Trapping in Manitoba

Trapping and Firearms Use in Refuges

The Wildlife Act of Manitoba designates certain lands as being refuges for wildlife. Depending upon the type of refuge, trapping or the use of firearms may or may not be prohibited. For example:

• A “Wildlife Refuge” protects all species, and all hunting and trapping is prohibited. As well, the discharge of a firearm or the possession of a loaded firearm is prohibited. A Wildlife Refuge can take the form of discrete blocks of land of a few to many hectares, or can run 300 metres along each side of the centre line of a road such as the Duck Mountain Wildlife Refuge. This type of refuge along a road is not the same restriction as is found under The Provincial Parks Act, which prohibits hunting (but not trapping), the discharge of a firearm or the possession of a loaded firearm within 300 metres of a development or improvement, such as roads or trails within all Provincial Parks.
• A “Game Bird Refuge” protects only species of game birds, as identified in The Wildlife Act. Trapping is permitted, as well as the use of a firearm for the purposes of trapping.
• A “Canada Goose Refuge” protects only Canada geese. Trapping is permitted, as well as the use of a firearm for the purposes of trapping.

Refuges are usually signed and trappers should check with Manitoba Conservation to verify boundaries. Director of Survey Plans showing the exact locations of the boundaries are available at Canada Map Sales or call (toll free) 1-800-627-7226.