As hunting season gets underway, Rocky View County reminds hunters and rural landowners to take precautions to keep people, livestock and property safe. With Calgary and other urban communities nearby, it is important to understand where hunting is permitted, what permissions are required and how to respect the agricultural operations that share the landscape.
Know Where You Can Hunt
Not all land outside city limits is open to hunting. Before heading out, identify who owns or manages the property and confirm that both access and hunting are permitted. Land access rules vary depending on the type of land, so it is important to understand the requirements before your trip.
Private land
Private land includes privately owned farms, ranches and other rural properties. You must obtain permission to hunt on private land, even if there are no signs or gates restricting entry. Whenever possible, reach out well before hunting season begins to give landowners time to consider your request and discuss access arrangements. Be clear that you intend to hunt and discharge a firearm, and respect any conditions established by the landowner.
Agricultural public land and grazing leases
Some provincial Crown land is leased or allocated for agricultural use, including grazing livestock and growing crops. Although these lands remain public, specific recreational access rules apply. Requirements vary depending on the type of agricultural disposition, so review the applicable access conditions and determine whether you need to contact the leaseholder before visiting.
Other public land and protected areas
Crown land includes different types of public land, and access requirements vary by location. Provincial grazing reserves have specific recreational access conditions, while Public Land Use Zones (PLUZs) generally do not require you to contact a land manager for access. Hunting regulations and other area-specific restrictions still apply. Provincial parks and recreation areas may have additional restrictions, and hunting is not permitted in all areas. Always check the rules for your intended destination before visiting.
Designated recreational access areas and conservation properties
Some landowners and conservation organizations provide opportunities for public hunting on designated properties. These can be useful places to start when looking for access opportunities, but not every conservation property permits hunting. Confirm that hunting is allowed on the specific property and review any applicable restrictions before visiting.
Maps and hunting apps can help you identify potential access opportunities, but always confirm access requirements and obtain permission where required.
Firearm Safety and Legal Requirements
Hunters must follow applicable federal firearms legislation, Alberta hunting regulations and any additional restrictions that apply to the area where they are hunting.
Before heading out, make sure you understand the following requirements:
- Know where you can discharge a firearm. Alberta's hunting regulations generally prohibit discharging a firearm within 183 metres (200 yards) of an occupied building, or causing a projectile to pass within that distance, unless you are the owner or occupant or have their authorization. Restrictions also apply to discharging firearms from, or causing projectiles to pass along or across, certain roads.
- Follow firearm licensing and transportation requirements. Ensure you meet applicable federal licensing requirements and transport and handle firearms in accordance with the law.
- Know the hunting regulations. Check current season dates, licence requirements, species restrictions, legal hunting hours and any area-specific restrictions before your trip.
- Never hunt while impaired. Alcohol and drugs have no place in hunting.
- Follow restrictions on shooting from vehicles and boats. Firearms generally must not be discharged from a vehicle, aircraft or motorized boat, subject to specific legal exceptions.
Always identify your target and what lies beyond it before taking a shot. Be aware of nearby homes, livestock, roads, trails and other people, and never take a shot unless you can do so safely and legally.
Sharing the Landscape During Hunting Season
Rocky View County's rural landscape supports both agriculture and outdoor recreation. Hunters may encounter livestock, active farm operations, equipment and other people while out in the field.
Respect the working landscape by avoiding crops, fences and equipment, leaving gates as found, keeping access roads clear and removing garbage. Livestock may be difficult to see in tall grass or low-light conditions, so stay alert and give animals and farm operations plenty of space.
Landowners: Managing Access During Hunting Season
Whether or not you allow hunting on your property, clear communication and appropriate signage can help protect livestock, property and agricultural operations.
- Use signage where helpful. Signs can identify restricted areas, warn of livestock or other hazards, and communicate access expectations. The Alberta Conservation Association's Use Respect, Ask First signs are one option for encouraging people to contact landowners before accessing their property for recreation.
- Establish access boundaries. If you allow hunting, identify where hunters can enter, park and hunt, and clearly communicate any off-limits areas.
- Discuss livestock and hazards. Let hunters know where livestock are grazing and identify corrals, farmyards, equipment or other infrastructure that should be avoided.
- Set expectations for gates and fences. Explain how gates should be left and ask hunters to report any damage or concerns.
- Agree on timing and communication. Discuss when hunters may access the property and exchange contact information in case plans change or an issue arises.
Learn More
Whether you are new to hunting or looking for new places to explore, these resources can help you understand Alberta's regulations and identify potential access opportunities.
- Alberta Hunting Regulations and Land Access: Review hunting rules, licences and land-access requirements.
- RCMP: Firearms safety, training, transport and storage: Learn about federal firearms licensing and safe handling, storage and transportation requirements.
- Recreation Access on Agricultural Public Lands Map: Find leaseholder contact information and review access conditions for agricultural public land.
- Alberta Conservation Association: Conservation Sites: Find conservation properties and potential recreational access opportunities.
- Alberta Conservation Association: Use Respect, Ask First: Learn about signs that encourage people to contact landowners before accessing private property for recreation. Signs are available free of charge through the Alberta Conservation Association.
- Ducks Unlimited Canada: Hunting in Alberta: Explore publicly accessible conservation properties and site-specific restrictions.
- iHunter Alberta: Explore mapping tools, Wildlife Management Units and available landowner and public land layers.
Remember: Maps and apps are useful planning tools, but they do not replace permission. Confirm land ownership, access conditions and permission to hunt before entering a property.