Big game draw opens May 1

REGINA — Saskatchewan's Big Game Draw opens on May 1. Hunters have until May 25 to submit online applications.

The big game draw is used to allocate a limited number of hunting licences to Saskatchewan residents in a transparent and equitable manner, according to a Ministry of Environment press release. This year's draw includes licences for elk, moose, pronghorn, either-sex mule deer and antlerless mule deer.

The draw is administered through the Saskatchewan Hunting, Angling and Trapping Licence (HAL) system. Hunters can submit, review and update their applications, check pool status history and purchase a draw licence through their HAL accounts.

Hunters should review the 2022 Big Game Draw Supplement for information on quotas for draw species prior to submitting their draw application, the ministry advises. The supplement also informs hunters of any changes to this fall's big game draw seasons. The supplement can be found at saskatchewan.ca/hunting.

Applications for the big game draw can be submitted until May 25 at 11:59 p.m. Hunters are encouraged to apply early and to use the online residency verification tool to avoid complications.

Draw results will be available through HAL accounts in June, with the exception of pronghorn, which will be available in mid-July. Although big game draw applicants are sent a notification of their draw results, hunters are responsible for looking up their results through their HAL account.

Successful applicants will be able to purchase licences through their HAL accounts beginning Aug. 1.

For information on your HAL account or assistance with completing a draw application, please visit saskatchewanhal.ca or call 1-888-773-8450.

Questions about pool status or hunting in Saskatchewan, can be directed to the Ministry of Environment's inquiry centre at 1-800-567-4224 or centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca.