Hunters and trappers will only receive payment after DNA testing
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Hunters wishing to participate in Alberta’s Wild Boar Control Program will have to follow a series of steps before receiving payment.
Hunters can receive $75 per set of two ears, but only after certain requirements have been met, said Bruce Hamblin, director of the inspection and investigation section with Alberta Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development.
“Hunters first need to sign an affidavit swearing they hunted the wild boar within a jurisdiction’s borders,” he told Farms.com. “Then the ears will be tested. Once DNA testing confirms they are from a wild boar, the individual will receive $75 per set of ears from the Government of Alberta.”
Alberta Agriculture launched the program on April 1. Hunters can help control wild boar until March 31, 2023.
No boar ears have been received for testing yet, Hamblin said.
So far, only three municipalities are involved with the program – the Municipal District of Bonnyville, the Municipal District of Peace and the County of Stettler.
Wild boar has been spotted in 28 rural municipalities.
Alberta also launched a trapper program to help control wild boar.
The Whole Sounder Trapping Incentive Program encourages the elimination of entire sounders. Approved trappers receive $75 per set of ears per sounder, after DNA testing confirms the ears are from a wild boar.
Landowners who help trappers may also receive compensation.
This program is active until March 31, 2024.
Adding an incentive to help control wild boar will assist with protecting Alberta’s agriculture sector, said Nate Horner, Alberta’s minister of agriculture.
“Wild boar at large is a threat to our animals and environment, as well as a vector for diseases like African swine fever. We are taking action to get rid of this menace and help those affected by it before it gets worse," he said in a statement.