• General Prohibitions
• Outfitting & Guiding Requirements for Non-residents (Canadian) & Non-resident Aliens
• Federal Firearms Legislation
• Big Game Prohibitions

• Exporting
• Hunting Privileges on Occupied,
  Private & Public Land
• Restricted Areas

General Prohibitions

It is unlawful to

• carry or use another person's licence or tag or allow another person to use your licence or tag
  
• harass, injure or kill any wildlife with a vehicle, aircraft or boat.
  
• hunt any wildlife with or from an aircraft, or communicate, for the purpose of hunting, the signs or whereabouts of wildlife seen during a flight on an aircraft.
  
• transport dead wildlife taken by others without an accompanying bill of lading (letter of authorization) signed by the licence or permit holder and providing the following details:
  1. the kind and number of the licence under which the wildlife was killed or possessed,
  2. a description of the wildlife,
  3. the points of origin and destination, and
  4. the date on which the wildlife is to be transported.
     
• set out, use or employ any of the following items for the purpose of hunting any wildlife:
  1. an arrow equipped with an explosive head,
  2. a firearm that is capable of firing more than one bullet during one pressure of the trigger or a firearm that can be altered to operate as such,
  3. a light,
  4. a shotgun of a gauge greater than 10,
  5. a device designed to deaden the sound of the report of a firearm,
  6. recorded wildlife calls or sounds, or an electrically operated calling device,
  7. a pistol or revolver,
  8. live wildlife,
  9. a swivel set or spring gun, or
  10. a poisonous substance or an immobilizing drug.
      
• allow the edible meat of any game bird or big game animal - except cougar, grizzly bear or black bear - to be wasted, destroyed, spoiled or abandoned.
  
• have a loaded firearm (live ammunition in breech, chamber or magazine) in or on, or discharge a weapon from
  1. a boat unless the boat is propelled by muscular power or is at anchor and the person is hunting, or
  2. any kind of aircraft or vehicle whether it is moving or stationary.
     Note: Ammunition may be carried in a magazine that is not attached to the firearm. Contact a local police service for more information regarding federal firearms legislation.
     
• discharge a weapon within 183 m (200 yards) or cause a projectile from a weapon to pass within 183 m (200 yards) of any occupied building. Owners, occupants, or persons authorized by the owner or occupant are excepted, subject to local bylaws.
  
• discharge a firearm from or cause a projectile from a firearm to pass along or across
  1. a primary highway,
  2. a road allowance containing a road that is paved, oiled, graded or regularly maintained, unless
     • the road is held under any active disposition under the Public Lands Act or under an order under the Surface Rights Act, or
     • the person is hunting game birds with a shotgun under the authority of a licence.
• hunt any wildlife while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  
• hunt any wildlife or discharge a firearm between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise
  
• alter, destroy or remove any sign or notice that has been posted under the authority of the Wildlife Act or the Migratory Birds Regulations
  
• hunt any wildlife or discharge any firearm on or over occupied land or enter on to such land for the purpose of doing so without the consent of the owner or occupant of the land.
  
• possess a firearm of a calibre larger than .22 in a helicopter over WMUs 400-446
  
• hunt with a firearm if you are under 18 years of age and not accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or by a person 18 years of age or older who has the written permission of the parent or legal guardian
  
• disturb traps, sets or trapping cabins
  
• hunt game on Sundays except in the Green Area portions of WMUs 347, 349-356, 360, 420-428, 430-437, 440-446, 503, 511-521, 523-544 and 841, or while hunting white geese during the regular open season for white geese

It is unlawful to

1. set out, use or employ any of the following items for the purpose of hunting big game:

• ammunition of less than .23 calibre
• ammunition having an empty cartridge case measuring less than 44 mm (1.75 in.) in length
• ammunition that contains non-expanding bullets
• an auto-loading firearm that has the capacity to hold more than 5 cartridges in the magazine
• a shotgun having a gauge of .410 or less
• a shotgun in a bird sanctuary
• bait, except as permitted for the hunting of black bears (click here to view Big Game Regulations and Black Bear Baiting)
• an arrow other than an authorized arrow (click here to view Big Game Regulations and Bowhunting),
• a bow other than an authorized bow (click here to view Big Game Regulations and Bowhunting),
• a muzzle-loading firearm of less than .44 calibre
• a rifle or shotgun in WMUs 212, 248 or 410 (persons hunting under the authority of a Strathcona White-tailed Deer Licence, a Foothills Deer Licence, or an Antlerless Moose Special Licence in Strathcona County may hunt with a bow and arrow, cross-bow, muzzle loader or shotgun)
  
• a trap
• a cross-bow and arrow that is not authorized (click here to view Hunting with a Cross-bow)
  

2. discharge a weapon at a big game animal while it is swimming.

