Saskatchewan changes wildlife rules to let landowners kill more ravens, wolves

The Canadian Press
April 7, 2014

REGINA - Saskatchewan is changing wildlife regulations to let landowners protect their property and livestock from ravens and wolves.

One change means landowners can kill ravens without requiring a permit.

Ravens have recolonized agricultural areas in recent years and farmers say the birds are killing or injuring newborn livestock and damaging grain bags.

Another change will designate wolves a big-game species so hunters can target problem animals where they're attacking livestock.

The province says it is not creating a general wolf-hunting season, but will focus on specific areas where other control methods have failed.

Trappers will still be able to trap wolves because the amendment will retain the wolf's designation as a fur-bearing animal.

The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation says it supports the changes.

"We recognize that effective wildlife management requires science-based, active management on both game and predator species to provide additional licensed opportunities for hunters to harvest animals whose numbers are creating serious wildlife and livestock issues," said federation executive director Darrell Crabbe.

source