Pheasant Release Sites

Long Pump

This 40 acre site is located approximately 10km north of Brooks. Day use only, no open fires and foot access only.

Hunters are reminded to use respect at all times, remembering to adhere to all landowner requests. Close gates, hunt on foot, keep vehicles in designated parking lots and trails, pick up all garbage and spent shells, and advise landowners of any livestock or fencing issues you may encounter. Refrain from cleaning birds at release properties, and remember that fires are not allowed on release properties.

Quarter Sections

NE/SE-31-019-14-W4M

Releases Between

Oct 15 - Nov 25

Long Pump Habitat Enhancement Project

In September 2021 though a grant that was received through the County of Newell and TD tree program, 225 potted trees and shrubs were planted. With a group volunteers from Fortis Alberta , Brooks & District Fish and Game Association, County of Newell employee's and family member's and local residents' of the area were on hand to complete this project. With a good supply of water from the Eastern Irrigation District we can assure the survival of theses trees for future wildlife habitat. The on going maintenance of watering and weed control, mowing all be done by the volunteers of the Brooks & District Fish and Game Association members and ACA.

Sproule

This is a 160-acre site that is day use only, with no open fires, and foot access only. Park in designated areas.

This site is also listed in ACA's Alberta Discover Guide.

Quarter Sections

SE-35-014-14-W4M

Releases Between

Oct 15 - Nov 25

Sproule Property Habitat Enhancement Project

May,2022 600 shrubs and trees were planted to enhance cover for wild life in the area. Grant was received from ACA

Volunteers from Brooks and area 4-H , JBS environmental, and BDFGA were on hand to plant the bushes and trees.

With a good supply of water from the Eastern Irrigation District we can assure the survival of theses trees for future wildlife habitat.

The on going maintenance of watering and weed control, mowing all be done by the volunteers of the Brooks & District Fish and Game Association members and ACA.

Plans to add another 1200 trees and shrubs is planned for 2024/2025 through grants and other organizations that want to partner up with BDFGA and through the ACA.

Brooks Aqueduct Marshes

There are two designated parking areas. Day use only, no open fires and foot access only.

This site is also listed in ACA's Alberta Discover Guide.

Quarter Sections

NE-09-018-14-W4M, NW-10-018-14-W4M, NW/NE/SW-15-018-14-W4M, NE/SW/SE-16-018-14-W4M

Releases Between

Oct 15 - Nov 25

New for 2021,2022,2023 for the Brooks Aqueduct Marshes

Habitat Enhancement on 20 acres in the NE corner to plant and Irrigate approx. 8,000 to 12,000 trees and shrubs with a estimate budget of over $100,000.00

The Brooks & District Fish and Fish Game Association, Alberta Conservation Association, Alberta Fish and Game , Alberta Environment and Parks, Brooks Pheasant Festival, Brooks & District Elks, Broersen Construction Ltd, Canadian Natural Resources, County of Newell, Community Foundation of Southern Alberta, Connect First Credit Union, Eastern Irrigation District, Fortis Alberta, Pheasant Forever Calgary Chapter

The site for the proposed Habitat Enhancement Project is part of a larger conservation area spanning 834 acres on the entire NE-15-18-14-W4 quarter section, a portion of the NW-15-18-14-W4 quarter section. The conservation area is under the management of the Alberta Conservation
Association, while the BFGA are the stewards of the conservation area and actively maintain and care for the area.
The conservation area provides significant ecological value. Located within the conservation area is the Brooks Aqueduct Pond, existing trees, shrubs and wetland vegetation that provide important habitat areas for many wildlife species. The conservation area also provides recreational value for the
surrounding communities members and visitors to the Brooks Aqueduct National and Provincial Historic Site, which is located approximately 500 metres north of the project site. The conservation area is utilized year-round for recreational activities and is a popular site for hunters and anglers. The
property is also utilized as a pheasant release site.
The conservation area began as a Buck for Wildlife project that was initiated in the 1970s. The first phase of the project included new ditches with trees and habitat re-established south of the existing parking lot that then extended west and then north to the Brooks Aqueduct trout pond. Subsequently,
the second half of the project was completed, which included the 20 acres in the NE-15-18-14-W4 and water delivery that crossed under Range Road 14-2 at the ¼ line through the existing ditch and treed area in the SW-23-18-14-W4. This water delivery system provided irrigation to the trees and
shelterbelts but was discontinued approximately 20 years ago and is no longer usable.
The Eastern Irrigation District monitors the water level of the pond and adds water in the spring and late fall as necessary. Over the years, there have been many dedicated and valued volunteers who spend their time and efforts maintaining the conservation area, which amounts to approximately 120 hours of

