-13-2011
Submitted by: Zone 1
Drafted by: Picture Butte Fish & Game Association
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development instill a program which pays $20.00 per coyote harvested.
BRIEF: There is a need to control the number of coyote attacks on both livestock and game animals. Coyote attacks result in substantial costs to the farming community. By reducing the population of coyotes, this should help with problems of predation.
CWD Quota Tags
WILDLIFE RESOLUTION NUMBER W-14-2011
Submitted by: AFGA Executive
Drafted by: AFGA Executive
BE IT RESOLVED THAT ASRD re-introduce the CWD quota tags in the CWD control WMU’s.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT ASRD introduce a muzzleloader/crossbow season from Oct.15th–31st
in all WMU’s that have a Nov. 1st opening of firearms season and apply to all special licenses and general seasons.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT ASRD extend the general white-tailed deer hunting seasons to Dec. 10th in all seasons/WMU’s where it currently ends on Nov. 30th or later.
BRIEF: By re-introducing the CWD quota tags, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development could responsibly manage for the desired decrease of deer populations in CWD control areas and at the same time, manage the number of hunters in each WMU to maintain a quality hunt and ease landowner concerns. The current closing date of Dec. 20th targets mostly white-tailed deer when it is mule deer which make up the larger percentage of positive CWD cases. Not only is immense pressure focused on WTD, but the larger than normal number of hunters using the late season extends landowner disturbance.
Introducing a 17 day (15 – 31) October muzzleloader/crossbow season may allow for a desired increase in deer harvest and offer hunting opportunities which have long been sought. This season could be added into the archery season where it exists in October. By extending the general seasons province wide, it should be expected that harvest would increase without overloading any specific WMU’s. This longer season should be desirable to those charged with monitoring the continuing spread of CWD.
ENVIRONMENT RESOLUTIONS
Mandate for Municipal Landfills to take Wild Game Carcasses
ENVIRONMENT RESOLUTION NUMBER E-1-2011
Submitted by: AFGA Executive
Drafted by: AFGA Executive
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Alberta Environment implement a mandate that all provincial and municipal Class 2 landfills be required to take wild game carcasses.
BRIEF: The rural landscape is being littered with wild game carcasses along with plastic, paper and other refuge from processing the wild game. This is giving hunters a bad reputation. Chronic Wasting Disease and other diseases are spread from carcasses being dumped and this would help stop the spread of disease.
Animal Composting Program
ENVIRONMENT RESOLUTION NUMBER E-2-2011
Submitted by: Zone 1
Drafted by: Zone 1
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development establish an animal composting program for both wild and domestic animals in an effort to assist with the issues of dead animals on our roadways and rural landscape.
BRIEF: Other jurisdictions have proven success in composting cattle and game animals whereby animals can be fully composted within a matter of just a few weeks. This will minimize the problem of predator issues on the roadways and in the ranching community. This would also minimize the spread of diseases through the transition of animal material throughout the landscape.
Water Allocation System Review
ENVIRONMENT RESOLUTION NUMBER E-3-2011
Submitted by: AFGA Executive
Drafted by: AFGA Executive
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Government of Alberta facilitate a comprehensive public input process to consider all options as part of their Water Allocation System Review.
BRIEF: As market based transfers are being permitted before the Water Allocation System Review is completed, it will be increasingly difficult to implement non-market based alternatives.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Kehiwin Lake – Northern Pike Catch Limits
RECOMMENDATION NUMBER RF-1-2011
Submitted by: Zone 5
Drafted by: St. Paul Fish & Game Association
BE IT RECOMMENDED THAT a Northern Pike daily catch limit of 2 fish with no minimum size be regulated for Kehiwin Lake.
BRIEF: Numerous anglers expressed concern about the zero catch limit for pike, as numerous pike appear to be present. Data is a concern. Fall Walleye Index Netting program in 2005 killed 1,025 fish including 191 walleye, 70 pike and 702 yellow perch. Data does not support that pike are at risk. Clearly, some pike harvest should be permitted to Alberta residents.[B]THE ALBERTA
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Seriously though!
Hybrid Mode
