Saskatchewan is introducing a new measure aimed at helping producers deal with persistent elk damage on their farms, with eight depredation permits to be made available in 2027 for operations facing significant losses from congregating herds, the province said this week.
The Ministry of Environment and Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp. (SCIC) are partnering on the initiative, which is intended for cases where other prevention methods have not worked, according to a provincial statement. Environment Minister Darlene Rowden said the province is trying to strike a balance between supporting producers and maintaining healthy elk populations.
The permits will be species-specific and issued outside the regular hunting season as an added prevention option. SCIC will administer the tags through its wildlife damage claims and prevention programs, confirming producer eligibility and supplying information to the Ministry of Environment for approval.
The permits may be used only between Jan. 15 and March 31, 2027, and only on the land where the elk problem is occurring. They will be issued directly to the producer or to a single resident designate, and there will be no cost to producers. The province emphasized the permits are not intended to create an open hunting opportunity, and they will not be made available through Saskatchewan’s regular licensing system or field offices.
SARM President Bill Huber said the added tool will help producers protect feed and forage, support farm income and animal welfare, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of rural communities.
Mandatory reporting on harvest success will be required, and the province says results from the 2027 program will be evaluated as part of future wildlife management planning.
