Manitoba adds new buffer zone for game hunting season

The exterior of the Manitoba Legislature is seen in Winnipeg, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

The Manitoba government is making changes to the province’s game hunting areas for the 2025 hunting season.

On Monday, the province announced amendments to regulations under the Wildlife Act that will create a buffer zone in game hunting areas (GHA) 17, 17A and 17B.

This new buffer zone will ensure protection of an area 500 metres on either side of Rice River Road in GHA 17B that connects Bloodvein and Berens River First Nation. It will also protect the area 500 metres on either side of Bloodvein River and Namay Falls up to the intersecting borders of GHAs 17, 17A and 17B.

The government noted that this buffer zone, which was established based on community feedback, will remain in place for the 2025 hunting season only. It added it offers an opportunity for moose populations to recover and represents a move towards conservation and shared decision-making.

The Manitoba Conservation Officer Service will work with community safety officers to monitor the buffer zone.

More information on Manitoba’s GHAs is available online.