When does deer season start in Alberta?

Deer hunting seasons in Alberta vary by Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) and weapon type. Use our season checker tool to find specific dates for your area.

What hunting seasons are currently open in Alberta?

Currently there are 9 species with open seasons in Alberta. Check the detailed listings above for specific species and dates.

Alberta Hunting Seasons 2026

Big Game

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

1 species

Elk

Open

■ Dec 21 2025 - Feb 28 2026

Open in 115 WMUs

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Predators

Predator species including coyote, wolf, and fox

2 species

Cougar

Open

Dec 1 2025 - Mar 31 2026

Open in 175 WMUs

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Bobcat

Open

Nov 1 2025 - Feb 28 2026

Open in 9 WMUs

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Small Game

Small game including grouse, rabbit, and pheasant

6 species

Spruce Grouse

Open

Sept 1 2025 - Jan 15 2026

Open in 177 WMUs

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Ruffed Grouse

Open

Sept 1 2025 - Jan 15 2026

Open in 177 WMUs

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Gray Partridge

Open

Sept 1 2025 - Jan 15 2026

Open in 172 WMUs

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Pheasant (Male)

Open

Sept 1 2025 - Jan 15 2026

Open in 138 WMUs

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Ptarmigan

Open

Sept 1 2025 - Jan 15 2026

Open in 112 WMUs

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Blue Grouse

Open

Sept 1 2025 - Jan 15 2026

Open in 71 WMUs

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Waterfowl

Ducks, geese, and other migratory birds

No waterfowl seasons currently open

Trapping

Furbearing animals for trapping

No trapping seasons currently open

Alberta
Hunting Seasons

Big Game

Elk

Predators

Cougar

Bobcat

Small Game

Spruce Grouse

Ruffed Grouse

Gray Partridge

Pheasant (Male)

Ptarmigan

Blue Grouse

Waterfowl

Trapping

Popular Alberta Hunting Seasons

Other Provinces

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