The Alberta government’s decision to allow hunters to utilize dogs in black bear hunting as part of caribou conservation efforts has sparked debate among wildlife biologists. The regulation change, initiated last year by Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, has faced criticism from wildlife advocates while garnering support from hunters. The recent reinstatement of this measure has led to public outcry, with calls for the hunt to be revoked and a campaign launched to back the practice.
The Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations for this year states that the use of dogs in hunting aims to aid predator management in areas where caribou recovery is a concern. However, former caribou manager of the provincial government, Dave Hervieux, disputes the effectiveness of hunting black bears with dogs in supporting caribou conservation efforts, citing a lack of scientific evidence to support this claim.
Hervieux highlights that out of the 23 wildlife management units where hunting black bears with dogs is allowed, 10 do not encompass any caribou territory, and two have minimal caribou presence. He emphasizes that these units likely never historically hosted caribou due to habitat conditions. Hervieux and University of Alberta ecology professor Mark Boyce argue that the focus should be on caribou habitat conservation and recovery rather than using dogs to hunt black bears.
While the government controls wolf populations to safeguard caribou, Hervieux underscores that the impact of black bears on caribou is minimal. Boyce echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the insignificant role of black bear predation on caribou populations in Alberta. He also raises concerns about potential conflicts with grizzly bears in areas where dog-assisted hunting is permitted.
The Alberta government defends its decision, stating that hunting regulations are based on scientific data and field observations. They assert that permitting dog use in black bear hunting provides broader sustainable hunting opportunities for Albertans, with caribou conservation considered a secondary benefit. The government argues that reducing black bear populations can help alleviate predation on caribou calves and enhance calf survival rates.
The use of dogs in black bear hunting is restricted to specific areas and seasons in Alberta, ensuring it does not coincide with caribou calving periods. The practice is allowed during September and October, and only where baiting is prohibited. Apart from black bears, dogs are also employed in hunting cougars and game birds in the province.