POLL Should Hunt Farms be Allowed in Alberta?

[ishootbambi]

the arguments for both sides have been laid out. the question here is simple, and the answer is merely yes or no.

do you think that hunt farms should be allowed in alberta?

[Okotokian]

Did you really need to ask?

Next poll: Do you support or oppose the long-gun registry?

LOL Just yankin' yer chain bambi.

[sheepguide]

I voted no but am more towards no Game Farms period. We have no Hunt farms for big game now and still have the issue of Game Farms. The real issues arent whether they are allowed to hunt there, its whether they are alolowed to run the farm period.

It seems some are agaisnt the hunting and others are against game farming. While they go hand in hand take the hunting out and you still have gamefarming, take the gamefarming out and no need to worry about hunting.

Just my ideas!
SG

[duffy4]

I voted no but we already have "hunt farms" in Alberta.

Game bird shooting preserves (and Canadian Pheasant Company set up hunts).
Fenced "pig" hunt operations.

Are these so much different that a fenced deer or elk hunt farm?

[Redfrog]

Originally Posted by duffy4

I voted no but we already have "hunt farms" in Alberta.

Game bird shooting preserves (and Canadian Pheasant Company set up hunts).
Fenced "pig" hunt operations.

Are these so much different that a fenced deer or elk hunt farm?

Yes they are if they present a negligible risk factor or threat to native populations.

Deer and Elk farms do present a risk . Why institute something to make them more popular?

[Sooner]

Voted No, now and forever. Time to e-mail the politicians again and mention if this goes through, votes go elsewhere. Maybe that will get their attention.

[weedcatcher]

Originally Posted by sheepguide

I voted no but am more towards no Game Farms period. We have no Hunt farms for big game now and still have the issue of Game Farms. The real issues arent whether they are allowed to hunt there, its whether they are alolowed to run the farm period.

It seems some are agaisnt the hunting and others are against game farming. While they go hand in hand take the hunting out and you still have gamefarming, take the gamefarming out and no need to worry about hunting.

Just my ideas!
SG

+1

[wwbirds]

The question needs to be more specific. Game bird farms actually release birds that turn wild if not shot by the person that paid for them and in my area that is a significant contribution to enhancing the wild population. Now if there is no budget for roosters to be released on a put and take program in 2012 and subsequent years where is the stock going to come from? I am opposed to cervid farms but obviously in favour of game bird farms. Not a simple yes or no!

[elkhunter11]

The question needs to be more specific. Game bird farms actually release birds that turn wild if not shot by the person that paid for them and in my area that is a significant contribution to enhancing the wild population. Now if there is no budget for roosters to be released on a put and take program in 2012 and subsequent years where is the stock going to come from? I am opposed to cervid farms but obviously in favour of game bird farms. Not a simple yes or no!

With bird hunting preserves, the birds are free to fly away once they are released. With deer and elk hunt farms, they are fenced in, and can't escape, so I don't consider them to be the same at all. As such, I didn't consider game bird preserves when I answered the poll.

[Sledhead71]

Originally Posted by wwbirds

The question needs to be more specific. Game bird farms actually release birds that turn wild if not shot by the person that paid for them and in my area that is a significant contribution to enhancing the wild population. Now if there is no budget for roosters to be released on a put and take program in 2012 and subsequent years where is the stock going to come from? I am opposed to cervid farms but obviously in favour of game bird farms. Not a simple yes or no!

Agree, game bird release sites are monitored closely by F&W, you need to apply for the permit to ensure there is no issues with the area regarding the species the permit is applied for.

Since we started raising our own, introducing youths to hunting and training dogs, our area is littered with Pheasants... Good thing in my opinion..

[echo]

I voted yes.

[TheClash]

is the biggest concern about hunting ranches the threat it can pose to the wild populations? I am assuming diseases such as CWD spreading from "domestic" ranch herds to outside native herds. Are there more instances of CWD or other diseases on hunting ranches than there are in the wild? sorry I am uneducated on this topic. I have some views, but it all depends on getting the right information.

[HunterDave]

Originally Posted by TheClash

is the biggest concern about hunting ranches the threat it can pose to the wild populations?

I voted no but it had nothing to do with cwd or any of that.

My position is based purely on my own ethical and moral values.

