Upland Bird Hunting in Alberta: Grouse, Ptarmigan, And More

Expertise Canada’s numerous upland chicken searching alternatives in Alberta

Alberta is Canada’s fourth largest province. In reality, it’s simply shy of the dimensions of Texas at 661,848 sq. kilometers (or 255,541 sq. miles). Like many different Canadian provinces, a lot of the inhabitants resides inside a couple of hours of the USA border. This leaves large swaths of pure, largely untouched wilderness open for upland chicken searching in Alberta.

Over 60 % of the province’s huge territory is Crown land, which is mainly a Canadian time period for public lands. Crown land is open to any and all authorized hunters, resident and nonresident. Moreover, there are additionally Public Land Use Zone (PLUZ) areas. These areas are reserved for public recreation, together with searching.

Inside its giant borders, Alberta includes a variety of topography, together with six distinctive environmental biomes. There are rolling grasslands within the south, the Rocky Mountains and its foothills to the west, dense boreal forests and parkland within the north, and Canadian protect within the heart. Every biome accommodates its personal distinctive upland species and searching alternatives. 

Alberta isn’t simply identified for its unbelievable huge sport searching. It’s additionally an upland hunter’s dream. The province is dwelling to ruffed, spruce, blue, and sharp-tailed grouse in addition to ring-necked pheasants, Hungarian partridge, and ptarmigan. A brand new sandhill crane searching season can be accessible for these interested by blended baggage.

Alberta Upland Hen Looking Laws

Starlings, crows, pigeons, home (English) sparrows, magpies, blackbirds, frequent grackles, and brown-headed cowbirds have an open season. These species fall underneath no provincial or federal protections.

These season dates have been final up to date on Might 27, 2025 and will not mirror any modifications since that date. For probably the most up-to-date info, go to the Alberta Information to Looking Laws.

Upland Hen Species In Alberta

From ruffed grouse to ptarmigan, there are a mess of alternatives to hunt upland birds in Alberta. Nonetheless, please word that higher sage grouse are listed as an endangered species on this province. In consequence, it’s unlawful to hunt and kill sage grouse in Alberta. When searching upland birds in Alberta, be certain your goal is rarely a sage grouse. 

Ruffed Grouse

Ruffed grouse are probably the most extensively dispersed sport chicken species and most wanted in Alberta. They’re usually present in transition zones, previous logging roads, and areas with berries, rose hips, and clover. Grouse are usually hunted alongside gravel roads the place birds congregate looking for meals. Street edges make for good beginning factors for anybody seeking to hunt ruffed grouse in Alberta.

Spruce Grouse

Regardless of their identify, spruce grouse are mostly discovered on the sides of pine forests. When instances are bountiful, the birds will be discovered searching for out extra palatable desk fare within the type of blueberries and bearberries. In case you’re fortunate sufficient to reap spruce grouse which were feasting on wild berries, then you definately’re in for a deal with. Berry-fed birds are notably delectable.  

Sharp-tailed Grouse

Warning: It’s prohibited to hunt sharptails in lots of WMUs in Alberta. Be certain of your native WMU laws earlier than searching.

Sharp-tailed grouse are usually discovered within the southern grasslands of the province. Nonetheless, inside these seas of grass and grain, you’ll have to hone in on prime habitat to seek out coveys. Prime habitat features a winter meals supply and might usually be discovered close to moisture-rich environments like ravines, attracts, or river bottoms. Meals sources that draw sharp-tailed grouse embrace wild rose and buffalo berry. Discovering the right mixture of meals and thick, nearly impenetrable cowl will produce ample alternatives to hunt sharptails. 

Ptarmigan

Alberta is dwelling to a few forms of ptarmigan: white-tailed, willow, and rock. Resulting from their migration and placement within the far north, white-tailed ptarmigan are elusive and arduous to seek out. Willow and rock ptarmigan supply their very own challenges, however stay within the extra southern areas of the province, making them extra accessible to hunters. 

