“As the minister responsible for fish and wildlife, my priority is to sustain healthy wildlife populations in Alberta while continuing to offer one-of-a-kind hunting, trapping and angling experiences.
“Hunters and trappers are important conservation partners because of their close connection to the landscape. I truly believe that people who spend so much time on the land understand its value, and Alberta’s government values their contributions to conservation.
“For many families, outdoor recreational activities like fishing help strengthen bonds and provide long-lasting memories. That’s why I held several engagement sessions last winter to gather feedback and help inform my approach to continue offering sustainable fishing experiences.
“Over the last months, we’ve announced more than $50 million to support four provincially operated fish culture facilities and improve sustainable recreational fishing opportunities and healthier aquatic ecosystems.
“I’m also pleased that we established the Alberta Mule Deer Management Plan Advisory Committee. The committee has been tasked with modernizing the mule deer management plan, which is almost 30 years old, and addressing issues around population densities and chronic wasting disease. At the same time, this committee’s work acknowledges the socio-economic benefits of hunting, which contributed $443 million to Alberta’s economy in 2018.
“With a 30 per cent increase in fishing licence sales this year and Alberta’s new sandhill crane hunt, which just launched on Sept. 1, I’m happy to see more Albertans are enjoying rewarding outdoor activities.
“I know that no matter what part of Alberta you call home, a memorable outdoor experience is waiting for you right out your back door. Happy National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day.”