Bear and Cougar Seasons

Black Bear Seasons

Black Bear Baiting
Baiting of black bears is permitted in the following WMUs: 322, 330-338, 348, 358-360, 500-506, 509, 510, 512-520, 522, 523, 529-536, 539-544, and portions of WMUs 320, 324, 357, 507, 521, 526 and 528 (check with local Fish and Wildlife offices or visit www.mywildalberta.com to view the maps where black bear baiting is restricted in these WMUs). However, the following restrictions also apply:

1. Baiting is prohibited within 1.6 km (1 mi.) of occupied dwellings. Owners and occupants of dwellings are exempt from this restriction if they have permission to bait from the owners or occupants of all other dwellings within 1.6 km (1 mi.) of the bait. Other persons may also bait within 1.6 km (1 mi.) of an occupied dwelling if the bait has been authorized in writing by the owners or occupants of that dwelling and all other dwellings within 1.6 km (1 mi.) of the bait.
   
2. Baiting is prohibited within 1.6 km (1 mi.) of Provincial Parks that are not designated as Wildland Provincial Parks, provincial and forest recreation areas and some industrial sites. For more information on baiting in parks, click here.
   
3. Each bait site must have a readily observable sign legibly showing the owner's name, WiN, Big Game Outfitter permit number, or Big Game Guide Designation Number.
   
4. Each bait must be posted with surrounding signs to warn other people of its presence.
   
5. Baiting is restricted to the open season and the preceding two weeks in each specific WMU.
6. During November in WMUs or partial WMUs where baiting is permitted, only meat or meat products may be used for bait.

Contact a Fish and Wildlife office for legal land descriptions or more information.

Hunters are reminded that Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Animal Health Act and the Public Health Act apply to baiting situations. Any livestock dying other than through proper slaughter for human consumption must be disposed of in prescribed ways and may not be used for baiting bears. Containers or wrappings made of paper, cardboard, plastic or other materials should not be left at bait sites. For the safety of others, baits should not be placed near active work sites (e.g., tree planting locations) and all bait sites must be cleaned immediately after the bear season.

Supplemental Black Bear Licences
Supplemental Black Bear Licences are available in the following WMUs: 224, 250, 258, 260, 320-360, 429, 445, 500-544 and 841.

It is unlawful to:

• allow the skin of any bear to be wasted, destroyed, spoiled, or abandoned. See exception for salvaging skin. Click here for Access for Control of Livestock Predation.
  
• hunt a black bear under the age of one year or a female black bear accompanied by a cub under the age of one year.

ATTENTION BEAR AND COUGAR HUNTERS!
Trichinosis – To prevent possible trichinosis, a parasitic infection, bear and cougar meat should be thoroughly cooked before it is consumed by humans or pets.

Cougar Seasons

Fall Season
This season is open only to holders of a resident cougar licence. The use of dogs is prohibited during this season, and hunters may harvest one cougar of either sex.

Winter Season
During this season, cougar may be hunted by holders of a resident cougar licence, non-resident cougar licence, or cougar special licence. The use of dogs is allowed. The cougar season in specific WMUs may close prior to the closing date on this table. There is a male quota and a female quota. If either the male quota or the female quota for those WMUs is reached, the season will remain open until the other quota is filled. Before hunting cougar in any WMU, hunters must ensure that the season in that WMU remains open by calling the toll-free cougar hotline (1-800-661-3729) and listening to the message listing current closures. The hotline is updated regularly and by calling after 4:30 p.m., hunters can confirm which units will be open the next day. The harvest of all cougars must be reproted by email or text within 24 hours of the kill. Please see: mywildalberta.com for details.

It is unlawful to:

• allow the skin of any cougar to be wasted, destroyed, spoiled or abandoned. See exemption for salvaging skin. Click here for Access for Control of Livestock Predation.
  
• hunt a female cougar accompanied by a cougar kitten with spotted fur, or a cougar kitten with spotted fur.

Use of Predator Calls and Bait
Cougar may be hunted using mouth or hand operated calls. The use of electronic calls and bait are prohibited for hunting cougar.

More information on cougar management, including a map of hunting areas, is available at mywildalberta.com.

ATTENTION: ALL RESIDENT COUGAR HUNTERS!
If you purchase a cougar licence for the fall season, it can be used for the winter season.

ATTENTION COUGAR HUNTERS!
If possible, cougars should be brought in for registration in an unfrozen condition so the premolar tooth can be removed. It is also helpful to prop the jaw open with a stick before rigor sets in. 

(1) The use of dogs to hunt cougars is prohibited during this season.

(2) From December 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025, hunters must call 1-800-661-3729 (toll free) prior to hunting each day to determine if the season remains open. Please see mywildalberta.com for details.

(3) Residents only are allowed to hunt during this season.