Latest News

Canadian Shooting Sports Association news update

   What's New  (http://www.cdnshootingsports.org/)

EKOS POLL ALERT!!!!!

Ekos Research is currently conducting a poll of firearms owners using contact information obtained from the Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC).  When the CSSA/CILA alerted the federal government about this poll (which they knew nothing about), they immediately began an investigation.  We are currently exploring the possibility of criminal charges relating to the release of confidential information by the CFC.

We are advising all firearms owners that if contacted by Ekos, that they decline participation in this poll.  It is obviously an attempt by the bureaucrats to justify continuation of the wasteful and useless long-gun registry, particularly with the second reading of Bill C-391 due at the end of September.  Much of the information requested in the poll is already on their databases.

It appears that the CFC has violated your privacy by releasing this information, despite the assurances from the Liberal Government of the day that this would never happen.  Another nail in the coffin of the Firearms Registry.

We ask that you contact your MP to protest this incident and to support the passage of C-391.

REMINGTON 870 PUMP SHOTGUN UPDATE

In our last email spray we indicated that the CFC had a problem with the Remington 870 shotguns and sent registration revocation letters to a number of registered owners.  Upon further investigation, it seems that a Quebec police agency sold off some of their illegally modified Remingtons (barrels sawed off to 16”) to a Quebec dealer, who legally sold them to licensed gun owners a few years ago.  This was recently discovered by someone in the bureaucracy (with obviously nothing better to do with their time) who decided that these firearms must be seized and destroyed.  There are apparently 13 shotguns involved.

Despite the message from CFC, only the barrels are prohibited and must be turned in, not the firearms themselves.  Remington 870 shotguns are non-restricted firearms and ONLY the 16” modified barrels are in question.  Unless you received a letter from the CFC, you are not affected.

Please let us know if you have any questions on this situation.

CSSA ENDORSED BY GARY BREITKREUZ, MP

The CSSA has been honored with the receipt of a glowing endorsement from Member of Parliament Gary Breitkreuz (Yorkton/Melville).  Garry, as you know, has been a relentless advocate against the Liberal anti-gun agenda and recently spoke at the CSSA AGM despite enormous pressure to decline.

Announcing HUNTFEST, Canada’s Biggest Hunting Event,
August 14 – 16.

(Edmonton, AB – May 11, 2009) — August in Edmonton will never be the same with the introduction
of HUNTFEST 2009, Canada’s Biggest Hunting Event, sponsored by Wild TV.

Taking over the Twin Rinks at the River Cree Resort and Casino, and over 6 acres of outdoor space,
HUNTFEST is looking to set the standard as a true hunting festival. With over 100 of the top brands in
the industry displaying every product a hunter could need, outside archery lanes to try the latest bows,
4x4 mudpit and test drive track, Wild TV celebrities speaking on the hottest topics, topped off with a
host tent and live bands, HUNTFEST gives every Canadian hunter the opportunity to let loose and get
ready for the 09 season.

“HUNTFEST meets the need for a true hunting event, one that offers something for every level of
hunter, making it a great way to kick off the season.” says Elizabeth Bolivar, HUNTFEST Show
Manager. “Coupled with Wild TV’s ability to reach our audience across the nation, HUNTFEST is set
up to be a ‘can’t miss’ destination for every hunter in Western Canada.”

“Wild TV is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this event,” said Ryan Kohler, Vice President, Wild
TV. “We have always been committed to delivering in-demand entertainment to the Canadian hunting
community and we see our involvement with HUNTFEST as a great way to continue serving our
audience in a whole new way.”

Already living up to the larger than life reputation, HUNTFEST has secured a display of 10 of the
biggest whitetail bucks in North America to act as a focal point of the show. The display, brought in by
Artistic Antlers, is sure to have every hunter drooling as they set their sights on their own trophy buck
this season.

HUNTFEST is proudly supported by the Alberta Conservation Association, Trijicon Inc., and Western
Sportsman Magazine.

