The decision by the Alberta government to allow hunters to utilize dogs in black bear hunting as part of caribou conservation efforts has stirred controversy. The regulatory change, initiated last year by Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, has sparked opposing viewpoints from wildlife advocates and hunters. This year’s reinstatement of the regulation has prompted public calls for the hunt’s cancellation and a campaign in support of it.
The Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations for this year justifies the use of dogs in hunting to aid predator management in regions of caribou recovery concern. However, former caribou manager Dave Hervieux disputes the effectiveness of hunting black bears with dogs to support caribou conservation. He asserts that there is no scientific basis for this practice and that many areas where it is allowed do not historically or currently support caribou populations.
According to Hervieux, while a wolf cull has shown positive results in stabilizing caribou numbers, targeting black bears through hunting is unlikely to yield similar benefits. He emphasizes the importance of habitat conservation for caribou recovery, suggesting that solely focusing on predator control is not a sustainable solution.
University of Alberta ecology professor Mark Boyce concurs with Hervieux, highlighting the minimal impact of black bear predation on caribou and expressing concerns about the potential risks associated with using dogs to hunt bears in grizzly bear habitats. Both experts emphasize the need for habitat conservation and recovery to address the root causes of caribou population decline.
The provincial government defends the use of dogs in black bear hunting as a means to offer sustainable hunting opportunities for Albertans, citing it as a secondary benefit for caribou conservation. Despite conflicting opinions, the government maintains that reducing black bear populations can alleviate predation pressure on caribou, contributing to their improved survival rates.
Last year, hunters harvested 2,431 black bears in Alberta. The government asserts that managing predation on caribou remains a priority, and allowing the use of dogs in bear hunting complements existing efforts to support caribou recovery. This practice is limited to specific wildlife management units and is restricted during caribou calving seasons to minimize potential disruptions.
In Alberta, hunting black bears with dogs is permissible during September and October, aligning with the province’s conservation objectives. This method is regulated to ensure it does not interfere with caribou habitats or activities. Additionally, the use of dogs for hunting extends beyond black bears to include cougars and game birds in the province.