The below minutes are from this January’s (2021) South West Wildlife Group (SSWG) meeting that was held via Zoom. Thank you to the SWWG for sharing these meeting minutes with us and our BWA members!
South West Wildlife Group (SWWG) Meeting – January 16, 2021
‘Zoom’ Online Meeting
Morning Session
24 participants
Wildlife clubs present: Brandon (Dan Chranowski, Brian Brownlie, Pam Robins, Lee Robins, Scott Holman, Brad Kirkpatrick), Hartney (Todd Drummond, Ryan Gibson, Greg Barrows), Pierson (Francis Hamell, Ryan Wilson), Rivers (Bruno Bruederlin, Sarah Plosker), Souris (Phil Dornian), Wawanesa (Michelle Sowiak, Todd Sowiak), Spruce Woods (Bev Richardson), Killarney (Don Smith, Lynn Smith), Manitoba Wild Turkey Federation (Melissa Lindsay). Absent: Deloraine, Turtle Mountain, Tiger Hills, Virden. MWF reps: Brian Strauman, Carly Deacon, Chris Heald, Chris Benson
9:30 am – Daniel Chranowski (DC) called the meeting to order and introduced the clubs.
9:35 am – DC read the 2020 minutes and asked to discuss any business arising.
Business Arising from minutes: No questions or comments.
Motion to accept the minutes:
First – Bruno Bruederlin (BB)- Rivers
Seconder – Brad Kirkpatrick (BK) – Brandon CARRIED
Treasurers Report/Finances: Craig Kozak was not at the meeting
Current balance is ~ $4,708.73.
A Youth Outdoor Activity Fund Application for Deloraine Game & Fish for $250 had been approved in 2020. This fund will be continued next year. SWWG members can apply before next year’s meeting. DC asked members to think of new ideas for the money ($500 a year; $250 maximum per application). Mail or email requests. Any youth outdoor activity is open (Mainly fish and wildlife activities)
We can have another zoom meeting to discuss and/or approve the request.
WILDLIFE STATUS REPORTS
DC asked wildlife club reps to provide a status update for their area. DC asked for clubs to fill out the wildlife status document and return to him via email or mail. The information will be forwarded to the Wildlife Branch staff. Compared to last year, reps were asked to state if the specific wildlife populations were: ‘up a little’, ‘up a lot’, ‘about the same’, ‘down a little’ or ‘down a lot’. Brian Brownlie (BB) also asked if the clubs would comment about their membership status.
Wawanesa – Whitetail deer (WTD) numbers seem to be about the same, as well as turkey. More mule deer (MD) sightings. Coyotes seem to be about the same or maybe down a bit; wolves and bear are about the same. Ruffed grouse are down, while sharp-tail grouse (STGR) and gray partridge are about the same.
Brandon – The MD are up a little. Getting more mature, bigger MD. WTD #s are ‘up a little’ to ‘up a lot’. Wild turkeys had a successful hatch in Brandon this year. The same goes across the southern part of the province. Lots of Canada geese. Significant rain occurred that seemed to help the duck and goose population in the local area. Coyotes are about the same, maybe a bit less. No bears observed locally but present along the Assiniboine River valley.
BK–Brandon; WTD #s are strong; about the same as last year. One MD seen. Not seeing many STGR.
DC- Brandon-Kemnay: WTD ‘up a lot, MD – up a little, STGR about the same; Ducks & geese-about the same. Elk – up a lot, south of RMNP; Moose- down a little; Coyotes – down a lot. Wild boar still being reported on west side of Manitoba (probably coming from Moose Mountain Provincial Park in SK) and a group on the east side of the Spruce Woods.
Lee Robins (LR)-Brandon. He is trapping turkeys now and looking for wild turkey release areas to start new flocks. You can fill out an application and send to Lee. A government biologist will inspect the area to determine if it is suitable for turkeys.
