We are very excited to be able to offer this exceptional new hunt to our clients. Although it is new to Hunt Nation, this outfitter has been in business for many years. They operate on the largest Native reservation in Canada, at approx. 850 square miles, in southern Alberta’s WMU #110. Their mule deer and whitetail herds are extremely healthy, such that the province just increased in their tag allocation to 25 per year.
These hunts are done through the month of November and are conducted mainly spot & stalk, with a lot of time spent driving around and glassing, with some walking to get to good vantage points (terrain is pretty flat). This makes it a very accessible hunt, even for older hunters who may not be as mobile now as they once were. You will see a lot of pretty country, and you will usually hunt a different area each day (unless you’ve previously spotted a shooter that you wish to target). They will also “push bush” when needed, and will even rattle or put clients in blinds if they request it, but most prefer not to sit and freeze in November in Alberta. You will hunt all day, with a “brown bag” lunch in the field. They take no more than 10 hunters per week.
With their many years of experience, the guides know the travel corridors that the deer use to move from bedding to feeding areas each day, and where to sit and glass for them (hint: bring your own spotting scope, not just binoculars!). This tactic is incredibly successful, and seeing over 100 deer a day, and at all times of the day, is THE NORM. Hunters also routinely see at least 1 shooter buck per day! Loads of fun!
A multiple-time repeat client had this to say:
“As one of their original hunters from 2005, I can honestly say that hunting with them over the last 20 years has been an incredible experience. There remains no other hunting area in Alberta that possesses the feed sources, river bottoms, coulees and drainages that can support such overwhelming populations of Whitetail and Mule Deer. I have always seen hundreds of Whitetail bucks, with opportunities to take 140 to 180 inch bucks on each trip. The Mule Deer, while lesser in number, have also been plentiful and of great quality. They use knowledgeable guides who are well equipped and hard-working hunting enthusiasts. I have found the organization and planning to be as good as anywhere I have hunted. Hats off for providing a great opportunity for both the first time Alberta hunter or the most experienced. There is an exciting hunt awaiting anyone who loves the chase!… I will be back!” – Ray. M.
This is open country, so these are strictly rifle hunts. Shots out to 300 yards, or even much longer, are not uncommon, so come prepared and practice with shooting sticks. If you are a long-range shooter, you will love this hunt! Having said that, when the rut is at its peak, bucks will herd does and often lay down next to them in the wide open, and not pay much attention to an approaching hunter.
WHITETAILS
As mentioned, it is common to see over a hundred whitetails in a day, including many bucks. Of those, there’s typically at least one shooter per day. Both opportunity and success are nearly 100% over this outfit’s many years of operation! Bucks will generally run 140”-160”, with the average close to 150”. But they have taken many bucks over the years in the 160”-180” range. In fact, someone in camp typically gets an opportunity at a 160-class buck each week of the season, and hunters are encouraged to hold out for their personal best, or at least a 10-pointer with some character (a sticker, drop tine, split brow, etc.).
Another repeat client said this:
“I hunted there every year 2006-2019 until COVID and took several large whitetail between 160-187 over the years. For the first 4-5 years the Mulies were nothing I was interested in, however, in the last decade I took several Mulies 175+.
I have taken my family, friends and clients there to hunt. My father & uncle in their late 70s and 80s, as well as my son who was 13. It’s nothing to see 150-250 animals in a day. I would say an expectation for whitetail would of 130-150 is an easy promise to fulfill.” – Phillip C.
MULE DEER
Due to good management, the muley trophy quality has greatly improved over the years. They are not quite as numerous as the whitetails, but they have some dandy bucks. And they can be a bit easier to hunt than the whitetails, when the rut is on. Mule deer will usually begin rutting around the second week of November, or about a week before the whitetails. When the rut is on, even big mule deer bucks with does will sometimes overlook an approaching hunter!
