Big Game Hunting

Game Tags

Hunters are reminded that while hunting they are required to be in possession of all parts of the game tag.

Only animals legally harvested, under the authority of a hunting licence during the corresponding season for that license can be tagged. A tag cannot by used for animals killed illegally, road kill or found dead.

When a big game kill is made, the hunter must immediately cut out the month and date of kill on the game tag. If the hunter maintains actual possession of the animal, affixing the cut out game tag may be delayed until the animal has been taken to a means of transportation. Immediately upon reaching such transportation, the cut out tag must be securely attached to the big game animal.

The game tag must remain attached and readily visible until the animal is processed. Hunters should note that hide, head/ antler and meat tags must accompany the appropriate parts of the animal when separated from the carcass. In cases where two hunters are sharing the meat from one harvested big game animal and traveling to different destinations, the game tag must accompany the portion of the meat that is in the possession of one hunter, and the meat tag must accompany the portion of the meat that is in the possession of the second hunter. The head/antler tag must accompany the antlers and cape, even after being prepared into a mount by a taxidermist. The tag can be affixed to the back of the mount.

Tagging requirements do not apply to wolf or coyote hunters.

A hunting licence tag may only be used on legally harvested animals and only during the season that is specific for that licence/tag. A tag cannot be used as a substitute for a Possession Permit for animals found dead.

Neck Collars and Ear Tags

Animals observed with neck collars and ear tags should be reported to any Manitoba Conservation office for tracking purposes. If you have harvested a big game animal with a neck collar or ear tag, please return the collar and/or tag to the Wildlife Branch, Box 24, 200 Saulteaux Crescent, Winnipeg MB R3J 3W3, or the nearest district office.

If you harvest a big game animal wearing an ear tag that contains phone number 1-204-945-7771, this animal was chemically immobilized in the past using veterinary drugs. Health Canada has established recommended guidelines for the consumption of meat from immobilized animals. Please call the above number for specific details on the recommended consumption of meat from your animal.