New Alberta Hunting Regulations out Today

[IronNoggin]

My local Hunting Partner & I were up for Antlered Mule Deer draws this year - they nixed that for all non-residents.
And they made the archery season in the areas we hunt for Mulies by drawing of a "special license" only - which of course nixes us on that one too.
Also nixed moose for non-residents.

Guess I'd better cash in my antlered Elk tag draw over there before they take that away as well...

Sucks.

 

[IChaseCoues]

That aint cool!
Nixed moose for NR also?

 

[albertadave]

Good. Non-residents having equal standing with residents in the draws is BS. I don't know of any other jurisdiction where that's the case. It's been going on for way too long.

 

[ozyclint]

Can a non resident alien still hunt with a resident hunter host?
I did this in 2018 for black bear with a mate in Calgary.

 

[backcountryplatinum]

They also just turned the Alberta Elk hunting mecca into draw only. Was all over the counter general tags. Sad.

 

[Buglebrush]

Hunter Host still an option for archery mule deer?

 

[jmez]

But all the outfitter tags for NR are unaffected. Buckle up, same stuff is going to happen in the States. You'll eventually pay an outfitter or stay home.

 

[IronNoggin]

Hunter Host still an option for archery mule deer?

Only in certain zones.
They made the zones we hunted that way in (Prairies) a special license draw - which means NOPE.

 

[Buglebrush]

But all the outfitter tags for NR are unaffected. Buckle up, same stuff is going to happen in the States. You'll eventually pay an outfitter or stay home.

This is exactly what I fear.

 

[100percent]

Only in certain zones.
They made the zones we hunted that way in (Prairies) a special license draw - which means NOPE

Last two years, it seemed like the mule deer needed a break for a few years or five! Maybe too many tags in general for the time being? Did the outfitters have to give up tags as well? My guy is only hunting whitetail this year…

 

[IronNoggin]

Last two years, it seemed like the mule deer needed a break for a few years or five! Maybe too many tags in general for the time being?

The mulies took the hit in the south intentionally. CWD fears caused a knee jerk reaction from management. They intentionally conducted culls, and greatly increased the number of tags (including doe tags). The result is what you see today - greatly reduced numbers that will take a considerable period of time to recover... if ever.

The outfitters I know in those areas sold out or simply quit. It wasn't worth the effort.

 

[hand skills]

Nixing NR Moose bums me out, but you know what? I was thinking about becoming an Alberta resident again anyways, this might seal the deal.

I love(d) the Cadomin area, but not much wild country left in those parts.

Maybe Noedegg or Peace River

Who's with me??

 

[100percent]

The mulies took the hit in the south intentionally. CWD fears caused a knee jerk reaction from management. They intentionally conducted culls, and greatly increased the number of tags (including doe tags). The result is what you see today - greatly reduced numbers that will take a considerable period of time to recover... if ever.

The outfitters I know in those areas sold out or simply quit. It wasn't worth the effort.

A feat of genius! Wow! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Wrongside]

There must’ve been a lot of blowback on the proposed changes to resident archery Antlered MD seasons and resident Antlered Elk going on draw. I’m not surprised. I know a lot of very angry AB resident hunters.


From Alberta F&W-

After careful consideration of this input, both for and against the changes, Alberta Forestry and Parks’ Hunting and Fishing Branch is taking the following actions:



Antlered Mule Deer (Archery)

The proposed transition of 17 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) from general archery to draw will not be implemented for 2026.
These WMUs include: 102, 119, 124, 148, 150, 152, 158, 160, 163, 244, 246, 310, 312, 334, 406, 420, and 507. These units will remain as General Licences for archery seasons for Antlered Mule Deer.

There will be no change reflected in RELM, as these seasons do not use a separate archery draw code.

If you intend to hunt antlered mule deer in any of these units exclusively in the archery season, DO NOT apply for the Antlered Mule Deer Draw in the designated WMU’s.

The Ministry will postpone this proposed regulatory change and continue discussion with stakeholders, including landowners, resident hunters, and outfitters, to develop management options for mule deer in these areas and others, including an archery only draw.

Antlered Elk

The proposed implementation of antlered elk draws in WMUs 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, and 308 will not be implemented the 2026 RELM draw. These units will remain general for both archery AND rifle seasons in 2026.
Antlered elk hunting in these WMUs will remain consistent with 2025 regulations for the 2026 season.

The Ministry will postpone implementation of these draws and will continue discussions over the next year to inform future management decisions, including a draw for rifle hunting and a general archery season.
Please note that the Hunting Draws open for applications on Tuesday, June 2, and we ask that you are mindful of the changes when planning your hunting season.


We remain committed to transparent, evidence-based wildlife management and value the perspectives provided by Alberta’s hunting community. Your input plays a critical role in shaping sustainable and effective management approaches.