Advisory issued from CFB Shilo

Canadian Forces Base Shilo will facilitate controlled road access to nearby provincial Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) for the 2023 hunting season.

After consultation with Manitoba Conservation, Base Commander LCol David Cronk said, hunters will be permitted to use federally owned roads to access the provincial WMAs along the Assiniboine River.

“As we understand the situation, provincial WMAs are open year-round and are for the benefit of wildlife and for the enjoyment of people to include recreational activities such as hunting,” the Base Commander said.

These areas are land-locked between the CFB Shilo Range and Training Area and the river. The only road into that area is owned by CFB Shilo and is restricted for travel. As of Nov. 18, hunters wanting to access the WMAs located along the Assiniboine River south of the Shilo Range and Training Area can arrange for controlled transit to the isolated WMAs.

Entrance is only permitted through the Stockton Gate along a prescribed route to the WMA during the allowed hunting hours and season. There remains no hunting within the Shilo Range and Training Area.

“In fairness for all Manitobans and to allow access for provincially approved recreational activities, such as hunting, we are permitting coordinated access into the CFB Shilo Range and Training Area for controlled transit along our Department of National Defence roads to these WMAs,” LCol Cronk said.

Among other requirements, hunters need to receive a safety briefing and adhere to the assigned route. There has always been a need for controlled access to the area due to military training activity and concerns about Unexploded Explosive Ordinance (UXO). Unrestricted access by civilians to the training area is not permitted at any time.

“There is also private and leased property in the vicinity and we encourage hunters to respect the landowner’s property rights as we expect them to respect our property rights,” the Base Commander added.

Hunters wishing to access the WMAs MUST first attend a safety briefing at CFB Shilo Range Control. The first safety brief will be held Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. (1300hr). Briefings will be held daily at Range Control at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. until Dec. 3.

If more information is required, contact Range Control at 204-765-3333.