Saskatchewan extends elk hunting season, raising ethical concerns

The Saskatchewan government has extended the elk hunting season into March, allowing hunting from March 10 to 31 in three areas. This decision has sparked opposition from animal rights and Indigenous groups, who argue it is unethical to hunt pregnant elk. Animal Justice has raised legal concerns, stating that hunting pregnant elk violates Saskatchewan's Animal Protection Act. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations has also called for the cancellation of the licenses, citing cultural values against hunting pregnant animals. The government justifies the extension due to wildlife damage on farms and the need to test for bovine tuberculosis. They emphasize the importance of wildlife surveillance to prevent the disease from spreading among elk and cattle populations.