Alberta Hunting Draws
- Thread starter Titan 08
- Start date
I watched the shows quite awhile ago now. No doubt the next wave of influencers will get them also.
I just put in priority only for all my draws except for Goat, which I didn't get either.
So, now I am hoping to get a general tag for my first time hunting. Can anyone explain to me how this will work? I haven't been able to find much info online on how general tags work, but maybe I am just trying to research the wrong thing. Maybe someone can explain it better to me?
So, now I am hoping to get a general tag for my first time hunting. Can anyone explain to me how this will work? I haven't been able to find much info online on how general tags work, but maybe I am just trying to research the wrong thing. Maybe someone can explain it better to me?
You can just pick up a general white-tail tag and you are good to go!
Check the hunting regulations for the WMU zone you want to hunt in and make sure you are ok in that area.
The 2024 hunting regulations should be out soon. They usually release a digital copy first that you can download but I advise getting a hard copy as well once those come out later in the summer. The regulations can be a bit confusing the first time you go look them so you want to make sure you fully understand the rules in your WMU for the game you are hunting.
OK, so let me see if I understand this correctly...
I can walk into Cabela's and purchase a general whitetail or mule tag, and then I can hunt in any WMU as long as it falls within the regulations of that particular WMU I am in? Or am I picking up a general tag that is only good for use in a specific WMU?
How many general tags are available each year?
When can I go purchase one? is there a limit to how many tags? (not that I want a billion but 1, maybe 2?)
If I can just go purchase a general tag every year, why do people bother with putting in for draws for whitetail and mule deer? Moose, Elk, sheep and goats I understand, but seems like a waste of time for deer... Sorry, my ignorance is showing.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and educate my stupid arse.
When you buy a "general" tag, it is good for any WMU that doesn't require a draw and has an open season for that particular species. These tags are not WMU specific.
There are some WMU that you are required to put in for a draw for whitetail, but not many. Usually they are close to a major city. Mule deer on the other hand usually require being drawn for of you want to hunt rifle season. Bow season is a lot more liberal.
You are right though, there are a lot of opportunities available for people that did not get drawn.
No stupid questions. Better to ask for permission rather than forgiveness in this situation.
It is a good idea to start putting in for draws now though, even if you choose priority only option. That way, in a few years when you know where you want to hunt you will have available points.
PM me if you have any other questions. I'm not an amazing hunter, but I understand the regs haha
Yes, you can just go to Cabela's or Canadian Tire and buy your general white-tail tag. As Maxxid mentioned its good in any WMU where its not draw only for white-tail. Just one general white-tail tag per year although there is also available the supplementary antlerless WT tags for specific WMU's in the province.
I think you mentioned in another thread that you have access to a certain piece of land and its your first year hunting so just identify what WMU you will be hunting in and check the regulations for that area and you are good to go.
