*IMPORTANT*
Many of you will be aware that it has been very hot and dry in southwestern Alberta this summer. Reports indicate this is the driest summer on record since 1940. We did have a great start to the summer with lots of grass growth – which has now actually a risk as we have a lot of fuel for a fire.
See Waterton Lakes National Park (WLNP) Fire Ban/Risk Information. On August 30th WLNP issued this special statement on their Facebook page "Dry conditions, increasing wind speeds and low humidity have resulted in the province issuing a rare fire weather advisory for parts of southwest Alberta, including Waterton Lakes National Park.This is recognition that if a wildfire starts during these conditions, it may prove difficult to contain and has the potential to spread quickly and with high intensity."
Recently the Nature Conservancy of Canada made the decision to close all access, including hunting on their properties in the area until we get some moisture. As an NCC partner, after discussions with neighboring ranchers and in talking with different hunters - unfortunately I must tell you there will be NO ACCESS on our property until we get some moisture.
This means that any of you who have booked days – those days will be cancelled (or on hold) until further notice.
I do realize this will be very disappointing for many of you and want you to know this is not a decision we take lightly and have considered this for some time. In past years, we have had to do this but it has been quite a few years since we have seen a summer this dry.
Should we get some moisture we will do our best to accommodate those of you who have had permission and lost days due to the cancellation. This is especially true for anyone with a bull tag as we do understand how long you wait for those tags in the early elk season.
To know if we have opened for hunting and you are able to come on the days you have booked:
Check the updates page of the website (I promise the moment we allow access again I will post an update)
Call or text Jen at 403 627 9598
Once we have opened back up for access it will be business as usual ! For those of you who MISSED days and can't find days available to book on the calendar please get in touch with Jen !
We are hoping things will change by the mid-elk deer season (end of October/November) – but you never know here we could open before (I sure hope so as it is terrible dry !).
Because we are near capacity for hunters already and unsure of what the weather will do there will be no further permission granted until further notice.
I thank you all in advance for your understanding. Again, if you have questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Jen