M.D. of Bonnyville Launches 2025–26 Coyote & Wolf Reduction Incentive Program

The M.D. of Bonnyville is reinstating its Coyote & Wolf Reduction Incentive Program for the 2025–26 winter season, offering payments to residents who help manage predator populations across the region. The program will run from 17 November 2025 to 31 March 2026, subject to final budget approval.

Incentives Aim to Support Livestock Protection

Under the program, eligible participants will receive $15 per coyote and $150 per wolf. The incentive is designed to support farmers and ranchers facing ongoing predator pressure and to assist with local wildlife management.

Only whole, unskinned animals qualify. Pelts are not eligible for payment. Carcasses must be dropped off at the Environmental Services Shop, located at 117-61501 Hwy 41, and must be covered during transport.

Limited Drop-off Hours

The Agricultural Service Board (ASB) will accept carcasses during set hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 7:30–8 a.m. and 3–4 p.m.

• Friday: 7:30–8 a.m. and 2–4 p.m.

Residents who cannot attend during these times can make an appointment by calling 780-826-3901.

ASB staff will remove the left front paw from coyotes as proof of payment. Wolves will be documented by photograph. Carcasses will be returned to participants for proper disposal.

Who Can Take Part

The incentive is open to anyone living within the M.D. of Bonnyville boundary, including residents of Bonnyville, Cold Lake and Glendon. Participants must provide the legal land location where each animal was taken. Animals taken outside the region or submitted by non-residents will not be accepted.

Trappers claiming incentives must provide a valid Registered or Resident Fur Management Licence number.

Residents are also reminded that selling whole or unskinned carcasses to anyone other than a licensed fur buyer is illegal.

Hunting Rules Still Apply

Wolves may be hunted without a licence in specific circumstances, including by landowners on their own property, residents with permission from the owner or livestock-permit holder, and individuals authorised to keep livestock on public land. These permissions extend up to eight kilometres from the qualifying property.

Coyotes may be hunted year-round without a licence under Alberta’s general access rules. In the Green Area, pelts from coyotes taken under livestock-related permissions must be salvaged.

Program May Close Early

If program funding is depleted before 31 March 2026, the M.D. may terminate the incentive early. ASB staff reserve the right to reject any carcasses they believe do not meet the criteria.

For more information on snaring regulations or wildlife rules, residents can contact Fish & Wildlife at 780-826-3142 or 780-594-7876.