For further inquiries:

Elizabeth Bolivar
Show Manager, HUNTFEST 2009
Wild TV

Tel: (780) 444-1512
Fax: (780) 443-4591
email: huntfest@wildtv.ca
www.wildtv.ca

Fill out Alberta game harvest survey to help manage wildlife in Alberta
Dear Fellow Hunter:

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development is undertaking a pilot
project to improve our methods of collecting game harvest survey
information. We are asking you to assist us by completing your
game harvest information for selected species for the 2008
hunting season by using an online web survey.

The harvest information collected in this survey is an important
component for managing wildlife in Alberta. The survey consists
of a few short questions and should take 2-3 minutes to complete.

Albert Sustainable Resource Development has commissioned IBM
Global Business Services to conduct this survey on our behalf.
Please be assured that all responses will be treated in
confidence and individual harvest results will not be disclosed.

While participation is voluntary, your feedback would be
extremely valuable. The survey can be accessed by clicking on the
link below.
http://data.97.ca/ekos/callweb.cgi?EN:0539M:PVYWX2832

We ask that you complete the survey by March 16, 2009.

If you have purchased multiple licences you may receive more than
one invitation to complete the survey.  We ask you to treat each
request individually as each URL is unique and is linked to a
specific licence number.

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact us by
email at nscadmin@ca.ibm.com or you can contact the Wildlife
Management Branch at 780 427-5185. Thank you for your
participation.

Sincerely,

Ron Bjorge
Executive Director, Wildlife Management
Fish and Wildlife Division
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development

Scrap the long arm gun registration

For all you gun owners call your MP's and urge them to support this bill--- Bill C-301

Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation

CENTRAL OFFICE · 9 Lancaster Road · Moose Jaw, SK · S6J 1M8

Tel: (306) 692-8812     Fax: (306) 692-4370

e-mail: sask.wildlife@sasktel.net

website: www.swf.sk.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE SASKATCHEWAN WILDLIFE FEDERATION APPLAUDS ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUNDAY HUNTING BY THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT

(Moose Jaw, February 17, 2009)

The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) wishes to congratulate Environment Minister Nancy Heppner on the announcement that hunting of game birds and animals will be allowed on Sundays in our province. The Minister made the announcement at the 80^th Annual SWF Convention held in Moose Jaw this past weekend.

 “We are very pleased with the Provincial Government becoming proactive in helping us recruit and retain resident hunters in Saskatchewan and promoting the quality of life and economic benefits that come with increased resident hunting and angling” says Darrell Crabbe, Executive Director of the SWF.

Some other interesting points on Sunday hunting are:

-         Sunday hunting was originally not allowed as part of the Lords Day Act.

-         Saskatchewan is one of the very last jurisdictions in North America to fully implement Sunday hunting.

-         First Nations have always been allowed to exercise their treaty right to hunt on Sundays.

-         Hunting and Angling are second only to Gaming (Casinos) in our Province for economic dollars generated in the tourism industry with an estimated $350 million spent in primarily rural Saskatchewan in 2008. The vast majority of those monies are generated through resident activity.

-        The first SWF resolution dealing with Sunday hunting was presented in 1976.

Background Information

The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) is a non-profit, non-governmental, charitable organization with more than 27,000 members in 120 branches throughout the province.  Through its many programs, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation has become a nationally acknowledged leader in wildlife resources protection, outdoor education, and the enhancement of recreational opportunities for all citizens of Saskatchewan.  Per capita, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation is the largest conservation organization of its kind in the world.

For more information please contact:

Darrell Crabbe, Executive Director

Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation

9 Lancaster Road

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan S6J 1M8

AFGA History Book Sales and Promotion

AFGA has published a new book!!!
CONSERVATION PRIDE and PASSION

The 100 year history of conservation in Alberta. This book is the Alberta Fish and Game Association's history from 1908 -2008.
Milestones
1908- First local hunting and fishing clubs form to cooperate on first wildlife enhancement projects in Alberta 
1930's-Key partner in the development of Ducks Unlimited in Alberta
1940's- Instrumental is establishing provincial wildlife protection legislation.
1960's- Founded Alberta Hunter Education Program. Co-founded Outdoor Observer and Report a Poacher Program.
1963-  Initiated the formation of the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
1970's Founding partner in the Buck for Wildlife Fund (levy collected from hunting and angling licenses to support habitat conservation projects)
1983-  Established AFGA Wildlife Trust Fund to purchase significant wildlife habitats.
1989-  Founded Operation Burrowing Owl program within Alberta
2000- 50th parcel of wildlife habitat secured through the Wildlife Trust Fund: a total of 23,000 acres protected to date.
2008-  The Alberta Fish and Game Association will celebrate 100 years of Conservation success.

