I think we can all agree that hunting is a form of conservation and poaching has no place in this country. Hopefully these people get caught.

Im trying to find out the actual rules about this.

The black bear general season is open at the same time as the bow season for deer and elk. A friend recently pointed out it may not be legal for me to carry my bear rifle at the same time as my bow. Where I hunt, I never know what im gonna find, ive seen deer, elk, and black bear sometimes in the same day. So the idea is to have my bow for deer or elk, and have my rifle ready if a black bear shows up. I would much prefer to use my rifle to harvest a black bear and the season is open so why wouldnt I?

Does anyone know what the ACTUAL law is on this and/or where I can find it?

Can I carry my rifle and my bow at the same time while hunting in Alberta?

I cannot find anything about it so far in the regulations or the wildlife act. Though I admit I havent searched the wildlife act completely (its super long and hard to get through). I read all the regs and found nothing on it at all. [Update: Looked through the whole wildlife act and couldnt find anything in there referencing using or having a rifle during a bow only season]

Ive read through some discussions on the topic but it seems like a grey area at best.

I understand there is a risk, legal or not, that a fish cop could accuse me of hunting deer or elk with a rifle during bow only season. Though that seems like a stretch given the fact that there is an open general season for bear at the same time. If I hunt bear using my rifle during the deer bow season, could i be accused of hunting deer illegally just because I also have a deer tag?

Just seems like a super grey area to me and im wondering if anyone has experience with the issue or knows what the laws actually say about it.

I know tons of people that carry shotguns for bear defense while bowhunting. Never heard of someone getting in trouble for it. Has anyone here heard of that happening?

Hey all, Calgary hunter here. I built this solo over the past year because I was sick of digging through harvest survey data every fall trying to figure out which WMU was worth the drive, then cross-checking it against iHunter for public land and grazing leases.
It's called WMU Insights.

Link below 👇
WMU Insights.https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/wmu-insights/id6807267633

What it does:

Real harvest odds for all 189 WMUs — straight from Alberta's hunter harvest survey. Map shades zones by actual success rates, with 4-year trends and side-by-side zone compare. No made-up "hunt score."

Tap anywhere → see who owns the ground — grazing leases (with the leaseholder's name and number from the gov access map), PLUZ, parks, Crown land.

Seasons, draws, and the OTC extras people miss for whatever zone you're standing in, plus today's legal shooting light.

Pins, photos, GPS trails — all saved on your phone only. No account, no tracking, works offline.
Not trying to replace iHunter — that's a map of where you are. This tells you where you should be (and covers where you're standing too, zone, land, seasons, legal light).

It’s iPhone only for now (if traction is good I’ll develop for android too) $19.99/yr, first week free. Built on Alberta open data — always verify in the official regs.

If you know your zone and something looks off or you have an enhancement request, let me know and I'll jump on it. Happy to answer anything.

Thanks for reading!
Your local Developer

Hey everyone! I’ve been working with my bird dog the last few years through injuries and other set backs to the point where he’s now absolutely deadly with pheasants. I love hunting these birds but I’d like to get my dog some variety so he stays versatile. Also I’d like to add that I often hunt with my father who’s got minor mobility issues.

To that end I have a couple of questions;

1) are there decent areas around Edmonton for huns, sharp tails or ruffies?
2) if not, how far south do you all usually range to find these birds?

Realistically I’d be happy to go after anything other than pheasants for varieties sake.

Thanks all for taking the time to read.

Obligatory dog photo;

Browsing through the maps and found some grazing leases that I want to check out, says no contact required. My gut says it's either the leaseholders are too lazy & unfamiliar with computers (maybe?), and didn't bother updating their contact information.

If it shows no contact required and out on the real world if they put up a sign as 'no trespassing', what are the real course of action i can & should do? Other than just passing off and checking somewhere else.

Hello everyone,
I’m new to southern Alberta after moving to Calgary for work with my girlfriend. I grew up hunting but she did not. However, she is wanting to get into it. I thought that grouse would be a good place for her to start. I just have no familiarity with the southern Alberta hunting scene and don’t really know of areas where to be. I also haven’t been on a “dedicated” grouse hunt as it’s always been an opportunistic thing for me while on big game hunts. Any advice on where I should take her out? We have limited time and want her to have a bit of success or at least get some eyes on some stuff as she’s pretty excited to get out. Obviously not looking for your secret spots but general advice or any advice at all. Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone, looking to go out for elk tomorrow and spending the week trying to get something. It’s hot lol, what does everyone do for hanging meat in this temperature?

