EDMONTON — The right to hunt bighorn sheep, Alberta's official mammal, has netted the province US$400,000 at auction.
The Alberta government says it's a "record-setting" price and hopefully a sign of what's to come when seven more provincially issued special hunting licenses are auctioned next month in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The licenses being auctioned in February are for hunting cougar, pronghorn antelope, moose, elk and more.
The government says the money raised through auction is given to two organizations and used for animal conservation efforts like disease management and research.
The licenses can be sold to anybody, though the government also issues annual licences specific to Alberta residents.
The province says last year's licences sold for $1.2 million and expects the 2025 licenses will top that.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 29, 2025.
Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press