Many of AFGA affiliate clubs including Lloydminster and District Fish & Game Association have submitted their histories to this book as well.
Prepublication Price is $39.95 until March 31, 2008 ($49.95 after March 31, 2008) plus shipping charges and is expected to be available fall of 2008.
Lloydminster and District Fish and Game Association will bring in some books for sale. Please contact the LDFGA before March 28 to save the $10 that you would pay after that date and if we get enough orders it will also save the $8.00 per book shipping and handling.

LDFGA is looking for sponsors to purchase books to place them in schools and many other places around Lloydminster area.

 For further Information on purchasing or sponsoring a AFGA History book contact Garry and Edith Cunningham @ 780-875-0578 or
email this site @ admin@lloydfishandgame.org

2008 CWD Management Program for Sask & Alberta

A list of Freezer depots for CWD deer harvested in 2008

Where to obtain a Licence and submit your animal head sample for testing:

 

Licenses may be purchased at all Ministry of Environment offices and select checkstations.  Deer and elk head samples may be submitted to any Ministry of Environment office and select checkstations for CWD testing.

 Contact any of the following or the Ministry of Environment Office for regulations for your specific area.

 

 

CHECKSTATIONS
LOCATION	HOURS OF OPERATION	CWD MULE DEER LICENSES AVAILABLE	ACCEPTS HEAD SAMPLES FOR TESTING
Shep’s Sports Centre Lloydminster	Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm	Yes	Yes
Sid’s Service Esso Marsden	Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 5:30pm	No	Yes
North Park Gas-Up Macklin	Monday to Saturday 6:00am to 11:00pm	Yes	Yes
Kim’s Service St. Walburg	Monday to Friday 6:00am to 10:00pm	Yes	Yes
Ultra Sports Unity	Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 5:30pm	Yes	Yes
Petro Canada Neilburg	Monday to Saturday 7:00am to 8:00pm	No	Yes
Chernesky Hardware Ltd. Glaslyn	Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm	Yes	Yes
Edam General Store Edam	Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm	Yes	Yes
R.M. of Senlac Senlac	Monday to Friday 8:00am to Noon  1:00pm to 4:00pm	No	Yes

 

 

In Alberta

 

Where to submit your animal head for testing of CWD

To get further information contact your local Alberta Fish and Wildlife office of www.srd.alberta.ca/fishwildlife/livingwith/diseases.

 

Great Canadian Cleanup

Would you be able to spare a couple of hours for this great causr?

 This info was forwarded to me by Adam at the SWF office. �(fisheries biologist). �I think this is an excellent project and good PR but we have a lot on our plate right now. �Do any of you know of a member or �two that would head this up for our club? �I think Bud Miller Park lake would be a good site to start with. �The dates are between Sept 20 - 28. �Get back to me if you think it is a good idea and know someone who will spearhead it.

Larry

Gentlemen,   At the last board meeting, you discussed SWFs involvement with the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.� The SWF has been asked to do a media �kick-off� for the program in Saskatchewan.� We would like to get as many of our branches involved with this initiative as possible.� Please let central office know as soon as possible whether or not your branch will be getting involved.� Also, encourage other branches within your region to get involved.� I would like to see at least 20 branches around the province cleaning up shorelines near their community.� Each director should get at least one branch in their region involved.� The waterbody you choose does not have to be fish-bearing.� Beaches, boat launches and popular fishing areas are great places to clean as they often see the most traffic and the most litter.