I typically just gut and skin then straight to the butcher but made friends with someone who has a whole butcher set up so looking to process there myself. The issue he doesn’t have anywhere to hang an animal. He doesn’t worry about it but to me seems like something you should do. So just wondering what solutions folks have. Thanks!

New to bow hunting and having the time of my life stalking whitetail through timber. That said, yesterday to our mutual surprise, I snuck right up to a big black bear! I quickly readied my bear spray and we promptly parted ways.

I know this is par for the course but I can’t say I’m not a tad nervous heading back there… how do you all deal with this?

I have wanted to try venison broth for a few years but never bothered. Last fall I helped a friend butcher his deer and kept a few bones. Today I made the broth and it turned out very good. I thought it was very similar to a weak beef broth from bouillon, my wife thought it had a touch of game smell. Either way I think it was worth doing.

My recipe:

Some bones, I used a front leg bone, the front knee joint and part of the scapula. All cut into 4-5 inch pieces. They were easy to cut with a jig saw while frozen.

A few ribs, strips of rib meat/ fat/ cartilage trimmings.

Carrots, onions, celery, garlic.

The herbs I had in the garden, parsley, thyme, rosemary.

Cracked ( not ground) peppercorns.

Water to cover in the instant pot.

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar.

Let it sit for a couple hours.

Pressure cook 90 minutes.

Let it sit a while.

Strain.

I started the instant pot at 8pm and strained off the broth at 6am.

Hey everyone,

I’ve recently moved to the Mighty Peace/ Northern Sunrise county area and began my bowhunting journey.

I’ve practiced for about 8 months shooting almost everyday. I’m pretty slick up to 50 yards imo.

I hunt alone as I haven’t really made hunting friends yet.

I’ve watched countless YouTube videos on calling and scouting. I see moose and Elk around where I’m setting up. But, I set up and I see absolutely nothing. I hear loads of stuff moving in the bushes close by but nothing pops out within now distance. I’m getting super frustrated now lol

So, my questions are:

- for elk and moose, what is the call sequence? Like cow call first, bugle, wait for an answer etc.

-what would be considered a “good spot.” I have sat next to little bog/ponds in the middle of the bush, camped next to quad trails, stayed in bug infested bushes in grass lands around hilly forested areas.

More than likely, it’s just patience. I get that. But if anyone can steer me in the right direction I’d be very grateful.

Happy Hunting Everyone🦌

Hi everyone! I’m a new bow hunter in the Calgary area hoping to get out more this fall for my first hunting season, mainly looking to hunt grouse, pheasant, and other game birds.
I’ve only gone out once so far and was lucky enough to get a Spruce Grouse very early in the day (cleanly and quite quickly felling one out of a spruce tree, actually — I felt very much like a real Katniss Everdeen in that moment 😎!).

Unfortunately, the area seemed pretty empty for the rest of the day, with very few signs of other birds, even though it seemed promising given the berries and clover in lots of places.

I’d love some advice from experienced bow hunters on good specific areas or general WMUs within about 2–2.5 hours of Calgary that you’ve personally had good luck in. I’m definitely willing to travel a bit farther for an amazing spot, too! We have an older-gen Highlander that’s great on basically any road/terrain, so we’re happy to go exploring deep.

I’d be happy sticking with Ruffed or Spruce Grouse, but I’d also love to challenge myself with Pheasant or Waterfowl. Eventually, I’m hoping to work my way up to deer as well, so I’d especially appreciate any bowhunting-specific recommendations. My partner hunts with a gun, but the areas he knows tend to be more open and suited to longer-range shots.
I completely understand not wanting to share specific spots publicly, so a private message would be very appreciated if you’re willing! I promise to keep any locations shared confidential. I’m mainly hoping to learn from experienced bow hunters and get pointed in the right direction.
My first time out was absolutely thrilling, and I’m so excited to keep at the sport — even if I only came home with one bird!
Thanks in advance!

I am moving from Ontario to Northern Alberta and do a lot of waterfowl hunting.

In Ontario we can hunt any publicly accessible waters as long as it is a minimum of 8 meters from the roadway (with certain restrictions regarding provincial parks).

Is it the same in Alberta? can I legally hunt ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, etc. As long as its accessible by public road or crown land, or have prior permission on private land?

Obviously not shooting towards buildings or roads.

Where can I find information on this?

Are there any outfitters or guides in Alberta that offer single day waterfowl hunts? I typically find three to six day packages and I don’t have $2999 USD to spare.

