Saskatchewan’s annual Hunters’ Guide is now available online, and local hunters are urged to review changes to regulations before the fall season begins.
The guide, published by the Ministry of Environment, is a go-to resource for everything from season dates and licensing fees to zone-specific details on available tags and access. While print copies will be distributed in early August, digital versions of both the Hunters’ Guide and regulations summary can already be found at saskatchewan.ca/hunting.
“The Hunters’ Guide should be any hunter’s best friend,” said Travis Williams, a lifelong Saskatchewan resident, hunter, and angler, and the ministry’s wildlife allocation specialist.
“It has all the information you’d want about the seasons and season information — it’s really the foundation for responsible and legal hunting.”
This year’s updates include notable restrictions on two key big game species that tend to be popular in the Moose Jaw area.
“There are a few season changes with regards to moose,” Williams said. “Some areas that were once open now require entry through the draw system.”
“And we are seeing reduced opportunities for mule deer across the province.”
Williams leads the team responsible for setting annual hunting allocations, informed by provincial wildlife surveys and multi-year trends. He recently returned from pronghorn counts in the southwest, which directly influence the big game draw.
His team also oversees licensing for outfitters, including operational changes, tag allocations, and sales administration. While he doesn’t work in enforcement, his section helps develop the seasons and frameworks that conservation officers uphold.
“We deal with setting up the seasons, establishing seasons, and things like that,” he said.
Williams speaks not just as a civil servant, but as an outdoorsman who shares a love for hunting with those he's responsible for regulating. He’s an angler, a regular in Saskatchewan’s north forests, and has a clear favourite when it comes to the seasons.
“My favourite is probably spring bear,” he said. “It’s just a great time of year to be in the field.”
The full 2024–2025 Saskatchewan Hunters’ Guide and regulations summary are now available online. Paper copies will be available beginning August 11 at licensed vendors and Ministry field offices. Hunters are encouraged to review both before applying for or purchasing licenses.