Hunting Out of Season

Offence of Hunting Out of Season – Alberta Wildlife Act

Under the Alberta Wildlife Act, hunting out of season is a serious offence that helps ensure wildlife conservation and population management. The Act establishes specific hunting seasons for different species and Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) to regulate when hunting is permitted.

Key Legal Provisions:

1. Section 25(1) of the Alberta Wildlife Act states that no person shall hunt wildlife except during an open season as set out in the regulations.
    
2. Section 55(1) of the Alberta Wildlife Act makes it an offence to hunt, trap, or possess wildlife in contravention of the Act or its regulations.
    
3. The Wildlife Regulation (AR 143/97) defines open and closed seasons for specific species and regions.
    

Penalties for Hunting Out of Season:

Hunting outside of a designated season is a strict offence, and penalties can be severe:

• Fines: Penalties typically start at several thousand dollars and can go up to tens of thousands of dollars, especially for big game species.
   
• Mandatory Court Appearances: Serious offences may require a court appearance, where a judge can impose additional penalties such as a hunting license suspension.
   
• Seizure of Equipment & Wildlife: Conservation officers have the authority to seize firearms, vehicles, and any unlawfully hunted animals.
   
• License Suspension or Revocation: A conviction can lead to suspension or permanent revocation of hunting privileges.
   

Key Takeaway: Hunting outside of the legal season is a serious offence under the Alberta Wildlife Act, with significant fines, potential license suspensions, and the risk of equipment seizures. Hunters must always check current Alberta hunting regulations for season dates and Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) restrictions before hunting.