Canadian Policy Updates
See below to learn about what’s happening in Canada.
Quality habitat in Canada is vital to success of duck hunters across the continent. Delta Waterfowl staff works to ensure high quality habitat and increased access across the entire country.
Further develop the pitch for a Shallow Wetlands Incentive Program (SWIP) in Alberta
Why this matters: Recent estimates put the annual small wetlands in cropland loss rate at 0.88% in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. At this rate, more than one-third of these vulnerable small wetlands will be lost in the next 50 years. SWIP provides annual incentive payments to farmers to preserve their wetlands instead of draining them. Manitoba has seen great success with SWIP, and Delta is seeking to further expand that into Alberta to protect these critical breeding grounds.
Ongoing efforts to find provincial funding for SWIP in Alberta
Why this matters: Delta is working with partners to find funding and begin an initial phase of SWIP programming in the parkland region of Alberta.
Stay engaged with Manitoba SWIP and GROW programs
Why this matters: Manitoba was the proving grounds for SWIP, and the success has been undeniable. Delta policy staff will continue to work with these programs to help provide guidance as they continue to expand in the province. More details can be found here.
EXPAND LATE CANADA GOOSE SEASON IN ONTARIO’S SOUTHERN WMU's
Why this matters: This change will reinstate a highly desired hunting opportunity in parts of the southern district that were lost with the introduction of Sunday gun hunting. Subsequently, this change will remove a barrier to implementing Sunday gun hunting in the remaining municipalities in southern Ontario, where goose hunters were reluctant to give up their late goose season for the additional day.
Establish Tundra Swan and Mourning Dove seasons in Prairie Provinces
Why this matters: Population estimates have shown healthy and productive tundra swan and mourning dove populations in the prairie provinces and having the opportunity to harvest these birds is a priority for Delta. The policy staff have been leading on these issues for years and hope to see that come to fruition soon.
ESTABLISH SANDHILL CRANE SEASONS IN NWT, NU, ON & QC
Why this matters: The sandhill crane population in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario and Quebec has been thriving, and hunters are anxious to get in the field to pursue these birds. Delta has long advocated for sandhill crane seasons and welcomes recent moves by the Canadian Wildlife Service to open a hunt.
Move Canada Goose season to close concurrently with duck season in Nova Scotia Zone 2
Why this matters: Delta supports the delay of the start of the general Canada goose season in Nova Scotia Zone 2 to allow for closure which would align with the end of duck season. Policy staff will continue to advocate for a Jan. 31 closure for both seasons in Zone 2, but this modification would be welcomed.
Seek expansion of the Hunter Apprentice License program to other provinces
Why this matters: This initiative is one of the most under-utilized hunter recruitment tools being used in Canada. It simplifies the process for new potential hunters by providing an opportunity to “try before you buy”, waiving hunter education and firearms course requirements. Available in BC and Quebec, and virtually in every state, this opportunity will greatly enhance our ability to attract and recruit new hunters.
WORK TO PROVIDE CLARITY AND STRUCTURE TO WATERFOWL GUIDES AND OUTFITTERS IN ONTARIO
Why this matters: The absence of any regulations or protocols for guides and outfitters continues to be one of the most common complaints Delta staff hear each year. Unlike other provinces, Ontario currently does not have any structure in place to monitor, regulate or enforce the guiding and outfitting sector. This has led to increased hunting pressure, increased access issues and an increase in illegitimate outfitting practices. Delta wants to protect hunters who use legitimate services by ensuring Ontario creates structure around guiding operations to ensure they’re following the law and general safety practices. One of the important outcomes from this effort will be to lessen overall hunting pressure and access issues for hunters and to establish a recognized platform for outfitting operations in Ontario.