When does deer season start in Alberta?

Deer hunting seasons in Alberta vary by Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) and weapon type. Archery typically opens in September, firearms in October. Use our season checker to find exact dates for your WMU.

What hunting seasons are currently open in Alberta?

Currently there are 56 species with open seasons and 12 upcoming in Alberta. Check the detailed listings above for specific species and dates.

How many WMUs have hunting in Alberta?

Alberta has 219 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs). Season dates vary by WMU—use the species links below to see which zones allow hunting and when.

Is moose season open in Alberta?

Moose season status in Alberta varies by WMU and often uses a draw system. Check our moose season page for Alberta to see current open/closed status and dates.

Alberta Hunting Seasons 2026: Dates by WMU

Big Game

Large game animals including deer, moose, elk, and bear

38 species

Antelope

Open

■ Sept 1 2026 - Sept 26 2026

23 WMUs

Direct Answer

Season dates differ by WMU — check yours

Quick Links — Alberta Season Dates

Big Game

Antelope

Deer (Mule & Whitetail) (Antlerless)

Elk (Antlered (Draw))

Elk (Antlerless (Draw))

Elk (Antlered (3pt Or Larger) And Antlerless)

Elk (Antlerless)

Elk (Antlered (3pt Or Larger))

Elk (Antlered & Antlerless)

Elk (Antlered (3pt Or Larger) (Draw))

Elk (Antlered (6pt Or Larger))

Elk (Antlered (6pt Or Larger) (Draw))

Goat ((Draw))

Moose (Antlered (Draw))

Moose (Antlerless (Draw))

Moose (Antlered & Antlerless)

Moose (Antlered)

Moose (Calf (Draw))

Mule Deer (Antlered & Antlerless)

Mule Deer (Antlered (Draw))

Mule Deer (Antlerless (Draw))

Mule Deer (Antlerless)

Mule Deer (Antlered)

Sheep

Sheep - Class 1

Sheep - Class 1 (Resident)

Sheep - Class 1 (Resident (Draw))

Sheep - Class 1 (Non-Resident (Draw))

White-Tailed Deer (Antlered & Antlerless)

White-Tailed Deer (Antlered)

Antelope (Class 2 (Draw))

Antelope (Class 1 (Draw))

Deer (Mule & Whitetail) (Either Sex (Draw))

Elk (Antlered & Antlerless (Draw))

Elk (Either Sex (Draw))

White-Tailed Deer (Antlerless (Draw))

White-Tailed Deer (Antlerless)

White-Tailed Deer

Wood Bison ((Draw))

Predators

Black Bear

Black Bear

Cougar

Cougar

Cougar (Resident Only)

Coyote

Timber Wolf

Bobcat

Coyote

Red Fox

Timber Wolf

Small Game

Blue Grouse

Gray Partridge

Hare

Pheasant (Male)

Porcupine

Ptarmigan

Rabbit

Raccoon

Ruffed Grouse

Skunk

Spruce Grouse

Woodchuck

Merriam’S Turkey ((Draw))

Sharp-Tailed Grouse

Badger

Red Squirrel

Waterfowl

Canada, Cackling, Or White-Fronted Geese

Canada, Cackling, Or White-Fronted Geese

Ducks, Coots And Snipe

Ducks, Coots And Snipe

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Crane

Snow Or Ross'S Geese (Zone 2)

Snow Or Ross'S Geese (Zone 1)