Moving: BC or AB?

[JustBen]

I'm seriously considering heading back to work in the coal mines next year. Granted my work would be in SE BC, I would have the oppurtunity to live in either BC's Elk Valley (like I did before) or in Alberta's Crowsnest Pass.

While there are many other things to look at, I want to look foremostly at the hunting/fishing aspect of things.

Here in Sask, I really enjoy my antelope and mule deer hunts. Some upland birding. Some ducks and geese.

One thing I want to try would be for mountain sheep. I know that can be done in either province.

My question to you fellow gunnutz and hunters, is which province should I live in (or not live in) and why. I'm just trying to gather some food for thought here, not trying to stir the pot.

 

[Brordo]

Pick AB so more of your money will stay with you...BC gov't taxes too much.

 

[Grove]

Always seen FAR more game off the side of highways in BC then I did in AB.

Do ya mind driving 20-30 hours for excellent never be bothered by anyone hunting?

If so, check out area around Pink Mountain and Chetwynd.

Holy freakin crap at all the masses of wildlife out there!

 

[Red foreman]

Open muley season in B.C.,I believe it's LEH in Alberta.

 

[sako_300]

what dept do you work for with the mines?

Why SE BC and not NE?

 

[Ardent]

I've experienced the opposite to Grove. I've been living and working all over Northern Alberta and BC, and there's a lot of game in each, but more in Alberta. I came from BC, and now Alberta's my home. You would have to push me hard to go back. I pay 74 to 85 cents for diesel here, back in BC, it was $1.20. We also pay just 5% tax, EVERYTHING you buy in Alberta is "on sale" compared to BC and the prices are typically lower pre-tax too. Real estate's better priced, health care's better, and free (no medical premiums like BC). Anything but sal####er activities, Alberta can match BC with no trouble. I find it better for hunting and fishing as well, though both are unreal. License fees are lower in Alberta, too.

 

[Suka]

And Kokanee's cheaper here, too.

 

[eastwind]

Only pay one tax on anything you buy in Ab. If I had a choice I'd be gone to Ab so fast there'd be dust under my feet.

 

[murat]

Go Alberta, BC is close enough to come and visit. Living in BC In the backwoods is not that expensive, Lower Mainland cost way more

 

[Squamch]

And Kokanee's cheaper here, too.

Hey, that's your problem man!

Go to Alberta, BC's full.

 

[JustBen]

what dept do you work for with the mines?

Why SE BC and not NE?

I spent a year in the engineering dep't in a certain coal mine. I'm currently back in Sask doing the engineering thing.

SE because its closer to home, closer to both mine and the wife's families while still fair enough away that we dont have to visit all the time.

 

[hansol]

Hunting-wise, BC has grizz tags and a realistic shot at mountain goats. Also has salmon fishing. Everything else is about the same.

Alberta is MUCH more business friendly, 5% GST and a 14% corporate tax rate, if that matters.

 

[sako_300]

I spent a year in the engineering dep't in a certain coal mine. I'm currently back in Sask doing the engineering thing.

SE because its closer to home, closer to both mine and the wife's families while still fair enough away that we dont have to visit all the time.

We're looking for engineer's in the NE - if you're interested drop me a PM and I can put you in contact with the appropriate individuals.

I hear you on the family thing - the NE is a bit far for weekend trips though

Having never lived in AB I can't speculate on which one is better but I certainly appreciate the GOS for Stones and Bighorns that BC has to offer if you're a sheep hunter. Dall's are LEH

Cheers

 

[mikeelliot]

Go to BC, AB is full

 

[Pudelpointer]

If you are hoping for a sheep slam, BC has it. Goats and Grizz, BC again.

(just) Bighorns - AB
Deer - AB
Elk - either
Moose - either
Small game - AB
Bird game - AB

Taxes - AB
Cost of living - AB
Fishing - depends what you are looking for

 

[guido]

A minor point:
You have to register and insure your ATV if you want to use it on public lands. Also, rumour has it, the gov't of Alberta is trying to ban quad usage on public land.

 

[Ardent]

A minor point:
You have to register and insure your ATV if you want to use it on public lands. Also, rumour has it, the gov't of Alberta is trying to ban quad usage on public land.

Thank goodness, they've ruined a lot of good places.

 

[crazy_davey]

Thank goodness. Dead sick and tired of quads tearing up the woods, they've ruined a lot of good places.

Its not the quads, but the idiots using them that ruined the good places you speak of...

If folks could be responsible riders and cared for the outdoors we would not have these problems, but that has been proven to be a huge pipe dream

 

[blargon]

Thank goodness, they've ruined a lot of good places.

That's what liberals say about our handguns. "Sick and tired of them, they've ruined a lot of good streets...

Its not the vehicle, its the owner.

 

[Ardent]

Just today I was fishing the Chinchaga River, not far from the Chinchaga/Hay River junction a couple hours south of the Territories. The place is a scarred up mess, all from quads, the river banks are signicantly wider and muddier than they should be, and there's garbage that's ridden in on those quads here and there along the way. I find myself having to seriously ask if the "average quad user" is just a good outdoorsmen and not responsible for messes like this. That route seems to represent the average quad user quite well, sadly. We can get there on foot, and if incapable, maybe those people shouldn't be getting in there with their 24 case of beer...