Saskatchewan’s Big Game Draw opens May 1

It’s almost hunting season.

Saskatchewan’s Big Game Draw opens May 1, and applications will be accepted until the end of that month.

Environment Minister Christine Tell said the draw is always an exciting time for hunters in Saskatchewan, offering a fair chance to take advantage of the “world-class hunting” that the province has to offer. The draw includes elk, moose, pronghorns and mule deer.

Hunters were encouraged to submit their applications using the online Saskatchewan Hunting, Angling and Trapping Licence system sooner rather than later.

“We encourage hunters to submit their draw applications as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines,” Tell said in a statement. “Waiting until the final day can result in unnecessary delays or even missing the opportunity to apply.”

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Draw results can be accessed using the online system starting in June, though pronghorn draw results will not be posted until mid-July.

“Although candidates for the Big Game Draw will receive an email informing them of their draw results, it is ultimately hunters’ responsibility to verify their results online,” the ministry noted.

“Successful applicants can purchase licences through their HAL accounts beginning Aug. 1.”

Hunters were also encouraged to check the 2024 Big Game Draw Supplement for information on draw species and provincial quotas.

The Big Game Draw was implemented in Saskatchewan in 1958 due to concerns that overhunting was affecting the elk population. By limiting the number of licences, the ministry can more effectively manage the animal populations.

More information on the draw and how to apply can be found on the provincial government’s website.