To reduce the increased moose population in southern Saskatchewan, the Ministry of Environment held a second draw for moose hunting. An additional 350 licences will be allocated in an August 28, 2012 draw.

Licences will only be allocated in Wildlife Management Zones 4, 6, 14, 17, 19, 20 to 30, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41, 44 to 47, 54 and Saskatoon Wildlife Management Zone. An emphasis was placed on areas with a high number of moose. These licences will bring the total licences issued for southern farmland wildlife management zones to 3,000 in 2012, up from 2,195, in 2011.

“Increased numbers of moose in the southern half of the province has brought these animals into closer contact with populated areas, creating a risk to residents and animals,” Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “We have found a balance between protecting the public, managing the moose population, providing opportunity for hunters and protecting the long term sustainability of moose in our province.”

Hunters do not need to apply or reapply to the Big Game Draw. Hunters who applied in the May 2012 draw to hunt moose but were not successful will be eligible for selection in the supplemental draw, based upon their original application and zone selection.

Hunters drawn on August 28, 2012, will be notified by mail in early September. Hunters can check for results on the ministry website by August 30 at https://secure.gov.sk.ca/biggame/default.asp. Due to the late timing of this draw, anyone selected will be able to withdraw their application and still maintain their pool status for next year’s draw.

It is estimated there are 50,000 moose in the province with 10 per cent of the population located in southern Saskatchewan. Efforts to reduce the moose population in southern Saskatchewan are intended to minimize the risk of vehicle/moose accidents and other related issues, such as property damage.

Vehicle operators across Saskatchewan are reminded of the need to drive cautiously and alertly to avoid wildlife particularly from dusk to dawn when deer and moose are often more active.

For further information, visit www.environment.gov.sk.ca, or call the Ministry of Environment Client Service Office at 1-800-567-4224.