This is a very worthy initiative that can be fun and easy to do.� By getting involved we can show the people of Saskatchewan that the SWF is more than just a hunting an fishing organization; we care about all aspects of conservation and protecting our environment.

Adam Matichuk

Fisheries Project Coordinator

Phone:� (306) 692-8812� Ext. 231

I have decided to register and coordinate the group for the lakeshore cleanup.  If you or any one you know would like to help on Monday, Sep 22 between 6 and 8 pm - please let me know.  I would encourage families and kids to get involved for these couple of hours.

Thanks

Larry

Contact Name - LARRY CHAMBERS

Phone number - 780 875 3655

Email address - larry.chambers@shaw.ca

Mailing Address - 2907 - 54 Ave Lloydminster AB  T9V 1N4

Cleanup location - Bud Miller Park & Messum Lake Park - Lloydminster AB

Estimated number of participants - 6

Date and time of Cleanup (between Sept 20 and Sept 28) - Monday, Sep 22 from 6 - 8 pm.

When: September 20-28, 2008

Where: Ocean, lake, river, stream, pond or wetland shorelines in

every region of Canada.

Why: Shoreline litter is a main cause of pollution on and around

our waterways.

How: Participants in every province and territory volunteer their

time to join this national event. For more information, go

to www.vanaqua.org/cleanup or call 1.877.427.2422.

The Vancouver Aquarium started this program 15 years ago on a beach in

Vancouver. They removed a few bags of shoreline litter. In following years, TD

Friends of the Environment Foundation joined forces with the Vancouver

Aquarium and expanded the program to more provinces. In 2005, TD Bank

Financial Group became the title sponsor of the program enabling the Vancouver

Aquarium to expand the program nationally. Last year, the participants of the TD

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup removed 87,489 kg of shoreline litter from

1,240 shoreline sites across the country.

Anterless Elk Hunting Opportunity Cypress Hills

On August 5th the Ministry of Environment issued the following News Release: Click here to link to release on their site.

News Release - August 5, 2008

Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Act (Bill 201) becomes REALITY in Alberta

 Your Alberta Fish & Game Association (AFGA) is pleased to announce that the
Alberta Hunting Heritage Act--Bill 201 received third and final reading and
was passed by the Legislature. It was given royal ascent by the
Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta on behalf of the Queen on Ma y 15, 2008.
Bill 201 is more than just symbolic. It creates a statutory right to hunt,
fish, and trap that can be defended in court.  It will help secure the
future of these time-honoured activities in Alberta.
The AFGA couldn't be happier that this very important piece of legislation
is finally enacted. AFGA 1st Vice President, Quentin Bochar initially
drafted this paper over five years ago on behalf of AFGA and it was
presented by your Senior Executive to at least 3 Ministers before one would
take it forward. Thanks go to Mr. Leonard Mitzel (PC) MLA for
Cypress-Medicine Hat who presented the bill with the full support of ASRD
Minister Ted Morton.
This piece of legislation will recognize Hunting, Fishing and Trapping as
legitimate, rightful privileges under the protection of law and will serve
us well in the future.
To view this Act please go to
<http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/documents/Acts/H15P5_08.cfm?frm_isbn=9780779733002>
http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/documents/Acts/H15P5_08.cfm?frm_isbn=9780779733002

  <http://alberta.ca/acn/images/HeaderImages/alberta.gif>
 News Release <http://alberta.ca/acn/images/HeaderImages/NewsRelease.gif>
  <http://alberta.ca/acn/images/HeaderImages/header_rule.gif>

