Sasquatchewan
Well-known member
It's been a year that the CAD/USA land border has been closed and signs of the border re-opening in time for spring bear season aren't good. We've seen a lot more human/bear interaction last summer and with outfitters not running baits last spring, resident bait sites were getting serious hits in 2020. The article below mentions that there were approx. 2000 less bears taken in 2020 vice 2019, from international hunters, I've seen this number ranging from 2000 to 3000 in various articles. The biggest issue isn't necessarily the number of bears taken, but the greatly reduced number of bait sites which means bears will compete for a smaller food source or will have to venture onto farmland. I've heard tons of guys who live on the forest fringe talking about unusual bear activity last summer in comparison to previous years and a lot more cattle/human interaction with bears. In terms of hunting, this spring should be even better for resident hunters but the reality of it is that outfitters are going into their second cancelled spring bear season. I'm sure this same scenario applies to other Provinces, not just Saskatchewan.
The article below mentions a raise in tag sales in Saskatchewan for 2020 but it is most likely due to the quota being raised to two bears in many zones, vice the amount of new resident bear hunter interest. The 2021 spring bear season should be a great one for resident and Canadian resident hunters but again, outfitters are taking a huge hit. Canadian residents seem to have little interest in investing in these resident hunts as the price tags are pretty steep, on the other hand, outfitters need to be able to run their outfits and can't just give away hunts. There's lots of hopes for 2021 fall hunting season, let's hope this border opens soon!!!
https://globalnews.ca/news/7731596/international-tourists-saskatchewan-bear-numbers/
Sasky bear for your viewing pleasure!
The article below mentions a raise in tag sales in Saskatchewan for 2020 but it is most likely due to the quota being raised to two bears in many zones, vice the amount of new resident bear hunter interest. The 2021 spring bear season should be a great one for resident and Canadian resident hunters but again, outfitters are taking a huge hit. Canadian residents seem to have little interest in investing in these resident hunts as the price tags are pretty steep, on the other hand, outfitters need to be able to run their outfits and can't just give away hunts. There's lots of hopes for 2021 fall hunting season, let's hope this border opens soon!!!
https://globalnews.ca/news/7731596/international-tourists-saskatchewan-bear-numbers/
Sasky bear for your viewing pleasure!