AFGA 2011 Proposed Resolutions

[walking buffalo]

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

[HunterDave]

Thank you Walking Buffalo. That is very good information for us guys that are interested in what AFGA is all about. I hope that you don't get too much flack from the "mind your own business" club for posting it.

[pottymouth]

looks like some good stuff in there, and some selfish stuff too....oh well each club their own agenda i guess.

[Grizzly Adams]

I like the handgun hunting clause. What does a non federally regulated pistol or revolver look like?

Grizz

[wwbirds]

the non regulated ones look like antiques. Great info WB thanks
Rob

Originally Posted by Grizzly Adams

I like the handgun hunting clause. What does a non federally regulated pistol or revolver look like?

Grizz

They look old

[mulecrazy]

The removal of corn as bait gave me a good chuckle. Old wives tales live on in that club I suppose.

[pope]

Do they have biologists or are some of these resolutions made over beer and wings?
Some good stuff there, but some strange stuff too. Hard for me to buy a membership when I see some of this stuff.

[Rockymtnx]

Originally Posted by pope

Do they have biologists or are some of these resolutions made over beer and wings?
Some good stuff there, but some strange stuff too. Hard for me to buy a membership when I see some of this stuff.

That's the exact reason why you should become a AFGA member. The AFGA is Alberta's biggest voice for hunters and fishermen. If you don't think something is up to snuff, then at least your voice can be heard. I disagree on a few of these resolutions, therefore I will be voting against them next week.

Also remember that the AFGA does more for hunters and anglers than any other organization in this province. They help in securing habitat for future years, help in population restocking, provides camps for kids, and even a few for the ladies, provides educational scholarships, runs the wildlife trust fund, assists SRD with many projects, and makes our voice heard to the government.

Some of the great AFGA projects I can think of this past year include, construction of new boat launches, pheasant habitat construction, pheasant release programs, antelope fencing in southern Alberta, building nesting sites for song birds, geese, ducks, owls, etc, predator control programs, trail and bridge construction, and youth camps.

I know that it is because of the AFGA that several recent issues with the government have been stopped. ie: Sale of public lands, game farms and canned hunts, the stop of many restrictions on our wildland parks.

I know one thing we are still working on is the reintroduction of a Alberta grizzly hunt. The AFGA is one of the major players in this issue.

In my opinion if you are a Alberta Outdoorsmen there is no reason why you shouldn't be a AFGA member. Even if you aren't an active member you will be informed of the ongoing issues outdoorsmen face.

[crazyfish]

Originally Posted by Rockymtnx

In my opinion if you are a Alberta Outdoorsmen there is no reason why you shouldn't be a AFGA member. Even if you aren't an active member you will be informed of the ongoing issues outdoorsmen face.

Well said, get involved, dues are cheap, and the bigger the united voice the better !

[thumper]

Thanks for posting that Walking Buffalo. Some interesting resolutions!

And ditto on the above reasons for joining the AFGA. If you want to wait until you are in 100% agreement with an organization - you'll never join anything, and your voice will never be counted.
Same goes for jobs, marriages and anything else in life!!

Also, if the membership cost is an issue, remember that your membership gets you 10% off most items at Marks WorkWarehouse. In our household, those savings more than pays the annual membership.

[super7mag]

Good post . Most resolutions look ok, good luck with the handgun hunting but ya gotta try. How many AFGA resolutions get traction with the srd on any given year? 2/10 or is the ratio better then that.

[Pudelpointer]

The handgun resolution was passed last year. This will be year two (if passed again).

The process for resolutions is that if it is supported for 3 years running, then it becomes a defacto AFGA position.

[walking buffalo]

Despite HunterDave's concern, I didn't feel the need for a flack-jacket before posting this info. So far so good.

I hoped that this thread would reveal some of the work that AFGA does, and perhaps interest more Outdoorsmen to join the club.

The resolutions offer management concepts for micro-management of local habitat to province wide concerns. There are resolutions I would definately vote yes for, and others would get the boot.

What's with the Pack Dog resolution?

[SonnyJ]

No kernal corn?

You have got to be kidding me..

[pope]

They would appear more credible, IMO, if they screened out some of the fluff and nonsense. That list should be half the size and bring forward some strong arguements. Just my opinion.

[solocam3]

Originally Posted by pope

They would appear more credible, IMO, if they screened out some of the fluff and nonsense. That list should be half the size and bring forward some strong arguements. Just my opinion.

This is the final screening process that happens at Conference in Feb. What has happened all year is that non members of a club (Most of you hunters and fishermen) come up with ideas on how to make our sport more efficient and everlasting and pass them on to your few friends that are members of a AFGA Affliated club, they fine tune them, present them at their club meeting, the resolutions get screened and then presented to the zone fall meetings, where they get screened again and then they go to conference on Feb 24 to 26, get voted on by the voting delagates (so many per club based on your club membership) (I said this last year and glad all you guys joined) and the ones that are approved are slid over to Our Government that you voted in. It is all about participation. I think these Resolutions are also available on the Win/Relm web page or the AFGA web page. See you at the conference.

[Scar270]

Originally Posted by Grizzly Adams

I like the handgun hunting clause. What does a non federally regulated pistol or revolver look like?

Grizz

As mentioned they are antiques.

Interestingly, last year they claimed the Feds are the problem, yet they changed the provincial laws on dealing with game in traps or snares. Trappers, including resident trappers, as opposed to those on a registered trap line, can use a pistol for dispatching animals, as long as they can get CFO permission to have the gun.

That is exactly what we want for hunting with them.


The question about biologists is interesting, because in the case of things like an antelope season, we have the local game warden and the area's SRD biologist on board, and still can't get a season.

