Alberta gopher safari

[Cole]

Ok, I'm gonna be headed out to around Lethbridge this spring east of' and was wondering about the area around the
Milk River Ridge area. Is it all private land or are there ranches and farms that I have to go ask permission from?
Also, since I'm from B.C. ( where we are not allowed to shoot gophers on crown land anymore), do I need to purchase a Alberta huntng licence and a WIN card?
I intend to go by way of City of Lethbridge(stop at Wholesale Sports for ammo pickup) and then head south to Magrath and then South on highway 62. Form the Atlas I have it looks to be all open range there, no roads that I can see.
I will either be taking the Van Of Doom or the 4x4 with travel trailer. Would like to know if its a decent area for this type of thing as Google Earth will only show you so much. Don't know if I will be bringingthe wiff and kid yet but its a possiblity.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[pharaoh2]

Get your ammo early, it tends to dissapear fast when the rats come out. Alot of the ridge is covered by 1 mile by 1 mile grid roads, though there are large areas to the contrary. You will need to ask permission before you venture out as almost all of the area is private. The exception are grazing leases but their further out then it's worth. You need no license and more ammo then you plan on buying. If you get towards Del Bonita stay clear of the Macintyre ranch, you'll never get on there. Most of that area is owned by either them or Deserette. Many of the ranches will let you on and I've never had a farmer tell me no. Just don't roll up with your stereo thumping and wear your hat straight.

 

[Cole]

Are most of the ranches tucked away from the roads or are they a fairly accessible visible type thing?
I would only be out there for 2 maybe 3 days so would an early exploritory trip be a good thing? Get permission then and come back when its good?
I have already got a good start on .17hmr and .22lr ammo, but it sounds like I should be getting more. He He!! I got a Wholesale gift card from mom for Christmas so I will be getting more ammo for free ! ! ! !

 

[pharaoh2]

Your going to be looking for farm yards. Pick a gravel road and follow it at least 15-30 minutes to be sure you'll be alone. I wouldn't waste the gas going first to ask permission and then come back the next day. These are working farms, these folks are up early. Be out in the morning and bring your guns with you. Chances are they'll even tell you where to find them. Just watch for livestock and out buildings. And for the love of all things holy stay away from their daughters...

 

[Cole]

Hee Hee ! ! ! Oh, I don't plan on any shenanigans, I'm happily married! !
Jeez, I woulda thunk there would be a pile of guys jumping on this thread with cabin fever waiting for the green up to come. I got the itch pretty bad, so I took the wife and kid out plinking last weekend , it was good but still left me kinda wishing farking winter would piss off. You know how it is.