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It’s hunting season in central Alberta folks

Here are some tips to consider when looking at hunting season
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Moose Moose range throughout the wooded areas of Alberta, and they seem to do well where there is an abundance of deciduous browse. Logged-over areas, old burns and willow flats provide optimum habitat in the boreal forest and mountain areas of the province. During recent decades, moose have expanded their range to include much of the prairie and parkland regions where they provide increased opportunities for hunters. Here they live much like whitetails, using small woodlots, river bottoms and shelterbelts for cover and forage on agricultural crops. Photo by Harold Fisher

Hunting seasons for deer, moose and elk are open in most areas of Central Alberta during the month of November.

In Alberta it is necessary to have landowner permission to hunt on occupied land and it is unlawful to discharge a weapon within 183 m (200 yards) or cause a projectile from a weapon to pass within 183 m (200 yards) of any occupied building. Fostering positive relationships with landowners will help to ensure hunting opportunities for the future.

Be sure to consult the hunting regulations for the area in which you intend to hunt at albertaregulations.ca.

Moose

Moose range throughout the wooded areas of Alberta, and they seem to do well where there is an abundance of deciduous browse. Logged-over areas, old burns and willow flats provide optimum habitat in the boreal forest and mountain areas of the province. During recent decades, moose have expanded their range to include much of the prairie and parkland regions where they provide increased opportunities for hunters. Here they live much like whitetails, using small woodlots, river bottoms and shelter belts for cover and forage on agricultural crops.

Elk

In Alberta, elk are found primarily along the eastern slopes of the Rockies and the foothills, although their range has now expanded into the Boreal Forest and Parkland zones as well with scattered populations in some of the prairie WMUs. Elk hunting is never easy, but the memories of a bull elk bugling on a frosty fall morning and the aroma of elk tenderloin on the barbecue make the effort worthwhile.

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Mule Deer - Here in Alberta you will find strong populations of Mule Deer present in most parts of the province. The size and number of trophy bucks being harvested each year is quite impressive. Many hunters are unaware that Alberta holds the World Record for Non-Typical Mule Deer at 355 2/8 Boone Crockett inches. Alberta has placed almost all Mule Deer hunting in southern and central Alberta on a priority draw system for residents which reduces hunting pressure on this species and ensures a quality hunting experience for those who draw a tag.
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Whitetail Deer - The Whitetail Deer provides more hunter recreation hours than any other big game species. Of the 17 or so races of this species, Alberta has one of the largest, the Dakota race which has produced more than its share of record-class bucks. In fact, Alberta is home to three of Boone and Crockett’s Top Ten record setting Whitetail bucks; no other single state or province on the continent has more deer on the list! Whitetail Deer are very adaptable and can be found in almost every part of the province. Their cunning and elusive nature makes them a challenging species to harvest. Most Wildlife Management Units are open to rifle hunting during November.