Swift Current Wildlife Federation

06/19/2026

06/08/2026

Pheasant chicks have arrived!

06/03/2026

Rainbow Trout were released into the pond at the Burnett Recreational Site yesterday. Water testing came back showing good water parameters so we are excited to see these fish thrive.

Good luck and send us a picture if you are lucky enough to catch one!

06/02/2026

A "PRAIRIE-CHICKEN" OR "PRAIRIE-GROUSE"?

In April, the American Ornithological Society (AOS) proposed changes to the common names of Greater and Lesser "Prairie-Chickens" to Greater and Lesser "Prairie-Grouse."

The AOS Classification Committee states that "if approved, this proposal would dignify the Greater Prairie-Chicken and Lesser Prairie-Chicken with improved appellation, promoting consistency among congeners."

Read the background on this proposal and a phylogenetic study from the AOS Classification Committee athttps://americanornithology.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-B.pdf Scroll down to 2nd page.

AOS presently recognizes 2,212 species of birds in North and Middle America, including adjacent islands. Of these, 59 species comprise the order Galliformes (gamebirds or landfowl) and, therein, 25 species the family Phasianidae (turkeys, grouse, pheasants, and partridges), including the Lesser Prairie-Chicken and the
Greater Prairie-Chicken.

05/25/2026

Only a few days left to enter the big game draw. The deadline is Thursday!

It’s your chance to apply for 2026 Big Game Draw!

Don’t snooze on the Big Game Draw or you’ll miss your opportunity to hunt mule deer, elk, moose and pronghorn across the province. Applications will be accepted until May 28 at 4 p.m. You can revise your application any time before the deadline, but not after.

For all things hunting and Big Game Draw, visit: https://bit.ly/4ugmWwV.

05/08/2026

Spring is here, and so are the bears! While we often think of them as forest dwellers, black bears are found throughout Saskatchewan. Bears typically avoid humans, but they are very food-driven (relatable 😋). After waking up from hibernation, they’re ready to work on their summer bods, spending much of their time foraging to pack on the pounds and replenish the body fat lost over the winter.

You can help keep your community and the bears safe by limiting food sources near people and property.

Follow these tips:
• Secure garbage in a building or use bear-resistant containers, and place waste out only on collection day. Keep bins clean and odour-free.
• Store pet food indoors and remove bird feeders outside of winter months.
• Avoid placing meat, fish, fats, oils or other strong-smelling food waste in backyard compost.
• Clean barbecues thoroughly after use and store them in a secure area.
• Keep food out of tents and store it in sealed containers inside a vehicle when camping.
• Dispose of all waste in designated containers and never burn or bury food scraps.
• Use designated locations for cleaning fish and properly discard remains.
• Keep pets leashed when walking or hiking in bear habitat.

For more information on living with bears, visit: https://bit.ly/3R56GwX.

05/08/2026

Ready, set go! The Big Game Draw application window is now open!

Saskatchewan residents can enter the 2026 Big Game Draw for an opportunity to hunt mule deer, elk, moose and pronghorn across the province.

• Log in to your HAL account early.
• Use the online residency verification tool.
• Review the 2026 Big Game Draw Supplement at https://bit.ly/4oZU8ql.

Applications must be submitted online through the HAL system by 4 p.m. on May 28, 2026. No late entries—no exceptions! Successful applicants can purchase licences starting August 1.

Need HAL help?
• https://www.saskatchewanhal.ca/licensing.page
• 1-888-773-8450

For hunting inquiries visit: https://bit.ly/4s6JVss