Both opportunity and success are nearly 100% over this outfit’s many years of operation! Bucks will generally run 140”-170”, with the average 150+”. They have taken many bucks over the years in the 170”-185+” range, but hunters need to be patient and be prepared to pass up many 140”-150” bucks to get a crack at a 170”! Many hunters just can’t do that.
Tony K. from Pennsylvania told us this:
“My two sons and I have hunted whitetail and mule deer three times. We anticipate hunting with them again this November.
Hunting here is a unique hunting experience. Every time we’ve hunted with them, we all took trophy whitetail and mule deer. Of equal importance is the overall experience. Hunting with these guys is genuine experience that allows me to connect with nature and the Native culture.”
2024 PRICES (subject to change without notice until deposit received; all prices in USD)
• One-Deer Hunt (whitetail or mule deer) – $7,000 per person 2×1 (no tax)
• Whitetail/Mule Deer Combo Hunt – $9,000 per person 2×1 (no tax)
• Non-hunting observers – $200/day per person
All meals and lodging are included. Most hunts are conducted 2×1 (but often become 1×1 after the first couple of days), but 1×1 hunts can usually be arranged in advance for an extra $1,500 USD per person. All hunts are 6 full days (arrive Sunday, depart following Saturday night). Field dressing is included, but caping (suitable for crossing border) is done by a local taxidermist for $90/deer. Most hunters donate their meat. If you wish to go coyote hunting after you have filled your deer tag(s), this can be arranged for $300 USD/day per person.
LICENSES
Provincial hunting license and Tribal Access Fee will total approx. $400 USD per person.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hunters are housed in a nice motel in a nearby town. Hunts start at 6:00 AM each day, so breakfasts consist of fast food on the go from one of the local coffee shops, and lunch is a bagged lunch in the field. For dinner, all hunters in camp head to one of the small diners in town for a hearty meal and socializing. The camp’s head guide overseas all of this and ushers hunters to where they need to go, and ensures a safe and fun, hunt-camp atmosphere.
GETTING THERE
You will need to fly into Calgary and rent a car for the approx. 2-hour drive to Fort Macleod. Alternatively, you can fly into Great Falls, MT and drive from there (approx. 3.5 hours). There are some sights to see in the area, if you tag out early.
GETTING YOUR WEAPON INTO CANADA
You are allowed to bring your personal firearm with you. This includes your rifles, shotguns or muzzleloaders (NO HANDGUNS!). For your firearms, a simple one-page form is required to be filled out to obtain a temporary Canadian firearms permit. This form can be down-loaded or mailed to you well in advance from The Royal Canadian Mounted Police at https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/wam/media/2347/original/d369a605ac3363b569af5ea5dc40c88d.pdf. Click on the link for the NON-RESIDENT FIREARM DECLARATION (form RCMP 5589/CAFC 909). Completing this in advance should reduce your time clearing customs. DO NOT SIGN IT UNTIL YOU APPEAR IN FRONT OF CUSTOMS, but fill it out. A confirmed declaration costs a flat fee of $25, regardless of the number of firearms listed on it. It is only valid for the person who signs it and for those firearms listed on the declaration. It is a simple form to fill out. NO FORMS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING YOUR HUNTING BOW INTO CANADA! NO HANDGUNS, AR-15s OR SUPPRESSORS! IF YOU HAVE A DUI OR A CRIMINAL RECORD, CALL US! YOU MAY BE DENIED ADMITTANCE.
TO PREVENT PROBLEMS WHEN RETURNING TO THE UNITED STATES, YOU MUST REGISTER YOUR FIREARMS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT BY TAKING THEM TO ANY CUSTOMS AND BORDER PATROL (“CBP”) OFFICE BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE UNITED STATES. THE CBP OFFICE WILL REGISTER THEM ON THE SAME CBP FORM 4457 USED TO REGISTER CAMERAS AND COMPUTERS. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU OFTEN CANNOT SIMPLY DO THIS AT THE AIRPORT WHEN LEAVING THE U.S., SO YOU SHOULD DO THIS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR TRIP.
