Was the public consulted on the interim strategy to reduce the Hay-Zama bison herd?
Yes, there was public consultation for this interim strategy. Each fall in northwest Alberta, local Fish and Wildlife Division Districts host public meetings to discuss fisheries and wildlife management. Hay-Zama bison management has been discussed over the past several years at these local meetings in Rainbow Lake, High Level and Ft. Vermilion. There has been consistent public support for managing the Hay-Zama bison population by hunting to reduce conflicts and motor vehicle collisions. Representatives from the Mackenzie County have also expressed support for reducing bison numbers for the same public safety reasons. What is the status of wood bison outside of the Hay-Zama Wildlife Management Area? Free-ranging bison outside of Wood Buffalo National Park and east of Hwy. 35 have no status under the Wildlife Act and are not protected. This constitutes a passive control zone that allows potentially diseased bison to be removed before they can come into contact with domestic livestock or
