Best time for AB Mule deer (Archery-Guided)

Eddiem0nster · Jun 19, 2024

Hey fellas,

I'm booking an Alberta Muley hunt for next year. I wanted to see if you guys had any insight on when to go. I know the season opens Sept-Oct 31.

Thanks

lostinOregon · Jun 19, 2024

this advice is from my experience in north Alberta. Archery season is when some of the biggest bucks are killed. They are in the canola fields and people who scout find the big bucks. September rifle season is crop dependent. If the crops have been harvested it becomes hard to find the big bucks as they withdraw to the cover. November can be good every week depending on the weather. Have been there when November is mild and the hunting is tougher. Last year thanksgiving week was above freezing and had some wind. All not good for mule deer hunting. Also been there when it is 10 below. I like the 3rd week of November best. Good luck.

Rackmastr · Jun 19, 2024

Opening week can be hard to beat depending on the zone. Some really good velvet bucks killed early and if there is crop where you’re hunting it can be good for spot and stalking.

I prefer Sept overall over Oct for a bow hunt.

Eddiem0nster · Jun 20, 2024

lostinOregon said:
this advice is from my experience in north Alberta. Archery season is when some of the biggest bucks are killed. They are in the canola fields and people who scout find the big bucks. September rifle season is crop dependent. If the crops have been harvested it becomes hard to find the big bucks as they withdraw to the cover. November can be good every week depending on the weather. Have been there when November is mild and the hunting is tougher. Last year thanksgiving week was above freezing and had some wind. All not good for mule deer hunting. Also been there when it is 10 below. I like the 3rd week of November best. Good luck.

thank you

Eddiem0nster · Jun 20, 2024

Rackmastr said:
Opening week can be hard to beat depending on the zone. Some really good velvet bucks killed early and if there is crop where you’re hunting it can be good for spot and stalking.

I prefer Sept overall over Oct for a bow hunt.

Unfortunately, the outfitter reserves that week for repeat hunters. There are some openings in September so I'll prob shoot for the third week or so. Thank you.