3. discharge an arrow from a bow at big game, from, along or across a highway or road specified in       Item 9 above in the General section on this page

4. be accompanied by a dog while hunting big game or allow a dog to pursue big game except when hunting cougar under the authority of a Cougar Licence

5.possess the carcass of a male elk, male antelope or male non-trophy sheep unless the complete skull plate, with horns or antlers intact, is also retained with the carcass until it is delivered to

• the usual residence of the person who killed it, and the animal is butchered, cut and packaged for consumption, or
• a premises in respect of which there is a Food Establishment Permit issued under the Public Health Act or a Licence for the Operation of an Abattoir issued under the Meat Inspection Act

6.possess the carcass of a calf moose taken under authority of a Calf Moose Special Licence unless its head is also retained with the carcass until it is delivered to

• the usual residence of the person who killed it, and the animal is butchered, cut and packaged for consumption, or
• a premises in respect of which there is a Food Establishment Permit issued under the Public Health Act or a Licence for the Operation of an Abattoir issued under the Meat Inspection Act.

7.allow the skin of any grizzly bear, black bear or cougar taken under the authority of a licence, to be wasted, destroyed, spoiled or abandoned.

8.remove the distinctive evidence of sex and species from the carcass of any big game until the carcass is delivered to

• the usual residence of the person who killed it, and the animal is butchered, cut and packaged for consumption, or
• a premises in respect of which there is a Food Establishment Permit issued under the Public Health Act or a Licence for the Operation of an Abattoir issued under the Meat Inspection Act.

9.remove the tag from the carcass of a big game animal until authorized

10.hunt

• a grizzly bear under the age of two years,
• a grizzly bear that is part of a group of two or more grizzly bears,
• a black bear under the age of one year,
• a female black bear accompanied by a cub under the age of one year,
• a female cougar accompanied by a kitten with spotted fur, or
• a cougar kitten with spotted fur.

11.transport big game hunters, except those requiring medical aid, or big game by helicopter over WMUs 400-446.

12.land or take off in a fixed-wing aircraft that is carrying big game, big game hunters or firearms of a calibre larger than .22 at or from any location in WMUs 400-446 except those locations where aircraft routinely land and take off.

13.hunt big game within 6 hours of having disembarked from an aircraft, except for a jet or turbo-propelled aircraft. QAERS

There is no requirement for non-resident (Canadian) and non-resident alien game bird hunters to contract their game bird hunts through a Bird Game Outfitter-guide. However, those who do choose to hire an outfitter-guide for such a hunt must do so through the holder of a valid Bird Game Outfitter-guide Permit.

In this section, the term "accompany" or "accompanied" means that the persons involved are close enough to each other to easily facilitate verbal communications without the need for electronic devices. It is acceptable, however, for the hunter to be placed in a stand location by the guide or host, if they remain there to be picked up later the same day.

Non-resident (Canadian) and Non-resident Alien hunters of big game, wolf and coyote must be accompanied by a licensed guide or a Hunter Host. Each of these hunters has two options:

1. he or she may contract the holder of a valid Big Game Outfitter-guide Permit, be guided by a Big Game Designated Guide, and hunt under the authority of a licence allocated to an outfitter-guide, OR
2. he or she may be accompanied by a Hunter Host (see below) - usually a relative or friend - and hunt according to the following restrictions and conditions:
   • Non-resident Aliens may hunt with a Hunter Host only if they have not done so in the previous two (2) fiscal years (April 1 - March 31).
   • Non-residents (Canadian) and Non-resident Aliens are limited to certain licences as indicated in the Licence Availability section under Licensing and Costs.
   • Non-resident Aliens accompanied by Hunter Hosts may hunt big game only during seasons that do not require one of the special licences, obtained through a draw, indicated by a in the Big Games Seasons (WMUs) section or listed under Additional Special Licence Draw Hunts.
   • A Non-resident Alien and his or her intended Hunter Host must apply at a Fish and Wildlife Division office for their licences and make a statutory declaration that he or she understands the terms and conditions of the licences (Scroll down to view Hunter Host Licence).
   • A Non-resident Alien must not hunt bighorn sheep, cougar or trophy antelope while accompanied by a Hunter Host.
   • Further Restrictions for Non-resident Aliens Who are Not Relatives of the Hunter Host or the Hunter Host's Spouse
     • Relatives are defined as father, brother, son, uncle, nephew, grandfather, grandson, son-in-law, brother-in-law (and female equivalents) of the Hunter Host or spouse of the Hunter Host.
     • The Non-resident Alien and intended Hunter Host, if not related, must initiate an application at a Fish and Wildlife Division office for their licences, described above, by August 30 of the licence year, or by the following February 28 for the spring black bear hunt.
     • The Non-resident Alien may apply to hunt only two (2) species of big game.

