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By Tanner Smith

Wood Bison Hunt

Hay-Zama Bison Hunt returns for 2023-24 season

Sep 14, 2023 | 6:00 AM

For the first time since 2018, the Alberta Government is accepting applications from resident hunters interested in taking part in the unique, Hay-Zama Bison Hunt.

Provincial officials say this hunt is taking place to sustain a healthy herd.

They have a population limit set for 525, so the bison won’t expand to areas with disease, just to sustain a larger herd.

Diseases, including bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis, have been detected in herds near Wood Buffalo National Park. However, the Hay-Zama herd continues to be disease-free, according to 350 samples taken.

This hunt will not be open to all resident hunters, as you must apply to be entered into a lottery draw for the Resident Bison Special Licence, in Bison Hunting Zone 1.

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Applications must be submitted individually and will be accepted until September 26.

Indigenous People who qualify under Alberta’s Metis harvesting policy, and want to take part in the hunt, can also apply for their own license, the Aboriginal Resident Bison Licence.

Applications are available at the Alberta Environment and Protected Areas offices, in High Level, Peace River, Fort Vermillion, and Edmonton, with a submission deadline set for September 22.

Both the Resident Bison Special Licence and Aboriginal Resident Bison Licence will be issued through a lottery draw.

Minister of Forestry and Park and Central Peace-Notley MLA Todd Lowen discussed having opportunities for recreational and indigenous hunters, in the release.

“Bison hunting in the Hay-Zama area is a shared harvesting opportunity between Indigenous Peoples and Alberta recreational hunters. I am proud of the partnership between the Canadian Wildlife Service, Dene Tha’ First Nation, and the Government of Alberta that helps manage populations of wood bison in Alberta.”

To submit your application, or for more information about the Hay-Zama bison hunt, click here.

The 2023-2024 bison hunting season is set to start on December 1 and run until February 29.