Souris– WTD-Up a little; MD- up a lot; Moose- down a little; Elk, bear and wolves- none around; Turkey-about the same; STGR -up a little; Ruffed grouse, ducks, geese, coyotes-About the same.
Rivers – WTD #s are up a little. More WTD being seen west of Rivers. MD up a lot. Moose are up a lot; there are more in the prairie potholes. There are a lot more elk seen. A herd of 30 near the junction of Hwy 270/ Hwy 25. Bear is about the same. The turkeys are doing well in the town of Rivers. STGR about the same. Ruffed grouse seems to be down. Lots of geese. Coyotes are about the same, maybe less. No idea on wolves. Fish are doing well. Rivers and Oak Lake are doing well. Winter angling has increased on the Assiniboine, likely because of the lake sturgeon population. More fishing licenses sold.
Rivers Game & Fish Club: $100,000 grant was received from FWEF for the Rifle and Outdoor Education Center.
Killarney – WTD #s are up. Lots of elk. Some bear but not many. STGR are doing good and are seeing more near the US border. Hungarian partridge are doing great. The coyote #s are down. There are a pair of wolves along the community pasture/US border. A couple of bobcats were taken by a local trapper.
Pierson – Seeing more WTD and are seeing more mature deer. MD are ‘exploding’ in numbers. Moose that are north of town are being poached. Moose have more cover south of Pierson. A few elk wander through the area. No bears seen. Turkeys are about the same. STGR and Hungarian partridge numbers are up a little. Ducks & geese are about the same. Coyote #s are down a little. There aren’t many fishing areas, so nothing to report.
Hartney – WTD generally follow the winter feed of cattle producers. WTD population is up a little, but not to where they were. The MD population is up a little. Moose is about the same. Elk is up a lot. Trail cameras are showing there are more elk in the Lauder Sandhills. Bear is up a lot in the last 2 years. Turkey population is moving down a lot. Would like to see a turkey release done, if they can find a good release site/cattle yard for wintering. Ducks and geese are down a little, watering holes are dry this year. Don’t see as many coyotes as they used to (down a little). Fishing: Souris River is variable. There is lots of low water. Elgin Reservoir – Tiger trout catch is usually low success rate. There were a few wild boar sightings in the area.
Virden–WTD and MD-up a little; Moose- about the same; Elk-down a little, elk on the Wallace community pasture have been hit hard by illegal hunting; Bear-up a little; Turkey-no flocks around; STGR, ruffed grouse & ducks; down a little; Geese-down a lot; Coyotes and fish- about the same; wolves- none around.
MANITOBA WILDLIFE FEDERATION (MWF) UPDATE
Pam Robins (PR) MWF Executive member– Nominations and Resolutions
This is her 3rd year on the board and she is the chair of the nominating committee. The deadline is March 1st 2021 for Resolutions, Constitutions changes and nominations (for Directors and the president position). AGM April 30th-May 1st and it will likely be another virtual AGM.
The zoom meetings give us the chance to have a broader of participation and get people with different interests and perspectives represented on the board. If you know of anyone that is interested or you think would be an asset to MWF for this year or future years, please contact Pam at MWF:
204-761-5096 or pam.robins@gmail.com. Also, if you have any questions about the process or the positions you can contact Pam or anyone at MWF.
Brian Strauman, MWF President (BS) – Proposed Cased Gun Regulation
Brian welcomed all member affiliates in attendance. Difficult decisions had to be made by MWF in 2020 due to COVID and appreciates everyone’s support and understanding.
A cased gun regulation is being proposed by the MWF, but whether it moves forward depends on member’s feedback. MWF would like to approach the government about this gun case law: e.g. centerfire firearms for big game season only and on provincial roads only. It would not apply for rimfire rifles, shotguns and muzzle-loaders. MWF is reaching out to clubs about how they feel about this proposed regulation and want feed back. So far, MWF has found that feedback is mixed. Some think it is important for safety, while some people think that things are already regulated too much. If this goes ahead, MWF would want it applied for all people, including rights-based harvesters.