dedicated volunteer time per year. Their contributions include mowing the 2.3 km nature walking trail around the trout pond, clearing snow on the pond in the winter for recreational activities, walking the boundaries of the site to check fencing and hazards, and removing litter from the area. This conservation area has a long history and the BFGA is dedicated to ensuring its conservation and success long-term. With the rich diversity of vegetation, it provides important habitat to support wildlife and bird populations. It provides recreational value to hunters, anglers, community members year-round with pheasant release, trout pond, and walking trail that provide for activities such as hunting, fishing, kayaking, walking, and snowshoeing. With its close proximity to the Brooks Aqueduct, it also provides a unique nature experience for visitors. The Habitat Enhancement Project will help improve
and maintain the longevity of this highly valued ecological and recreational area. The project also provides the opportunity for carbon capture.
This habitat enhancement project is a great opportunity to enhance this unique ecological and recreational area so that it can continue to be a great place for wildlife, hunters, anglers, community members, and visitors to this wonderful region.

Progress Report

Funds are now confirmed with Partner's and Sponsor's Irrigation system is set up and ready Prep work and ground work for 2022 is now done Tree and Shrubs plan 95 % completed and order to be sent in first of Oct. 2022 for spring deliver 2023

Spring 2023 finish off ground work for tree planting

May 2023 plant tree and shrubs and irrigate with the maintenance on going.

Volunteer's hours as of end of August 2022 over 450 hours have been put into this project

Potiuk/Wester Memorial

This 160 acre site is located approximately 9km southwest of Tilley. Day use only, no open fires and foot access only.

Quarter Sections

SW-36-016-13-W4M

Releases Between

Oct 15 - Nov 25

New for 2022 for the Potiuk Wester Memorial Property

The Brooks & District Fish and Fish Game Association volunteers and the Eastern Irrigation District have restore the irrigation flood system for 2022, on about 100 acres of land that has not seen water for about 15 to 20 years now. With a team reviewing the old management plan and how we can improve it for the future. We will be looking for partners and sponsors on this project.

Lore Lake

This is a 420-acre Ducks Unlimited Canada site. Vehicle access along the south canal bank, canal road is fair-weather access only. Don't rut up in wet conditions. Park in the designated area. Day use only, no open fires and foot access only.

This site is also listed in ACA's Alberta Discover Guide.

Quarter Sections

SW-04-020-17-W4M, SW/SE-05-020-17-W4M

Releases Between

Oct 15 - Nov 25

Antelope Creek Ranch

Pick up a ranch brochure at the entry gate. The enclosed map will show parking areas and outlines rules for hunting the property.

This site is also listed in ACA's Alberta Discover Guide.

Quarter Sections

NW/SW-02-019-16-W4M, NW/NE/SW/SE-03-019-16-W4M, NW/NE/SW/SE-04-019-16-W4M, NW/NE/SW/SE-05-019-16-W4M, NE/SE-06-019-16-W4M, NE/SE-07-019-16-W4M, NW/NE/SW/SE-08-019-16-W4M, NW/NE/SW/SE-09-019-16-W4M, NW/NE/SW/SE-10-019-16-W4M, SW-11-019-16-W4M, NW/NE/SW/SE-16-019-16-W4M, NW/NE/SW/SE-17-019-16-W4M, NE/SE-18-019-16-W4M

Releases Between

Oct 15 - Nov 25

Bobby Hale

This is a 554-acre Ducks Unlimited Canada site with three gated parking areas. Day use only, no open fires and foot access only.

This site is also listed in ACA's Alberta Discover Guide.

Quarter Sections

NW/NE/SW/SE-08-021-17-W4M

Releases Between

Oct 15 - Nov 25

Millicent

Millicent is a 770-acre site with a designated parking area. Day use only, no open fires and foot access only.

This site is also listed in ACA's Alberta Discover Guide.

Quarter Sections

NE-19-20-13, NW/NE/SW/SE-30-20-13

Releases Between

Oct 15 - Nov 25

If anyone is interested in volunteering or being a partners or sponsor on one or these projects please contact one executive of the Brooks & District Fish and Game Association

President - Jordan Johnson email jordan_alishajohnson@hotmail.com
Vice-President - vacant
Treasurer - Brian Petersen email bpetersen@jmhca.com
Secretary - Alicia Johnson email jordan_alishajohnson@hotmail.com
Past President - Dan Buell email daniel.buell@gmail.com