[Dacotensis]

So, why only quads and paras in the OHV resolution.
Surley lower limb amputees can't step off the OHV as well. Stands to reason Seriously though!

As well, I don't think the transfer of draw priority should be tabled. I think this falls into the "selfish" catagory. If an old timer can't get out to hunt then why apply?
My 8 year old would love to have this opportunity.

I like the resloution on outfitter allocations

[NFTrapper]

I live in Edmonton, but hunt all over this fine provience. Will AFGA be at the Sportsmen show, as I think I should join. I feel its the least I can do for a group of Men and Women that work so hard for our right to enjoy the outdoors.

Thanks and I look forward to becoming a member. Any info on joining would be great.

Originally Posted by NFTrapper

I live in Edmonton, but hunt all over this fine provience. Will AFGA be at the Sportsmen show, as I think I should join. I feel its the least I can do for a group of Men and Women that work so hard for our right to enjoy the outdoors.

Thanks and I look forward to becoming a member. Any info on joining would be great.

Many of the Edmonton area Fish and Game clubs will be at the Sportsmen Show. It's a great opportunity to meet the folks from the various clubs and learn more about the organization.

[Deer Hunter]

Dogs have no business in big game hunting imo. If someone had sicked a dog on the tail of a deer, wounded or not, i would shoot the dog first, then decide if the deer is a good one. Dogs shouldnt chase deer. Ever.


Take your dog duck hunting if you cant be without it.

[TangoKilo]

Ive been wanting to take my dog sheep hunting as a pack animal for the past 10 years. Its a great idea for all of the reasons listed above.

Its great to see this resolution tabled, hopefully it is adopted!!

[209x50]

Originally Posted by TangoKilo

Ive been wanting to take my dog sheep hunting as a pack animal for the past 10 years. Its a great idea for all of the reasons listed above.

Its great to see this resolution tabled, hopefully it is adopted!!

I don't see a problem with either of the dog resolutions.

Originally Posted by 209x50

I don't see a problem with either of the dog resolutions.

Unfortunately I suspect a lot of people will have a problem, if for no other reason than they've never been in jurisdictions where dogs are permitted for packing and tracking. These dogs are valuable tools that are in complete control at all times. I'm sure F&W would ensure there were laws to deal with those that weren't. I suspect both resolutions will meet with a lot of opposition. It's too bad that there wasn't an opportunity to educate some people on the use of these types of dogs. I know it would change their minds. My buddy Paul from the Yukon routinely goes around with his dog Molly giving talks on the value of pack dogs. I'm sure if some Alberta hunters had the opportunity to hear him speak and see Molly in action that they'd change their minds. I don't hold out much hope for either resolution. It's one time I'd love to be wrong though.

[Deer Hunter]

"By permitting the use of pack dogs in grizzly country, human/bear confrontations could be greatly reduced."

Greatly reduced? This is like saying a large percentage of people would use pack dogs in the mountains and that there is a serious or high probablility of grizzly confrontations both of which are exaggerations imo.

"The dog would have to be kenneled prior to the wounding and right away after game retrieval."

I dont think you would want to have your dog kenneled for the whole day in the middle of November. F&W have enough to worry about with the hunters, and not having to regulate their dogs. imo of course.

[=Deer Hunter;837194Greatly reduced? This is like saying a large percentage of people would use pack dogs in the mountains and that there is a serious or high probablility of grizzly confrontations both of which are exaggerations imo.

.[

Just curious how much time you spend in the 400 zones?

[Deer Hunter]

Originally Posted by sheephunter

Just curious how much time you spend in the 400 zones?

Not as much as you i'm sure but I have been through there hunting probably 2-3 times a year for the past 3 or 4 years. Sure I see grizzlys, but never ever had a confrontation.

How many "confrontations" have you had while hunting versus how many days have you spent in the mountains?

Having a run in with a bear there has more to do with too many grizzlys and rather than being unable to take your dog. Having a dog with you doesnt ensure you dont have a confrontation either.

Just curious, how much weight can your dog pack anyways? Is this about having a pack animal or a bear deterent? Or just taking rover for a walk during big game season?

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by Deer Hunter

"
"The dog would have to be kenneled prior to the wounding and right away after game retrieval."

I dont think you would want to have your dog kenneled for the whole day in the middle of November. F&W have enough to worry about with the hunters, and not having to regulate their dogs. imo of course.

I tend to agree with you there. the kenneling stipulation seems dumb to me. The dog could be in your truck without being kenneled. Would you put him in a kennel and then carry the whole way to your hunting area? Not likely. Walk him there? How would it work? Why not simply say you can hunt with a dog but the dog must be on leash at all times? He can track and still be on leash. Always under control.

In any event, it's not a big issue. If you have a dog out with you who ISN'T well controlled and he's running around off-leash the result will be game who are alerted to your presence and hence stay alive, and you go home empty-handed.

Originally Posted by Deer Hunter

How many "confrontations" have you had while hunting versus how many days have you spent in the mountains?

One is too many but we had a very serious one two years ago with a dead elk. The dog would have let us know about the bear's presence long before we realized he was near. I suspect most people would have shot the bear in our situation. I was a micro second away myself. Had I known the bear was coming, we'd have been far more prepared to deal with it rather than when he was literally on top of us.

I could tell you about several more but that was the most recent. Last year was kind of boring in regards to bears.

I've spent a lot of time ijn the mountains with pack dogs and I know how valuable they are in preventing bear confrontations. I wish others could share the experience too. I know it would change your mind.

My dog goes for a walk to the dog park...in the mountains, it's all business and he's just another tool I'm in total control of. At a little over 18 months he's had several dozen bear encounters. Nothing too exciting though thankgoodness. I like to credit the good outcomes to him being there....he does too!