A Hunter Host

• Must be an adult resident.
• Must be the holder of a valid Hunter Host Licence (below).
• may not provide services for gain or reward, or accept remuneration, directly or indirectly, for such services.
• may host a maximum of two (2) hunters/year, either Non-residents (Canadian), Non-resident Aliens or a combination thereof. If hosting 2 Non-resident Aliens, at least 1 must be a relative.
• May host Non-resident Aliens only if the host has not hosted a Non-resident Alien in the previous two (2) fiscal years (April 1 to March 31).
• must report to the Fish and Wildlife Divison by December 31 in the year of harvest, all animals killed by the Non-resident Aliens he or she hosted.
• must accompany the hunter(s) named on his or her Hunter Host Licence while they are hunting big game under the authority of the Hunter Host Licence.

Hunter Host Licence
A resident who wishes to be a Hunter Host may purchase a Hunter Host Licence at any private licence issuer. You must have the WIN(s) of the non-resident(s) at the time of purchase. You must ensure that the hunters you host are named on your Hunter Host Licence. If you purchase your Hunter Host licence naming one hunter and you decide to add a second hunter to your licence at a later date, you can do so at no additional charge. Return to a private licence issuer with your licence and have it amended. Once you have purchased your Hunter Host Licence, the hunters may purchase their licences.

A Hunter Host who plans to take a non-resident alien hunting must do the following:

1. Go to a Fish and Wildlife Division office and initiate an application (including statutory declaration). Sign it and have your signature sworn. If your Non-resident Alien is not a relative, you must start this process by August 30 or February 28 as described above.
2. Have the Non-resident Alien sign the application and have his or her signature sworn. (If the Non-resident Alien does not have a WIN, have him or her fill out a WIN application at the same time.)
3. Take the completed application to a Fish and Wildlife Division office. The application will be reviewed for final approval and keyed into the automated licensing system.
4. When you are notified that your application is approved, go to any private licence issuer and purchase your Hunter Host Licence (see above) and the appropriate Wildlife Certificate and licences.

The following article is a summary interpretation of some of the federal firearms legislation as it pertains to sport hunting. Canadian hunters please note that certain federal requirements affecting the acquisition of cross-bows, the licensing of firearms owners and the registration of firearms are in effect or are about to come into effect. For further information about federal firearms laws and regulations, contact your local police service, or the Canadian Firearms Centre - telephone toll free, 1-800-731-4000, or visit the centre's web site at (http://www.cgc.gc.ca/).

Federal regulations allow the use of firearms for specified activities that include hunting. The possession of a loaded firearm is lawful, however, only in a location where the firearm may be discharged in accordance with any applicable federal and provincial acts and regulations, and municipal bylaws.

Possession Licence for Minors
A person 12 to 17 years of age must obtain a Minor's Licence to use non-restricted firearms, such as rifles and shotguns, for hunting, target practice, firearms instruction or taking part in an organized shooting competition. The parent or legal guardian of the minor must give consent to the issuing of the licence. Note: a minor's licence does not permit the holder to acquire (buy, inherit, receive as a gift or take in trade) firearms. A licence is not required if a person, lawfully in possession of a firearm, allows a minor to use the firearm, in the same manner as the person is allowed to use it, and the minor is under the person's immediate supervision.

Transportation of Firearms
A person who is authorized to have a non-restricted firearm may transport the firearm in a vehicle if the firearm is unloaded. A person may transport a non-restricted firearm by other means of conveyance (e.g., on an off-highway vehicle) provided it is unloaded and it is not left unattended if the vehicle cannot be locked.