June 2, 2008
New hunting and fishing community website launched
Alberta's best hunting and fishing info now found at My Wild Alberta
Edmonton... The Government of Alberta has launched My Wild Alberta
(http://www.mywildalberta.com <http://www.mywildalberta.com/> ), a new
website bringing together the best information for and from Alberta's
hunting and fishing community.
"This new website will be the first stop for hunters and anglers in
Alberta," said Ted Morton, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development.
"Hunters and anglers are our partners in wildlife conservation and habitat
management. Through My Wild Alberta, we can work together to build a
stronger hunting and fishing culture in this province."
My Wild Alberta is a joint initiative between Alberta Sustainable Resource
Development, the Alberta Conservation Association, the Alberta Fish and Game
Association, Alberta Outdoorsmen magazine, the Alberta Professional
Outfitters Society, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Hunting for Tomorrow, the
Alberta Trappers Association and Trout Unlimited Canada.
My Wild Alberta features hunting and fishing information, as well as a
discussion board, events calendar, stories, videos, Alberta's hunting and
fishing regulations, and links to the Government of Alberta's online
licensing site, https://www.albertarelm.com <https://www.albertarelm.com/> .
It will also highlight key initiatives and programs of the stakeholder
organizations.

Some News from Saskatchwan Wildlife Federation

TO ALL BRANCH EXECUTIVES:

WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE Canadian Unlicensed Firearms Owners Association (CUFOA) HAS SENT A MAILOUT PACKAGE TO THE BRANCHES AND EXECUTIVE OF THE SASKATCHEWAN WILDLIFE FEDERATION PROBABLY USING THE CONTACT INFORMATION FROM OUR CONVENTION BOOK.

WE DID NOT AUTHORIZE THIS MAILING NOR DO WE ENDORSE THE REQUEST FOR MEMBERSHIP OR FUNDING SOLICITED.

WE WILL PROVIDE A COMPLETE EXPLANATION OF OUR POSITION IN THE MONTH END MAILOUT. THANK YOU.

DARRELL CRABBE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation

May 14, 2008 - Compliance incentives for firearm owners

http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/notice-avis/default_e.asp

Minister Day Announces Measures to Enhance Public Safety and Firearms Control http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/media/nr/2008/nr20080514-eng.aspx

Frequently Asked Questions: Fee Waiver, Amnesty Extension and POL Regulations

http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/notice-avis/qa_e.asp

Fee Waiver & Refund

http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/notice-avis/waiver_e.asp

CWD found in Elk

  DATE:  2008.05.16

 BYLINE:  Darren Bernhardt

 SOURCE:  The StarPhoenix

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Wasting disease found in province's wild elk; Cases discovered near Nipawin in April

 The first-ever cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in wild elk have been discovered in Saskatchewan, but the provincial government hasn't been very public about it.

 The animals were found dead west of Nipawin in early April, close to Fort a la Corne in the province's east-central region. An "announcement" was posted May 6 on the Ministry of Environment website but not on the government's main page or distributed as a news release. "We want to understand the significance of it before we take any radical action," said Rick Ashton, director of resource allocation at the fish and wildlife branch of the ministry. "They were found in an area highly infected with CWD in white-tailed deer. It's just another species. It's not a significant event at this point."

 That's not how the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation views it "These are the first cases in wild elk. It's out there now, so how long before it moves into even more species," said SWF executive director Darrell Crabbe. "We know moose can contract the disease and there's a good possibility from there it could jump to caribou."

 The elk were both female cows, aged 11/2 and 31/2 years. The younger one was found dead in a pea field near a road and exhibited severe trauma consistent with being hit by a vehicle. The older animal was found in a field and appeared to have been dead for three or four days, according to the government. Only the head of the latter was submitted, so confirmation of the cause of death was not possible. Although both animals tested positive for CWD, it was believed they were in the early stages of the disease and did not die from that, the announcement states. The disease is a form of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, attacking the brains and nervous systems of cervid (deer family) animals.

 The Ministry of Environment is planning to meet with a CWD committee --  comprised of wildlife groups, hunter organizations, stock growers, rural municipalities and First Nations -- to discuss the findings and develop a management plan.

 The SWF doesn't have a lot of faith in the government management policies. An inventory program intended to monitor the number of animals in game farms is "a joke," said Crabbe, who blames game farms for CWD in the province by setting less valuable animals in the wild. Hunt farms bring in a lot of money for farmers and ranchers who have suffered from reduced incomes during the years. Wealthy hunters from the United States will pay thousands of dollars for a day's hunt, and they want to return with something to show for it, said Crabbe, who is skeptical the diseased Saskatchewan elk were wild animals. "I find it very coincidental, too coincidental, to find two cows, so close in age, both testing positive in that area," he said, noting cows are less valuable than elk bulls to hunters.

