The Alberta government has actively evolved its wildlife management strategies over the past year.
First, grizzly bear hunting in the province was re-opened, and “problem bears” can now be “taken care of” by a pool of “qualified hunters.”
The province then chose to lift the trapping limits of Wolverines, lynx, river otters, and fishers. The province thinks trappers can effectively survey the population of these species by trapping as many as they like. The resulting number of dead animals will inform the province on setting future harvest limits.
The province then condoned a province-wide wolf trapping and killing contest with big cash prizes.
And now it looks like the government has caved to lobbyists who want to hunt elk on elk farms, potentially approving such legislation in 2025.
The Alberta Elk Commission has been lobbying since 2020 to legalize “cervid harvesting preserves” or fenced elk hunt farms. However, the province has repeatedly turned down the idea over the years. But now, things are changing, with elk farm hunts potentially on the horizon in 2025.
So, is hunting elk on fenced farms an excellent idea to help economically struggling elk farms, or is it just another wildlife management strategy that caters to a small special interest group in the province?
The Case for Elk Hunt Farms
Proponents argue that elk hunt farms could be a lifeline for Alberta’s struggling elk farming industry, bringing economic benefits to rural areas. According to the Alberta Elk Commission, allowing these preserves could double industry revenues to approximately $500 million annually and create over 300 jobs. The Commission’s former President, John Cameron, noted, “Harvest preserves would give producers the opportunity to harvest animals currently exported to other jurisdictions, offering an economic development opportunity in Alberta.”
Elk farmers sell meat for $1,500–$2,200 per animal, but animals with large antlers, prized by trophy hunters, can fetch between $4,000 and $10,000 on hunt farms in Saskatchewan or the United States. This discrepancy represents an estimated $13 million in lost annual revenue for Alberta farmers. Elk producer Wayne Balderson questioned why Alberta continues to deny this opportunity, saying, “Why should it be the people of Alberta or a bunch of city folks who don’t know anything about livestock or how to build an industry?”
Supporters also emphasize the controlled nature of such operations, arguing that animals are tested for diseases like chronic wasting disease (CWD) before being harvested, reducing the risk of disease transmission to wild populations.
Additionally, advocates suggest that these preserves could attract hunters from other provinces and countries, bolstering Alberta’s struggling rural tourism sector.
Ethical and Environmental Concerns
Critics argue that the ethical and ecological costs outweigh the potential economic benefits.
Retired wildlife biologist Lorne Fitch derided the proposal as “shooting [elk] in a barrel,” emphasizing that such practices degrade the values of fair chase and skill traditionally associated with hunting. Many hunters agree. Mark Boyce, a University of Alberta biologist and avid hunter, called the idea “absurd,” adding, “It debases the sport of hunting to the denominator of a price tag.”
The Boone and Crockett Club, which lists North American trophy hunt records, opposes such hunts and will not record the results in its database.The club defines farm hunting or a “canned shoot” as “pursuing and killing any big game animal kept in or released from captivity to be killed” and says it’s not hunting.
Environmental concerns also loom large. Chronic wasting disease, a prion disease with no cure, is a significant threat. According to Ryan Brook, a University of Saskatchewan biologist, “Contact of wild elk and domestic elk through the fence has been documented.” Boyce noted that game farms were likely responsible for introducing CWD to Canada and warned that expanding hunt farms could exacerbate its spread.
Organizations like the Alberta Fish and Game Association fear that hunt farms could tarnish the public perception of hunting, painting all hunters as unethical. “It’s not exactly fair chase,” said the association’s Delinda Ryerson. She also expressed concerns that the proliferation of such farms could encourage a “pay-to-hunt” mentality, alienating traditional hunters and threatening Alberta’s rich hunting heritage.
A Polarizing Political Landscape
Politically, the issue has even divided Alberta’s government. Former Agriculture Minister Nate Horner acknowledged the challenges of swaying public and political opinion, referencing the strong opposition to similar proposals in the past. Even within the governing United Conservative Party, concerns remain. As Horner stated, “You are up against the connotations people are fearful of.”
The legacy of Ralph Klein, Alberta’s former premier, also casts a shadow. In 2002, Klein firmly opposed hunt farms, calling them “abhorrent.” His stance resonates with many Albertans, even decades later. Despite this, in April of 2023, Horner encouraged elk producers to continue lobbying, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive public relations campaign to shift perceptions.
The lobbying has paid off, with the current Minister of Agriculture, Minister RJ Sigurdson, on board with the idea.
Weighing the Consequences
The debate over paid elk hunts on elk farms highlights the tensions between economic development and ethical wildlife conservation. Hunt farms represent an opportunity for elk farmers to stabilize a struggling industry and capitalize on untapped revenue streams. However, critics argue that such practices compromise hunting ethics, pose ecological risks, and could damage the reputation of Alberta’s wildlife policies.
As the province considers public consultations and legislative amendments, the question remains: does the economic survival of a niche industry justify the potential ethical and environmental costs?
Both sides agree that this decision will have long-lasting implications for Alberta’s wildlife management, hunting culture, and rural economy. Whether Albertans will see it as a lifeline or just another step too far by the government, the future of elk hunt farms is poised to be another contentious wildlife management decision.
