Hunt with Kevin Wilson, renowned outdoor writer and professional outfitter. We don’t just guide; we understand the science of the rut. Our success rates are built on 25+ years of managing prime Central Alberta habitat specifically for trophy whitetails.
Alberta: Big Whitetail Buck Mecca
Mention Alberta to any deer hunter, and images of big antlers immediately come to mind. Without a doubt, hunters come to Alberta to hunt free range, fair chase whitetails and mule deer, for the chance to encounter what could very well be the next world record. AHA’s whitetail and mule deer hunts take place in the famed Parkland Region of central Alberta, with limited southern Alberta mule hunts available as well. Home to some of the biggest bucks in North America, hunters have a very good opportunity to take the deer of a lifetime.
Timing of Your Whitetail Hunt
Our full-service six-day hunts run Monday through Saturday with hunters arriving mid-afternoon on the Sunday before, and departing after their hunt concludes on the Saturday evening. Archery hunts take place in September and October and our rifle hunts occur during the November rut. Bowhunters are welcome to hunt the November rut as well.
Early Season Whitetail Bowhunts
Our bowhunting season opens September 1. If you like warm weather, early season archery hunting – with a chance to possibly take a velvet-antlered buck – then this one’s for you. With more daylight in early September, and we hunt the first few hours of the morning, and last few hours of the evening. Late morning we head back for a hearty brunch, then rest for a few hours, and head back out. Stands and blinds are set near main travel routes between bedding and feeding areas.
Pre- and Peak-Rut Whitetail Deer Hunting
By late October, as the days are getting shorter and the pre-rut kicks in, our bowhunters enjoy the early rut movement. Beginning November 1, our rifle season opens. A typical day starts with a hearty breakfast, then hunters are taken to one of the areas we hunt, and into their stands or ground blinds before daylight, where they hunt for the day. While we do hunt some field edges, this is more the exception than the rule. Most of our stands and blinds are strategically located along key movement corridors in the woods, between bedding and feeding areas, and along key rutting areas overlooking active scrapes and along rub lines. At the end of each day, hunters are picked up by their guide, and returned to our comfortable lodging for a hearty meal and rest for the night. Read our analysis on how Moon Phases affect the Whitetail Rut to choose your perfect week.
Safety is a Priority
Safety is a top priority. All guests hunting from either ladder stands or lock-on stands, have a safety harness and a lifeline. Similarly, during our cooler weather hunts in November, blinds are equipped with a portable heater.
Spot & Stalk Mule Deer Hunting
From time to time, we may put you in a stand or blind for mule deer, but for the most part these are spot & stalk hunts. During early season bow hunts, we work at intercepting them between bedding and feeding areas, or put them to bed and proceed with a stalk. An exhilarating hunt, mule deer are an ideal species to pursue with a bow. For our November rifle hunts, we cover ground until we find a buck we like, then play the spot & stalk game as well.
Productivity
We work hard for our guests. We know deer, and we understand how to put our hunters in front of them. Our priority is helping you achieve your hunting goals, and we do everything we can to make that happen. While our deer density is lower than many places in the United States, the odds of encountering a true monarch are ever-present. We have found whitetail deadheads scoring well over 200 inches B&C, that have died of old age. For more information, go to our Contact Us page, submit your details and we’ll get back to you shortly.
| Rifle November Whitetail Rut Hunt: | $6,700 USD |
| Archery September & October Whitetail Hunt: | $5,400 USD |
| Rifle November Mule Deer Hunt: | $10,400 USD |
| Archery September & October Mule Deer Hunt: | $10,400 USD |
| License & Allocation Fee: (for all deer hunts) | $500 USD |
We aim to get you as close as possible for an ethical shot. Most harvest opportunities happen between 50 and 200 yards. However, the open country of central Alberta can occasionally require shots out to 300 yards. We recommend sighting in your rifle for 200 yards and practicing out to 300, just in case.
It is a straightforward process if you prepare in advance. You will need to complete the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (Form RCMP 5589).
Your Whitetail hunt also offers excellent opportunities for predator hunting, if you desire. If you harvest your buck early in the week, we may be able to add in some predator hunting. Be sure to inquire about this opportunity. This is a favorite "bonus" for many of our hunters given the high coyote numbers in the area.
We handle all field dressing and trophy preparation (caping) in camp.
The rut in Alberta is legendary, but the weather can be as well. November temperatures can range from +45°F down to -20°F. The key to staying comfortable in our blinds and stands is a high-quality layering system. We recommend merino wool base layers, a heavy insulating mid-layer, and a windproof/waterproof outer shell. Good boots (rated for -40… just in case) are essential for all-day comfort.
We all feel that we have experienced the whitetail hunt of a lifetime …
We would all like to take a moment to express our gratitude. We all feel that we have
experienced the whitetail hunt of a lifetime! Thank you for taking us through whitetail
university. Your knowledge, patience, skill, humor and understanding are unparalleled.
We will recommend you to all hunters that we know are looking for a spectacular hunt.
