The Alberta government has permitted hunters to utilize dogs for black bear hunting to aid in caribou conservation efforts. This decision, reinstated this year, has sparked controversy among wildlife advocates and hunters. The move is outlined in the annual Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations as a measure to support predator management in areas of concern for caribou recovery.
Despite the government’s stance, former caribou manager Dave Hervieux, who worked with the Alberta government for over four decades, disputes the notion that hunting black bears with dogs contributes to caribou conservation. Hervieux highlights that the regions where hunting with dogs is allowed often lack caribou presence historically and are not within caribou range, questioning the effectiveness of this practice.
While the provincial government has successfully controlled wolf populations to protect caribou, Hervieux emphasizes that the impact of black bears on caribou is minimal in Alberta. He stresses the importance of habitat conservation for caribou recovery and warns against the misconception that hunting black bears with dogs is beneficial for caribou conservation.
University of Alberta ecology professor Mark Boyce echoes Hervieux’s concerns, emphasizing that the actual impact of black bear predation on caribou is insignificant. Boyce also raises apprehensions about the potential risks posed by hunting practices involving grizzly bears and dogs in areas where both species inhabit.
The provincial Department of Forestry and Parks justifies the use of dogs for black bear hunting as a means to provide sustainable hunting opportunities for Albertans, with caribou conservation being described as a secondary benefit. The province asserts that reducing black bear populations in certain areas can alleviate predation pressure on caribou, ultimately supporting caribou recovery efforts.
Last year, hunters in Alberta harvested 2,431 black bears. The government affirms its commitment to managing predator populations to aid in caribou recovery, stating that expanding hunting opportunities for black bears aligns with existing predation management strategies.
The practice of hunting black bears with dogs is allowed during specific months in Alberta to prevent interference with caribou calving periods. It is restricted to areas where baiting for black bear hunting is prohibited. Additionally, dogs are also utilized for hunting cougars and game birds in the province.