By Thomas K. Arnold
The North American or Canadian Elk is the largest species of red deer in the world. Elk have been hunted in
Canada ever since the first European settlers arrived in the 1700s. There are currently about 72,000 Canadian Elk in Canada, with more than half in British Columbia and the rest in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Each year licensed hunters, mostly using rifles, take about 4,000 elk, contributing about $14 million to local economies.
Hunting Season
Elk in Canada are hunted from late August through late November. Different territories have different dates when the hunting season begins and ends; be sure to check with local authorities.
Bull Elks
The season for hunting bull elks is limited to September and October, with the first week of September reserved for bow hunting.
No Handguns
Elk hunting laws in Canada also use prohibit the use of handguns to hunt elk. Hunters who choose to hunt with guns must use rifles or muzzle loaders. Shotguns also are prohibited, as are automatic weapons.
Gun Permits
Hunters must obtain Canadian firearm permits. The right to bear arms is not protected by a national constitution, as it is in the United States. All guns must be registered and the person in possession of a firearm must be licensed. This includes rifles as well as any guns brought into Canada by non-residents.
Regional Laws
Different territories have their own sets of hunting laws. In Alberta, for example, first-time hunters who have not previously held a hunting license need to complete the Alberta Conservation and Hunter Education Course or pass the Alberta Hunter Competency Exam. In British Columbia, hunters must take out specific hunting licenses for various species of game. An elk license costs $25 for British Columbia residents and $250 for non-residents in 2009. There also are different regulations concerning the minimum size of elk that may be hunted, based on the size of their antlers, and on the number of animals that may be bagged (in British Columbia, the limit is three). The Wildlife Research Center has downloadable guides for every Canadian province (see link in Resources).
Not All Land May Be Hunted
Hunting is prohibited in all national parks, regional district parks and wildlife sanctuaries. In addition, hunting on private land is only permitted with the written consent of the land owner. Hunting also is prohibited within 100 meters of any church, school, playground, public park or private residence.
Resources
About the Author:
Thomas K. Arnold is the publisher and editorial director of "Home Media Magazine" and a regular entertainment contributor to various publications including "USA Today," "The Hollywood Reporter" and "San Diego Magazine." He has written travel stories for "San Diego Magazine," the "San Diego Union" and the Copley News Service. Arnold attended San Diego State University.