Bringing Firearms into Canada
All firearms must be declared upon entry into Canada. Canada Customs requires the declaration to be made in writing and will charge a fee of $50. This declaration will be valid for 60 days. All pistols, revolvers and automatic firearms are restricted or prohibited weapons and may not be brought into Canada for hunting purposes.

Storage of Non-restricted Firearms
If a firearm is left in an unattended vehicle, the firearm must be secured in a locked trunk or similar compartment. If the vehicle has no such compartment, the firearm must be stored in the vehicle out of sight (not visible from outside the vehicle), and the vehicle or compartment containing the firearm must be securely locked.
A person must store a firearm unloaded and in a secured manner to ensure that it will not be readily available for use in a careless manner.

Unloaded Firearm
Unloaded, as it relates to a firearm, means that any propellant powder, projectile or cartridge that is capable of being discharged from the firearm is not contained in the breech or firing chamber or in a cartridge magazine attached to or inserted into the firearm.
The only exemptions are muzzle-loading, non-restricted firearms (e.g., a muzzle-loading rifle or muzzle-loading shotgun that is lawful for hunting under the Wildlife Act) which may be transported loaded between hunting sites provided that the firing cap or flint is removed.

Alberta Export Permit
All big game, game birds, and furbearing animals (except tanned skins) require a provincial export permit ($20.00) when they are to be conveyed beyond the borders of Alberta, except when they are exported under the following conditions:

1. Hunters, who lawfully harvest game birds, coyotes, white-tailed deer, mule deer, moose, pronghorn antelope or black bear* under the authority of a hunting licence, may export those species without an Alberta export permit if;

• in the case of game birds, the bird has been processed as a mounted specimen, or
• the export occurs within 30 days of the date the animal was killed or within 5 days of the close of the season, whichever occurs first, and
• the shipment is accompanied by the hunter who killed the animal, and
• the appropriate licence is carried by the hunter who killed the animal being exported.

* Alberta prohibits the export of gall bladder and paws of black bear. You may export red meat, hide with claws attached, head or skull with teeth attached, but no other parts. See CITES Export Permit below.

2. Coyote that have been lawfully hunted by residents do not require a provincial export permit.

Note: United States migratory bird hunting regulations state that it is unlawful for a person to import into the United States migratory game birds belonging to another person. Evidence of sex and species must remain attached to the bird until the final U.S. destination is reached.

For further information on the export of wildlife contact a Fish and Wildlife Division office.

CITES Export Permit
Persons exporting cougar, grizzly bear or wolf to points outside Canada must obtain a federal export permit issued in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). In addition, provincial export permits must be obtained for exporting these species, except for tanned wolf skin. All black bear require CITES export permits, except for those exported by United States hunters as noted on this page. Black bears do not require the provincial export permit if they are exported as described in the Alberta Export Permit section above.

U.S. Black Bear Hunters - A CITES export permit is no longer required for U.S. hunters to take their black bear hunting trophy in a fresh, frozen or salted condition, back home at the conclusion of their hunt. The trophy must be part of the accompanying baggage of the hunter who killed the animal. This exemption does not apply to taxidermized trophies. All provincial export requirements still apply (see Alberta Export Permit section above) and the trophy and documentation must be presented to Customs at the border when the hunters exit. Only the following parts of black bear may be exported: red meat, the hide with claws still attached, the head or skull with teeth attached, but no other parts. Alberta prohibits the export of the gall bladder or paws of black bear. Note that the CITES permit exemption for fresh black bear trophies applies only to U.S. hunters returning home and not to other hunters. An individual must not sell or dispose of the black bear within 90 days after the date on which the CITES exemption is claimed.

Other circumstances for Black Bear: Claws of black bear may not be exported from Alberta if they are separated from the whole skin. Partial skins of black bear that are processed (tanned or otherwise permanently preserved), black bear skulls with teeth attached (when not being shipped with a hunter returning home as described above) or taxidermized black bear skins may still be exported but only under a provincial export permit with a CITES permit. An unprocessed black bear skin that is not part of a returning hunter's baggage may still be shipped but requires both provincial and CITES export permits.

Access to Public and Private Lands
Except under authority of a Game Bird Shooting Ground Licence, it is unlawful to directly or indirectly buy or sell, trade or barter, or offer to buy or sell access to any land for the purpose of hunting any big game, furbearing animals or game birds.