I guess hunting season is the only positive to not changing our clocks anymore. The first day I will be able to leave at 5am instead of 4 am. Although waiting around camp until 8:30 first light is going to blow.

But I’m not looking forward to December being dark until 10am.

https://www.albertaregulations.ca/huntingregs/sunrise-sunset.pdf

I’m a 35-year-old guy in Calgary looking to get into bow hunting and hoping to find an experienced hunter who’d be willing to show me the ropes.

I made it out a few times last year, but basically starting from scratch.

I’m not looking for someone to just take me out and put me on an animal. I’d genuinely like to learn how to hunt properly.

I’m happy to put in the work, drive us wherever we need, and be respectful of someone’s time and knowledge. I have a vehicle and I’m willing to travel outside Calgary

If anyone around Calgary is an experienced hunter who enjoys teaching or wouldn’t mind having a new guy tag along and learn, I’d love to connect.

Hey everyone, I just moved to southern Alberta from the Edmonton area and I’m eyeing up a few areas on iHunter for whitetail and grouse this coming fall. Does anyone have experience in the willow creek area. I saw lots of crown land that I want to check out. I’m specifically looking for white tail and grouse, maybe rabbits. Not looking for anyone’s honey hole just an idea of how active the area is.

Hey Yall.

I’m a somewhat experienced hunter who has decided he wants to get a bighorn sheep. I’ve been at it a few years now and I’m still looking for my first sheep. I’ve also decided that going alone kinda sucks.

All my regular hunting buddies are either guides themselves (and thus busy this time of year), or have other various reasonable excuses. One might still be available but he will be a game time decision.

I’m planning on a 10 day backpacking hunt into the Willmore Wilderness this year. August 23/24 to September 4. No horses unfortunately. I understand this is pretty late to be looking for a potential backup partner but I can always keep tabs for next year too.

About me. I’m 29, male and based NW of Edmonton. I grew up on a farm and have aspirations of being a farmer on day. I’m a power engineer by trade. I have a pet golden retriever and I’m also trying to learn the ropes around waterfowl hunting!

Message me if you’re interested and we can go from there!

Cheers.

Volunteers needed

Volunteers needed at the Alberta Saskatchewan Waterfowl / Hunting Expo taking place Aug15&16, 2026 at the CRE.
Email clippedwingstudios@gmail.com

Lots of perks including free entry.

Hey folks,

I’m based in south Calgary and trying to get on some ducks and upland birds (pheasants, grouse, etc.). Down to do some early season stuff and into the later hunts too.

Just got my first shotgun and I’m gearing up for some fall hunts.

Pretty easygoing (married, 30’s, 2 young kids), just looking for solid people to hit the field with. Hit me up if you’re in the same boat!

Cheers

Just got invited on a goat hunt in area J, anyone ever tried asking the mine if they would allow access on their roads to get somewhat closer than coming in from Sulphur gates?

Hey Guys - I am not looking for anything close to pins, spots, areas/honeyholes or anything close to that! I am just curious about anyone's experience in Elk hunting in the thick northern timber 524/527 ish. Most of my previous elk hunting has all been based on glassing and then planning my stalk. If you guys have any tips or previous experiences your willing to share about thick timber Elk hunting that would be awesome (late sept rifle season)! Thanks

Also before I get yelled at to have "boots on the ground and figure it out"....... that is what I have been doing but I am just curious if anyone else thinks something different than me!

Posting again after almost a year!!

Marked NSFW bc I know people ca be sensitive about openly discussing remains (yes, I know this is a hunting page, still doesn’t hurt to be courteous!). Apologies if this isn’t what people are looking for, but I’m into collecting bones and curiosities; I was just wondering if any hunters here had unwanted bones or parts (possible wet specimens) they’d be willing to ‘donate’ to my collection. I display my pieces, and use them for anatomical research & artwork. I’m located in central AB, and definitely wouldn’t mind talking about possibly getting some new pieces for my collection! Thanks in advance.

P.s. only asking here because of advice to ask hunters about bones!!

Hello everyone, I had a friend say never buy any military style type of gun or "modern" gun because farmers will never let you hunt on their land based on what type of shotgun or rifle you have, tried searching this question but doesn't seem like its out there. is this true? so basically anything tactical is considered a disowning thing to farmers and hunters? i was looking at getting a Winchester SXP Extreme Defender FDE Tactical Pump for hunting and also home defense

Hi there first time going into a draw for hunting, I’m trying to 999 my moose but I can’t find anything on the Alberta realm app. I see something that is blank and says priority only. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance