Wolf hunt to start in east-central Saskatchewan

Beginning Monday, licensed hunters will be allowed to hunt wolves in a forest-fringe area in the east central part of the province.

The area extends along the forest from Carrot River, Sask. to Greenwater Lake Provincial Park, then east to Hudson Bay.

One hundred licences will be available in environment ministry offices in Nipawin, Sask., Hudson Bay, and Greenwater Lake Provincial Park.

It is the first time the province has approved a wolf hunt for people not holding a fur trapping licence.

The province said it is hoping the program will reduce the number of wolves in an area where there has been an unusually high number of livestock attacks.

Livestock attacks in Weekes, Sask. area

According to the province, Saskatchewan Crop Insurance reported a high number of livestock predator claims in the Weekes, Sask. area, about 320 kilometres east of Saskatoon.

In April, the province changed the rules making it easier to kill wolves in the Weekes area, after leaders in the RM told the province wolves were becoming an increasing problem.

Around that time, the RM reported 30 cows and more than 300 calves were killed by wolves in the past year and a half.

The rule change classified wolves as big game, which allows hunters to kill a wolf and sell the pelt.

Under the pilot project, the wolves remain big game species, so all hunting regulations apply, including weapon type, clothing and baiting.

The licences are available on a first-come basis until the new year. If there are any unsold licences left, a second licence can be bought until the end of March, when the hunting season ends.

The licences are only available to people who live in Saskatchewan.