The Saskatchewan government says producers dealing with congregating elk that damage feed and forage will soon have access to a new management option.
The Ministry of Environment and the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation announced Tuesday that a depredation permit program will be introduced to help producers who continue to face significant wildlife damage despite using prevention measures.
Environment Minister Darlene Rowden said the program is intended to address ongoing concerns from producers while still maintaining healthy wildlife populations.
“As a government, we are working to find the right balance for the people of our province,” Rowden said. “We’re continuing to explore a variety of options to help reduce damage and the impact on producers’ livelihoods, while ensuring elk populations remain healthy.”
According to the province, the permits will be available to producers who have demonstrated a history of significant damage caused by congregating elk. The permits will provide a controlled option to harvest elk outside of the regular hunting season when other prevention efforts have not been successful.
Agriculture Minister David Marit said wildlife damage has placed increasing pressure on producers, particularly during the winter months when herds gather near stored feed and forage supplies.
“We know wildlife damage is placing pressure on producers, particularly throughout the winter months,” Marit said. “This additional measure supports Saskatchewan’s producers, ensuring they have the resources they need to protect their feed and operations.”
The province said the permits will be available from Jan. 15 to March 31 beginning in 2027. The program will be administered through the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation, which will confirm eligibility and provide the necessary tags.
Officials said the permits are not intended to create additional hunting opportunities. Instead, they will be issued directly to producers who have been approved through the program.
There will be no cost to producers for the permits.
The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities welcomed the announcement, saying it provides producers another tool to deal with wildlife that can affect farm income.
“By giving producers another tool to protect the feed and forage they work so hard to grow, this policy helps safeguard farm income, supports animal welfare, and strengthens the long-term sustainability of our rural communities,” said SARM president Bill Huber.
The province said the program will be evaluated after its implementation, with results used to inform future wildlife management planning in Saskatchewan.