Hunting on occupied lands without permission is a problem in Alberta. It generates anti-hunting sentiment among landowners and results in the prosecution of more than 200 hunters each year. Hunters should have permission to access any private land, regardless of whether signs are posted or the land is occupied. They should leave gates as they find them, avoid damaging facilities or property, avoid disturbing livestock and establish friendly relations with landholders.

Although there is a moral obligation to pursue wounded game and a legal requirement to ensure game is retrieved and not wasted or abandoned, these obligations do not over-ride the legal requirement to get permission to enter private land.

Three pieces of legislation regulate access to such lands: the provincial Wildlife Act and Petty Trespass Act, and the federal Criminal Code. The following information is a summary of how this legislation provides control over unauthorized access, and hunting or discharging firearms on or over certain private and public lands.

Wildlife Act
Section 40 of the Wildlife Act specifies that no person shall hunt wildlife or discharge firearms on or over occupied lands, or enter onto such lands for the purpose of doing so without the consent of the owner or occupant.

The Wildlife Act defines "occupied lands" as follows:

1. privately owned lands under cultivation or enclosed by a fence of any kind and not exceeding one section in area on which the owner or occupant actually resides, and
2. any other privately owned land that is within 1.6 km (1 mi.) of the section referred to in clause (a) and that is owned or leased by the same owner or occupant.

The occupied lands described in the above legislation do not need to be posted with signs to receive protection under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act.

The black area in the map (right) shows an example of nine square miles of land that could contain land falling within the definition of "occupied lands."
Petty Trespass Act
The Petty Trespass Act specifies that where one has been notified not to trespass (by word of mouth or in writing or by posters or sign boards), it is unlawful to trespass upon

1. any privately owned land, or
2. public land subject to any disposition granted under the Public Lands Act, except a grazing lease or grazing permit.

Federal Criminal Code
The Criminal Code (Section 41) provides that a person in peaceable possession of real property can require a trespasser to vacate the property.

NOTE: A court decision has determined that a grazing lessee can require a hunter to vacate the property under lease.

Access for Guiding
A Hunter Host, Big Game Designated Guide or Bird Game Designated Guide, when guiding on any privately held land, requires permission authorizing access from the landholder for conducting those guiding services on that land. Such a guide or host is required to carry on his person the landholder's name, address (or legal land location of landholder's residence) and telephone number.

Access for Control of Livestock Predation
Black Bear and Coyote*
Any person who is (a) the owner or occupant of privately owned land, or (b) authorized to keep livestock on public land, or (c) a resident authorized by a person described in (a) or a resident authorized in writing by a person described in (b) may, without a licence, hunt (but not trap) black bear or coyote on such lands, at all times of the year.

Timber Wolf*
Any person who is (a) the owner or occupant of privately owned land, or (b) authorized to keep livestock on public land, or (c) a resident authorized by a person described in (a) or a resident authorized in writing by a person described in (b) may, without a licence and at all times of the year, hunt (but not trap) timber wolf on such lands, and on any lands within 8 km (5 mi.) of the above lands, provided he or she also has the right of access to these latter lands.

* It is not legally necessary to salvage pelts of furbearing animals (includes coyote and wolf) taken in accordance with regulations authorizing control of problem wildlife.

Wildlife Sanctuaries
Sanctuaries are intended to provide secure habitat for wildlife and thus allow populations to increase to, and remain at desired levels. They include areas of high quality habitat, often where populations of some wildlife species have been significantly lowered or dispersed because of disturbance at some time in the past. Sanctuary status allows these areas to realize their potential to support wildlife and to act as core areas of production for animals that will disperse to surrounding areas. It also increases the opportunities for Albertans to view wildlife.

NOTE: Privately owned lands within wildlife sanctuaries are excluded from the sanctuaries.

The following regulations apply to the specific sanctuaries listed in Parts 1 and 2 below:

Part 1 - Sheep River Wildlife Sanctuary
It is unlawful to hunt wildlife or discharge or possess a weapon within Sheep River (WMU 406) Wildlife Sanctuary. However, a person may, while crossing this sanctuary, possess a weapon that (a) is completely enclosed in a case or other suitable covering or has been taken apart, and (b) in the case of a firearm, does not contain ammunition.

Part 2 - Road Corridor Wildlife Sanctuaries
It is unlawful to hunt within 365 m (400 yards) of the centre-line of the road in a designated road corridor wildlife sanctuary (a corridor 730 m or 800 yards wide). No person shall possess a weapon in these sanctuaries unless:

1. while crossing the sanctuary, the weapon is in a condition described in Part 1 above, or
2. while crossing the sanctuary on horseback or on foot, the weapon, if it is a firearm, does not contain ammunition and the person is traveling in a direct route to leave the road corridor wildlife sanctuary.

There are 11 road corridor wildlife sanctuaries, shown in green on the WMU map . Eight are located in the Mountain and Foothills regions (no. 9 has been eliminated) and three in the Boreal Region. Descriptions of the Road Corridor Wildlife Sanctuaries are as follows:

Mountain and Foothills

1. Highwood - within 365 m (400 yards) of the centre-line of
   1. Highway 40 between the southern boundary of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and Secondary Road 541,
   2. Secondary Road 541 between Highway 40 and the eastern boundary of the Rocky Mountain Forest Reserve;
2. Harold Creek - within 365 m (400 yards) of the centre-line of that portion of the road locally known as the Harold Creek Road between the eastern boundary of the Rocky Mountain Forest Reserve and Secondary Road 734;
3. Eagle Creek - within 365 m (400 yards) of the centre-line of that portion of the road locally known as the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch Road between Eagle Creek and the ranch headquarters buildings;
4. Elk Creek - within 365 m (400 yards) of the centre-line of that portion of Secondary Road 734 between Idlewilde Creek and the road locally known as the Peppers Lake Road;
5. Ram Falls - within 365 m (400 yards) of the centre-line of that portion of Secondary Road 734 between the Ram River and the road locally known as the Onion Lake Road;
6. North Ram - within 365 m (400 yards) of the centre-line of that portion of Secondary Road 734 that is in Township 38, Range 15, West of the 5th Meridian and north of the North Ram River;
7. Kootenay Plains - within 365 m (400 yards) of the centre-line of that portion of Highway 11 between Allstones Creek and the eastern boundary of Banff National Park;
8. Highway 40/Little Smoky/Simonette - within 365 m (400 yards) of the centre-line of
   1. that portion of Highway 40 between the Berland River and the Muskeg River,
   2. the road locally known as the Huckleberry Tower Road,
   3. that portion of Secondary Road 734 between Highway 40 and its junction with the Grande Cache Forest Products Haul Road locally known as the Smoky Mainline,
   4. the Grande Cache Forest Products Haul Road locally known as the Smoky Mainline in Townships 57 and 58, Ranges 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, West of the 6th Meridian,
   5. that portion of the Grande Cache Forest Products Haul Road locally known as the Ghost Mainline in Townships 57, 58, 59 and 60, Ranges 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, West of the 6th Meridian,
   6. the Grande Cache Forest Products Haul Road locally known as the Simonette Mainline in Townships 58 and 59, Ranges 3 and 4, West of the 6th Meridian;

Boreal Region

9. Whitemud Hills - within 365 m (400 yards) of the centre-line of the Peace River Pulp Road locally known as the Whitemud Hills Haul Road from Highway 35 to the western boundary of Section 14, Township 85, Range 2, West of the 6th Meridian;
10. Sulphur Lake - within 365 m (400 yards) of the centre-line of the Peace River Pulp Road locally known as the Sulphur Lake Haul Road from the southeast corner of Township 88, Range 1, West of the 6th Meridian to its junction with the road locally known as the Canfor East Road in Township 89, Range 3, West of the 6th Meridian;
11. Peace River Pulp Mill/Sun Valley Ferry - within 365 m (400 yards) of the centre-line of
    1. the Peace River Pulp Road between Secondary Road 686 and the Peace River Pulp Mill in Township 85, Range 21, West of the 5th Meridian,
    2. the Peace River Pulp Road locally known as the Peace River Pulp Resource Road between Secondary Road 686 and the Sun Valley Ferry crossing of the Peace River in Township 90, Range 21, West of the 5th Meridian,
    3. that portion of Secondary Road 686 between its junctions with roads referred to in (a) and (b).

Seasonal Sanctuaries
No person shall approach within 800 metres (0.5 mile) of any of the following seasonal sanctuaries between April 15 and September 15.

1. The island known as Pelican Island in Newell Lake in Township 17, Range 15, W4M;
2. The unnamed island in Namur Lake in Sections 35 and 36, Township 97, Range 17, W4M;
3. The unnamed islands in Wadlin Lake in Township 100, Range 10 and 11, W5M;
4. The unnamed island in Beaverhill Lake in Section 5, Township 52, Range 17, W4M;
5. The unnamed island in the unnamed lake in Section 8, 9, 16 and 17, Township 95, Range 17, W4M;
6. The unnamed island in Scope Reservoir in LSD 2 and 3, Section 10, Township 13, Range 14, W4M;

No person shall enter the following seasonal sanctuaries between April 15 and September 15:

1. That portion of the unnamed island in Lower Therien Lake in the NW Quarter of Section 14, Township 57, Range 10, W4M;
2. That portion of Lower Therien Lake in Section 2, 3, 10 and 11, Township 57, Range 10, W4M;
3. The unnamed islands in the Slave River in the SW Quarter of Section 30, Township 126, Range 10, W4M, and the SE Quarter of Section 25, Township 126, Range 11, W4M;
4. The island known as Bird Island in Buffalo Lake in Section 30, Township 40, Range 20, W4M;
5. The unnamed island in Joseph Lake in Section 12, Township 50, Range 22, W4M.

Métis Settlements
In general, only a member of a Métis Settlement Association, formed under the Métis Settlements Act, may hunt or trap wildlife on a Métis Settlement. Hunting by non-members may be authorized under settlement by-laws.

Natural Areas
Natural areas are special parcels of public land that are formally set aside by the Alberta Government to protect sensitive and scenic land from disturbance. Natural areas fall in the middle of the range of conservation lands in Alberta, between strictly protected lands - such as ecological reserves and provincial parks - and lands intensively developed for recreation. The main objective of natural areas management is to maintain the natural features and characteristics of the site. Development of any facilities is kept to a minimum.

Generally, hunting is permitted in most natural areas. However, there are some sites with special management or safety considerations that restrict hunting and access (e.g., Wagner Natural Area, Riverlot 56, and Sherwood Park Natural Area near Edmonton).

For further information about a specific site or the Natural Areas Program, contact Alberta Parks and Protected Areas Division at 780-427-3582 (toll free 1-866-427-3582).

Ecological Reserves
Ecological reserves contain representative or special provincial natural features. The management intent of the reserves is to allow natural processes to occur. The Wilderness Areas, Ecological Reserves and Natural Areas Act prohibits hunting within ecological reserves, unless it is required for management purposes to simulate natural events. For example, hunting for big game is allowed in Upper Bob Creek Ecological Reserve, located in WMU 308, but the use of motorized vehicles is not permitted.

Alberta's Ecological Reserves Program is part of a larger international program to preserve natural ecosystems. Ecological reserves protect representative areas in each of the natural regions of Alberta for the conservation of genetic resources, to allow for the appreciation of nature, to preserve our natural heritage, and to establish ecological benchmarks and control areas for research and education.

For further information on ecological reserves, contact Alberta Parks and Protected Areas Division at 780-427-3582 (toll free 1-866-427-3582).

Heritage Rangelands
Heritage rangelands are established to preserve and protect natural heritage that is representative of Alberta's grasslands, using grazing to maintain the grassland environment. Seven heritage rangelands have been established in Alberta, with interim designation as natural areas: Black Creek, Twin River, Onefour, Tolman Badlands, Killarney-Reflex Lakes, Ribstone Creek and Beaverhill Lake heritage rangeland natural areas. These sites are open to hunting, according to the provisions in place for hunting in natural areas. Recreational vehicle use is discouraged in all of these sites, with the exception of Beaverhill Lake, where traditional snowmobile use continues to be permitted. For current information about heritage rangeland natural areas, contact Alberta Parks and Protected Areas Division at 780-427-3582 (toll free 1-866-427-3582).

Provincial Parks and Recreation Areas
Except for Wildland Provincial Parks (see Vehicle Restrictions - Wildland Provincial Parks below) or for the limited seasons provided in WMUs 624 (Cypress Hills Provincial Park), 936 (Blackfoot Recreation Area) and 841 (Lakeland Recreation Area), it is unlawful to hunt, or to carry or discharge a firearm in a provincial park or recreation area. Firearms must be unloaded, encased or dismantled, and out of sight.

