Quick Answer
In Alberta, baiting bears is regulated by the Alberta Environment and Parks department, and hunters must follow specific guidelines to ensure public safety and minimize bear-human conflict.
Regulations and Permits
In Alberta, the use of bait for black bears is allowed, but hunters must obtain a free Bear Bait Registration Number from the Alberta Environment and Parks website. This number must be included on the bait site and reported to the department after each use. Hunters are also required to follow the guidelines outlined in the Alberta Hunting Guide, which include keeping bait sites at least 100 meters away from trails, roads, and other human activity areas.
Bait Site Requirements
Bait sites must be marked with the required registration number, and the bait used must be non-attractive to humans. Bait sites can be located within designated bear baiting areas or in areas where bear activity is known to occur. Hunters are allowed to use up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs) of bait per day, and bait sites must be cleaned up and removed after each use.
Season and Bag Limits
The black bear hunting season in Alberta typically runs from August 1 to October 31. Bag limits vary depending on the hunting area, but generally, hunters are allowed to harvest one black bear per season. Hunters are also required to report their harvest within 24 hours of taking a bear, and the bear must be registered with the department within 24 hours of harvest.
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