Saskatchewan’s 2022 big game draw set to open Sunday

It’s a big day Sunday for Saskatchewan hunters.

That’s opening day for the province’s big game draw, which is used annually to hand out a limited number of hunting licences to Saskatchewan residents.

This year’s draw includes licences for elk, moose, pronghorn, mule deer of either sex, and antlerless mule deer.

“The opening of the big game draw is always a highly anticipated date for hunters in our province,” Environment Minister Warren Kaeding said in a release. “The demand for hunting tags speaks to the interest in Saskatchewan’s diverse hunting opportunities.”

Applications for the draw can be submitted until May 25 at 11:59 p.m. The release said hunters should apply early and use the online residency verification tool.

Hunters are encouraged to review the 2022 Big Game Draw Supplement for more information on quotas for draw species. The supplement, which can be found here, also has information about changes to this fall’s big game draw seasons.

The draw is conducted through the Saskatchewan Hunting, Angling and Trapping Licence (HAL) system, which hunters can use to submit, review and update their applications, and purchase a draw licence.

Applicants must check for their own draw results, which will be available through a hunter’s HAL account in June, or mid-July in the case of pronghorn. Hunters whose names are drawn will be able to purchase licences starting Aug. 1.