The Alberta government’s decision to allow hunters to utilize dogs for black bear hunting as a measure to aid caribou conservation efforts has sparked debate among wildlife experts. The regulation change, implemented last year by Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, faced criticism from wildlife advocates and garnered support from hunters. This year, the reinstatement of the practice has stirred further controversy, with public calls for the hunt to be revoked and a campaign backing the use of dogs in hunting.
According to the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations for this year, the move aims to support predator management in regions where caribou recovery is a concern. However, former provincial caribou manager Dave Hervieux, who served the Alberta government for over four decades before retiring, disputes the effectiveness of hunting black bears with dogs in aiding caribou conservation efforts.
Hervieux highlights that out of the 23 wildlife management units permitting hunting black bears with dogs, 10 lack caribou range, and two have minimal caribou presence. He emphasizes that these areas historically did not support caribou habitats. Hervieux dismisses the notion that hunting black bears with dogs benefits caribou conservation, citing the lack of scientific evidence to support this claim.
While the provincial government conducts a wolf cull to protect caribou populations, Hervieux emphasizes that the impact of black bears on caribou calves in Alberta is minimal. He underscores the necessity of habitat conservation and recovery for caribou to prevent the perpetual need for wolf culling. University of Alberta ecology professor Mark Boyce concurs with Hervieux, noting the insignificant impact of black bear predation on caribou in the region.
The province defends its decision, stating that allowing dog use in black bear hunting offers sustainable hunting opportunities and indirectly benefits caribou conservation efforts. Despite the controversy, the government maintains that reducing black bear numbers in specific areas may alleviate predation pressure on caribou, enhancing calf survival rates.
Hunting black bears with dogs is a practice permitted in British Columbia, Ontario, and various U.S. states. In Alberta, the activity occurs during September and October to avoid overlapping with caribou calving periods. The use of dogs is restricted to areas where baiting for black bear hunting is prohibited. Additionally, dogs are employed for hunting cougars and game birds in Alberta.