Brian Brownlie (BB) MWF Executive member – Constitution Changes
The constitution has worked fairly well for a number of years, but needed a bit of ‘tweaking’.
This year a committee was formed and to review & determine the exact components of the constitution needing adjustment. This is still being finalized and will be sent out to all clubs for feedback. The updates will be typed in red. MWF welcomes everyone to read the document and identify if there is anything missed.
Highlights that MWF would like affiliate clubs to note:
1. In order to grow the membership and support on issues, we need to engage people. The younger people have different views on how they like to get their information. Currently, direct members (MWF members only) not affiliated with a club, aren’t able to vote at an AGM. It is proposed that all direct members will be treated as a ‘club’ and would get up to 5 votes at the AGM.
2. Duration of executive member (EM) terms has been changed. An EM can be elected for 3 years per term, for up to 3 consecutive terms (instead of 2 years previously). After the 1st term, an EM has to be elected to a second term and needs to be approved by the board.
- Changes to the Corporation Act were needed, to able to hold ‘virtual’ meetings.
Contact Brian to discuss and he can make any updates or changes before the March 1, 2021 deadline.
If this is done soon, it can be sent out with the AGM package.
Carly Deacon-MWF Managing Director
– MWF had discussions with clubs re: their struggles with membership renewals due to COVID-19.
– MWF is working on strategies to help the clubs going forward. Their main emphasis is to make purchase of memberships ‘online’, a priority. There have been a few bugs with the database, but MWF believe it is nothing that they cannot get around. Ideally, there will be a ‘link’ that clubs can forward to members to ‘click and renew’ memberships online. If the clubs need assistance in contacting members or creating a strategy, MWF have lists of lapsed members.
– MWF has been issuing weekly ‘e-blasts’ to communicate with members about MWF activities.
– Usually regional meetings occur now, but they are not happening this year. Clubs can reach out to MWF; Chris and Carly are available to do virtual meetings any time.
– 2020 was a successful year for MWF. Hunter Education Online was launched and very successful. It brought in additional revenue. Everything is updated on MWF’s website.
Chris Heald-MWF Executive Director
– There have been lots of meetings with the government in 2020.
-Enforcement Update Press Releases.
– Lake Winnipeg Quota Buy Back.
-Took Minister out Duck Hunting.
– Wildlife Branch is being re-organized and hiring new people.
– The government has been very supportive of MWF and ‘shared management’.
– It generally takes 12 to 18 months to make a hunting regulation change, once it is written properly.
– Changes for this year: Standardized hunting start dates; more bear tags; longer seasons; 2nd antlerless deer tag in some southern MB game hunting areas (GHA); crossbows allowed in archery season for senior hunters; Whitewater Lake – return to boat restriction for hunting.
– CWD is going to be more prevalent and things will be tightening up. CWD will be more of a priority.
– There will be some fish regulation changes, but nothing is released or announced yet.
CLUB QUESTIONS / CONCERNS TO MWF / GENERAL DISCUSSION
– There are few complaints about the 3week deer season from the Deloraine and Pierson areas.
– Some people like the fixed season start dates but some don’t.
– A request was made to push government to engage First Nations and Metis in formal consultation.
END OF MORNING SESSION – 12:00pm
________________________________________________________________________________
AFTERNOON SESSION– 1:00pm
Manitoba Government Representative presentations:
Maria Arlt (MA) (Section Manager; Wildlife Services Section of Wildlife & Fisheries Branch)
A year and a half ago there was internal re-organization. The Wildlife Branch works within Regions called ‘Service Areas’. The Southwest Group is within the Western Service Area. Dave Elliott in Dauphin is the Regional Wildlife Manager responsible for the SW and there are 3 staff in the Western Region.
Survey Information & Species Leads:
A variety of positions are going to be filled within the next year (12 positions in fish & wildlife for long standing vacancies across the province)
– Regional Wildlife Managers (3 positions–The Pas, Thompson and Lac du Bonnet)
– Regional Wildlife Biologists will be filled after the Manager positions are hired.