Forest Recreation Areas
It is unlawful to discharge a firearm within a forest recreation area. It is also unlawful to "dress" a big game animal within a forest recreation area.

Kananaskis Country
Hunters are reminded that other people use Kananaskis Country trails and camping areas for recreational purposes. Discharging and handling of firearms must be done with care and respect for the safety of others. Access to some areas may be affected when recreational trails and roads for industrial use are temporarily closed. For further information, contact Alberta Community Development in Kananaskis Country.

National Parks
Hunting is prohibited in national parks, and hunters should be especially careful about their locations when hunting near park boundaries. Firearms are prohibited in national parks except on through highways and in town sites, where they must be unloaded and encased.

Other Restricted Areas
Except for the special seasons provided in WMUs 728 and 730, hunting is not permitted in the following areas:

• Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (WMU 726),
• Canadian Forces Base Wainwright (WMUs 728 and 730),
• Canadian Forces Base Suffield (WMU 732),
• Ghost River Wilderness Area (WMU 734),
• Greene Valley Wildlife Management Unit (WMU 926),
• Siffleur Wilderness Area (WMU 736),
• White Goat Wilderness Area (WMU 738), and
• within 91 m (100 yards) of Highway 1 or Highway 1A in WMU 410.

BIG GAME HUNTING

The hunting of big game is not permitted in the following areas:

• the Gregg River Resources Coal Mineral Surface Lease in WMU 438, and
• the Cardinal River Coal Mineral Surface Lease in WMU 438, except for non-trophy sheep under the authority of a Non-trophy Sheep Special Licence.

Saskatoon Mountain Primitive Weapons Area
Only shotguns, muzzle-loaders, cross-bows and archery equipment may be used to hunt big game in this area in WMU 357 near Grande Prairie

Restricted Areas for Trophy and Non-trophy Sheep
It is unlawful to hunt trophy or non-trophy sheep within the following areas:

• 183 m (200 yards) of the Canada Cement rock quarry at Exshaw.
• 0.8 km (0.5 mi.) of Highway 1A between the western boundary of the Stoney Indian Reserve and Canmore,
• 0.8 km (0.5 mi.) of Highway 3,
• 1.6 km (1 mi.) of the Sheep River from the eastern boundary of WMU 406 upstream to Dyson Creek,
• 1.6 km (1.0 mi.) of the Inland Cement Rock Quarry near Cadomin,
• 1.6 km (1.0 mi.) of the intersection of Whitehorse Creek and the main forestry trunk road south of Cadomin,
• 1.6 km (1.0 mi.) of where Highway 16 intersects the eastern boundary of Jasper National Park,
• 3.2 km (2.0 mi.) of the intersection of the Forestry Trunk Road and the South Ram River in Section 18, Township 36, Range 13, West of the Fifth Meridian.

GAME BIRD HUNTING

Game Bird Sanctuaries
Hunting game birds and carrying shotguns are prohibited in game bird sanctuaries except with a special permit. Descriptions of these sanctuaries are available from the Queen's Printer in Edmonton or Calgary. Game bird sanctuaries are located in the following WMUs:

	WMU	Sanctuary	WMU	Sanctuary
	102	Pakowki Lake	242	Ministik Lake
	148	Many Island Lake	242	Miquelon Lake
	212	Inglewood	357	Saskatoon Lake
	220	Red Deer	512	Lac La Biche
	238	Birch Lake	530	Richardson Lake

Restricted Rivers
Hunting of migratory game birds on the following rivers, over any islands in these rivers or within 91 m (100 yards) of the edge of the waters of these rivers is prohibited until November 1:

1. Bow River downstream from the corporate limits of the City of Calgary to Highway 24.
2. Little Smoky River downstream from Highway 43.
3. Peace River.
4. Red Deer River downstream from the corporate limits of the City of Red Deer.
5. Smoky River downstream from the mouth of the Wapiti River.
6. South Saskatchewan River downstream from the corporate limits of the City of Medicine Hat.

Restricted Lakes
Hunting game birds on the following lakes, over any island in these lakes or within 0.8 km (0.5 mi.) of the edge of the waters of these lakes is prohibited until November 1 (Note additional restrictions below for Saskatoon Lake and Ministik Lake). Efforts are made to post signs near these lakes, but not all lakes may be so identified. It is the hunter's responsibility to know the restrictions in the area he or she hunts.