Estevan and area’s upland game bird populations vary between years. The Estevan Wildlife Federation(EWF) maintains an extensive winter feeding program made possible through its many volunteers, keeping the pheasants and grouse numbers healthy. Pheasants are also raised by the EWF for release each summer. Some of these birds are also bought by local landowners and companies like Westmoreland Coal, and are in turn released on their lands to help keep populations stable.
Detailed bird hunting rules and regulations are different between upland and migratory birds. Upland bird hunting is governed by the Provincial Government and Migratory bird hunting is governed by the Federal Government. see licenses for more information.
- Pheasant – upland
- Sharp Tailed Grouse – upland
- Hungarian Partridge – upland
- Geese – migratory
- Duck – migratory
- Sandhill Cranes – migratory
There are many areas that one can hunt for big game in our area. Whitetail Deer numbers are on the rise. In the past few years the population has seen a decline becuase of the hrash winters. To hunt Whitetail Deer if you are a Saskatchewn resident you can purchase a licence through the ministry of enviroment here. If you are a Canadian resident from another Province you can also purchase a licence through the Ministry of Environment but please note there are a limited number of tags.
To hunt Mule Deer, Elk or Moose in our area you must be a Saskatchewan resident and be “drawn”. To submit for the draw you can do so here.
- Whitetail Deer
- Mule Deer
- Moose
- Elk
Fishing is a favorite pastime in the Estevan area. Rafferty, Boundary and Alameda Dams are excellent fishing water bodies in the immediate area. Many locals spend time on the Souris River at Woodlawn Regional Park for some great shore fishing.
Boundary Dam is well known for its Largemouth Bass fishery, the only location in Western Canada where you can fight the mighty Largemouth Bass. Fishermen travel for hours to enjoy the experience. A local stocked fishing pond, Pit “C” is a great spot to catch Trout, each year it is stocked with a several different species of trout. To get there travel West on Highway 18, turn South at Boulders Bend. The access is about a mile down the grid road. See licenses for more information.
- Walleye – Boundary, Alameda and Rafferty Dam, Souris River
- Yellow Perch – Boundary, Alameda and Rafferty Dam, Souris River
- Northern Pike – Boundary, Alameda and Rafferty Dam, Souris River
- Largemouth Bass – Boundary Dam
- Trout – Pit C (stocked)
Bird Hunting – Licences
To hunt Migratory birds you will need a Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit obtained from the Federal Government online at www.permis-permits.ec.gc.ca . Federal permits can also be purchased at any Canada Post Outlet.
If you plan on hunting Upland Birds you will need a Hunting, Angling and Trapping Licence from the Saskatchewan Provinical Government. It can be obtained at saskatchewanlicences.active.com at retail outlets such as; Canadian Tire, Wal-Mart, Shell or Esso gas stations or can be purchased at the Ministry of Environment Office 1302 Third Street, Mon-Thurs. 8am – 5pm.
Game Hunting – Licences
There are different regulations for hunting in the Estevan area based on where you live. The regulations require Non-Canadians to hunt moose and white-tailed deer with a licenced outfitter, and non-Saskatchewan Canadian residents must use an outfitter to hunt moose.
Saskatchwan residents can obtain a licence at saskatchewanlicences.active.com . The Saskatchewan Resident Big Game Draw is incorporated into the automated Hunting, Angling and Trapping Licence (HAL) system. A licence can be purchased in person at the Ministry of Environment Office 1302 Third Street, Mon-Thurs. 8am – 5pm.
Fishing – Licences
You can purchase a Hunting, Angling and Trapping Licence three ways. Online at saskatchewanlicences.active.com . Through private issuers such as retail outlets like Canadian Tire, Wal-Mart, Shell or Esso gas stations.In person, at the Ministry of Environment Office 1302 Third Street, Mon-Thurs. 8am – 5pm. Or, you can call in your order with a credit card at 1-855-848-4773. (8am – 9pm)
