How to start hunting in Alberta

This article is a "quick guide" or checklist for Alberta residents who want to start hunting but don't know where to start.

Hunters Education

Completing a recognized Hunter Education course is mandatory before you can hunt in Alberta, but don't worry—the course is easy and offered online. This course is an introduction to hunting and will educate you about safety, wildlife conservation, ethics, wildlife identification and being a responsible person.

I have included a link to sign up for Hunter Education
Link to Hunter Education Course

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Firearms course

If you haven't already, you should take a firearms course as soon as possible because it can take a while for the government to process your application.

Link to Canadian Firearm Safety Course

Link to RCMP "Apply for a firearms licence."

Link to the government of Alberta's "how to get firearms license" page.

Bow hunters don't require a firearms license

Read the hunting regulations

Set aside some time to read the Alberta Guide To Hunting Regulations. It's not the most interesting thing to read; however, you will want to understand all the rules before hunting season.

Link to Alberta Hunting Regulations.

Public land

Public or "crown land" is owned by the government and can be used for recreation. Not all crown land is open for hunting — so it's imperative to familiarize yourself with where you will be hunting.

Link to Alberta Land Recreation Maps.

Link to Ducks Unlimited "Hunting in Alberta"

Private land

Privately owned land can be hunted on if it belongs to you or you have permission from the land owner.

Sign up for a WIN number

Link to sign up for WIN number

Purchase your licenses

You might have to purchase a wildlife certificate before doing the hunting draw.

Link to purchase your hunting licenses

Hunting draws

Hunting draws come out early in the summer and can be done on the Alberta realm portal.

Buy hunting tags and more licenses

Before hunting season starts you have to buy all your licenses/ tags online (Alberta realm) or at a participating retailer.

Recap:

  1. Hunters education course
  2. Firearms license course and application
  3. Read hunting regulations
  4. Figure out where you are going to hunt
  5. Buy licenses
  6. Hunting draw
  7. Buy tags
  8. Go hunting

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