Sustainable Resource Development

Two Albertans win special licences for bighorn sheep and elk

Each year, Alberta resident hunters eagerly buy tickets for a chance to win a draw for the Minister's Special Licence for Bighorn Sheep and Minister's Special Licence for Elk. These are much-coveted hunting opportunities among those who love the sport.

Two special licences are also sold to non-resident hunters through an annual auction in the U.S .

Provided by the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development, the special licences help to raise funds for wildlife conservation in Alberta . Over the last 10 years, sales have raised about $3 million for more than 80 significant wildlife conservation projects, including the purchase of land for wildlife , and management projects like bighorn sheep and elk range assessments.

For the 2006 hunting season, the Alberta Fish and Game Association (AFGA) sold raffle tickets for the two Alberta resident licences. Tickets cost $10 each.

"We knew we could do the job and we wanted this raffle for our wildlife habitat management efforts," said Randy Collins, the AFGA's president. "I'm very proud of our association, club members and staff, and our relationship with Minister David Coutts and the department."

Between the beginning of August and early October, the AFGA sold 3,700 tickets for the bighorn sheep licence and 870 tickets for the elk licence. Ticket sales raised a total of $45,710 that will go toward the AFGA's Wildlife Trust Fund for the purchase and maintenance of critical wildlife habitat.

On October 2, Minister Coutts participated in the draw for the licences at the AFGA's head office in Edmonton . Randy Collins spun the ticket drums for each licence and the Minister reached inside to pull out the two winning entries.

The winner of the draw for the Minister's Special Licence for Bighorn Sheep is from Lac La Biche and the winner of the draw for the Minister's Special Licence for Elk lives in Redcliff.