The Alberta government has reinstated the use of dogs for black bear hunting, citing it as a measure to aid caribou conservation efforts. This decision, first introduced last year by Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, has sparked controversy. While hunters support the move, wildlife biologists remain skeptical.
According to the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations for this year, the use of dogs in black bear hunting is intended to assist in predator management in areas of concern for caribou recovery. However, Dave Hervieux, the former caribou manager for the provincial government, disputes the effectiveness of this strategy. Hervieux, who served the Alberta government for over four decades, argues that there is no scientific basis to suggest that hunting black bears with dogs would benefit caribou conservation efforts.
Hervieux highlights that out of the 23 wildlife management units where hunting black bears with dogs is permitted, 10 do not overlap with caribou range, and two have minimal caribou presence. He emphasizes that these areas historically lacked caribou habitat, questioning the rationale behind using this hunting method for caribou conservation.
While the government has successfully controlled wolf populations to protect caribou, Hervieux asserts that targeting black bears through hunting with dogs is not equally beneficial. He stresses that black bears have minimal impact on caribou populations and questions the necessity of such hunting practices for caribou conservation.
University of Alberta ecology professor Mark Boyce echoes Hervieux’s concerns, emphasizing the negligible impact of black bears on caribou and the potential risks associated with hunting practices involving dogs. Boyce underscores the need for habitat conservation and recovery to ensure the long-term survival of caribou populations.
The Alberta government justifies the use of dogs for black bear hunting as a means to provide sustainable hunting opportunities for residents. They argue that reducing black bear numbers can alleviate predation pressure on caribou, thus supporting caribou recovery efforts. However, critics like Hervieux and Boyce point out that the government did not consult experts in the field before implementing this controversial measure.
Hunting black bears with dogs is permitted during September and October in Alberta to avoid overlapping with caribou calving periods in the spring. The practice is restricted to areas where bait use is prohibited for black bear hunting. Additionally, dogs can also be used for hunting cougars and game birds in the province.