The 2023 hunting season runs September 1 to December 7. Know the rules and regulations that are in place BEFORE you plan your hunt. 

Alberta Fish and Wildlife, Edmonton District, is responsible for wildlife management and enforcement of Alberta's Wildlife Act.

Rights of landowners

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

• The landowner is responsible to 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.
• A hunter needs permission from the landowner or occupant to hunt on a given property.  It is entirely the decision of the landowner or occupant whether to allow hunting on the property. 
• 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 County's Firearm Control Bylaw 3-2014 and is enforced by the RCMP. Firearms may not be used for hunting in Sherwood Park, rural hamlets and on County property.

The use of firearms is restricted within the Special Control Area.

Shotguns and muzzle-loading rifles, bows and arrows, and cross-bows may be used to hunt white-tailed deer and antlerless and antlered moose during this year’s Strathcona White-tailed Deer Hunt and Antlerless and Antlered Moose Special License from October 25 to December 7. For other available tags and dates please refer to the current Alberta Hunting Regulations.

Outside of the Special Control Area, Sherwood Park and rural hamlets, Strathcona County does not have bylaws restricting the use of firearms. Provincial and federal regulations apply in these areas.

As per the regulations, the County is divided into two different Wildlife Management Units (WMU 248 and 242). Different regulations apply to each. 

Hunting game birds with a shotgun on road allowances is not permitted in the County. 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.

Proper carcass disposal

Hunters are reminded to dispose of carcasses in the correct place.

• Carcasses can be taken to the Ryley Landfill, which is equipped to handle dead animals in the proper manner. 
• Carcasses can be disposed of in your Strathcona County black bin garbage and must be double-bagged.
• Broadview Enviroservice Station will not accept carcasses as waste.
• The Clover Bar Landfill will no longer accept carcasses.

Carcasses cannot be disposed of in green organics carts for the following reasons:

• Health concerns – having a carcass out on the street poses health concerns (attracting other animals, pests). 
• Doesn’t break down – large carcasses take significantly longer and are harder to break down in our composting process. Pieces of meat from typical household purposes (especially cooked) break down easier.
• Attracts animals – carcasses will attract other scavenging animals to the processing facility. 

Further information:

The 2023 Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations is now available. For locations of hunting licence issuers:

• Check the Government of Alberta website.
• Call 1-877-944-0313

Purchase a County map

• County Hall, 2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, AB

Strathcona County

• 780-464-8080
• Firearm Control Bylaw 3-2014

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