Prairies Edge Outfitting Addresses USDA’s Temporary Ban on Importing Canadian Waterfowl
Saskatchewan, Canada — On September 2, 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) implemented a temporary ban on the importation of all hunter-harvested unprocessed wild game bird meat from Canada. This measure aimed to prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) into the United States.
Outdoor Life
The sudden announcement, made just after the Canadian hunting season commenced, surprised many in the hunting community. Mike McLane, owner of Prairies Edge Outfitting in Saskatchewan, noted, "I’m not even sure if everyone up here knows about this yet. But I know people are upset about it. The first two groups we had were not happy—they were planning to take home all the birds they shot."
Recognizing the challenges posed by the ban, Prairies Edge Outfitting took proactive steps to ensure compliance while maintaining a positive experience for clients. The outfitter advised hunters to consume as much of their harvested game as possible during their stay and facilitated the donation of remaining meat to local communities. McLane emphasized, "You eat as much as you can here, donate the rest, and away we go."
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The USDA's decision faced criticism from various stakeholders, including conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited, which expressed concerns over the lack of scientific justification and transparency surrounding the regulation. Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam remarked, "DU members are justifiably upset by the absence of science and the total lack of transparency around this sweeping regulation."
In response to feedback from hunters and conservation groups, APHIS revised its stance on September 12, 2022. The updated guidelines permitted the importation of hunter-harvested wild game bird meat from Canada, provided specific processing and transport conditions were met to mitigate the risk of HPAI transmission.
Prairies Edge Outfitting remains committed to adhering to all regulations and ensuring that clients are well-informed of any changes affecting their hunting experience. The outfitter continues to prioritize both the safety of its clients and the conservation of wildlife populations.
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