Canada Calgary hunt?

[Alexandro Faria]

Hey guys, I'm off to Calgary for 6 weeks in December/January and I was wondering if it was possible to put a hunt together at this time of year and how much it would cost etc? I know it's very vague, but I don't even know where to start, so that's the issue... I'm looking at just about anything; wing shooting, turkey, boar, anything. I'm happy to go anywhere in the state of Alberta, but I have no idea where to start on this.

Any suggestions would be great, just to point me in the right direction!

TIA

 

[Spooksar]

All big game is closed except for cow Elk which is by draw. Cougar is open for part of that time, but you probably need a Guide. Wolf, Coyote and Fox would be open and you could do this with a hunter host, you just need to become friends with someone in the area that is willing to do it. There may be some bird shooting you could do.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Here are last years regulations.
Read through the seasons and you will see exactly what is open.

http://albertaregulations.ca/huntingregs-pdfs-2017.html

Timing is everything. Those two months are when many seasons are closing a few open.
Parts of December the Geese and Ducks are still open.
Pheasants Grouse (Francolin) still open till mid Jan.

As noted. Cougar - Mountain Lion will be open. Guide and Dogs required for any type of success.
There might be a cull hunt for deer you may be able to get in on.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Outfitters operating in Alberta
https://www.apos.ab.ca/find-an-outfitter


Costs for hunts really depend on what you are after.

Cougar - up to $8500 USD
Birds - $300 a day
BHS - up to $45,000

 

[AB2506]

I think predator calling would be your best bet. There are outfitters who specialize in this. If you can find a hunter to host you, there is some paperwork to be completed before September to be legal.

With a decent caller, you should get some coyote, with a chance for Red fox or bobcat, depending on exactly where in southern Alberta. Chances are you will have to shoot coyotes before fox or bobcat respond.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Forgot about the predator angle. Given that; Wolf Hunting is possible that time of year.

 

[AB2506]

Yes, but not as likely to be close to Calgary.

Although I do know a trapper that operates in the mountains SW of town. If he could get a person in there, there could be a chance of getting a wolf. He catches some every year. I do not know if he calls.

 

[Travis Johnson]

There is also wood bison hunting in winter as well.

 

[Dean2]

Curious as to whether you managed to line anything up. Yote hunting is a for sure, as is cougar and wolf hunting. Fly fishing on the Bow is a possibility depending on temp, there are areas with Elk still open at that time of year and if you can find a guide with the gear, there are still waterfowl, mostly geese, that roost on the open rivers.

 

[Alexandro Faria]

Curious as to whether you managed to line anything up. Yote hunting is a for sure, as is cougar and wolf hunting. Fly fishing on the Bow is a possibility depending on temp, there are areas with Elk still open at that time of year and if you can find a guide with the gear, there are still waterfowl, mostly geese, that roost on the open rivers.

I didn't come right, sadly. Still holding thumbs and hoping something comes right. I have a few more leads to follow up on, though. I'm sure I'll come right somewhere, people (you guys included) have been really helpful! I see you're in Edmonton. We're catching a train from there to Vancouver, if you're not too busy, you're welcome to join us for a drink!

 

[Dean2]

What day are you taking the train. If I am around it would be great to have a drink together but I am gone hunting a lot this time of year. Slows down ion Dec.

 

[Alexandro Faria]

I'll let you know as soon as I'm sure. If you have any suggestions on hunts, please shout!

 

[Dean2]

Have you nailed down exactly when you are going to be in Calgary. If you can, I can probably located an outfitter or two that you can talk to. If a float trip for trout on the Bow that will be easy to set up with a guide. If you just want to hunt Yotes and the like then putting a post on the local forum could well find you a local Calgarian that would be willing to get his hunter host license and take you out.