Hunting season in 2009 runs from September 9 to December 7.

While there are many benefits to having wildlife in the rural area, an overabundance of animals
may cause problems within the urban and farming communities. Wildlife can  damage grain and forage crops, which are extremely important to our local farmers.

Wildlife management
Hunting is a major component of wildlife management. Hunting season in 2009 runs from September 9 to December 7. Alberta Fish and Wildlife, Edmonton District, is responsible for wildlife management and enforcement of The Wildlife Act.

The rights of landowners
A large portion of the privately-owned land in the County falls into the category of occupied land under The Wildlife Act. The following regulations apply to hunting on occupied land.

A hunter needs permission from the owner or occupant to hunt. It is entirely the decision of the owner or occupant whether to allow hunting on the property.

The landowner should ensure that the hunter understands any conditions on which hunting is being permitted. For example, hunting may be allowed for one day, several days or longer. The landowner may specify the number of hunters allowed, or particular areas they should avoid.

Where hunting is and is not permitted
The discharge of firearms in Strathcona County is controlled by the Firearms Control Bylaw and enforced by the RCMP. Firearms may not be used for hunting in the Urban Service Area of Sherwood Park or the Hamlet Policy Area for the rural hamlets.

In addition, the use of firearms is restricted within the Special Control Area. (see map) In this area, shotguns and muzzle loading rifles may be used to hunt moose and deer during the Strathcona White-tailed Deer Hunt from October 25 to December 7, Monday to Friday only. Recipients of a moose draw in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 248 must adhere to the regulations associated with the Strathcona White-tailed Deer Hunt when hunting in Strathcona County.

Outside of the Special Control Area, Urban Service Area and Hamlet Policy Area, Strathcona County does not have bylaws restricting the use of firearms. Provincial and federal regulations do apply in these areas.

The County is broken into three different Wildlife Management Units (WMU). Different regulations apply to each one so check regulation details.  Strathcona County is a Specialized Municipality and because of this designation, all road allowances are considered County property. There is no hunting allowed on any County property.

A discharge permit may be granted to allow the use of shotguns to control problem wildlife in the Urban Service Area, Hamlet Policy Area and the Special Control Area. Application for these licences must be made to Strathcona County, Transportation and Agriculture Services - 780-417-7100.

Further information

The Firearm Control Bylaw

The 2009 Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations is available from any hunting licence issuer; the provincial website lists locations, or call 1-877-944-0313. You can also order a copy online from the Alberta Sustainable Resource Development website.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife Edmonton District Office 780-427-3574

24-hour numbers

• RCMP Sherwood Park 780-467-7741
• Report-a-Poacher 1-800-642-3800