– Several other Branch positions to fill. Upland Game Bird Biologist to be filled later.
– Regional Fisheries Manager to be filled in Thompson & Brandon and a Regional Fisheries Biologist in Lac Du Bonnet.
Other changes deal with how the Branch will manage big game species across the province. One person used to handle all big game issues. Now, it will be divided into ‘species lead’ roles by staff.
2020-2021 is a bit of a transition year. There will be no aerial surveys in 2021and formalized management plans will be re-vamped. That will take a little bit of time. The focus will be on planning and transitioning, although aerial surveys are important. In addition to writing species-specific management documents, there will be more regulatory changes and regulatory accountability. This should help speeds things up and make rationale a bit clearer as they move through the management plans.
Aerial surveys estimate wildlife populations, but the Branch wants to modernize their approach to surveys. They will investigate the use of drones, remote imaging and Lidar will be investigated. The Branch wants Manitoba to be a leader in wildlife surveys by having more flexibility from a variety of budgets for different project ideas and new technologies.
Highlights/Updates:
Wildlife Amendment Act (Safe Hunting and Shared Management) was proclaimed in October.
The current focus is on moose in the Western Region. Some nominations have been received from user groups for some shared management communities. A third party facilitator, Allister Bath has signed a contract with the MB government to engage with communities and user groups.
Internally, Branch staff are working on information sharing with Indigenous people.
Brian Joynt (BJ) (Section Manager; Game, Fur and Wildlife Science Section)
– The Department re-organization also created the Indigenous Relations Branch. It is a new branch within the department structure. Shared management does not replace formal Indigenous consultation.
– Everyone that gets nominated for shared management may not actually be accepted by the Minister for the committees. There may be many nominees but responsibilities are still being defined.
– The Branch is trying to be more transparent with the public regarding the species management plans and acknowledge what is known and not known (data gaps).
WTD population update: In 2012, after a few severe winters, Manitoba went into a restrictive deer hunting structure with only 1 ‘portable tag’ available. There is a sense that deer populations have recovered in many parts of the Province to allow additional hunting opportunity. The Branch wants to implement one antler-less deer tag, in addition to the general ‘any deer’ tag in GHA in southern MB.
There was an internal discussion about the proposal. There wasn’t a lot of user complaints with the change. Wildlife Branch doesn’t want to go back to 4 separate deer licenses. It is a concern because 1 person could potentially harvest 4 bucks in one year and the Branch may not want that much downward pressure on bucks. There is still internal debate on this issue. Presently, they have recommended that a 2nd deer license with an “antlerless” bag limit be applied to GHAs across the southern part of the province. This will apply for 2021 but may not continue in the long run. There are still other hunting options for deer to consider in the future.
Dave Elliot (Dauphin- Regional Wildlife Manager for the Western Service Area / Elk Lead for the Province)
The process for an elk management is just beginning. Daniel Dupont is the Moose lead and they have been working closely together on analysis of available data and science to identify data gaps where further information is needed. They have started drafting science-based guidance documents with a working draft completed by this spring. These will be ‘living documents’ that can be updated based on current science. They want to have a public document available eventually. The data gaps will tell biologists about how they need to collect information to fill the data gaps. The intention is to draft management plans for all certain sub-populations of specific species. They would like to conduct this in collaboration with interest groups such as MWF and rights-based Indigenous harvesters.
Brent Fuchs (Bear Lead- Swan River-Western Service Area)
– The first bear meeting was just before Christmas. Some of the goals were identified. Collection of bear data will be a bit slower to gather, because there isn’t as much Manitoba science to support a management plan. No surveys have ever been done for bear in MB. A future bear survey is being planned. The Manitoba Lodge and Outfitters Association (MLOA} has been requesting a bear survey for some time. There is a Master’s student with the University of Manitoba and that may help to do a bear survey. This is very preliminary right now and hopefully by spring there will be something firm in place. Hopefully we can start identifying bear densities and draft a management plan for the province.
