Sask. changes wildlife regulations to help hunters with limited mobility

The Saskatchewan government has made changes to The Wildlife Regulations that will make it easier for people with limited mobility to use motorized wheelchairs and similar equipment for hunting.

Last year, the government adjusted the regulations to allow people in motorized wheelchairs to hunt, but they required a permit to use their wheelchairs. That permit is no longer required.

“This new legislation provides greater access and less red tape for hunters with mobility impairments,” Environment Minister Warren Kaeding said in a media release. “Hunters will be able to take advantage of new technologies in motorized mobility equipment, without the requirement of obtaining a permit to use the equipment.

“This is a great example of how a policy can evolve to meet the needs of Saskatchewan residents.”

The government made the changes after consulting with stakeholders, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Advisory Committee and a group representing hunters with disabilities.

Other changes included in The Wildlife Regulations Amendment Act will:

• Prohibit the feeding of dangerous animals, to help alleviate increased concerns related to dangerous wildlife in the province. This includes feeding wildlife on the side of the road. This prohibition will not apply to the use of bait for hunting or trapping purposes, conducting agricultural activities or operating licensed landfills;
• Authorize the use of a Hunting, Angling and Trapping Licence (HAL) identification number to identify hunting baits and stands on Crown lands, as an alternative to an individual’s full name and address; and,
• Authorize the disposal of inedible or diseased wildlife specimens to simplify the removal of carcasses deemed unfit for human consumption, including specimens infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD).

More information can be found here.