Sask. adds elk hunting opportunity in effort to limit crop damage

In an effort to control the elk population and limit damage to agricultural products, the Government of Saskatchewan is giving hunters an extra chance to harvest elk in the southern half of the province.

The limited hunt will run from Nov. 20 to 27, and licences for antlerless elk will be available to purchase for $30 starting on Nov. 3. While the number of licences isn’t limited, applicants will need to select one wildlife management zone for their hunts.

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The provincial government said the best way to get a licence is through its online licence system, and noted that hunters who were successful in this year’s big game draw can also purchase an additional licence for antlerless elk.

“This hunt aims to address the conflict between elk and agricultural producers and landowners,” Travis Keisig, Saskatchewan’s environment minister, said in a statement.

“It is a tool to help reduce pressure on farmers.”

Keisig said the success or failure of the program will ultimately rest with landowners.

“Allowing access to land is key, and when landowners open their gates to hunters, it helps manage wildlife impacts on crops and forage,” the environment minister said. “That’s a win for producers and hunters alike.”

After the hunt ends, the Ministry of Environment said it will assess the results in order to guide its decisions on future hunts.