New Alberta Hunting Regs out today

Here:

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.
 
Alberta draws end tomorrow. If anyone wants to enter any, and hasn't yet, now's the time. Just put in a little flutter of my own (but not hopeful, I got a super low priority).

It's general tags for me and the oldest.
 
White tail numbers are down in the SE of Alberta. Getting better, but not as many as years ago sadly.
Muley's seem sparse though.
As far as non-resident hunters go...seems SK has tightened that down too.
A local G*y Mormon says Maple Creek has a good Whitetail population, but the Elk... well.
Sparse near the rez strangely.
I don't have any special priviledges... my Gal is FN though. She really is taking nicely to the Remy 78 in 223.
Likely get a couple when the fall gets cool.
 
One other thing that I have noted is the predator issues or government has done the worst job ever of dealing with.
Wolves, cougars and grizzlies
The area i sheep hunt in, used to have piles of elk and moose. Now only a few all draw now.
It is a entire day on horseback to get into, so its not native or too many tags causing the drop in numbers.
It is the piles of grizzlies and wolves there.
Bios closed wolf trapping to study the wolves
They castrated the alpha male and fixed the alpha female to see what would happen
Well not much besides making a couple lone wolves and still a bunch of packs.
And grizzlies wow, every single day you ride you see more than one.
It is just crazy.
I for one am happy about closing non resident tags about time.
Now to fix outfitter allocations
And fix predators and we might get somewhere on game management
 
AKAalbertacoyotecaller said:
Still trying to figure out what has happened to our wildlife populations across this province.
Click to expand...
Well in regards to Elk on the Prairie, they were purposely hunted out because of the damage they did to crops. I have relatives that border Suffield Block and they were getting cleaned out of feed when the elk herds moved through.

Basically every Rancher I know wanted them gone. "The Foothill can keep them" haha
 
IronNoggin said:
WMU's 124, 128, 142, 144, 148, 150

Jet Boat Run & Archery Mulies open at the same time.
Click to expand...
Prior to those areas before elk hunting, I viewed the biggest bull in my life, Zone 150. He was a 9x9 and would score over 400 B&C, typical. The entire area was mismanaged and unfortunately quality and quantity has almost diminished. However, there are some nice bulls killed in recent years. Your jet boat hunt is wise of you. Best of luck!
 
track said:
Prior to those areas before elk hunting, I viewed the biggest bull in my life, Zone 150. He was a 9x9 and would score over 400 B&C, typical. The entire area was mismanaged and unfortunately quality and quantity has almost diminished. However, there are some nice bulls killed in recent years. Your jet boat hunt is wise of you. Best of luck!
Click to expand...

Best Bull I ever guided for was in that zone. Went 396 3/8" after drying.

FxbXhvr.jpeg


Was a spell ago, but I know there are still some pretty good ones left.
Know the area well, and have a great Buddy who is coming along that knows it even better.
Should prove to be fun!!

Cheers
 
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