Q:   I am looking for some information on hunting wood bison in Alberta. Are there any open seasons? Do I need a licence? Can I hire a guide? Are hunt farms for bison legal?

A:  Wood bison (bison) are not categorized in the same manner as other large animals such as deer, elk and moose. With one exception, they are not actually classified as "wildlife" in Alberta, nor are they controlled animals under the Wildlife Act, an Act that governs hunting in Alberta. The exception is they are classified as an endangered species if they exist in the northwest portion of the province within a rather large geographical area that is basically west of Highway 35 and north of the Chinchaga River. So, except for those bison that are endangered and currently protected in northwest Alberta, they can be hunted year round without licences on unoccupied crown lands. Of course, hunting for bison is unlawful in national or provincial parks, including many Wildland Provincial Parks. For further information on hunting opportunities in Wildland Provincial Parks contact Alberta Parks and Protected Areas Division, Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture toll free at 1-866-427-3582.

   A person may hire a guide and pay fees for guiding services for hunting bison. In fact, this commonly occurs through contracted hunts with licensed outfitter/guides, particularly in areas near Wood Buffalo National Park in northern Alberta. However, as bison are not classified as wildlife, a person need not be a licensed outfitter/guide to charge for guiding services, as would be the case when pursuing wildlife animals such as deer, elk or moose. For more information on professional outfitting services, contact the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society (APOS) at 780-414-0249.

   As you are likely aware, bison are also privately owned as livestock by individuals throughout Alberta. Hunters of bison should be mindful of that fact, as a person could potentially be held civilly liable if a privately owned animal is hunted, even if on crown land. Regarding hunt farms, the paid hunting of privately owned bison on privately owned land or leased land is in itself lawful, again, because they are not classed as wildlife. Under those circumstances, the head and cape from the bison may be transported away by the hunter for mounting purposes, however, meat inspection laws do not allow for the carcass of the livestock animal to be removed for consumption purposes. For more information regarding these matters please contact Alberta Agriculture and Food toll free at 1-866-882-7677.

Richard Lyons is a member of the 
Alberta Game Warden Association in Edmonton.   

Wood bison are not classed as wildlife except in the northwest portion of Alberta.