The provincial government is reminding hunters about the importance of taking part in the hunter harvest survey. (submitted photo/Parks Canada)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Hunting season 2020

Big game draw set to open May 1

Apr 28, 2020 | 4:32 PM

Saskatchewan hunters looking to go after big game can throw their names into the hat next month.

The province’s big game draw will open May 1 and close on May 25. The results of the draw are expected to come out in June.

Those looking to apply this year will have to do so exclusively online as the Ministry of Environment offices are closed due to the coronavirus.

Joann Skilnick, wildlife unit manager at the Ministry of Environment, said populations of a number of species, including elk, pronghorn, mule deer and white tail deer appear to be doing well.

Skilnick said they have observed a growth in populations of certain animals over the past number of years and overall the province’s big game populations are healthy.

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“We’ve seen modest increases in quotas over the last several years since the last harsh winter,” she said.

Skilnick said when the time comes to get out, hunters should take any advice issued by public health officials. She added this includes obeying any travel advisories and being aware of local closures.

Don Earhart, vice president of the Prince Albert Wildlife Federation, said he was happy to hear the province reporting higher population numbers.

“That’s good news,” he said.

Earhart said he wasn’t sure how much the province’s numbers would affect draw numbers. He speculated draw numbers for moose and elk would be similar to what they were last year.

In regards to people only being able to apply online, Earhart said most people have been using the online process for a while and he has not heard any concerns from people in regards to access.

Overall, the local wildlife federation vice president said the strong animal populations could help get some more people out and give business a shot in the arm.

It would “be good for our economy [to] get people out and about spending a few dollars and what have you,” Earhart said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn