The provincial government of Alberta has passed legislation to legalize a new form of hunting within the province's borders. With the introduction of Bill 10, the hunting of farmed elk and deer inside specially designated fenced enclosures, known as 'harvest preserves,' is now permitted.
What Bill 10 Entails
This legislative change, passed on November 17, 2025, explicitly allows for the regulated hunting of captive-raised elk and deer. The activities are confined to fenced enclosures, which the bill formally recognizes as harvest preserves. This move creates a distinct category for this type of managed hunting operation, separating it from traditional wild game hunting.
The decision was championed by the United Conservative Party (UCP) government, which presented the bill as a measure to provide new economic opportunities for game farmers and landowners. By establishing a legal framework for these preserves, the government aims to formalize an activity that exists in a regulatory grey area in other jurisdictions.
Economic and Regulatory Implications
The legalization is expected to have a direct impact on Alberta's agricultural and outdoor recreation sectors. Proponents argue that it will open up new revenue streams for game farmers and create jobs in rural areas. The controlled environment of a harvest preserve is also cited as a way to manage wildlife populations with precision and offer a guaranteed hunting experience.
However, the practice of hunting farmed animals within fences has been a subject of debate across North America. Critics often raise concerns about the ethics of 'canned hunting' and fair chase principles. The Alberta government's legislation seeks to address these concerns by embedding the operations within a specific regulatory structure under the Bill 10 framework.
The Path Forward for Harvest Preserves
With the bill now law, the focus shifts to its implementation. The government will need to develop and enforce specific regulations governing the operation of these harvest preserves, including standards for animal welfare, fencing, and licensing for participants.
This legislative action positions Alberta with a clear, albeit controversial, stance on the issue of farmed game hunting. It provides a legal pathway for an industry that has been a point of contention, setting a precedent that will be closely watched by other provinces and jurisdictions with significant game farming operations.