Looking to do a regulatory review of the bear regulations and policy.
The Branch is also considering ‘bear management’ tags (e.g. in areas of high bear concentration where farmers are having issues with depredation). The Branch is considering doing bear den assessments on habitat use. Will also develop a better process for releasing orphan bears, so that released bears have better chance of survival in the wild.
Gerald Shelemy (Swan River-Western Service Area)
Presentation: Update on Moose Population 2020
Current Moose Conservation Closures; 12, 13. 13A, 14, 14A, 18, 18A, 18B, 18C, 26, 29-29A
Based on three consecutive surveys conducted since the 2011 closures:
– Duck Mountain survey results showed a steadily increasing moose population.
– Porcupine Mountain survey results showed a stable moose population.
There was general discussion about the potential Metis harvest in the Duck Mountains from the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) draw. Some concern expressed about the harvest when a closure is in place. Government recognized that the proposed Metis harvest had conservation aspects which included a limited number of tags with a set season length and a ‘bulls only’ bag limit. So, this allows government to build on this in a positive way to continue discussions. Government is not aware of any moose being taken under this Metis draw. DC mentioned that field staff have excellent relationships with First Nations and Metis harvesters and continue to do a good job. The problem, however, is the senior leadership of government (Premier and Cabinet) have not engaged with First Nations and Metis in an honourable fashion and in formal consultations as required by the Constitution. Communications from the leadership of this government at the top ‘matters’ when engaging with Indigenous people. Senior government leaders have communicated that a sustainable harvest was possible for Indigenous people after survey results supported it, but then withdrew from that position without conducting formal consultations. The Minister has to do a better job. If the Minister can communicate on a regular basis with the MWF, then they certainly should be doing the same with Indigenous peoples.
Allison Krause-Danielsen (Brandon-Western Service Area)
Duck Mountain Moose Collaring Project – Began in February 2020.
There were 3 study areas where moose were captured and collared.
- Claude Adams 2. Sarah Lake 3. Island Lake
A total of 17 adult female moose were collared. Cows in good health were selected.
2 moose died soon after capture and those collars were retrieved. 15 collared moose remaining.
The collars will be on the moose for 2 years. All the collar data has not been collected yet. Data points are collected 3 to 12 times a month. Data provides insight on moose habitat use.
Movement and calving locations were discussed. Visual inspection of moose tooth wear was done by the capture crew to get an estimate of age.
Brian Hagglund (BH) Wildlife Branch head office
Spoke about regulatory accountability and how it is a time-consuming process before changes occur.
Hunting Season Changes:
Earlier start to the spring bear season.
Spring over-abundant Canada goose season with be in place for Mar 1-31, 8 geese daily and 24 in possession.
Will allow up to 4 hunters per guide.
Adding an antlerless deer tag in 2021 in GHA’s 22, 27, 28, 29-29A, 30, 31, 31A, 32, 33 & 35A.
Seniors will be allowed to use crossbows in the archery season.
Will prohibit the use of boats on Whitewater Lake.
Foreign residents will now be allowed to hunt wolves with an unused deer tag.
There will be standardized start dates for big game and wild turkeys. This is done to simplify regulations, when changes need to be made.
Jamie Ayers (JA) (Regional Field Supervisor for Brandon Area)
– Changes within the Conservation Officers Service. Superintendent, Brian Ogilvie retired, and the new superintendent is Shaun Bobier. Officer retirements at Carberry and Shoal Lake. New officer, Brad Chuchmuch is hired for Carberry.
– The Officer Service will be moving to the Dept of Agriculture and Resource Development which is the same Department as the Wildlife & Fisheries Branch. Officers dealing with Parks and fire duties will still have to transition & coordinate with the Department of Conservation and Climate.
