Alberta Hunting Season 2025-2026 – Dates, Draw Deadlines, Licenses & Wildlife Areas
Planning your hunting adventures in Alberta for the 2025-2026 season? Whether you’re a local resident or visiting hunter, understanding the key dates, permit requirements, and wildlife management zones is crucial for a successful and compliant experience. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from big game draw deadlines to waterfowl schedules—helping you navigate Alberta’s diverse hunting opportunities with confidence.
📅 Quick Reference Points
Here’s a snapshot of Alberta’s 2025-2026 hunting season highlights:
- Big Game (e.g., Deer, Moose, Elk): Archery seasons typically start in early September, with firearm seasons peaking in October-November. Draw applications for special licenses are mandatory for many species.
- Turkey: Spring and fall seasons available, with youth-specific hunts in select Wildlife Management Units (WMUs).
- Waterfowl: Ducks and geese seasons align with federal migratory bird frameworks, often running September through December.
- Furbearers: Coyote, bobcat, and other species have extended seasons, often with minimal license requirements.
- Small Game: Grouse, hare, and other upland species offer opportunities from August to March.
- Legal Methods: Archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons vary by species and zone. Always verify weapon-specific regulations .
Big Game Schedules
Alberta’s big game hunting is structured around a draw system for many species, ensuring sustainable management. Key dates and tags for 2025-2026 include:
| Species | Archery Season | Firearm Season | Muzzleloader Season | Permit Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Sep 1 – Nov 30 | Nov 1 – Nov 30 (in most WMUs) | Varies by WMU | Draw for special licenses |
| Mule Deer | Sep 1 – Nov 30 | Nov 1 – Nov 30 (in most WMUs) | Varies by WMU | Draw required for antlered |
| Elk | Sep 1 – Oct 31 | Nov 1 – Dec 15 (in most WMUs) | Varies by WMU | Draw for antlered/antlerless |
| Moose | Sep 1 – Oct 31 | Nov 1 – Dec 15 (in most WMUs) | Varies by WMU | Draw required |
| Sheep | Sep 1 – Oct 31 | Nov 1 – Nov 30 (in most WMUs) | N/A | Minister’s Special License draw |
- Draw Application Period: May 27 to June 19, 2025. Results are available on July 8, 2025 .
- Key Changes: Youth hunters aged 10+ can now apply for big game draws, and crossbow permits are no longer required for archery season (though medical justification is needed if used during archery-only periods) .
Turkey Schedules
Turkey hunting in Alberta includes spring and fall seasons, with opportunities for youth hunters:
| Season | Dates | Bag Limits | Weapon Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | April 1 – May 31, 2026 | 1 bearded bird | Shotgun, bow, crossbow | WMUs 300-303, 305-306, 420 |
| Fall | Sep 1 – Dec 15, 2025 | 1 bird | Any legal weapon | Select WMUs only |
| Youth | April 1 – May 31, 2026 | 1 bearded bird | Shotgun, bow | Requires supervision |
- Turkey hunting now allows any weapon legal for upland game birds .
Furbearer Season Dates
Furbearer seasons often overlap with big game hunting, providing additional opportunities:
| Species | Season Dates | License Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | General license | No bag limits in most areas |
| Bobcat | Nov 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | Trapping license | Draw required in some WMUs |
| Raccoon | Year-round | General license | Private land only |
| Wolf | Aug 1 – Jun 30, 2026 | Big game license | Hunter host required for non-residents |
- Trapping regulations require special permits for some species. Always check WMU-specific rules .
Small Games Dates
Alberta’s small game seasons are ideal for beginners and family hunting:
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grouse | Aug 1 – Dec 15, 2025 | 5 | WMUs 100-351 |
| Hare | Sep 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | 10 | No license required on private land |
| Squirrel | Year-round | No limit | Private land only |
- Youth under 10 are exempt from game bird licenses but must be supervised by a licensed adult .
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl seasons follow federal migratory bird frameworks, with provincial adjustments:
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limits | Zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | Sep 1 – Dec 15, 2025 | 6 | WMUs 100-400 |
| Geese | Sep 1 – Jan 15, 2026 | 5 | WMUs 100-400 |
| Teal | Sep 1 – Sep 30, 2025 | 6 | Eastern WMUs only |
- Permits: Federal migratory bird permit and Alberta wildlife certificate required. Shooting from unanchored boats is now permitted if the engine is off .
Other Available Game
Alberta offers unique hunting opportunities for additional species:
| Species | Season Dates | License Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandhill Crane | Sep 1 – Nov 30, 2025 | General license | WMUs 100-305 |
| Frog | Jul 1 – Apr 30, 2026 | None | Private land only |
| Crow | Year-round | None | Agricultural land only |
- Double-crested cormorants can be hunted during duck seasons but must be disposed of properly .
Zones Active for Hunting
Alberta is divided into Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), which dictate season dates, bag limits, and specific regulations. Key points:
- WMU Maps: Official boundaries are legally described in the Wildlife Regulation. Always verify your WMU using the Alberta government’s WMU map .
- Public vs. Private Land: Hunting on private land requires landowner permission. Some WMUs have restrictions on equipment (e.g., pack animals prohibited in WMUs 400-446) .
- Caribou Recovery Zones: Special restrictions apply in WMUs near caribou habitats, such as expanded black bear hunting with dogs in designated units .
Licenses, Tags & Permits
Alberta’ licensing system includes resident, non-resident, and youth options:
| License Type | Cost (Approx.) | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Wildlife Certificate | $30 | Proof of residency (6+ months in Alberta) |
| Non-Resident Wildlife Certificate | $50 | Hunter host required for big game |
| Youth License | $10 | Age 10-17, parental consent |
| Minister’s Special License | $10-$20 per application | Draw required for trophy species |
| Waterfowl Permit | $20 | Federal migratory bird permit |
- Draw Applications: Submit via AlbertaRELM from May 27 to June 19, 2025 .
- Undersubscribed Licenses: Available on a first-come, first-served basis starting August 1, 2025 .
Alberta Hunting Quick FAQ
- What is a WMU, and how do I find mine?
Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) are zones regulating hunting rules. Use the official WMU map to identify your area . - Can non-residents apply for draws?
Yes, but they require a hunter host for big game hunting and must purchase a wildlife certificate . - Are crossbows legal during archery season?
Yes, but only with medical justification during archery-only periods . - What are the new residency requirements?
Residents must live in Alberta for at least six months and be Canadian citizens or permanent residents . - How do I report my harvest?
Mandatory reporting is required for some species. Check the AlbertaRELM portal for deadlines .
🔗 List of Related Guides
- Alberta Hunting Regulations – Detailed official rules.
- Canada Hunting Seasons – Nationwide overview.
Conclusion
Alberta’s 2025-2026 hunting season offers rich opportunities for everything from big game to waterfowl. Remember to check WMU-specific regulations, apply for draws by June 19, 2025, and verify all license requirements. Stay updated through AlbertaRELM and the official hunting guide. Hunt safely, ethically, and enjoy Alberta’s wild spaces!