[catnthehat]

Big game hunt farms?
Not just no, HELL NO!!!
Cat

[buckhunter66]

God gave us this land to hunt wildlife and theres people who want to hunt on farms! wow! Better vote no.

[Spartan30-06]

Maybe I'm just not well educated on the subject but if the animal is raised on the farm specifically for that reason, I don't think there is an impact on the wild population then why not? It would hold no interest for me but it it floats your boat and someone can make a living this way then the government should but out and let it be. My two cents.

[Ryry4]

Originally Posted by TheClash

is the biggest concern about hunting ranches the threat it can pose to the wild populations? I am assuming diseases such as CWD spreading from "domestic" ranch herds to outside native herds. Are there more instances of CWD or other diseases on hunting ranches than there are in the wild? sorry I am uneducated on this topic. I have some views, but it all depends on getting the right information.

I voted no also, but I've often wondered the same thing too.

[harv3589]

Originally Posted by echo

I voted yes.

Care to expand?

I voted no, it's a horrible idea. It will cause huge issues for the health of our wildlife with the increase in diseases. You will end up with guys setting up small game farms and selling off "hunts" to go out and shoot some penned animal...hard to escape in a 1/4 section. We dont have the huge ranches like in Texas to set it up so its similar to an actual hunt....besides on the bigger ranches how do they set up a game farm and move off all the native wildlife so they can fence it and raise farmed elk/deer etc?

Why cant people just enjoy what we have and take care of it...

[270WIN]

Originally Posted by wwbirds

The question needs to be more specific. Game bird farms actually release birds that turn wild if not shot by the person that paid for them and in my area that is a significant contribution to enhancing the wild population. Now if there is no budget for roosters to be released on a put and take program in 2012 and subsequent years where is the stock going to come from? I am opposed to cervid farms but obviously in favour of game bird farms. Not a simple yes or no!

Has there been some suggestion that the pheasant release program will be discontinued after 2011 or were you speaking hypothetically? I hope you were but if not, then that would be one more reason to vote these clowns out of office the next time we have an election.

I voted no on this poll as I'm sure it is intended to apply only to the cervid kill farms which will almost certainly be allowed to operate if Bill 11 is passed in its present form.

[Ryry4]

Originally Posted by 270WIN

Has there been some suggestion that the pheasant release program will be discontinued after 2011 or were you speaking hypothetically? I hope you were but if not, then that would be one more reason to vote these clowns out of office the next time we have an election.

2011 is a go from what I've heard, after that it is up in the air though.

[walking buffalo]

Originally Posted by TheClash

is the biggest concern about hunting ranches the threat it can pose to the wild populations? I am assuming diseases such as CWD spreading from "domestic" ranch herds to outside native herds. Are there more instances of CWD or other diseases on hunting ranches than there are in the wild? sorry I am uneducated on this topic. I have some views, but it all depends on getting the right information.

When 1 animal in a farm is confirmed CWD positive, the rest are killed. Same thing that the Gov. tried to do with wild populations where CWD was confirmed. Plus, The taxpayers pay the farmer market value compensation. Remember, Who paid for the CWD mess?

CWD is not the only disease of concern.


Genetic pollution is another concern with game farms.

There is a signigicant risk of Non Elk gene transfer to wild populations from captive herds. Red deer have been crossed with much of the captive population.

In Colorado, there are areas where escaped Elk/Red deer have mated with the wild population. Now these wild elk can't bugle, they sort of roar/squeak. And they physically show mutations from the cross breeding. What to do about, the only option is to wipe out the wild herd.


Seems like the only answers to solving risks with game farm animals is to kill all the wild ones OR kill the game farms.


Wild pig "shooting preserves" are a great example. These animals connot be contained 100%. Mark these words. Feral hogs are going to be an ecological nightmare in Alberta! We can all thank "Canned Hunting" for this.



Last for now, but by no means least. I'll post up the info later, From the Alberta Elk Association.

The long term goal of Game Farms and Agriculture is to establish OPEN RANGE private hunt farms.

The research has been done. Now IF Agriculture gets to call captive elk and deer "Livestock", then the door is opening for vast ranches to let "their" deer and elk wander like cattle, charging for the right to hunt them.

Alberta... Africa..... could be the same place in regards to hunting if Agriculture wins the fight.

[Ryry4]

Good post WB, thanks for the info.