– Complications because of COVID-19 and e-licensing occurred during the same time as when officer’s couldn’t come into their offices.
– Conservation officers strongly recommend that hunters pre-order their hunting tag package prior to being in the field, to speed up the process. Safe hunting regulations brought in some changes on how to deal with night hunting in the province. It was divided into northern and southern zones. Indigenous people may hunt at night using a permit system in some areas that are deemed safe for night hunting.
– Hunting on private land without permission has increased from last year, but pretty much in line with what they normally get. The same goes for night hunting complaints. Lot of problem bear complaints occurred in 2020 especially in the Neepawa and Shoal Lake areas. More occurrences of wild boar observations, then what is typically seen in the west part of the province. With Covid-19, there has been more fishing pressure.
Matt Mangin – Boissevain District Conservation officer
– 632 elk counted in the 2019 survey done a couple of winters ago. The tag #s were increased, and people were successful in the archery season. Bull elk were more receptive to calling. Seemed to be a successful season. Fifteen (15) tags were increased to 25 tags in rifle season. Success rates were low this year. The elk just weren’t in the area. It was warmer out and it was easier for elk to find feed sources elsewhere. Landowner season (15 tags) was a new season. Hunter feedback to officers was that landowner hunters wanted the season to be extended as the success rate was low and elk were not present on landowner property during the season dates.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
DC mentioned that it is important for the future of big game management, that the higher levels of the Manitoba government (i.e. Premier and Ministers) actively engage honourably with Indigenous people on hunting. It is a good initiative to have an Indigenous Relations Branch. First Nations and Metis harvesters should be engaged as ‘partners in conservation’ by formal ‘government to government’ consultations, as required by the Constitution.
-Wild boar is a growing concern in Manitoba. MWF and the Wildlife Branch encourages the membership to be aware and share the information with the Department, so they have a better idea of the issue.
– Hunter questionnaires; Please fill these out ‘online’. This should now be easier to do and encourage people to fill it out. The information and feedback provided by hunters is very important.
QUESTIONS
- Q. Is there a way to send out reminders for these questionnaires? Some people are still unfamiliar with computers. A. will be working on that based on the platform limitations. Survey reminders and e-licenses tweaks are still a work in progress. They were aware that email reminders to fill out turkey hunting surveys was sent out the first day of the season. The Branch is working on this and other e-licencing issues.
- Is anyone keeping track of the number of animals that rights-based hunter’s harvest?
MA-There are some districts across the province that collect info on # of animals harvested by rights-based hunters. Some rights-based hunters report their harvests. - Are we getting a Mule Deer Season?
BJ-Mule deer are listed as an endangered species under the Wildlife Act. There have been several internal discussions. If there is going to be a hunting season, its not because they are too plentiful. If a season is pursued, it will be because of CWD concerns. Mule deer have a higher prevalence of carrying the disease.
- Is there any way outfitters can get to use their unused bear tags?
BH- Yes. This is being addressed.
Q. Can we get a bear season in GHA28?
BH – The Branch will address this request again.
-Q. Can Metis and First Nations legally shoot a Mule Deer?
JA- Yes.
- Second deer tag: If a doe is shot in archery season, can you still hunt the other seasons with a normal general tag?
BH- Yes. You can use either of them before the general license.
Q. Road hunting in MB. Does the MCOA think the proposed cased gun law will make a difference?
JA- Yes
- Can hunters use a hunter nickname instead of having to enter your unique number when signing in?
- Nicknames aren’t possible in this e-licencing system, but you can use a secondary identifier.
Q. Can we get people from fisheries involved in future meetings?
Yes. DC will try to arrange that for the next meeting
BB-Can you address personal information entry concerns when trying to buy senior fishing licences?
BH- Yes.
BB- What about SWWG membership fees?
DC- Craig Kozak will send letters to member groups to submit membership fees.
The next SW Wildlife Group meeting will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the Brandon Gun Club, if possible.
4:00PM MEETING ADJOURNED