Willow and rock ptarmigan will be present in the identical normal atmosphere and generally on the identical mountain. As their identify infers, rock ptarmigan desire the extra desolate, rocky, wind swept terrain of the upper mountain elevations. Usually, willow ptarmigan desire decrease elevations with scrub vegetation. Nonetheless, with warming climate circumstances, willow ptarmigan have been extending north into locations beforehand solely inhabited by rock ptarmigan. 

Through the late fall, and coinciding with searching seasons, ptarmigan transfer to decrease elevations. They search out gullies and locations with thicker vegetation that supply safety from harsh winter circumstances. Willow ptarmigan could transfer into decrease elevation forests, offering comparatively simpler entry for adventurous hunters. 

Hungarian Partridge (Huns) 

Hungarian partridges have been first launched into the province by a gaggle of outdoorsmen in 1908. The primary Hun hunt occurred simply 5 years later. At present, the Parkland and Grassland areas of the province are dwelling to the bigger populations of Hungarian or gray partridge. 

Alberta’s fierce winters usually push birds from larger elevations into the river bottoms, gullies, creeks, and sheltered hollows. These locations present some safety and respite from the biting wind. Be looking out for open water and any low mendacity areas the place vegetation should be holding onto its greenery—a favourite for Huns. 

Blue Grouse 

Blue grouse are discovered within the foothills and mountain areas of the province. These distinctive grouse migrate yearly to completely different habitats throughout completely different seasons of the yr. Through the early season, they’re discovered within the decrease elevations. Because the temperature drops, they migrate to larger elevations within the ridges and mountains. Strive the transition zones between the alpine and tree traces and preserve your eyes on giant conifers, a favourite roosting spot for blue grouse.

Ring-necked Pheasant

Ring-necked pheasants have been first launched to Alberta in 1908 by a gaggle of leisure lovers. They wished to offer enhanced upland searching alternatives. After many years of introductions, populations have been lastly deemed to be well-established within the Nineteen Thirties. Since then, conservation teams have organized a mess of launch websites all through the southern area of the province for the betterment of upland searching. 

Hunters can have a crack at each wild and dropped birds, and, relying on the situation, generally each. Pheasants are additionally accessible on personal sport preserves in choose areas for a charge. 

Sandhill Crane 

Alberta’s sandhill crane season was a long-awaited searching alternative unveiled in 2020. Areas open to crane searching have been chosen because the least prone to influence any endangered whooping cranes. Be certain your goal will not be a whooping crane earlier than continuing. 

Wild Turkey 

Launched in the course of the Nineteen Sixties, there’s a huntable inhabitants of Merriam’s wild turkeys in southwestern Alberta close to Cypress Hills Provincial Park. Sadly, tag attracts are solely accessible to resident hunters. The demand for turkey tags far exceeds the restricted provide, leading to probably the most coveted tags within the province.

Alberta Wildlife Administration Items

Alberta is split into completely different Wildlife Administration Areas and Items, in any other case often known as WMUs. There are 5 areas throughout the province; Prairie, Parkland, Foothills, Mountain, and Northern Boreal. Every area consists of various numbered WMUs comprising giant swaths of each personal and Crown land, every with various sport limits and, in some cases, differing laws.

Migratory Recreation Birds

Migratory sport chicken seasons are the accountability of the federal authorities of Canada. These birds are divided into two searching zones throughout the province. Non-resident alien hunters are required to have a federal Migratory Recreation Hen Looking Allow, a Recreation Hen license, Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp, and a Wildlife Identification Quantity to hunt migratory sport birds in Alberta. Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamps and Migratory Hen permits can be found for buy at most submit workplaces or on-line. 

Alberta Resident And Non-Resident Looking License Charges

Costs are in Canadian Funds.

These charges have been final up to date on Might 27, 2025 and will not mirror any modifications since that date. For probably the most up-to-date info go to My Wild Alberta.

Hunters wishing to hunt sport birds with a standard or compound bow require a Bowhunting Allow along with the opposite relevant licenses. Moreover, Canada honors the treaty rights of Indigenous peoples. Due to this fact, among the info listed above is probably not related to treaty hunters.