[TheClash]

Originally Posted by walking buffalo

When 1 animal in a farm is confirmed CWD positive, the rest are killed. Same thing that the Gov. tried to do with wild populations where CWD was confirmed. Plus, The taxpayers pay the farmer market value compensation. Remember, Who paid for the CWD mess?

CWD is not the only disease of concern.


Genetic pollution is another concern with game farms.

There is a signigicant risk of Non Elk gene transfer to wild populations from captive herds. Red deer have been crossed with much of the captive population.

In Colorado, there are areas where escaped Elk/Red deer have mated with the wild population. Now these wild elk can't bugle, they sort of roar/squeak. And they physically show mutations from the cross breeding. What to do about, the only option is to wipe out the wild herd.


Seems like the only answers to solving risks with game farm animals is to kill all the wild ones OR kill the game farms.


Wild pig "shooting preserves" are a great example. These animals connot be contained 100%. Mark these words. Feral hogs are going to be an ecological nightmare in Alberta! We can all thank "Canned Hunting" for this.



Last for now, but by no means least. I'll post up the info later, From the Alberta Elk Association.

The long term goal of Game Farms and Agriculture is to establish OPEN RANGE private hunt farms.

The research has been done. Now IF Agriculture gets to call captive elk and deer "Livestock", then the door is opening for vast ranches to let "their" deer and elk wander like cattle, charging for the right to hunt them.

Alberta... Africa..... could be the same place in regards to hunting if Agriculture wins the fight.

great post, thank you.

CWD happens in the wild due to bottleneck populations and inbreeding, not game farms.

[222rem]

Did you ever considered that some people love to hunting but for some reason or other can't do regular hunt like able body person .I believe everyone should have opportunity to hunt.

[walking buffalo]

Originally Posted by 222rem

Did you ever considered that some people love to hunting but for some reason or other can't do regular hunt like able body person .I believe everyone should have opportunity to hunt.

What if the person "can't do a regular hunt" and can't afford a "Canned Hunt" ?

Originally Posted by waylow

CWD happens in the wild due to bottleneck populations and inbreeding, not game farms.

Let's go back to how CWD infected our wild animals in Alberta.

CWD first surfaced in 1996 on a southern Saskatchewan game farm north of Swift Current.

The arrival of chronic wasting disease (CWD) was traced back to the importation of elk from South Dakota, a practice which began in the late 1970's.

A Wild deer found just outside within 1 mile of the Sask. game farm was the first wild deer in Canada to ever be diagnosed with CWD.

Transfer of CWD between wild deer spread the disease into Alberta.

One incident at one Game farm caused this huge social and economic disaster.
The wild elk and deer populations and ALL Albertans are still paying the price!

[ishootbambi]

darn it buff, you beat me to the punch. and with correct facts as usual....nicely done!

i made this poll anonymous on purpose....to get everyone to cast a vote....but now im wondering if there are some shiny new profiles casting a vote?

[sheepguide]

Originally Posted by walking buffalo

What if the person "can't do a regular hunt" and can't afford a "Canned Hunt" ?






Let's go back to how CWD infected our wild animals in Alberta.

CWD first surfaced in 1996 on a southern Saskatchewan game farm north of Swift Current.

The arrival of chronic wasting disease (CWD) was traced back to the importation of elk from South Dakota, a practice which began in the late 1970's.

A Wild deer found just outside within 1 mile of the Sask. game farm was the first wild deer in Canada to ever be diagnosed with CWD.

Transfer of CWD between wild deer spread the disease into Alberta.

One incident at one Game farm caused this huge social and economic disaster.
The wild elk and deer populations and ALL Albertans are still paying the price!

Was CWD tested for in any form on wildlife prior to the discovery at that elk farm?
SG

[hallsy]

Originally Posted by sheepguide

Was CWD tested for in any form on wildlife prior to the discovery at that elk farm?
SG

Not that I have been able to find.

Hallsy

[walking buffalo]

Originally Posted by sheepguide

Was CWD tested for in any form on wildlife prior to the discovery at that elk farm?
SG

Yes.

After CWD was first indentified in Colorado, researchers throughout N. America started to test for it. Testing for CWD in wild animals in Alberta was extensive after Mad Cow Disease was detected here. NO cases of CWD were found in Alberta until after the outbreak in Sask. Researchers have a very good record of CWD's transmission lineage.