Game Bird Regulations

All birds are protected except the following: Starlings, Crows, Pigeons, House (English) Sparrows, Magpies, Blackbirds, Common Grackles, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Ravens (hunted on private land by residents and public land under an agricultural disposition) and any other birds for which an open season has been declared by the regulations as indicated in this summary.

---

Falconry Hunting

Falconers are permitted to hunt upland game birds and migratory birds, by means of falconry, in all areas of the province except in national parks and those restricted areas identified within this website (click here).

To hunt any game birds by means of falconry, Recreational Falconry Permit holders must possess all the same hunting licence(s) as those who would hunt game birds with firearms are required to possess (click here for more information).

Seasons
The open season to hunt upland game birds by means of falconry is from August 15, 2023 to March 31, 2024. Migratory game birds may be hunted by means of falconry during the designated open season for migratory birds. (click here for WMU seasons and dates).

---

Bowhunting

Hunters wishing to hunt game birds with a bow and arrow, other than a cross-bow, require a Bowhunting Permit in addition to the other applicable licences.

In accordance with federal regulations, cross-bows may not be used for waterfowl hunting.

---

Special Hunting Areas

In WMUs 212, 247 and 248 the hunting of game birds is only permitted with bows and arrows, cross-bows, shotguns or a falconry bird. Cross-bows cannot be used to hunt migratory birds.

In WMU 410 the hunting of game birds is permitted only with bows and arrows or a falconry bird.

SNOW GOOSE AND SWAN IDENTIFICATION

---

Spring Snow/Ross' Goose Hunting Season

Alberta will have a spring snow/Ross’s goose hunting season from March 15 through June 15 annually. Please refer to the game bird hunting table (Click Here) for valid WMUs. Regular fall hunting restrictions and daily bag limit (50) apply. As in the fall hunting season, there is no longer a possession limit for snow/Ross’s geese.

NOTE: While it is illegal to hunt migratory game birds with a single projectile (e.g. .22 rim fire, or center fire rifle), it is legal to use them to hunt upland game birds (this does not apply to hunting on game bird shooting grounds or hunting for Merriam’s turkey. 

---

Youth Waterfowl Hunting

Environment Canada has repealed Waterfowler Heritage Days. Instead, youth (age 10-17) may apply online for a FREE migratory game bird hunting permit, valid for the duration of the hunting season. To hunt with this permit, youth must be accompanied by a permitted adult (mentor) who has also possessed a permit in previous years. The mentor may accompany up to two (2) youth while hunting, and may also have in their possession, a firearm and participate in the hunt. See https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/migratory-game-bird-hunting/regulations-provincial-territorial-summaries/alberta.html

---

Wild Turkey Draw

Please refer to items 1, 11 and 12 of Prohibitions, Game Bird section for additional requirements concerning weapons and evidence of sex and species for wild turkey.

Differentiating Between Males and Females
The gobbler (male) has a fleshy growth (wattle) which hangs from the under side of the throat or chin. Males also exhibit fatty growths (caruncles) located on the side and back of the neck and on the lower throat. A fleshy projection above the bill of males (snood, or dew bill) will also distinguish males from females. Males also have a pronounced “beard” on the lower neck up to 25 centimetres (10 inches) long. The beard is usually absent or very small in females.  

It is unlawful to hunt any wildlife or discharge a firearm between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.