 The ministry's wildlife disease specialist, Dr. Yeen Ten Hwang, said there is no evidence the elk were originally domestic. "There were no ear tags and the pathologist saw no hair loss or ripping where the tags might have been," she said. Asked why the findings weren't publicized to the media, she said, "I don't know. We've had a lot of CWD in the deer and it was only a matter of time until it was transferred to elk. We sort of expected it."

 The first cases of CWD in Canada were traced to a Lloydminster-area farm that imported animals from South Dakota in the 1980s. How CWD is transmitted is not yet completely understood, though it is believed to occur if animals are in close proximity, likely through the saliva, feces or urine.

 An outbreak of CWD in the 1990s devastated the herds and livelihoods of many producers. There is no way to confirm the presence of the disease until the brain can be examined. As a result, tens of thousands of animals have been killed to contain the spread of CWD. The vast majority have tested negative.

2008 Alberta Regulation Changes

Regulation Changes

• Expand Sunday hunting province-wide for game birds, and into the 200, 300, 400, and 500 numbered units for big game.( Ministerial Order)

EXAPANSION OF CWD CONTROL AREAS AND INCREASED HUNTER OPPORTUNITY

·        The creation of additional CWD Control Areas.  Ranges 1-3 within WMU’s 162, 163, 236 and 256 are now CWD Control Areas. 

-         CWD Control Areas are now comprised of; Ranges 1-3 within WMU’s 150, 151, 162, 163, 236 and 256, as well the entire WMU 234.

Within the CWD Control Areas, specific regulations include;

-         Within all CWD Control Areas there will be a CWD Quota licence for $9.00 which will have three tags, the first two will be for an antlerless deer and the third will be for an antlered or antlerless deer. The antlerless tags must be filled before the third tag can be used. Once these tags are filled, another three tags can be purchased.  CWD Quota Licences are only valid in CWD Control Areas.

-         WMU 150, 151, 162 and 163- Within the CWD Control area, hunters who hold a CWD Quota licence, Antlered and Antlerless Mule Deer special licence, white-tailed deer supplemental licence or a general white-tailed deer licence, may hunt from November 1-December 20 (Monday – Saturday) and from November 1- January 15 (Monday – Saturday) if they are landowners. If they are hunting outside of the CWD Control area, they must hunt from November 5-8, November 12-15, November 19-22 and November 26-29.

-         WMU 234 – The CWD Control Area will include the entire WMU.  Hunters who hold a CWD Quota licence, a Resident Antlerless Mule Deer licence, a supplemental white-tailed deer licence or a general white-tailed deer licence, may hunt from November 1-December 20 and November 1- January 15 if they are landowners.

-         WMU 236 and 256- Hunters, who hold a CWD Quota Licence, a Antlered Mule Deer special licence, a Resident Antlerless mule deer licence, a Supplemental Antlerless White-tailed Deer or a general white - tailed deer licence, if they are hunting in the CWD Control Area, may hunt from November 1-December 20 if they are resident hunters and November 1- January 15 if they are landowners. If they are hunting outside of the CWD Control area they must hunt from November 1-November 30.

Note:             In support of the CWD Program two additional hunting opportunities are being proposed; a Primitive Weapons Season (WMU’s 150, 151, 162, 163, 200, 234, 236, 256 and 500) and the Resident Antlerless Mule Deer licence (WMU’s 200, 234, 236, 256 and 500).  These opportunities will be applicable but not exclusive to CWD Control Areas, therefore they are detailed as independent proposals within this document.

COMBINING ELK SEASONS IN WMU’S 200, 202, 203, 232, 234

• Combining elk seasons WMU’s 200, 202, 203, 232 and 234 and allow holders of these licences to hunt elk in all of these WMU’s during an open season.
• The open season for both antlered and antlerless elk would be from November 1 – December 20, 2008 and from January 12 – February 21, 2009.  The licences would be valid for the entire open period from November to February.