Resident Versus Non-Resident Upland Hunters In Alberta

The province of Alberta determines tag allocation and searching entry by categorizing hunters as both resident, non-resident Canadian, or non-resident Alien. Every distinct group is supplied its personal laws and necessities for authorized participation. For upland hunters coming from overseas, the licensing necessities and alternatives differ little or no between resident and non-resident chicken hunters.

“Non-resident Canadians” stay in Canada, however not in Alberta. They’ve additionally been dwelling in Canada for not less than one full yr. “Non-resident aliens” will not be residents of Alberta or Canada. Non-resident alien hunters want a Wildlife Identification Quantity, Non-resident Alien Wildlife Certificates, Recreation Hen License (Guided or Unguided) for grouse, partridge, and ptarmigan. If searching pheasants, a further pheasant license is required. For migratory birds, a Federal Migratory Allow may even be required along with the essential licensing necessities.

New 2025 Alberta Licensing Necessities

Alberta has new licensing necessities in 2025 for non-resident alien hunters. A Guided NRA Recreation Hen License is now required if you’re searching with an clothes shop or information. An Unguided NRA Recreation Hen License is required if you’re searching with out a information or clothes shop. The licenses are legitimate in three Wildlife Administration Items for seven steady days with a restrict of two licences per yr. 

Shotgun And Ammunition Laws

When searching upland birds in Alberta, shotguns should be plugged. Shotguns can’t maintain greater than a complete of three shells within the chamber and journal mixed. In case you plan on searching with multiple shotgun, the secondary firearm should be disassembled or unloaded and encased whereas not in use.  

Learn Extra: The best way to Carry Shotguns to Canada

Shot materials for migratory birds, together with sandhill cranes, requires non-toxic shot. Lead can be utilized for searching all different species.

Crossing The Canadian Border With A Canine

In case you are bringing a canine into Canada from the USA, your canine should seem wholesome. It’s essential to even have a signed certificates from a veterinarian licensed in Canada or in the USA that signifies that the canine has been vaccinated towards rabies throughout the final three years.  

Looking License, Blaze Orange, And Hen Transporting Necessities

In Alberta, hunters should be not less than 12 years previous to hunt migratory birds or 10 years previous to hunt sport birds. Hunters are required to buy and possess a Wildlife Identification Quantity (WIN), a Wildlife Certificates, and, if you’re searching with a gun, have proof of a firearm license. 

All new hunters should have handed a hunter schooling program. In case you are a non-resident, you should have accomplished a searching program that’s acknowledged by the province. Skilled hunters will not be required to own a hunter security certification. In sure areas, extra licenses or permits could also be required.

There isn’t a requirement to put on hunter orange within the province of Alberta, however it’s inspired for security causes. There isn’t a distinction between upland chicken searching and small sport searching in Alberta. As such, rabbits and hares in addition to many forms of floor squirrels will be hunted year-round and with out a allow. Make sure you seek the advice of native discharge legal guidelines to your municipality.

Following your chicken hunt, proof of each intercourse and species is required to stay on the carcass till the harvested birds attain their remaining vacation spot.

Provincial Pheasant Launch Websites In Alberta

In an effort to extend searching alternatives, the Alberta Conservation Affiliation facilitates the discharge of over 30,000 pheasants, 300 partridge, and 1,000 melanistic pheasants at a number of websites throughout the province. These areas will be discovered on-line. Nonetheless, to be able to preserve the searching moral and as truthful chase as potential, launch instances will not be supplied. 

With a view to hunt pheasants in Alberta, a pheasant license should be obtained together with the prerequisite licenses (WIN and Recreation Hen).

Alberta Recreation Hen Looking Preserves

In case you occur to go to the province out of searching season, there may be nonetheless hope! Alberta has a number of sport searching preserves that present year-round searching of quail, Hungarian partridge, chukar, and pheasant for a charge. You’re nonetheless required to have a sound WIN, hunter accreditation (e.g. license abstract), and proof of firearm license if you’re searching with a gun.

Alberta Conservation Teams

Alberta Chapter of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Pheasants Without end Canada

Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada

Alberta Fish & Recreation Affiliation

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