There are many types of wildlife in Alberta, which is one of the things that make Alberta great.
Some of these animals are protected legally from hunters to control populations.
If you are looking to hunt caribou in Alberta you are out of luck.
Can you hunt caribou in Alberta?
No, you can not legally hunt caribou in Alberta, as caribou is listed as a “Threatened Animal”.
There is no open season for caribou in Alberta.
The Woodland Caribou is an endangered species, and efforts are being made to protect them.
The Woodland Caribou is protected in Alberta. Since the woodland caribou is the only type of caribou in Alberta, essentially all caribou are protected in Alberta.
A wonderful resource to learn more about the efforts to protect the Woodland Caribou is this site here.
Related Questions about Hunting Caribou
Where Can Caribou be Hunted in Canada?
So if you can’t hunt woodland caribou in Alberta, where can you hunt in Canada for caribou?
Some places in Canada where you can hunt caribou include Manitoba, British Colombia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia.
You can book a hunting trip with an outfitter for a cost.
There is much talk around the country about adding more regions and provinces to the protected and endangered lists. Caribou populations are reportedly decreasing in many places across Canada. Many native communities have already limited their caribou hunting practices.
What Types of Caribou are in Canada?
There are three subspecies of caribou that live in Canada: Peary caribou, barren-ground caribou (including the Dolphin and Union population), and woodland caribou (including the boreal and southern mountain populations).
Though they have different behaviors, habitats, and appearances, they are all technically in the same species.
What Types of Caribou are in Alberta?
The Woodland Caribou is the only subspecies of caribou in Alberta.
However, the woodland caribou can be broken down into 2 forms called ecotypes. These are the boreal woodland caribou and the mountain woodland caribou.
What is the Difference Between a Caribou and a Reindeer?
There is no difference between a caribou and a reindeer. They are the same thing. In Europe, they are sometimes called reindeer.
In Summary
- You can not hunt woodland caribou in Alberta. There is no open season for woodland caribou in Alberta.
- Since woodland caribou is the only type in Alberta, you can’t hunt any caribou in Alberta.
- Many other provinces still allow hunting for caribou in Canada.
- You can book paid hunting guides and tours with outfitters for a large sum of money.
