What’s New in Saskatchewan Hunting & Fishing Regulations for 2026–27
Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Environment has released the 2026–27 Saskatchewan Hunters Guide — the document that sets season dates, licence options, fees, and wildlife management updates for the coming year, including the spring and fall bear seasons at George Lake. Here’s what’s actually changed, and what hasn’t.
New: Angling Habitat Certificate
Starting with the 2026–27 season, the province is introducing a new angling habitat certificate for anglers, aligning fishing regulations with the conservation funding model that’s already in place for hunting licences. If you’re joining us for a fishing trip or a bear-and-fish combo, this is a new line item to be aware of — we’ll walk you through exactly what’s required when you book.
New: Tighter Rules for Non-Resident Game Bird Licences
Non-resident game bird hunting licences, which previously covered a full season, are now limited to three five-day licences per year — one for spring and two for fall. The province says the change is meant to protect wildlife as a shared public resource and crack down on illegal outfitting. This doesn’t affect bear or fishing packages at George Lake, but it’s worth knowing if you’re planning to combine a trip with bird hunting elsewhere in the province.
What Hasn’t Changed for Bear Hunters
The core rule for bear hunters is the same as always: non-resident hunters must use a licensed outfitter and hold the applicable guided licence to hunt black bear in Saskatchewan. Canadian residents can hunt bear with or without an outfitter, but need a guided licence if they choose to use one. As always, licensing and tags for your George Lake hunt are handled by our team as part of your package — you don’t need to navigate this yourself.
Where to Check the Details Yourself
The full 2026–27 Saskatchewan Hunters Guide is available as a free download at saskatchewan.ca/hunting, and in print at Government of Saskatchewan field offices, select retailers, and some provincial parks. We’d always encourage reading it yourself before your trip — but if you’d rather skip the fine print, that’s exactly what booking with an outfitter is for.
Questions about how any of this affects your specific trip? Contact us and we’ll walk you through it.
FAQ
Do I need to buy my own bear licence for a George Lake hunt?
No. George Lake Outfitting’s guided licence and tag are included as part of your hunt package.
Where can I read the full 2026–27 Saskatchewan Hunters Guide myself?
It’s a free download at saskatchewan.ca/hunting, and also available in print at select government offices, retailers, and provincial parks.
Does the new angling habitat certificate affect my fishing trip at George Lake?
Yes — it’s a new requirement introduced for the 2026–27 season. We’ll confirm exactly what’s needed when you book your fishing or combo trip.