Magrath Deer Cull Hunt

     As a Council we would like to inform and update you on our efforts to help control the deer population in the Town. We have engaged with several Senior Wildlife Biologists from Alberta Environment over the past two years and discussed various options including catch and release, sterilization of does, bait and shoot, trained herding dogs and the list goes on. Given the facts that we have many residences with large yards, children and walking trails, pets, the law itself, and those that might actually enjoy deer, we are quite limited on what options we are allowed to do to control deer in and around town.

     One option that has been made available is cull hunts. This is the second cull hunt we have advocated for as a Council, and we have been able to see the hunt increased from three to five weekends now with a total possible of 250 tags. We have also been successful in having the hunts moved up to start early in December to increase the number of does that are taken in these antlerless hunts. Tags are available online for the first three weekends in December and the second and third weekends in January.

https://mywildalberta.ca/hunting/game-species/magrath-antlerless-white-tailed-deer-quota-hunt.aspx

To make this hunt more successful we would ask that community members might consider the following:

1.Discourage deer from ‘loitering’ in Town. It is against the law to harass wildlife so please don’t do that, but walk your dogs in your huge backyards, whistle while you walk, or bang on a bucket so your family knows where you are on these cold winter days. Perhaps then the right deer might find themselves in a harvest area.

2 If you have land on the edge of town, please allow hunters access. Not allowing hunting prevents the hunt from being as effective as possible. If you have family or neighbours that won’t allow hunting, please share your concerns with them so they are aware how this issue is affecting you.

3. Rifle hunting is only allowed in the County. Bow hunting is allowed within Town so long as you comply with the Wildlife Act requiring that you are 200 yards from all occupied residences or have their permission. This limits areas so be careful and have permission. Please follow all other game laws.

     We are doing our best, within the legislation requirements of the Provincial Government and the regulations of Alberta Environment to try to reduce the impact of deer in our town. Please do your best to help those involved in the cull hunt over the next two months.

Thank you!

Byrne Cook

Mayor