Hunt Alberta Elk | Elk Hunts | Facts for the Hunter

Elk Hunts

Archery and Rifle Rut Hunts

Elk hunting in Alberta begins in late August and early September with the archery season. Archery hunting is permitted in most zones prior to the rifle season and there are two archery-only zones in the province that contain good populations of trophy elk. Many of the rifle seasons open in mid-September and stretch until the end of November, and a couple of zones extend through into February. During the early hunts, when the elk are in rut, the favored method of hunting is bugling and cow calling, trying to draw the bull to you rather than you going to it. Elk bulls are one of the few members of the deer family that gather and protect a harem of cows during the rut. By bugling, it is possible to convince the herd bull that you are trying to steal his cows and he will come to challenge you. The rut often lasts into mid-October and the action can be as good, if not better, at this time of year, as bulls compete to find the few remaining open cows.

Spot and Stalk Hunts

As the rut draws to a close, bulls leave the cows and begin to form bachelor herds that will often remain together until the following year's rut. Spot and stalk becomes the method of choice now, as bulls are drawn to prime feeding areas to replenish fat reserves for the impending winter. The majority of mountain and foothill hunts are conducted from horseback and hunters will often spend several days in remote camps within close proximity of the elk herds. Hunts in the boreal forest and parkland regions utilize trucks, quads and good old-fashioned boot leather. No matter where you hunt, the key is to be near the elk so you are hunting during prime times, like early morning and late afternoon. Elk will typically lay up in the dark, heavy timber during the day and are often nearly impossible to approach. Thankfully, due to their immense body size, they must eat large amounts and are usually found moving to or from feeding areas during legal hunting times.