The recent opinion piece published in The Jasper Local raises concerns about the ethics, effectiveness, and motivations behind Alberta’s decision to permit hound-assisted black bear hunting in Caribou Conservation Areas (CCAs).
While the author’s passion for wildlife is commendable, the article unfortunately relies on emotional rhetoric, selective science, and mischaracterizations that deserve clarification.
Contrary to the claim that this regulation was introduced “quietly” or “under the guise” of conservation, the change has been publicly known for some time. Stakeholders—including wildlife managers, Indigenous representatives, and experienced hunters—were consulted in shaping the regulation. The use of loaded language like “follow the money” may stir emotion, but it does little to promote informed dialogue or conservation outcomes.
The assertion that hound hunting “won’t actually help caribou” ignores a growing body of peer-reviewed research. Predator management—including the reduction of predator density —has been shown to improve survival in endangered caribou herds. Studies from the Klinse-Za maternal penning project in British Columbia demonstrate that predator pressure, not just the first week of calf life, significantly affects long-term recruitment. For example, the West Moberly First Nation reported that wolverines play a role in endangered caribou mortality. Dr. Seth Moore’s work with the Grand Portage Band further supports the role of targeted bear removal in boosting struggling ungulate populations.
The claim that hound hunting is unethical misrepresents the foundations of ethical hunting. Ethics in hunting operate on three levels: legal norms, peer standards, and personal values. When all three align—as they do here—hunting with hounds is not only legal but widely accepted within the hunting community and practiced with respect for wildlife.
Fair chase principles are also upheld. The two central tests—whether the animal can avoid detection and elude the hunter once detected—are met. Of the studies that have been done, there are indications that 50–75 percent of bears escape hounds and are never treed. This is not a guaranteed harvest, but a challenging pursuit that respects the animal’s natural defenses.
The suggestion that hound hunting is primarily for trophy purposes is misleading. In Canada, black bears are overwhelmingly hunted for sustenance. When properly processed, approximately 85 percent of a bear’s mass is utilized—meat, fat, hide, and bones. This level of use far exceeds the standards of ethical harvest and aligns with societal expectations for responsible hunting.
Concerns about dogs chasing grizzlies are speculative. In regions like southern British Columbia, where grizzly populations are dense and hound hunting is practiced, houndsmen have demonstrated exceptional skill and responsibility. These hunters are trained to identify scent trails accurately and operate under strict legal frameworks that prohibit the harvest of grizzlies.
The question of who should shape hunting regulations is important. Wildlife is a public resource, and all Albertans deserve a voice. However, expertise matters. While biologists and photographers offer valuable perspectives, they are not necessarily experts in hunting practices, bear behavior under pursuit, or hound management. Balanced advisory boards—comprising hunters, Indigenous leaders, scientists, and public representatives—are the best path forward.
Hound-assisted black bear hunting in Alberta’s CCAs is not a reckless trophy pursuit. It is a regulated, ethical, and scientifically supported tool for predator management—one that contributes to caribou recovery and sustains hunting traditions. Let’s move beyond emotional appeals and toward collaborative, evidence-based conservation that respects both wildlife and the people who steward it.
Mark Hall // info@thejasperlocal.com
Mark Hall is the Executive Director of the Wild Origins Canada Foundation and host of the award-winning Hunter Conservationist Podcast. The Foundation’s mission is to convey the truth around the sustainable use of wildlife and conservation across Canada. Mark is also a member of the Sustainable Use Livelihood (SULi) Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
